Donny Lutz Pool

The GAINESVILLE BILLIARD NEWS
June 2006 - Issue No. 8

BETTINA CHASE CAPTURES FIRST ANNUAL WOMEN’S SINGLES TITLE AT HAPPY HOUR

On February 25, HAPPY HOUR BILIARDS hosted the First Annual Alachua County Women’s 8-Ball Championships. Because of a conflict with an APA event, only nine players were able to compete in the competition, but all expressed their appreciation for a job well done by tournament director Dave Williams and this writer who acted as referee. Happy Hour owner Bobby Dixon had put new cloth on three tables and bought brand new sets of balls just for this event.

Competition was double elimination; all matches a race to two wins. All the players seemed to rise to the occasion; this writer saw no “bad” games. Every match included some fine offensive and defensive play. When the field was reduced to the final four, it appeared to be the top four players remaining. Nicole Nesberg (who the previous weekend had finished a strong fourth in the ACUI Regional at Atlanta) had defeated Aspen Autrey, before being knocked into the loser’s bracket by Bettina Chase. Nicole then eliminated Amanda Francis (2-1 winner over Linda Puketsa) and faced Brittany Orr in the first quarterfinals match. Brittany had defeated Aspen, and then lost to veteran Peggy Rowe, before eliminating Michelle de Zayas and Shannon Freire (2-1 winner over Linda). Peggy began with wins over Brittany, Amanda and Shannon to earn a spot in the winners’ bracket final. Bettina bested Michelle and Nicole, before facing Peggy in an exciting match with several nice safeties and a couple of not–so-easy shots on the 8. Bettina’s 2-1 victory put her in the championship match.

Meanwhile, Nicole did away with Brittany in two straight games to advance to the losers’ bracket finals against Peggy. As good as the competition had been, both players raised their level of play, with Nicole emerging victorious in a 2-1 match. Nicole would have to defeat Bettina twice in the finals, but this was not to be. The championship match was just as exciting as the semis, with only three missed shots. Bettina ended Nicole’s run with a clutch out to take the title and $80 First Prize. Nicole cashed $40 and Peggy $15. All players received prizes, including dinner for two at one of the DARDEN RESTAURANTS (Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Bahama Breeze, Smokey Bones and Seasons), free pool lessons, a personal cue bridgehead and free playing time at Happy Hour.

It was gratifying to hear the positive comments by both players and spectators. There had been attempts to hold a women’s event previously, but none of the local proprietors showed any interest, one saying, “There aren’t enough women around who play, it will never happen”. Well, guess what? Another women’s tourney is planned for June at the Happy Hour; see the ad on page 5. Thanks again to Bobby at Happy Hour for hosting this successful event.

Also, congratulations to the players at this event for choosing to use the BCA Official 8-Ball rules, something that the non-sanctioned local league directors seem to be afraid to use! -DL

PLAYING CONDITIONS AT JEWELLS

We got a call from Trennis Evans at Jewells a couple weeks back, concerning the question of who has the best playing conditions in town. He reminded us that he uses Simonis cloth on all his tables, which are Diamonds and Brunswick Gold Crowns. He has red dot cue balls available for all tables, and NO damaged balls will be found in any rack of balls at Jewells. As he is the only “player” among the owners of billiard establishments in town, he says he is especially motivated to maintain the highest standard for his tables. He offered to do an extensive interview regarding this issue, but we were unable to get together during the past several weeks.

We regret not succeeding with this idea, and we also regret not receiving Jewells regular ad in time for this issue of the GBN. The ad was to focus on the extensive cash pay-off potential of the APA leagues at Jewells. Hopefully, if there is another issue of the GBN (see article on page 3), we can work this out.

WHO IS THE BEST PLAYER IN GAINESVILLE?

Who is the best pool player in Gainesville? Johnny Ferber? Trennis Evans? Chris Wall? If these are the top three players in the area, there are certainly a few others that are just below their level and can beat them on any given day. I won’t attempt to list this next level of players for fear of leaving some deserving person off the list.

From what I’ve seen and heard, no one around can match the over-all experience and knowledge of Johnny F. Trennis is the only player who consistently displays the “fire” that it takes to be a big-time player. For my money, Chris is the most fundamentally sound player I’ve seen in the Gainesville area. There are several other players who I would place near the top of the list who apparently aren’t playing much currently.

But really, all this to-do about who’s the best is pretty much a waste of time. We all have our good days and bad days, our ‘lucky’ streaks and ‘unlucky’ streaks. I’ve seen great players lose big time to novices who just got lucky for a few games. Also, the best 9-ball player may not be the best 8-ball player, the best one pocket player, etc. And of course, whether they’re playing on 7, 8 or 9-foot tables makes a difference as well.

Who are the top women players in the area? The recent County Championship at Happy Hour gave us some clues. Bettina, Brittany, Peggy and Nicole are certainly among the elite. Others include Akemi Harris, Monica Fox and Derek Folds. We hope to see ALL of the area’s top women shooters at the next women’s event in June.

One final thought: You don’t have to be “the best” to deserve respect. More important is that you truly enjoy playing the game, and respect is gained just as much by just improving your game and practicing good sportsmanship. -DL

GREAT PLAYERS I’VE HAD THE PLEASURE (?) OF PLAYING: #4 & #5

Dave Wolfe was two years ahead of me in high school, but I didn’t really get to know him till we played 9-ball at Sheldon’s Cigar Store around 1962. At that time he was on the way to replacing the aging Jack Hoffman as the toughest player in the area (west Wisconsin). His quiet demeanor belied his fierce competitiveness. His John Kennedy, Jr. good looks were a magnet for the young womenfolk, and this was a good thing! In the mid-‘60s, we bowled on the same team, setting a city record with a 1201 game, and we once had an 824 3-game series in a best-ball doubles tournament. A couple years later, Dave joined me on four consecutive city champ pool teams. We had a standing offer to gamble with any two guys in a match that would include bowling and pool; we never had any takers! I had Dave’s number when it came to 8-ball, but I don’t think I ever saw him lose playing 9-ball on the 9-foot tables! Dave retired from pool in 1973 at age 32, the same year I quit bowling. I often wonder what path our lives might have taken had Dave abandoned bowling instead and I had quit pool.

The first time I played Lenny Jaszewski (1967?) we nearly got in a serious argument over rules. We became rather bitter rivals for about twenty years. Lenny knew he was a better player than I, and I knew I was a better player than he! We probably played very evenly in tournament and open play over the years. He beat me in the finals for the city singles title in 1970; I beat him for the same title in ‘86. Lenny had a
fabulous stroke. His critics faulted him for juicing the ball too much, but he most always got away with it. He took second place in the first BCA National 8-Ball Singles Tournament in 1979, and we managed to get along long enough to win two city and one state team title together. He took one 9-ball singles title from me in the ‘80s by making the 9 on the pop twice in a row, although it was supposed to be alternate break. My vehement protest was to no avail, as the tourney director ruled that once I let him break out of turn, the break counted. Despite our differences, I named Lenny to my 6-man, all-time team from among the over one hundred teammates I’ve had the pleasure of sharing victories with over the past forty years of league play. -DL

FIGHTING DISCOURAGEMENT

Pool can be a very frustrating and discouraging game. Almost as frustrating as golf? This is especially so, if you are too stubborn to seek out lessons from a qualified instructor. But even with good instruction, the game can be difficult. I know that every time I get in a “hot” streak, and my ego begins to swell, I always hit one of those horrendous nights where you miss easy shots, lose focus, concentration, and feel like giving the game up. If you really love the game, you must learn to play through these rough patches. When you’re in a slump, the first remedy is to go back to basics. If you’re not sure what this means, you REALLY need to talk to an instructor.

But make no mistake about it, ALL players, including the world’s best, have their bad games, bad nights, even bad years! We’re human, we’re fallible, and that’s our curse! When you make mistakes, try to learn from them, and learn to live with them. One trick: when you’re struggling, shoot only very easy shots until you regain some confidence. If you’re in the middle of competition, take a break and wash your face and hands (always a good idea, anyway!). Step outside for a breath of fresh air. Take a moment to wipe off your cue, or work on your tip, - anything to clear your mind and perhaps change your mindset. If nothing seems to work, and you find yourself in a prolonged slump, you may want to step away from the game for a while – even a week or two or much longer. Often getting away will renew your interest, desire and dedication, and your game may take a step forward. -DL

THIS MAY BE THE FINAL ISSUE OF THE GAINESVILLE BILLIARD NEWS

Due to lack of any support by several of the local billiard establishments, and the logistical problems of being pretty much a one-person operation, we have decided to suspend publication of the GBN after this issue. We’ve had positive response from players, but not much interest shown by many who profit directly from the patronage of Gainesville pool players. Meeting with some advertisers to obtain copy and payment has been frustrating and stressful at times. We had always hoped to publish the results of all local leagues and tournaments, but this has proven difficult. It just cannot be done without the cooperation of league and tournament directors. The GBN is not a profitable enterprise, though it certainly has the potential to be so. We have been operating in the red now for almost a year and a half.

We do want to thank those advertisers who have supported us, even with only one ad: JP Gators, Jewells, Happy Hour, Silver Q, Reitz Union, Russ Sill Custom Cues and Gator Travel. If any interest is shown by potential advertisers and others, we may resume publication at some future time. We may also continue to publish on our website, listed below. In the meanwhile, thanks again to our sponsors, and the players who have enjoyed our ramblings in the GBN. -DL

THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF IT

The first cue I actually bought was a 60” Schmelke in 1968. I didn’t need the length, but I played well with the cue on the first try, so I gave my buddy Bob Fehring 40 bucks for the old, used stick with its brass joint and bright red linen wrap. I used it for a couple years, despite the length getting in the way on many bar tables. I sold it in “71 and used standard length cues for the next decade. Around ’80, I won a no-name cue from some road player that was 55” in length. I didn’t really want the thing, but he ran out of cash. Surprisingly, when I felt obliged to at least try the cue, I found that it hit very well (it weighed 17 oz) and I actually played with it for a while. I finally gave it to a teammate of mine, who needed a shorter cue because of a serious childhood injury.

Today, if you search among the zillion pool sites on the Internet, you’ll find countless arguments for longer, shorter, or standard cue lengths. Some pros are using shorter, lighter sticks, even for the break. I’ve actually experimented with breaking using 42 and 44-inch jump cues with some success! Among the arguments for longer, heavier cues is that one can impart more force and possibly more spin with less effort. The arguments for shorter and/or lighter sticks include that the extra weight makes the cue harder to control, especially that part of the cue that is behind the grip hand. I must admit I can’t make up my mind. Like many players, I seem to “adjust” well for different lengths and weights. I’d still like to experiment more with shorter cues. But my best play over the years has been with 58” sticks that weigh 18 to 19 oz.

Note: At one time in the foggy distant past, all pool cues were one piece. Obviously, the two-piece cue came into vogue because it was easier to cart around. Some manufacturers couldn’t resist making three and four-piece cues that fit into a really uniquely compact carrying case. The 3 and 4s never caught on, because the hit just wasn’t good with the old technologies. Then the 3-piece jump/break cues came into vogue; I use one – a J & J. Jump/break cues sell for anywhere from $50 to $500 or more. I still like the idea of the 4 or even 5 piece cue. It’s great to be able to shorten your stick for a jump shot or to avoid an obstacle such as a close wall. It’s also nice to have a 4 to 10 inch extension as an option to the bridge. Today’s technology allows for such cues to play as well as any one or two-piece cue. While many of us are hauling around a big, fancy cue case with several butts, multiple shafts, a jump cue and a break cue, wouldn’t it be nice to have one 4-piece butt that adjusts for jump shots, “obstacle” shots, normal shots and long reach shots? One “normal” shaft and one “jump/break” shaft would be adequate. I’d love to carry all my stuff in a 1 X 2 case rather than the bulky and heavy 3 X 5 that I haul around now! -DL

“THE GRUMPY OLD PRO”

Q: Why are pool players so discourteous?

A: Let’s not get carried away here. Not all players are discourteous. Just most of them. It’s a flaw in the human psyche. Kind of like the person in line at the Post Office who complains about the slow service, then takes their damn time once they get to the counter. We expect a lot, but don’t give in return. Pool league players (until they gain experience) are notoriously rude or at least inconsiderate of other players. When it’s not your turn at the table, GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY! Granted some venues don’t offer much room for league players, - this is the fault of the business owner – but that’s no excuse. BCA and other rules state that when not shooting, players belong in a seat, OUT OF PEOPLE’S WAY!
Other examples of common discourtesy are talking loudly while your opponent is shooting, not being ready to shoot when it’s your turn, and of course standing in front of your opponent while they’re shooting. Some players actually (sometimes on purpose, sometimes unknowingly) swing their cues back and forth in the view of their opponents who are trying to focus on a shot. Waitresses are often guilty of walking too close to the line of sight of players or even actually getting in the shooters way in their desperate attempt to make a sale. So for you discourteous folks, TRY THE GOLDEN RULE: it works.

SILVER Q LEAGUE RESULTS

Monday Night: MATTIE HAMPSON EARNS HIGH AVERAGE TITLE

The NOTHING PERSONAL team of Shawn Mazzerle, Nick Scott, Aspen Autrey, Donny Lutz, Derek Folds, Steve Lehr and Josh Scott captured the First Prize of $2000. Taking home second place cash of $1500 was the BALLS DEEP crew of Dave Williams, Seth Tucker, Brent Skotko, Phil Prince, John League and Matt Hampson. Finishing third for $1000 was DRINKERS (Paul Cedono, Aaron Hahn, Chris Robinson, Preston Marfuta and Lauren Schaffer).

Competition for high individual average was intense, with Mattie edging out Donny, 9.60 to 9.56, a difference of just two balls for the 18 week season! Close behind was Nicky at 9.4, followed by Shawn – 9.1, Paul - 8.9, Bill Franklin – 8.7, Dave Williams – 8.6 and John League – 8.5. Leading the women was Nicole Nesberg at 8.2, followed by Derek Folds at 8.0 and Aspen Autrey at 7.8.

Tuesday Night: “THE HITS” CAPTURE LEAGUE HONORS

THE HITS are the new champions of the Tuesday 8-Ball League at Silver Q. Benito Aragon, Chris Storter, Brendan C, Art Guy, Steve Vancastren and Jeff ? shared the top cash prize of $1000 (Prizes in Silver Q leagues vary by number of teams and length of season). Second place and $500 went to BALLERS (Leroy Cromwell, Leonard Gaskin, Yukon Narlesky, Jeff ? and Joe ?. Third and $250 went to RUN-OUT (Shawn Mazzerle, Donny Lutz, Taer Bluett, Nick Scott and Aspen Autrey.

Donny’s 9.04 individual average edged out Benito and Chris who tied at 8.98 (3 balls difference for the whole season), just ahead of Mike Walsh (8.67) and Taer (8.55).

Wednesday Night: “CHUMPZILLA” REPEATS AS LEAGUE CHAMPS

CHUMPZILLA is once again champ of the Silver Q Wednesday night 8-ball league. First prize of $1700 went to Donny Lutz, Taer Bluett, Shawn Mazzerle, Nick Scott, Josh Scott and Paul James. Second place honors and $850 went to the 2 OGs crew of Dave Williams, Leonard Gaskin, Phil Prince, Yukon Narlesky, Leroy Cromwell and Brent Skotko. The third of five teams in the money was JAD’S RAD-5: Matt Hampson, Mike Walsh, Rob Beall, Jad Mansour and Scott ? shared $500.

Top individual honors: Donny, edged out Taer 9.50 to 9.38, followed by Joe ? at 9.0, Shawn at 8.8, Leonard at 8.7 and Mike Walsh, 8.4. Leading the women: Shannon Friere at 7,56: Rebecca ? at 7.52.

REITZ UNION SPRING LEAGUE FINAL RESULTS

It was exciting play on April 17th, with some fireworks in the early rounds. Hsiao-Wei Yu, a strong player, was shutout by Devin Hughes 6-0 in 9-Ball. Devin in turn was upset at 8-Ball by the team of Crystal Lai and Lyn Nguyen. I faced the gals and we went to the tenth game of 9-Ball. I did not have good opportunities and had to safe on the (three times before we tied the match. Our overtime match was 8-Ball and the score was decided by just two points!

Frantisek (Frank) Vytykac, my old teammate, squared off with me in the finals. Our first game of 8-Ball was a nail biter as we traded more than a dozen safeties. I missed a key shot on the rail and that wait, followed by a “little ring around the e8: in the second game from yours truly before Frank closed me out in the third game to went the Russ Sill Orange & Blue custom made cue! Congratulations, Frank! He moves on to National ACUI play this July, so wish him well.

Other prizes included pool books, fiction and non-fiction. I will update everyone soon on the next league semester. -Matt Sherman

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