National Player Incentive Program – Dr. Cue Class

Richard Brophy, David Wooten, Andrew Superior and their guests learned a lesson today and Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman was their teacher!  As much fun as a “Dr. Cue” exhibition can be, Tom simplified the pool playing process to teach these APA players more about the game.  In his Banks, Tricks and Kicks class he covered the diamond system with artistic pool training.  Players learned how to bank and kick better as well as teach players how to do the more “impressive” artistic pool shots. 

Brophy, Wooten and Superior won their way to Vegas this year through the National Player Incentive Program.  They each created a team of new APA players and were entered into a national drawing for a trip to Vegas!  Each winner was allowed to bring one guest.  They will enjoy one day of class with Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman including lunch, a cocktail party during Opening Ceremonies, a day of class with Allison Fisher including lunch, and a private dinner with both professionals.

National Player Incentive Program - Cocktail Party

The National Player Incentive Program Winners enjoyed a private party Friday evening during the Opening Ceremonies for the Ladies and 9-Ball Team Championships. A VIP Lounge was set up especially for them.  Party attendees included winners Richard Brophy, David Wooten and Andrew Superior, their guests, Ricky Spencer, Seth Gibson and Mike Whited, additionally APA President Renee Lyle Poehlman, Vice President Pam Allen, APA CFO Olendia Bell, Tom Rossman, Marty Rossman and Allison Fisher stopped in.  The party was held in a Skybox overlooking the Main Tournament room, guests enjoyed a buffet, open bar and professional pictures taken by Gallery West Portrait Creations of Las Vegas.  Attendees watched the Opening Ceremony from the Skybox balcony.  "This is so amazing, there are so many people here to play," said Andrew Superior during the Opening Ceremonies, "I've never been to an APA National Championship, but this so far has been an experience I will never forget!"

National Player Incentive Program - Allison Fisher Pool School

The National Player Incentive Program Winners enjoyed a day long class with Allison Fisher Saturday morning.  Allison's class offers a complete curriculum covering the fundamentals of the game as well as intermediate and advanced concepts.  Each player was awarded an APA CueTec cue signed by Allison Fisher at the conclusion of class.  "Allison is my favorite professional player," said David Wooten, "it's so exciting to be able to take her class, this trip has been so exciting."

National Player Incentive Program - Private Dinner

Saturday evening the winners of the National Player Incentive Program, Richard Brophy, David Wooten, Andrew Superior and their guests enjoyed a private dinner with Allison Fisher and Tom Rossman.  The dinner was held at the Riviera Hotel & Casino in Ristorante Italiano.  Players had their last opportunity to ask the high profile pool playing professionals their final questions and get their last autographs.  Tom and Allison talked about some of their trips overseas playing pool, their personal training habits and discussed things they learned earlier in the day during class. Over two hours of eating and talking, Brophy, Wooten, Superior and their guests got to peek into the personal lives of Allison Fisher and Tom Rossman.  "This was awesome, I can't even explain how awesome this is," said Ricky Spencer, guest of winner Richard Brophy, "this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, it has all been a lot of fun, it's been absolutely unbelievable."  After dinner the winners and their guests enjoyed the PoolAPAlooza Party by the Pool, from 8 pm to 11 pm.  Everyone departed on Sunday.

Dr Cue’s an APA Fan Favorite

Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman held an exhibition Saturday afternoon.  Dr Cue is infamous for his ability to instruct as he entertains the crowd.  Today, he gave tips and instruction on the diamond system, took on challenges from the crowd, and left many in awe with his incredible trick shots.  He will continue to hold these exhibitions throughout the tournament week.

Playin’ Pool In Vegas
Matthew Cook, from Huntsville, Ala., is in town for the 9-Ball Team Championship.
“Im lovin the fact that my first trip to Las Vegas is to play pool.  This is like a dream - I get to see the Strip, all the lights of Vegas, and play pool and have a great time – I haven’t even slept yet and we got here yesterday afternoon!  This is the best, its great!”

Second Honeymoon
Robbie Stewart is here from Huntsville, Ala., for the 9-Ball Team Championship.  He has been to Vegas once before for his honeymoon and is here celebrating a second honeymoon with his wife while in town for the tournament.  “The event is bigger than I imagined, it’s overwhelming and its awesome!  Im here to win $15,000 with these five other guys!  And I’m excited to play some of the best amateurs in the country.”

Loves Meeting People
Tony Flores (left) of Bakersfield, Calif., has been an APA member since 1988.  This is his 5th trip to Vegas for APA Team Championships!  “This is my old stomping grounds.  I haven’t been back here since 2001 and I’m getting nervous but it feels good to be back.  What makes this event so great is all the people, we love all of the people we meet.”

No Gamblin’, Just Pool!
Michael Roberts, from Athens, Ala., is in Las Vegas for the 9-Ball Doubles Championships.  “Im not a gambler so Im just here to play pool!  I am amazed at the facilities here!  I walked into the main tournament room and saw all these tables and everything lined up to a tee – its just great!  I’m just amazed”

APA Players challenge the #1 Player in the World

Friday afternoon No. 1 ranked WPBA pro player, Allison Fisher, accepted challenges from participants of the National Team Championships.  She graciously gave instruction, casually conversed with the crowd, answered questions, and enjoyed the competition of each challenger.  Although a majority of the challenges ended in doom, three players did beat her at her game with some impressive combo shots to make the 9.