Joe Clodfelter of Deltona, Fla., has been hoping to make it to the National Singles Championships since he first began playing in the APA in 2003. He was ecstatic to have qualified for the 2012 8-Ball Classic, however, a medical setback prevented him for attending the 2012 event. Just days before Joe was scheduled to leave for Vegas, he began having shooting pains in his side. He painfully played in a doubles tournament, then headed straight to the emergency room where he had his appendix removed. So, just three days before the scheduled trip, Joe found out he would not be able to attend. Due to the extenuating circumstance, Joe’s slot was extended to 2013. He’s competing in the 8-Ball Classic Purple Tier.
“The best blessing in all this is that my wife is joining me this year,” Clodfelter said. “She won a spot in the Jack & Jill Doubles Championship this year. It’s amazing how these things seem to work out. I’m just thankful that my League Operator and the National Office were so understanding.”
While this is Joe’s first time competing in the National Singles Championships, he’s qualified for the National Team Championship several times in the 9-Ball Division, 8-Ball Open Division, 9-Ball Doubles and Masters. He was also a referee in 2010.
“I’m most looking forward to being able to shoot for me and not having the feeling that a whole team is counting on you for a win. I think it will be less pressure,” Clodfelter said.