The American Poolplayers Association (APA) recognized its top franchisees with League Operator of the Year awards during its 2023 League Operator Convention in late April. The five winners were selected from a group of nearly 300 League Operators throughout North America, with one League Operator selected from each market size.
In the Level 1 Market, Jim Rowe of the Bluewater APA in Florida was selected as League Operator of the Year. Aaron & Lindsay Hernandez of the West Suburban Chicago APA were the top League Operators in the Level 2 Market. In the Level 3 Market, Scott Bates/Stephanie Bates of the APA Pool Leagues South Carolina were selected League Operator of the Year. Bobby & Nika Harvison of the Memphis APA were selected in the Level 4 Market. Bruce & Ann Barthelette of the Connecticut APA were awarded League Operator of the Year in the Level 5 Market.
APA recognizes a number of League Operators each year for their accomplishments in running their League area. Those selected as League Operator of the Year receive $1,000 and a trophy.
In addition to recognizing the League Operators of the Year, APA also awarded the Rookie and Journeyman of the Year awards. High & Kym Spurgin of the Lake & Osceola APA in Florida won the Rookie of the Year Award, while Thomas Mackel of the Greater Seattle APA was selected for the Journeyman of the Year Award. The Journeyman of the Year is presented to the top League Operator who is no longer a rookie, but not yet eligible to receive the League Operator of the Year award.
APA Co-Founder Terry Bell also named longtime League Operator and APA Consultant Marc Lancaster as winner of the APA Lifetime Achievement Award. The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually for outstanding career achievements over 20 years or more. In addition, “The Black Widow” Jeanette Lee was presented with the Achievement Through Adversity Award.
The three-day annual conference, held at the Westgate Vegas, concluded with a formal reception where the winners were announced.
For more info on becoming an APA League Operator, visit https://poolplayers.com/apa-league-operator/.