Dear Diary,

Since last I wrote, I have played approximately 44 hours of pool (slightly skewed by a 16 hour day on Saturday). That is about 4.8 hours a day of solid practice, tournament play, action matches, league play, including about an hour and half of watching/studying/analyzing Beau Runningen win eight straight games of 9-ball without missing a shot. I think many players take for granted the value of just sitting quietly and observing great pool, right in front of your eyes.

Beau in Vegas for the ACS Nationals (June 2009)

I’ve watched Beau play a ton on the road and it was a pleasure and honor for me to see him in jeans and a t-shirt, in his own room, with a slight smirk on his face and a little spring in his step. Beau had just returned from the US Open where he finished 17-24th, only barely losing his two matches both 11-10 to Stevie Moore (who went on to finish 7/8th) and Mika Immonen (who won the thing).

Beau is not only an outstanding player, but he’s a wonderful role model. He’s always dressed professionally at major events, he takes the game seriously and treats it as a career, he is always friendly and approachable, and all at the fruitful age of 25. I asked him on Monday if he had a hard time bearing down after playing so hard at the Open. He said yes, at first he did. I could tell. His early matches were a little rough. It’s still a treat to watch him play.

Random Highlights from the past week…

I finally broke my tournament cashing streak with two rough tourneys last Friday and Monday.

Saturday’s 6 Pocket Open House at Shooter’s went great! We had about 11 people try out the game. Jesse Engel, local juniors champ, scored a 133 during the clinic and a 142 again later. I learned something new about breaking. If your cue ball lands on the rail after a break, it’s a foul since it’s off the playing surface. Interesting. I’d never seen that happen before.

Where the cue ball landed after the break

Jeff made the shot

On Tuesday, I met Mike’s teammate Jared at Jimmy’s for some 8-ball, 9-ball, and 10-ball sets. We played two race-to-5 sets of each and broke even. He was not playing at his top speed, but I still feel good for keeping up with him. Afterward, I won two out of three sets against MN ladies’ master, June. She’s the best big table lady player in the state and we have a perpetual friendly grudge match whenever I’m in town. It was all great practice for me.

Last night, I won one and lost one on the hill in league. I really appreciate the M8 league format. It’s way better than playing a total of five games against five different players while sitting around and waiting forever between games.

Tomorrow, I head to Andy’s house. He’s another previous teammate of Mike’s that plays great as well. He has a newly recovered Pinnacle table which I”m anxious to check out.

I’ve been playing against as many different people as possible and feel really great. I particularly feel good about how I’ve worked it out in the moments when I haven’t felt great.

At this time next week, I’ll be soaking up the warmth of the Tampa Bay sun and hitting balls at Strokers. I am feeling very confiident right now. I’m just about ready. I can’t wait!

Samm

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