Opinion #11
| An Arizona Player’s Point Of View |
written by: Dennis Orender
I felt compelled to reply to Ms. Justus’ article titled “an amateur BCA player’s view” recently posted here on azpoolscene.com.
First and foremost, I would like to thank all of those who participated in the Arizona BCA event at Mazatzal Casino. Mike
Howerton has continued to show that Arizona pool is alive and well.
Secondly, let me congratulate each and every player that succeeded in winning a state championship. Players such as Susan
Williams, Stevie Caylor, Jerry Stuckart, Alexander’s “A-Team” and yes, the Cops and Robbers out of Alexander’s. You all
displayed the talent and heart it takes to be winners. All of your hard work, dedication to practice, and desire to win, obviously
paid off, and you are to be commended. Congratulations, and enjoy your victories, for no one can ever take that away from
you.
With that, allow me to address some concerns I have with Ms. Justus’ “player’s view”. In nearly every sport, there is a “team
to beat”. This is why odds are given in Las Vegas. This doesn’t affect the outcome of any tournament, unless the players allow
it to. Perhaps, I could recommend some mental literature to help overcome the “mental” part of the game.
The open team event has never had the same requirements as the BCA open event in Las Vegas. I’m not sure which teams you
are referring to, but the majority of them have played in years past and were certainly aware of the rules and requirements. To
my knowledge, there were no changes made to these rules: therefore, there was no need to notify anyone. The responsibility of
knowing all of the rules falls on the captains of each team, just as the coaches of a football team must know the rules before
their players hit the field. They don’t wait until the day of the Super Bowl and then ask for clarification as to how many players
can play, or what the qualifications are for their team to play.
If you remember or even took part a couple of years ago in AZBCA, the team that won consisted of several master level players
(DiLorenzo, Kane, Pelton, and Eans). Again, all players who were well deserving of their victories. Not to mention, did you or
any captain see a “Master’s Team” event on the application for AZBCA, I think not. So that leaves me to question, “do you
think master players should be excluded from these events?” I would venture to say you would get a strong argument from
many master players if your answer is “yes”. These folks put a lot of time and effort into improving their games, and
supporting pool in Arizona, and to exclude them would do a disservice to everyone involved, including you.
It might behoove you, or any team captain to personally request a copy of the rules from Mike Howerton, and familiarize
themselves with them. Simply expressing your negativity and questioning the integrity of some players and organizers of this
event due to your lack of knowledge, is quite inappropriate. These players, both amateur and above, and organizers/directors,
put in a lot of behind the scenes work to bring this event to everyone is Arizona, and you should be appreciative of it.
I am personally disgusted at the attack question of “it makes me question, what was the intention of these players to do this to
league players?” I’ll sum it up in one word for you, “WIN”! All of these players supported the AZBCA throughout the season
and have been together as a team for several years. So it should have been no surprise, as you claim, when players saw this
team assembled in Payson. They have a right to play just as anyone else. They paid their weekly dues, just like everyone else!
In fact, they probably have more of a right to play, as these players contribute enormously to Arizona pool, and they are not just
“league players”. This is only one area in which they make their contributions. They don’t just hang out at the local tavern on
league night to have something to do. They see the big picture and want to improve the image and participation in Arizona pool.
To question their intention is an insult to their efforts, and unappreciated.
Often times, many league players have approached me with advice on how to improve their pool game, or asked what they
should do in certain situations during a game. I always take the time out to assist “league players” as you call them, and even
beginner players in improving their game. You act as if this team that won the event cheated players, or found a loophole in the
system to participate and “swindle” other players. To those players who felt “swindled”, your issue is with your team captains.
They should know the rules in order to lead your team.
I will tell you one team that did not play silently and deserves more credit than you are giving them, and that is the team from
Yuma (Crazy Earls 2). Let me remind you, they did defeat the “team to beat” early in the tournament, sending them to the one
loss side. They played outstanding and deserved to win. They have master players on their team as well, two of which finished
2nd in both the Open and Master’s event this season, and one of which who has taken 3rd in several master AZBCA events. I
guess they shouldn’t be able to participate as well? I think not.
Your contention of the tournament director showing favoritism to this certain team on the microphone by commending their skill
as a player or team is ridiculous. These players or teams should be recognized for their accomplishments. I guess the next time
I play Earl and/or Efren (World Champions if you don’t know); I should be bothered by the fact that Scott Smith or someone is
mentioning their accomplishments at the start of our match. I personally would clap and commend them for their successes and
not take it as favoritism. You claim it was unprofessional, I believe just the opposite, and it’s extremely professional to
acknowledge a player or team for their victories. So I would hope that next year, each match played by Susan Williams, Stevie
Caylor, Jerry Stuckart, Cops and Robbers, and Alexander’s A Team, is prefaced with a verbal “2008 Arizona BCA State
Champion”, because like I said, they all deserve it.
These players will continue to show their support and participation and create a positive belief of this sport, just as they have
done in the past. I’m not sure what you would like the Arizona State Committee to take into consideration, as the rules have
never changed. Despite your allegations, there is consistency in the rules and communication on the part of the organizers of
this event. Don’t blame them for the captain’s mistake of not educating themselves on the rules. This is the responsibility they
take on as captains.
I appreciate your passion as an amateur player, but this is not the correct way of supporting pool in Arizona. Articles such as
yours demean the very efforts that are put forth to improve the image of this game. I will apologize to the players; however, not
for your reasons. I apologize to the players who put in the time and effort to ensure an Arizona State title, to only have your
victory soured by such a negative view of a great event. For a peer player to insinuate that favoritism or “bending of the rules”
tipped the scales in your favor is sad. Best of luck to all of you next year, and may you all succeed in repeating as “Arizona
State BCA Champions”
Last but not least, a special thanks to Mike Howerton, Chuck, and Bull for putting on a great event once again. See you next
year, in the Open Team or Master Team event! (in the event the rules are actually changed for next year)
Regards,
Dennis Orender
First and foremost, I would like to thank all of those who participated in the Arizona BCA event at Mazatzal Casino. Mike
Howerton has continued to show that Arizona pool is alive and well.
Secondly, let me congratulate each and every player that succeeded in winning a state championship. Players such as Susan
Williams, Stevie Caylor, Jerry Stuckart, Alexander’s “A-Team” and yes, the Cops and Robbers out of Alexander’s. You all
displayed the talent and heart it takes to be winners. All of your hard work, dedication to practice, and desire to win, obviously
paid off, and you are to be commended. Congratulations, and enjoy your victories, for no one can ever take that away from
you.
With that, allow me to address some concerns I have with Ms. Justus’ “player’s view”. In nearly every sport, there is a “team
to beat”. This is why odds are given in Las Vegas. This doesn’t affect the outcome of any tournament, unless the players allow
it to. Perhaps, I could recommend some mental literature to help overcome the “mental” part of the game.
The open team event has never had the same requirements as the BCA open event in Las Vegas. I’m not sure which teams you
are referring to, but the majority of them have played in years past and were certainly aware of the rules and requirements. To
my knowledge, there were no changes made to these rules: therefore, there was no need to notify anyone. The responsibility of
knowing all of the rules falls on the captains of each team, just as the coaches of a football team must know the rules before
their players hit the field. They don’t wait until the day of the Super Bowl and then ask for clarification as to how many players
can play, or what the qualifications are for their team to play.
If you remember or even took part a couple of years ago in AZBCA, the team that won consisted of several master level players
(DiLorenzo, Kane, Pelton, and Eans). Again, all players who were well deserving of their victories. Not to mention, did you or
any captain see a “Master’s Team” event on the application for AZBCA, I think not. So that leaves me to question, “do you
think master players should be excluded from these events?” I would venture to say you would get a strong argument from
many master players if your answer is “yes”. These folks put a lot of time and effort into improving their games, and
supporting pool in Arizona, and to exclude them would do a disservice to everyone involved, including you.
It might behoove you, or any team captain to personally request a copy of the rules from Mike Howerton, and familiarize
themselves with them. Simply expressing your negativity and questioning the integrity of some players and organizers of this
event due to your lack of knowledge, is quite inappropriate. These players, both amateur and above, and organizers/directors,
put in a lot of behind the scenes work to bring this event to everyone is Arizona, and you should be appreciative of it.
I am personally disgusted at the attack question of “it makes me question, what was the intention of these players to do this to
league players?” I’ll sum it up in one word for you, “WIN”! All of these players supported the AZBCA throughout the season
and have been together as a team for several years. So it should have been no surprise, as you claim, when players saw this
team assembled in Payson. They have a right to play just as anyone else. They paid their weekly dues, just like everyone else!
In fact, they probably have more of a right to play, as these players contribute enormously to Arizona pool, and they are not just
“league players”. This is only one area in which they make their contributions. They don’t just hang out at the local tavern on
league night to have something to do. They see the big picture and want to improve the image and participation in Arizona pool.
To question their intention is an insult to their efforts, and unappreciated.
Often times, many league players have approached me with advice on how to improve their pool game, or asked what they
should do in certain situations during a game. I always take the time out to assist “league players” as you call them, and even
beginner players in improving their game. You act as if this team that won the event cheated players, or found a loophole in the
system to participate and “swindle” other players. To those players who felt “swindled”, your issue is with your team captains.
They should know the rules in order to lead your team.
I will tell you one team that did not play silently and deserves more credit than you are giving them, and that is the team from
Yuma (Crazy Earls 2). Let me remind you, they did defeat the “team to beat” early in the tournament, sending them to the one
loss side. They played outstanding and deserved to win. They have master players on their team as well, two of which finished
2nd in both the Open and Master’s event this season, and one of which who has taken 3rd in several master AZBCA events. I
guess they shouldn’t be able to participate as well? I think not.
Your contention of the tournament director showing favoritism to this certain team on the microphone by commending their skill
as a player or team is ridiculous. These players or teams should be recognized for their accomplishments. I guess the next time
I play Earl and/or Efren (World Champions if you don’t know); I should be bothered by the fact that Scott Smith or someone is
mentioning their accomplishments at the start of our match. I personally would clap and commend them for their successes and
not take it as favoritism. You claim it was unprofessional, I believe just the opposite, and it’s extremely professional to
acknowledge a player or team for their victories. So I would hope that next year, each match played by Susan Williams, Stevie
Caylor, Jerry Stuckart, Cops and Robbers, and Alexander’s A Team, is prefaced with a verbal “2008 Arizona BCA State
Champion”, because like I said, they all deserve it.
These players will continue to show their support and participation and create a positive belief of this sport, just as they have
done in the past. I’m not sure what you would like the Arizona State Committee to take into consideration, as the rules have
never changed. Despite your allegations, there is consistency in the rules and communication on the part of the organizers of
this event. Don’t blame them for the captain’s mistake of not educating themselves on the rules. This is the responsibility they
take on as captains.
I appreciate your passion as an amateur player, but this is not the correct way of supporting pool in Arizona. Articles such as
yours demean the very efforts that are put forth to improve the image of this game. I will apologize to the players; however, not
for your reasons. I apologize to the players who put in the time and effort to ensure an Arizona State title, to only have your
victory soured by such a negative view of a great event. For a peer player to insinuate that favoritism or “bending of the rules”
tipped the scales in your favor is sad. Best of luck to all of you next year, and may you all succeed in repeating as “Arizona
State BCA Champions”
Last but not least, a special thanks to Mike Howerton, Chuck, and Bull for putting on a great event once again. See you next
year, in the Open Team or Master Team event! (in the event the rules are actually changed for next year)
Regards,
Dennis Orender