Galesburg home to No. 1 pool player
GALESBURG, Ill. — Even though Rory Smith knew he held the No. 1 computer ranking for North American Pool Shooters Association for over a year against 1,200 other players, there was still that nagging doubt that could only be settled by actual head-to-head competition with the nation’s best.
The 29-year-old Galesburg resident, a Knoxville High School graduate, put that doubt to rest Memorial Day weekend when he personally legitimized his status by winning the NAPA Nationals at the Hot Springs Convention Center in Hot Springs, Ark.
“I was nervous,” said Smith. “I’ve played for 20 years but I didn’t know if I’d be as good as I wanted to be.
“But once I played my first match and saw my skill level was better than the rest of the players, I was ready to go.”
Smith won the NAPA 9-ball master class tournament against a field of about 300, but also took third in 8-ball, the captain tour and speed ball among the seven events at nationals. He also picked up two wins in mini-tournaments that were being held at the nationals site.
Not bad for his first experience on the national stage.
As the No. 1 ranked player, Smith’s expenses for the trip to Arkansas were paid by NAPA and he earned over $2,000 for the weekend.
His success was no surprise to Omar Esquivel, local director for the NAPA leagues in Galesburg.
“When you get an eye for talent, you know who’s got it,” said Esquivel. “He has a natural gift.”
Esquivel helped organize a car caravan of 26 local players who attended nationals, motivated by a desire to see Galesburg pool shooters earn recognition at a high level. He lobbied the NAPA to have local players qualify for nationals in their hometown and they didn’t let him down.
Other players from Galesburg leagues who placed nationally included Ralph Coffey (fifth, 10-ball), Aaron Hans (fifth, B Class 9-ball), Zan Carter and Brian Sherman (first place tie in the break contest), Kevin Modglin and Corey Orwig (fifth, A Class 8-ball), Ron Jennings (fourth, B Class 8-ball), Deb Treadway (fourth, D Class 8-ball, Peg Hunt (fifth place, D Class 8-ball), Zan Carter and George Showalter (first, scotch doubles).
At 83 years old, Coffey was the oldest player in the tournament.
Despite his status nationally, Smith remained humble, praising the talent in Galesburg leagues which keeps about 80-85 players active weekly at establishments like PZ’s, Harley’s Pub, Rail City and Grand Tap.
“I’ll just say that I’m one of the top players in Galesburg,” said Smith. “Galesburg has got a lot of good players. Guys like Doric Smith, Randy Tinley, Scott Laird and Jim Ludwig (The Professor).”
Esquivel points out that new NAPA season opens locally on Monday, with 8-ball played on Mondays and Thursdays, 9-ball on Sundays and 10-ball on Friday nights. NAPA offers competition based on skill levels from Class E beginners to the masters, like Smith. Pool shooters interested in participating can contact Esquivel at (314)-345-0223.
Maybe another national champ will emerge from the ranks of Galesburg pool shooters.
“I proved something to myself,” said Smith of his experience at nationals. “I’m good and all my practice has paid off.”
“I’ll keep practicing and go from there. I’ll keep doing what I’m doing and shoot balls.”