Two Marion County Players Headed To State Pool Finals

Two Marion County billiards players are set to travel to Jacksonville in December for the USA Pool League statewide championship. David Ray and Keith Waddle are paired together for the Scotch doubles 8-ball tournament, scheduled for Dec. 15 and 16, with cash prizes for the winners. Waddle has played the game for about 15 years, taking part after work to "calm the nerves and let out some stress." He also said he appreciates the North Central Florida USA Pool League for the shot at a state title.

The league's operator, Jenn Hamilton, said her organization offers a call-pocket format for players who prefer that style of pool. She said the league's handicap system lets newer players face experienced ones without a bad shot deciding the outcome. Hamilton also noted that the league already has a team going to the state event. She said half of the dues players pay into the league is held back to fund trips for teams competing in the national event in Las Vegas.

The league is taking signups for a Winter Session that starts Nov. 18 at Good Time Bar & Grill in Belleview, located at 8921 E. Highway 25. The group plays 8-ball there each Wednesday at 7 p.m. and takes players of any skill level, including those who have never joined a league before. Matches use the call-pocket 8-ball format. Every match is handicapped with FargoRate, a rating system used by pool tournaments nationwide, and each match counts toward a player's official Fargo Rating.

To sign up or learn more, visit nc-fl-usa-pool-league.web.app, call or text Hamilton at 614-886-3429, or email [email protected]