 |  Junior Champions Take Aim at World Title
The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) is excited to announce the junior players who have earned their right to represent the United States in the 2007 World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) Junior World 9-Ball Championships, November 26- 30, 2007, in Willingen, Germany.
The Billiard Congress of America (BCA), as the North American member to the WPA, has awarded and supports the BEF and seven (7) U.S. junior representatives, as well as three (3) players from Canada, with the opportunity to participate in this prestigious event. Approximately 56 players from 6 continents and 25 countries will compete for the world title in both the boys' and girls' divisions.
Among the top international players representing "Team USA" in the boys' and girls' division are:
Mary Rakin, 19, Daly City, CA - 2006 WPA Junior World 9-Ball Champion, Girls' Division
2007 BEF Junior National 9-Ball Champion, 19 & Under Girls' Division
Nicole Keeney, 19, Littleton, CO - 2007 BEF Junior National 9-Ball, Runner-Up, 19 & Under Girls' Division
Briana Miller, 12, Allentown, PA - 2007 BEF Junior National 9-Ball Champion, 14 & Under Girls' Division
Richard Barney, 16, Mont Alto, PA - 2007 BEF Junior National 9-Ball Champion, 19 & Under Boys' Division
Christopher Futrell, 17, Virginia Beach, VA - 2007 BEF Junior National 9-Ball, Runner-Up, 19 & Under Boys' Division
Landon Shuffett, 13, Greensburg, KY - 2007 BEF Junior National 9-Ball Champion, 14 & Under Boys' Division
Joshua Newman, 14, Bessener City, NC - 2007 BEF Junior National 9-Ball, Runner-Up, 14 & Under Boys' Division
During the Junior World 9-Ball Championships, parents, players and fans can follow the matches during the live scoring system. Please visit the BEF website at www.BilliardEducation.org or www.wpa-tour.com for more information.
The Billiard Education Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit charitable organization committed to furthering the standard of excellence and leadership within the billiard community by engaging in activities related to the education and cultural advancement of tomorrow's leaders.
For more information about the BEF, please visit www.BilliardEducation.org, contact Laura Smith at 303.926.1039, or e-mail LauraSmith@BilliardEducation.org.
Barney, Rakin, Shuffett, and Miller Triumph in BEF Junior Nationals
The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) held the 19th Annual Junior Nationals at Minnesota State University, Mankato, July 12-15. 136 players competed in the 9-ball event, which was held on 18 Brunswick 9-foot tables.
19 & Under Boys Results (73 players):
1st Richard Barney
2nd Christopher Futrell
3rd Tyler Van Wulven
4th Daniel Rakin
19 & Under Girls Results (11 players):
1st Mary Rakin
2nd Nicole Keeney
3rd Allison Hardwick
4th Chelsea Hardwick
14 & Under Boys Results (45 players):
1st Landon Shuffett
2nd Joshua Newman
3rd Chad Behnke
4th Michael Perron, Jr.
14 & Under Girls Results (7 players):
1st Brianna Miller
2nd Nicole Jaynes
3rd Amy LaCanne
4th Courtney Frank
Winners of all four divisions won a trophy, a $1,000 scholarship, and a spot in the WPA Junior World Championships, to be held later this year in Germany. Runners-up received a $500 scholarship, and the boys finishing second also received an invitation to the World Championships.
SHOOTING STARS SHINE AT BILLIARD EDUCATION FUNDRAISER
The Billiard Education Foundation's (BEF's) annual fundraiser, Challenge the Stars was held on May 15th , 2007 at the Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas following the BCA Hall of Fame Banquet. An overwhelming special appearance of over 50 pros and BCA Hall of Fame members attended to support the BEF by accepting challenges from highly skilled amateurs and admiring fans. Almost 200 games were played in the 2.5 hour event to raise $3,550 from challenge matches alone. Spectators could also participate in the silent auction and extensive raffle made possible by the generous donations from over 40 billiard industry supporters, contributing to the $14,000 raised throughout the week.
Among the participating pros were EnjoyPool.com champions Karen Corr, Allison Fisher, Jasmin Ouschan, Thorsten Hohmann, Ralf Souquet, Tony Robles, as well as Jeanette Lee, Johnny Archer, Santos Sambajon, Mika Immonen, Charlie Williams, Monica Webb, Vicki Paski, Kim Davenport, Helena Thornfelt, and Tom"Dr. Cue" Rossman. Also present were BCA Hall of Fame members Ewa Laurance, Loree Jon Jones, Nick Varner, Robert Byrne, Lou Butera and Ed Kelly.
The pros donated their time during their participation in the BCA hosted Enjoy Pool.com 9-Ball Championships, while the spectators and challengers were drawn from among the 7,000 amateur players competing in the BCA National 8-Ball Championships.
Funds are also raised by the donations and efforts from corporate and individual contributors. Included in the extensive list is the BCA Pool League, Diamond Billiard Products, Billiard Congress of America, PL Promotions, Olhausen Billiard Mfg, Imperial/JS Sales, RT9 Designs, Viking Cue Mfg, Cuestix Int'l, PoolDawg.com, Dayton Cues, Frank's Center , Ozone Billiards, Omega Billiards, Competition Sports, Dawn and Allen Hopkins , Robin's Pro Shop and
OB Cues .
The charity fundraiser was also made possible through a long list of committed volunteers, including BEF President Tom Riccobene, Randy Goettlicher, Claude Gragg, Florida's Shanna Lewis and John Lewis, and over two dozen BCA Pool League referees and dedicated volunteers.
To everyone who made this a successful event, thank you. Your time, commitment and contributions are very much appreciated. A comprehensive list of those who helped make this event possible is available on the BEF website at www.BilliardEducation.org
All proceeds benefit the BEF scholarship fund and junior programs throughout the year.
The Billiard Education Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit charitable organization committed to furthering the standard of excellence and leadership within the billiard community by engaging in activities related to the education and cultural advancement of tomorrow's leaders.
For more information about the BEF, please visit www.BilliardEducation.org or contact Laura Smith at 303.926.1039 or e-mail LauraSmith@BilliardEducation.org
BEF Scholarship Awards: Apply NOW!
The Billiard Education Foundation [BEF] is in the final month of accepting applications for the current year of scholarship awards. To be considered, completed paperwork must be submitted to the Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) office, postmark no later than April 17, 2007
The BEF Academic Scholarship Program is an annual program administered by the BEF Scholarship Committee, under the direction and guidance of the BEF Board of Trustees. Applications are made available in the fall, and can be downloaded by going to the BEF website at www.BilliardEducation.org .
The BEF Academic Scholarship Program is divided into two categories: Excellence in Education scholarship ($5,000 awarded over a two-year term), BCA scholarships (7x $1,000 awarded annually). The objective of the BEF Academic Scholarship Program is to grant scholarships to high school seniors who have benefited from the sport of billiards and are pursuing a college education.
Prospects must hold a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale); must have an ACT score of 23 or higher, or an SAT score of 1050 or higher; must be accepted to an accredited undergraduate academic program by June 1, 2007 and carry at least 12 hours per semester. A 500-1000 word essay completes the scholastic requirements.
The final application must also include a letter from the applicant, outlining (1) academic achievements, leadership and/or community service work and (2) billiard experience (how billiards has been an integral part of his/her life), along with (3) a description of the applicant's background and career objectives. This letter should include the applicant's personal and professional (academic) goals, chosen discipline of study and how this scholarship would be of assistance. An official High School Transcript and SAT/ACT scores, plus a headshot photo is also required.
For questions, please contact Laura Smith at info@BilliardEducation.org or (303) 926-1039
BEF Hires Dawn Hopkins to Direct Programs
Billiard Education Foundation Executive Director Laura Smith has announced the hire of Dawn Hopkins as Director of Program Development to assist the BEF in its goal of growing youth programs.
Ms. Hopkins has worn numerous hats since she became a pro player in 1990. She has served the billiard community as past president of the Women's Professional Billiard Association, as an ESPN tournament commentator, and is also known as co-owner/promoter of the highly successful Super Billiards Expo in Valley Forge, PA.
As Director of Program Development, Ms. Hopkins will work with the BEF's new Executive Director to support and develop future players. The immediate focus will be the production of this summer's 2007 BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships. Smith and Hopkins are currently working on site selection and setting up qualifier locations for the event around the U.S. Future goals include enhancing the existing Junior Nationals and scholarship programs, growing the 'Challenge of the Stars' annual fundraiser, and building the Pool-In-School program.
"I have always believed that if your work involves something that you are passionate about, you and those around you will benefit greatly. This is an opportunity for me to use my skills as a player and business person toward something I truly believe in," Ms. Hopkins stated.
For information on holding a qualifier for the Junior Nationals, or regarding any other BEF programs, please email Ms. Hopkins at dawnhopkins@billiardeducation.com , contact the BEF office at 303-926-1039,
or visit the website at www.BilliardEducation.org.
 BILLIARD EDUCATION FOUNDATION HIRES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Laura Smith to Take Command of BEF
Lafayette, Colorado: The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) has announced that they have just hired Laura Smith as their new executive director. Smith, a trustee on the BEF board since November 2002 and a player on the Women's Professional Billiard Association (WPBA), will begin immediately at the BEF office in Lafayette, CO.
BEF President, Tom Riccobene was pleased to share, "We're very fortunate to have Laura, a dedicated person and a beautiful representative of our sport. She is very passionate about being able to help us get the foundation going, and her leadership is going to be a tremendous boost to take us there. She will really be able to open her arms and get the BEF the support that it needs." Riccobene was also quick to assert that the Junior Nationals will happen and that qualifier information will be announced as soon as possible.
Smith will be leaving her job with Cuestix International, with whom she has worked for over 6 years, in order to focus full time on her new position with the BEF.
"It is with passion and appreciation for the life lessons and experiences with which I have been blessed with that I continue to pursue my vision for the growth of the sport. This quest would not be possible without growing the next generation of people who
love, and love to play billiards. I see my job as educating and supporting our youth to accomplish these goals."
Recently, the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) announced their plans to transfer the oversight and management of its junior programs, including the BCA Junior National Championship and qualifier series, to the Billiard Education Foundation (BEF). In addition, the BCA pledged to support the BEF's efforts with $50,000 in annual funding over the next three years. This will add considerably to Smith's workload as she takes the reins.
The Billiard Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity organization committed to furthering the standard of excellence and leadership within the billiard community by engaging in activities related to the education and cultural advancement of tomorrow's leaders.
To make a donation to this non-profit organization, please contact Laura Smith at 303-926-1039, or mail it to the BEF office at PO Box 818, Lafayette, CO 80026. To contact Laura Smith via email, please use LauraSmith@BilliardEducation.com.
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