Press Release

June 2, 2014 (Englewood, CO): ​This year’s BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships plans to be a real treat for all attendees as “The Black Widow” Jeanette Lee, the most recognized face in billiards, plans to speak at the event’s luncheon on June 24th in Louisville, Kentucky in conjunction with the BCA Summit.

“I’ve always had a passion for kids and I’m so honored to speak at this year’s Junior Nationals. I’ve watched and supported the Billiard Education Foundation throughout my career and I love the work they do and the commitment they make for our kids. I can’t wait to be there to share some time with the future champions of our sport!” said Lee.

Lee has been working hard to organize the Black Widow Juniors Camp designed for young intermediate to advanced level players age 14-18. Though the camp has been postponed until 2015, it has not stopped her from promoting youth in billiards.

There are still spots available in all four age divisions at this year’s junior nationals. If you’re interested in participating in the tournament or if you’re interested in attending this year’s banquet, contact executive director Samm Diep-Vidal at (303) 926-1039 or visit the website at billiardeducation.org.

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) was formed in 1993 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity committed to promoting a lifelong love of pool and building the next generation of players through youth programs and academic scholarships. Visit billiardeducation.org or call (303) 926-1039 to learn more about junior billiard programs in your area.

May 23, 2014 (Englewood, CO): ​ The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) is proud to announce Falcon Cues and Presidential Billiards as the official shirt sponsors at this year’s BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships.

The top billiard student-athletes from across the nation will arrive in Louisville, Kentucky June 24-27 for their chance at becoming the national champion of their age division (18 & Under Boys, 18 & Under Girls, 14 & Under Boys, 14 & Under Girls). With the support of Falcon Cues and Presidential Billiards, these players will be outfitted with custom event polo shirts.

Falcon Cues will also be awarding the winners of each of the four divisions with prize packages retail valued at $500. “Falcon Cues is a strong believer in billiards at a young age and the BEF’s efforts. We are proud to support the BEF however we can,” said Chris Kuntz, V.P. of RAM Gameroom, official North American distributor of Falcon Cues.

Falcon Cues Ltd are now entering into its 18th year in business and we continue to manufacture professional standard, high quality pool cues at an affordable prices, because we believe that all pool enthusiasts should have the chance to play with a real pool cue. Visit falconcues.com for more information.

Presidential’s billiard tables represent accuracy, beauty, and stability worthy of our high quality product. Presidential Billiards offers a variety of fine products including a large selection of pool tables and game room furniture encompassing models from entry level to heirloom quality and featuring exotic hardwoods and hand carving. Visit presidentialbilliards.com for more information.

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) was formed in 1993 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity committed to promoting a lifelong love of pool and building the next generation of players through youth programs and academic scholarships. Visit billiardeducation.org or call (303) 926-1039 to learn more about junior billiard programs in your area.

May 23, 2014 (Englewood, CO): ​With this year’s BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships fast approaching, OB Cues, Tiger Billiard Products, and Seyberts have all joined the family of BEF supporters to help make the event possible.

Be sure to stop by their booths at the upcoming BCA Summit June 24-27 in Louisville, Kentucky where this year’s Junior Nationals will be held.

In exchange for their generous contributions, these companies will receive a half-page color ad and company overview in the event program, a one-year subscription to any of the major billiard publications, along with corporate logo and link on the BEF and affiliate websites. Various other sponsorship levels are also available.

Their support enables the BEF to direct more funds to their youth billiard programs and academic scholarships. Find out about all the ways your business can get involved by visiting billiardeducation.org.

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) was formed in 1993 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity committed to promoting a lifelong love of pool and building the next generation of players through youth programs and academic scholarships. Visit billiardeducation.org or call (303) 926-1039 to learn more about junior billiard programs in your area.

May 23, 2014 (Englewood, CO): A J. Pechauer Custom Cue and case valued at $1,700 will be awarded to one lucky winner this year. The reputable cue builder is graciously donating one of their Professional Series Cues with a Crown Jewel Inlaid shaft (view it at http://billiardeducation.org/2014-pechauer-cue/). Individuals will receive a chance at this collectible cue for every $10 donation made to the Billiard Education Foundation.

J. Pechauer Custom Cues is no stranger to supporting the juniors. For the past few years, the business has selected two young players each year to sponsor. “I started playing pool when I was 5 years old. The only competitive opportunities I had when I was growing up were local tournaments that were filled with primarily adults. I think that it is great to have an organization like the BEF that gives young players an opportunity to compete against their own peers. J. Pechauer Custom Cues is proud to be a part of the group of sponsors that supports the BEF and the Junior National 9-Ball Championships,” said Pechauer.

J. Pechauer Custom Cues are 100% American made in Green Bay, Wisconsin. To learn more about their playing, jump, and break cues, visit their website at www.pechauer.com.

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) was formed in 1993 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity committed to promoting a lifelong love of pool and building the next generation of players through youth programs and academic scholarships. Visit billiardeducation.org or call (303) 926-1039 to learn more about junior billiard programs in your area.

May 23, 2014 (Englewood, CO): What’s a national pool tournament without the best equipment? The Billiard Education Foundation’s Junior National 9-Ball Championships, being held in conjunction with this year’s BCA Summit in Louisville, KY, will benefit from three long-time supporters of junior billiards: Diamond (tables), Simonis (cloth) and Aramith (balls).

Diamond Billiard Products, conveniently located near Louisville, will provide 16 competition tables and related equipment for the four day national championship divisions. Balls will be provided by Aramith and cloth by Simonis, who has for years been a supporting sponsor of the Billiard Education Foundation.

“We continue to be grateful to these industry sponsors, without whom the Junior National Championships would not be able to continue to encourage student athletes and qualify our best youth competitors for the annual World Championships,” said BEF executive director, Samm Diep.

Contact the BEF for more information on becoming a sponsor of this prestigious event or other junior billiard programs.

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) was formed in 1993 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity committed to promoting a lifelong love of pool and building the next generation of players through youth programs and academic scholarships. Visit billiardeducation.org or call (303) 926-1039 to learn more about junior billiard programs in your area.

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) proudly announces the 21st Annual Junior Artistic Pool Championships presented by Tom “Dr. Cue” and Marty “Ms. Cue” Rossman. This year’s championships will be run by Mark “Dr. Popper” Dimick who also supported the event last year. This year’s event will be held in conjunction with the 26th Annual BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships June 24-27, 2014 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, KY.

The Artistic Pool Lag Shootout Challenge has been a great success for many years among amateurs and juniors worldwide. The event encompasses the eight disciplines of artistic pool, one important discipline being the lag shot. Event documents can be downloaded below. Top two finishers from each age division will receive trophies.

“Dr. Cue”, “Ms. Cue”, and “Dr. Popper” want to thank the BEF for their continued support of Artistic Pool. We encourage all juniors to participate in this special competition and to “enjoy the artistic roll”…always!!

Tentative Schedule for 2014 Junior Artistic Pool Championships

TUESDAY, JUNE 24:

Special Show

5:00PM to 8:00PM – Preliminary Rounds

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25:

11:00AM to 7:00PM — Preliminary Rounds

THURSDAY, JULY 26:

11:00 to 5:00PM – Complete Preliminary Rounds, Final Rounds to follow

October 7, 2013 (Englewood, CO): Str8 Shots Billiards & Darts proudly sponsors the 2014 Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) Academic Scholarship Awards. Applications are currently being accepted for these awards. The objective of the BEF Academic Scholarship Program is to grant scholarships to students who have benefited from the sport of billiards and plan to pursue a college education.

This opportunity has previously only been available to high school seniors but through the generous support of Str8 Shots, this year’s scholarships will be award to three categories: high school seniors only ($2,000 award for the winner and $1,000 for runner-up), 9th -11th graders ($500 award), and 6th -8th graders ($500 award).

“Str8 Shots has been committed to encouraging youth to do all they can to achieve their highest academic potential since they opened the doors four years ago. Sponsoring the 2014 BEF Academic Scholarships is just another way we can provide the youth with an opportunity to reach their potential academically,” said owners Marc and Kimberly Griffiths.

Complete details on eligibility, guidelines, and application/registration can be found at the following link: http://www.str8-shots.com/2014-academic-scholarship-essay-contest/. Entries must be postmarked by Friday, February 28, 2014. Online registration deadline is Friday, February 21, 2014. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, April 15.

The BEF has awarded over $200,000 in academic scholarships since 1993 and continues to promote higher education and a lifelong love for the sport of pocket billiards. For more details on BEF scholarships or sponsoring an academic scholarship, visit billiardeducation.org.

Str8 Shots is the only online billiard and dart retailer committed to giving back to the community that supports them. We encourage players of all ages and skill levels through sponsorship, sportsmanship awards, and various other programs. For more information about the programs they offer, or to purchase your billiard or dart products, visit them at str8-shots.com.

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) was formed in 1993 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity committed to promoting a lifelong love of pool and building the next generation of players through youth programs and academic scholarships. Visit billiardeducation.org or call (303) 926-1039 to learn more about junior billiard programs in your area.

The Return of the BEF Challenge the Stars proved a successful evening
September 30, 2013 (Englewood, CO): Where can amateur players challenge their favorite professional pool players, all while helping to raise money for their favorite billiard charity? Only at the annual BEF Challenge the Stars event.

The popular Challenge the Stars returned this year July 23rd to the Rio Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. Keeping with the tradition, the event took place on the Tuesday evening of the singles finals while all the team players rolled in for the annual CSI National Championships. Since its first year, Cue-Tech Pool School’s Randy Goettlicher has been the emcee and this year was no exception.

The impressive list of top professionals who showed their support by taking challenge matches included top world and junior champions: Shane VanBoening, Mika Immonen, Jennifer Barretta, Dennis Orcullo, Mike Dechaine, Francisco Bustamante, Corey Deuel, Ralf Souquet, Darren Appleton, Jason “The Michigan Kid” Lynch Fan Page, Lee Brett, The Drill Instructor, Stefano Pelinga, Hunter Lombardo, and top BEF Junior player, Briana Miller.

This year’s event raised approximately $5,500 for the organization through the pro challenge matches and it was greatly due to the support of the many generous silent auction donations which included: a custom Jacoby cue, a McDermott cue, Fury NR series cues and other gift packages from Sterling Gaming, custom leather wallets and bags from Castillo Leather Goods, a one of a kind original oil painting by Tanner Pruess (which will be auctioned at a later date), two Delta-13 Select racks, Dr. Dave gift packages, RT9 Designs poster packs, commemorative signed memorabilia from Mosconi Cup, as well as a signed event t-shirt from the Jay Swanson Memorial tournament courtesy of GoPlayPool.com, a collection of books form Bebob Publishing, Dr. Cue autographed collection, and more donated items from Str8-Shots.com. A special $1,000 donation was also made by Tom Riccobene.

Special Thanks go to Claude Gragg, Randy’s right-hand man, Dave Merrill and his crew of referees who all donated their time, particularly Ed Stephens for the extra donation, and CSI and its staff for all their support. Staff photographer for the evening, Jim Calderon worked tirelessly to ensure all challengers got their photo taken with their pro. Additional thanks also go to volunteers Earl Munson, Tammy Jo and Melvin Leonard, Kathy Coffee, Travis and Tarasa Escoubas, Taren Stewart, Josh Bustos, Cody Escoubas, and Winfield Hong.

The BEF also thanks all the donors, challengers, bidders, and supporters that helped make the event successful and its fundraising efforts pay off. For more information on the Challenge the Stars, Junior Nationals, and other BEF programs, visit the BEF website at billiardeducation.org.

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) was formed in 1993 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity committed to promoting a lifelong love of pool and building the next generation of players through youth programs and academic scholarships. Visit billiardeducation.org or call (303) 926-1039 to learn more about junior billiard programs in your area.