The Lindenwood billiards team recently participated in some special events in preparation for the 9-Ball Championships in Arizona in late June.

The Lions first traveled to Sullivan, Ill. to see the custom cue building facility of Mike Durbin and learn about the cue building process.  Durbin has been a strong supporter of Lindenwood billiards since the inception of the team. 

In addition to building some great cues, Durbin also heads a team of his own.  “Durbin’s Destroyers” and the Lions faced each other back in February with the Destroyers getting the better end of the match.  On the “home turf” of the cue building facility, the two teams faced each other again, but this time the final score was much closer.  Durbin’s team still won, but by a score of 42-30, compared to the 68-34 final in February.

Prem Karki led the Lions with a 6-2 record on the day, followed by Dan Otto who went 5-3.  Caleb O’Leary also pitched in with a 4-4 mark. 

Lindenwood Players
vs. Durbin's Destroyers
Prem Karki	6-2
Dan Otto	5-3
Caleb O'Leary	4-4
Willie Ocampo	3-5
Ryan Yang	3-5
Federica Bertolini	3-5
Jaydan Hergott	2-6
Gary Nie	2-6
Nick Phillips	2-6

Not long after that trip, the Lindenwood team was able to meet and practice with Lars Vardaman, a three time National Collegiate Billiards Champion for three straight years in 2004, 2005 and 2006.  Only one other player has achieved that honor since 1937.  Vardaman shared his insights as a past champion with the hope of inspiring the Lions to a great performance in June.

Federica Bertolini, Kelly Zahn and Stephen Wyatt will represent Lindenwood at the ACUI Collegiate 9-Ball Championships June 28-30 on the campus of Arizona State University in Tempe, Ariz.

The Lions have several matches to play before then.  They face Miller’s Straight Shooters on May 2, Downey’s Destroyers on May 5, and Ronn’s Raiders May 9.  The first two matches will take place at Side Pockets in St. Charles, Mo., with the third match at Cue and Cushion Billiards in St. Louis.