Football, baseball, basketball…these are the usual suspects when people think about the sports teens play. But billiards? That’s traditionally seemed more like an activity for adults than a sport for kids.
However, it’s gaining popularity among younger players and uses some of the same skills required by other sports. “It’s a lot like golf,” says Brad Thomas. “You’ve got to have a good posture and good stance. There are a lot of fundamentals.” Thomas is the uncle and team captain for Alex Harrison, a Lowell 8th grader who is arguably the best billiards player in the state for his age bracket.
A Natural at Billiards
The amazing thing about Alex’s success is that he has only recently begun competing in the sport. When he was 8, he attended a tournament with his uncle and his interest was piqued. “My grandma has a pool table so every time I’d go there, I’d play,” the now 14-year old says.
However, it wasn’t until about a year ago that he really got serious about the sport. Since then, he has taken first place in competitions in both Michigan and Indiana. Those include both winning the State Championships in each state for his age bracket and a guaranteed spot at the national competition this summer.
He’ll be joined by his older brother Matt who has also ranked high in recent competitions. “Both started around the same time, but Matt has a tougher division,” Thomas explains. As a 16 year-old, he plays against competitors who have been in the sport a lot longer. Still, Matt has ended up with third and fourth place showings in his state tournaments.
More Than Meets the Eye
Billiards, commonly called pool, seems like a straightforward sport. Players use a cue to shoot balls into pockets on a table. However, Thomas says there is more to it than that. “What’s interesting about pool is that every game is different,” he says. “The balls are always in a different place.”
Players need to have the right stroke and the right angle to hit the correct ball and set up the next shot. Geometry plays a major role in determining how to line up shots and get the desired result. Right now, Alex is working on pattern play and focusing how to order his shots.
“A lot of it is a mental game,” Thomas says. And for young players, that may be the toughest aspect. “Kid get frustrated really easy,” he notes, “but you have to take every shot.” Being able to deal with the frustration, keep a cool head and forge on even when everything goes wrong makes this a sport that helps kids learn important life skills.
Up Next: Heading to Las Vegas
Now that he’s won a state championship, the next step is to head to the national billiard competition to be held in August in Las Vegas. The competition will be tough, but “I think he’s pretty good,” says Dan Harrison, Alex’s dad.
Thomas is also optimist Alex will come away from his first national competition with good memories and a good ranking. “I imagine he’s going to be in the top 20 percent,” he predicts.
While Alex’s entrance fee to the competition is covered thanks to his first place win in the state competition, he still needs to cover lodging and transportation expenses for himself and his family. He has one sponsor, GRIND’N Clothing Company, and his parents have set up a GoFundMe account to raise funds for both him and his brother. Plus, he’s selling candy bars to raise money for the trip.
Billiards may not have the same high profile as football or wrestling, but just as Lowell has state champs in those sports, it has a state champ in pool. Given Alex’s natural talent, it could just be a matter of time before we have a national champion from Lowell as well.
My boyfriend and his friends LOVE pool and are always playing at the Moose Lodge in lowell. They also concept for the the Vegas tournament. Could be a good idea to set up a donation jar or fundraiser there to raise money for your trip. Good luck, and congratulations!