March 10 & 11, 2001. Utica, NY.
Hippo's-The House of Billiards hosted stop #18 on Mike Zuglan's Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour. For the second week in a row Mother Nature was giving bad racks to pool players in the northeast. In spite of the snow and cold temps, 43 players showed to vie for the almost $5000 in cash at Hippo's. Victor Conte and his wonderful family added $1500 to the event and hosted a truly class event. Showing up were players like Zuglan, Saez, Empey, Altomare, McCreesh, Corr, Kelly, Mancini and a lot more great players.

From the first match on Saturday it was great tournament to watch and the matches were close all day long. Winning and going into Sunday we had Robb Saez, Ryan McCreesh, Chuck Altomare and Gary Empey on the winners side. On the one loss side of the chart we had Tim Parisian, Mike Zuglan, Milt Lewis and Karen Corr. Getting their money back but not returning Sunday was Julie Kelly, Kevin Ketz, Ray Rendon and Pat Howey.

Come Sunday the snow let up a bit and a good 100+ fans showed to watch the players scramble for the cash. Home town favorite Milt Lewis came right out and beat Karen Corr 9-5, while Zuglan got to Parisian easily. On the winners side Chuck Altomare beat McCreesh and Robb Saez to earn a set in the "electric chair." Saez went to the one loss side and beat everyone he played. McCreesh beat Zuglan only to get sent home by Milt Lewis. Lewis played wonderfully all week end with victories over Mike Zuglan, Ryan McCreesh, Karen Corr, Ray Rendon and Gary Empey. But when he got to Saez for the "B" side title it was not going to be. Jumping out to a two game lead, you might have thought his winning would go one match farther, but Robbie found his A game at 3-1 and it was off to the races. Saez just plain caught fire and no one was going to stop him. After getting Lewis 9-5 it was time for Chuck Altomare for the finals. Back and forth the first set in the true double elimination finals, Chuck played well and kept it close. Saez ended up winning the set 9-7. In set number two it was all Robb Saez making everything he could see and some of the stuff none of us could see. In a beautiful set of offensive 9-ball Robbie did not miss a ball and won 9-2.

When we come to Hippo's we always know that there will be great play. With great equipment, a room that is conducive to tournament play and a staff that treats people right, you just know it has to be good and it was. We cannot thank the Conte family for all their hospitality and look forward to next year for another great tournament. Next week Mike Zuglan him self plays host to his tour in Rotterdam, NY at the Pro Billiards Lounge.

Final Standings:
1.   $1400   Rob Saez
2.   $880   Chuck Altomare
3.   $660   Milt Lewis
4.   $500   Ryan McCreesh
5/   $350   Mike Zuglan
6               Gary Empey
7/   $200   Karen Corr
8               Tim Parisian
9/   $100   Julie Kelly
10              Kevin Ketz
11              Ray Rendon
12              Pat Howey

By: Pat Murray