Vickie McKillop (owner), Nicole Bacon, Leslie Rogers, Sarah Ellerby and Ed McKillop (owner)
48 women came to compete at the final stop of the Hunter Classics 2001 Season in Alvin, TX November 10-11. This Championship Stop would also crown the Tour Champion and it was a fight until the bitter end.
Gail Lave, Brenda Plantz and Leslie Anne Rogers were fighting for the title and even on Sunday morning no one was sure who would win. Only one point separated these three ladies, but in the end, Leslie Anne Rogers would win the Tour Championship title and also the tournament!
This is the 5th time in a row Big Daddy's has hosted the season finale of the Hunter Classics Tour. Many thanks for our wonderful hosts Vickie and Ed McKillop. Also, a big thanks to Rich Walkuski for being our referee and Mike Roles for being yet again a great Tournament Director for us. And thank you to Wes Hunter who donated a beautiful $1,900 Hunter Classics Custom Cue for this stop. Debi Goode, Heather Pratt and Andy Guerrero were wonderful help over the weekend working at Bid Daddy's and making the ladies feel at home.
Leslie Anne Rogers of Arlington, TX won $750 for her first place finish and fought all year for the Tour Champion title. Leslie has been placing high for several years now, including a runner-up finish in the main event in 1998 and three second chance tournament wins just last year. However, this year she has had two runner-up finishes in the last three Hunter Classics Stops, which help her to be in the running for the championship title. With this tournament win, it pushed her way ahead in first place in the points and now she can also claim the title of having won a Hunter Classics Event, after so many close times.
Sarah Ellerby, runner-up in the Amateur Nationals, received $550 for her second place finish, Nicole Bacon placed 3rd and received $400 and her highest finish yet! Jeannie Seaver, runner-up in the Regional Tour Championship the previous weekend, placed 4th and received $250 after going hill-hill her last two matches. Julie Stephenson, Hunter Tour Board Member, placed 5th as did local Dana Hanks – her highest finish yet. Karen Smith and Brenda Plantz, traveling buddies from Colorado, both placed 7th, with their other traveling roommate Lisa Preston placing 9th. The other three 9th-12th place finishers included last year's Alvin winner Sherri Hudson, Sherry Pouncey of Austin ,TX having her highest finish yet and Natalie Mans of Clearlake, TX playing in her first Hunter Tournament. Congratulations to all of the women!
Sarah Ellerby's road to the finals started off with a bye and then wins over Gail Lave 7-5, Sybil Wingard 7-1, Brenda Plantz 7-5, Jeannie Seaver 7-5 and Nicole Bacon 7-6 before playing Leslie in the finals.
Leslie's road to the finals started off with a bye also, and then wins over Melinda Bailey 7-2 and Sherry Romero before losing to Jeannie Seaver 5-7. At this crucial point in the tournament, Brenda and Leslie were both still in the tournament on Sunday, but on the one-loss side. When play began on Sunday, Leslie had beat Natalie Mans 7-2 while watching Brenda Plantz play Sherri Hudson. Sherri and Brenda went hill-hill and on the last game, Sherri missed the 9 and scratched which meant Brenda and Leslie had to play each other! When the smoke cleared, Leslie defeated Brenda 7-4 and Leslie was announced the Tour Champion. Brenda and Leslie will both receive invitations to the WPBA Nationals in December! Congratulations to both of these ladies for a hard fight all year long.
Leslie then went into high gear – wow stop now? And defeated Jeannie Seaver 7-6, Nicole Bacon 9-4 and then Sarah Ellerby 11-6 in the finals. Leslie won the tournament by snapping the 9 in on the break and finishing her great year in style.
Numerous raffle items were raffled off, but some of the main prizes were autographed balls signed by professional pool players. Winners of the autographed balls included Ismael, Robert Plata, Suzanne Walkuski, Linda Chestnut and Billy D. Another great raffle prize was a gift certificate to the local favorite restaurant, Joe's Bar B Q, which was won by owner Ed McKillop.
Several cues were also raffled off. The number one cue was the beautiful Hunter Classics Custom Cue valued at $1,900. June Walter of San Antonio was very surprised, but very excited that she finally won a Hunter Classic cue! The cue forearm is Goncola Alves w/5 ebony points, Ebony butt w/ Goncola Alves band and it has orange and white veneers and stitch rings, 5 Ivory inlays in butt and a black with white linen wrap.
The other cues for raffle were a $200 Rhino cue won by Jeannette Martinez of San Antonio, a $500 Olivier cue won by Audra Carter of San Antonio and a $1,200 Annie O' cue won by W.T. Wetsel of the Houston area. Anne Mays donated the Annie O' cue and also played in the tournament. She placed 1st in the second chance event, defeating Kawania Watson of San Antonio hill-hill. Mindy Williams of Houston – newly awarded Most Improved Player of 2001 – placed 3rd with Heather Pulford of Austin placing 4th.
The second chance tournament raised money from a Lucasi Cue donated by professional pool player Jeremy Jones, but also raised money for the fire fighter's fund of September 11th. $435 was raised for the fund, and will be sent to the "Widows and Children's Fund of the Uniformed Firefighter's Association." Theresa Murphy of San Antonio won the Jeremy Jones Lucasi Cue. Thanks to Jeremy for supporting us again this year in Alvin, TX.
The Hunter Classics members would like to thank Wes Hunter for his continued support and cannot wait to play in 2002! Thank you Wes for supporting women's pool! This tour would not be the largest, longest running regional women's tour without YOU.
Exciting times at Mile High Qualifier. The 3rd Hunter Classics stop of the year was the usual showcase of tough competition, exciting surprises and comebacks (check out the brackets). 40 ladies from across the USA and world competed for the WPBA Qualifier Spot at Paradise Billiards in Denver, CO June 23-24, 2001.
The tour was happy to host Sarah Ellerby, Kelly Fisher, Maria Catalano and Kim Shaw – all originally from England and currently living in the United States. In addition, Noriyo Yurino, originally from Japan, now residing in Vancouver, BC and Ikumi Ushiroda, also from Japan, living in California. The remainder of the field featured ladies from Florida, Iowa, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Kansas and of course Colorado.
Of the 40 competitors – 25 of the players were in contention for the WPBA Qualifier spot. Many confident ladies in this tournament! For the 3rd straight year, Terry McFadden and his staff were gracious hosts and provided a professional environment. For hosting this event, Terry was given a beautiful Hunter Classics Custom Cue, valued at over $1,800. It is a beautiful example of Wes Hunter's work – Cocobolo w/5 Macassar rosewood points and ivory inlays.
Play commenced at 10am on Saturday. Play went on until only 12 players were left for Sunday. It was a fierce battle for the top prize – with many of the local Colorado girls hanging tough and pulling through on some difficult matches.
Congratulations to local players and favorites – Deb Winter and Brenda Plantz for finishing 7th/8th. Brenda and Kim Shaw started off the morning treating spectators to exciting double hill match. With Brenda coming back from 4-6 to win 7-6. Also, congratulations to Karla Chorny for finishing in the top 9 in her first Hunter Classics Tour event.
The final six players featured tight battles with many double hill matches. Most notable was Colorado Springs resident, Rose McCrory coming back from a 1-5 deficit to win 6 straight games for a 7-5 win over Ikumi. Rose went on to a double hill match with Florida player, Margie Soash -with Margie coming out on top to hand Rose 4th place.
Noriyo Yurino made her way to the winner's bracket match with wins over Ranee Beckel (7-2), Gail Lave (7-1), Margie Soash (7-0), Brenda Plantz (7-2), Maria Catalano (7-5) and lost to Sarah Ellerby (6-7). Sarah Ellerby made it to the "hot seat" via a first round bye, and wins over Liz Bernreuter(7-4), Julie Stephenson (7-3), Deb Winter (7-2), Rose McCrory (7-1), and Noriyo Yurino (7-6)
The semi-finals match pitted Margie and Noriyo together. Noriyo pulled out for a strong lead and had Margie down 8-3, with Margie hanging tough and bringing it to 6 games on her side before Noriyo won game 9.
The finals featured Noriyo and Sarah. Noriyo took a commanding lead while Sarah struggled a bit with her usually flawless game. Very quiet in demeanor Noriyo has a strong break with the 9 ball ending up near the pocket after almost every break. She took advantage of Sarah's mistakes and confidently ran out when the opportunity presented itself. As a result, Noriyo won 1st place* and Sarah Ellerby won 2nd place and the WPBA Qualifier spot. Congratulations to both ladies. *Due to an ineligibility between Noriyo and the WPBA, Noriyo forfeited her WPBA Qualifying spot to Sarah Ellerby later that month.
On Sunday 18 ladies returned to play in the 2nd chance event. Kelly Fisher defeated Mindy Williams to take 1st place. Congratulations to Mindy with another strong finish in the 2nd chance event. Rounding out the top 4 were Julie Stephenson (who had to forfeit in order to catch her plane) and Leslie Rogers.
As usual, this tour stop was an exciting event. Local Colorado residents and WPBA Touring Pros Laura Smith and Melissa Little were on hand to watch the action. Many thanks to Melissa for giving us a taste of the WPBA by allowing the use of the Sardo Rack during the final matches. Also, a huge thank you to our host Terry McFadden, Bob Winter for being our referee and all the wait staff at Paradise Billiards. And once again, thanks to Wes Hunter for his continued support of the tour.
The next Hunter Classics Tour Stop will in Arlington, TX – August 4th/5th. Visit us at www.hunterclassics.com.
Sarah Ellerby went undefeated at the Ladies Florida Tour stop held at Capone's Billiards Lounge in Spring Hill Florida, including an 11-7 win over Jeannie Seaver in the finals for the tournament win. It was Ellerby's second win of the season on the Ladies Florida Tour. Ellerby collected $650 for the win while Seaver pocketed $425 for second. Linda Ammons and Tracie Majors filled out the top 4 spots.
The Ladies Florida Tour kicked off their 2001 season with a $1,200 added event at Wally's Billiards & Sportsroom in Lakeland Florida and Sarah Ellerby defeated Jeannie Seaver 11-3 in the finals to win the event and the $700 first prize. Seaver settled for $525 for second. Tracie Majors and Bonnie Coats filled out the top 4 places.
Ramona Biddle (1st place), Wes Hunter and Melanie Koger (2nd place and Qualifier Winner)
WPBA Touring Pro – Ramona Biddle wins first Hunter Classics Amateur event Of 2001 – Melanie Koger wins qualifier spot.
The 1st stop of the year was an exciting event. 42 ladies from across the USA and world competed for the top spot at Corner Pockets in Albuquerque, NM. The tour was happy to host Sarah Ellerby from England and Noriyo Yurino from Taiwan/Japan.
Wes and Cindy Hunter were in attendance all weekend at this event. This gave the players a chance to thank them in person for sponsoring the tour. The Hunter Classics tour is very appreciative for the many years of support from Wes and Cindy. The quality and beauty of the Hunter Classics Custom cues make winning one of them a coveted event.
As usual, it was a fierce battle for the top prize and qualifier spot. Anna Kostanian, a local player and only 13 years old was the talk of the tournament. This young lady showed stamina and the talent of a veteran player. Her hometown support was very visible and audible during all her matches – a tough distraction for her opponents in addition to Anna’s level of play.
Play commenced at 10am on Saturday. Play went on until only 12 players were Left for Sunday. On the winners side was: Ramona Biddle, Anna Kostanian, Sarah Ellerby, and Melanie Koger. On the one loss side – Julie Stephenson, Leslie Rogers, Noriyo Yurino, Miriam Martinez, Gail Lave, Susan Mello and Judi Wickelgren
Ramona made her way to the winner’s bracket match starting off with a bye, then by winning matches against Melinda Luerco (7-3), Cynthia Ferrer (7-4), Susan Mello (7-5), Anna Kostanian (7-6), and the win for the hot seat by defeating Sarah Ellerby (7-6).
Sarah Ellerby made her way via a first round bye and wins over Lucille Donahue (7-0), Noriyo Yurino (7-4), Gail Lave, and Melanie Koger (7-2).
Melanie determined to win the qualifier spot eliminated Leslie Rogers after her loss to Sarah. A special congratulations to Leslie Rogers for an outstanding tournament. She held her own through several tough matches with hometown favorites on Sunday to finish 4th.
The match for 3rd place was a fierce one. Both players were in contention for the qualifier spot. It was a see-saw match with Melanie reaching the hill with a 8-7 lead. Melanie left Sarah with an incredibly tough cut shot on the 9 which would bring the match hill-hill. After studying the shot, Sarah calmly fired in the 9 and then dropped her shoulders in disappointment as the cue ball promptly scratched in the corner pocket. Congratulations for Sarah for a 3rd place finish in her first Hunter Classics Tour event.
The finals was a marathon match that lasted almost 3 hours. Ramona prevailed with a win over Melanie.
Due to a technicality Ramona Biddle was able to play in the Albuquerque, NM Event. Newly enforced rules from the WPBA stipulate “no touring pros”; however Due to the “lateness” of the information from the WPBA – the Hunter Classics Tour held to the “old” rules – disallowing the top 32 for this tournament only. Ramona is currently ranked 34 on the WPBA tour.
On Sunday a smaller field then usual played for in the 2nd chance event. Sherri Hudson came on strong to defeat Melinda Bailey for the win. Brenda Plantz finished 3rd and Mindy Williams finished 4th. Congratulations to Melinda, Brenda and Mindy for consistently strong showings in recent 2nd chance events.
Congratulations to local player Evelyn Hampton for winning the Hunter Classics Cue in the raffle. This beautiful Hunter Classics Custom cue is valued at over $1900. Thanks again to Wes Hunter for his continued support! Many thanks to Corner Pockets, owners and staff. Local players Rachel Rumschlag and Evelyn Hampton ran the boards. Many thanks for a job well done.
A field of 42 women came together to compete in NEWT’s first tour stop at Susie Cue Billiards in Reading PA. Room owners Rich Sluzalis and Cindy Dejoseph welcomed back the ladies for the Second Annual Pretzel City Classic with $1000 added to the prize fund.
The final eight returned on Sunday to compete for the Valley Forge qualifier. The hot seat was won by Linda Shea who capitalized on an untimely scratch by Karen Armstrong on the eight ball in a hill-hill match. Linda had previous match wins over Tatasciore, Hunsaker, Bernier, and Weis. Karen then lost to Sarah Ellerby 7-2 to finish third. Sarah overcame a first round loss to Doreen Verna to march through the 1-loss side with wins over Miller, Turrin, O’Hanlon, Schwartzreich, Bernier, Stutz, Stock, and Kuczma.
The finals were a single race to 9. Sarah and Linda traded the first 6 racks, then Linda broke free and ran up two racks for a 5-3 score. Sarah then won the next match to inch closer at 5-4 and the match turned decidedly defensive. Linda again claimed a 2-game lead, but Sarah refused to give up and tied Linda at 6-6. Sarah then went 1-up on Linda and lead 7-6. But in the next rack Sarah jawed the 9 to let Linda to tie at 7-7. Now faced with a race to two, play jockeyed back and forth. Sarah’s determination won out and she won the match, 9-7.
The NorthEastern Women’s Tour would like to thank Rich and Cindy for a great tournament. We also thank Scott and Jerry of Pechauer Cues for their continued sponsorship. Rich and Cindy received a Pechauer PR-17 cue from Scott and Jerry for hosting us.
