 Daniel LaVoie
Mount Dora, FL
Occupation: Owner, Fat Cats Billiards Sponsor: Fat Cats Billiards League Operator: Linda Lindsey Participation in Tournaments: 1998 U.S. Amateur Runner-Up 1997 U.S. Amateur Championships—5th Place 1996 U.S. Amateur Championships—7th Place Dan LaVoie's 9th
Place finish in 1999 is nothing more than a tribute to the increasingly difficult level of competition at the U.S. Amateur. Coming into Las Vegas, the '98 Runner-Up was surely
one of the favorites to win. Having experienced as much intense competition as most players in the field, LaVoie put his game face on after getting upset by Aaron Toth 7-6 Saturday afternoon.
His run ended Sunday when a pumped-up John Shattell pulled off a 7-2 upset of his own. The recognition and prestige, along with the opportunity to really challenge himself against the
nation's best shooters is LaVoie's reason behind signing up to qualify each year. "This really is a lot of fun for me, as well as the other guys who come up from Florida," he said.
"There's more to this sport than money, and that's why I'm here again this weekend." LaVoie came just one game away from winning a year ago, as he pushed Champion Henry Brodt
to the brink on the hill in the race to 11 final match. As a result of his '98 showing, LaVoie earned the opportunity to compete in the Camel Pro Billiard Series Shooter's 9-Ball Open. There, he
gave Frank Tullos everything the pro could handle before shutting out Sam Devers 11-0 en route to a 49th Place finish.
"I had a blast playing with those guys, and that's an opportunity I never would have enjoyed if it weren't for this Championship format," he said. |
