From APA to U.S. Amateur...A Winner All Around

John Walsh (center) poses with his sponsors, League Operator Jerry Bayer (right) and Jay Kaufman (left), owner of Instant Replay Sports Bar & Cue Club.)

Messapequa Park's John Walsh used to spend most of his time around the table racking. That time is spent other ways now.

    John Walsh began shooting pool at 12-years-old with his older brother, Wayne. Most of the time, John would be the one racking. Eventually, his love for shooting pool (and aspersion to racking) inspired him to concentrate on becoming a great poolplayer. By 15-years-old, most of Walsh's free time was spent on a pool table. He would drill himself on shots, angles and strategies. He would ask questions, eager to learn more about the game. He discovered that the "old-timers" at the pool halls had a wealth of information they were willing to share and pass on to the younger generation,  still passionate about the game.   

    Walsh's own game began to improve as he began to find his own stroke and style. As he practiced more and more, he found himself racking less and less. Now more than 16 years later, his passion, practice and determination are rewarded with a coveted spot in the U.S. Amateur Championship.

    Walsh first competed in the U.S. Amateur last year, ranking an impressive 17th out of 128 players. This year, familiarity and determination, matched with his natural talent, are sure to make him a worthy challenger for the top prize.

    Walsh is a recognized player across Long Island, NY, and even people who might not know his face will usually know his name. He is highly regarded not only as a superior player, but also for the sportsmanship and class he exhibits during play. He has been an active Suffolk County APA member since 1995 and ranks as a skill level 7 in 8-Ball and a SL 9 in 9-Ball. Both his 8-Ball team, Smokin' Cues, and his 9-Ball team, The Untouchables, are both regionally ranked teams. The Untouchables competed in the 1999 APA National 9-Ball Championships, and both teams play out of Instant Replay Sports Bar and Cue Club in Huntington Station.

    Jay Kaufman, owner of Instant Replay, along with League Operators Jerry Bayer and Missy Cossidente, are sponsoring John for his participation in the U.S. Amateur Tournament. John's sponsors stress that their support of John is not only for his skill of the game, but for the quality of his character. Win or lose in any tournament, John is a top-notch player and person and will surely represent Instant Replay and the Suffolk County APA with dignity and class.