A bearded man poises with the cue, the low hanging light illuminating the ornate table as a white ball slides silently, rhythmically clicking and hitting another with momentum, a solid, banking loudly into a pocket before vanishing into the table.
Kevin Snow, a 2011 graduate with a degree in restaurant management and tourism, will participate in a pool tournament hosted by Lucky’s Sports Tavern, 11 N. Court St., Tuesday. The competition was organized by the senior graphic design class to raise money for their upcoming BFA thesis show.
Lucky’s may be known for its drinks and 50-cent cheese sticks, but it also prides itself on the quality of pool tables. Bartender and sports management student Kaeleb Schwieger said the tavern maintains its tables well, replacing felt every six to eight months.
“Some people say we have the best in town,” he said. “Whether or not that is true we definitely have the most regular upkeep compared to most bars around Athens.”
Schwieger said the tournament at Lucky’s is played in standard doubles with teams of two competing against each other.
Olivia Vitou, a senior studying graphic design and one of the organizing members of the graphic design class, said the $20 cost of entry will include a pitcher of beer and a pizza along with drink specials and prizes for everyone, including non-participating patrons.
“Well, it’s always just been something fun to do at the bar,” Snow said. “It’s a challenging game that you can always improve no matter your skill level.”
Pool is perhaps the only sport where you can get better when you are drunk, a rumor that Snow attests to.
“It’s one of those rare things where alcohol can sharpen you up a bit, but you have to be careful, too many shots will reflect in your game; a lot of extra shots and some very sloppy pool,” Snow said.
Pool’s numerous rules and regulations may portray the game in a bland light, but the sport has become a standard fixture in any bar worth its salt.
“It is a good way to get people talking and enjoying themselves, especially considering the drink specials running all night, it’s going to be a really cool event,” Schwieger said. “I’m actually pretty interested to see Lucky’s turn into its own mini pool hall for a night.”
Snow is on the eight ball, having quickly consolidated his solids in the midst of a dismal crowd of stripes. He calls the pocket and rockets the black ball into it unceremoniously, returning to his full beer cheerfully and taking a sip.
“You know, if nothing else, (my) new job has been pretty stressful and Tuesdays are my only day off,” Snow said. “I always enjoy a nice round, so I figured I would have some fun and take a few shots.”
sn0092310@ohiou.edu
This article appeared in print under the headline "Designers 'pool' together"
