Pool players from across the Midwest gathered at the La Crosse Center over the weekend for the Stansfield Vending annual pool tournament.
The event drew roughly 650 individual players for both single and team competitions. According to tournament coordinator Jonathan Silk, the event has been held in the city for more than five decades.
“This is number 51,” Silk said. “We continue to grow in numbers.”
The tournament began Friday, April 17, with singles events starting at 8 a.m., followed by a Scotch doubles event later that day. The team competition began Saturday morning, with final matches continuing into Sunday.
Mike McGuire of Prairie du Chien was one of the players who traveled for the tournament. Pool has been part of his life for many years and has been a central part of his friendships.
“I’ve played pool for roughly 35 years,” McGuire said. “A bunch of my buddies talked me into coming up here.”
Tournament style pool is often very competitive, yet McGuire described the environment as more laid-back.
“I’d say it’s more relaxed,” he said. “Just knowing I’m going to be here the whole weekend probably helps.”
For many, the event was their first experience competing in a tournament.
Leonard Hadge of Stoddard said this was his first time competing in the tournament. He has played in a local pool league for years and said the experience has lived up to expectations.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Hadge said. “I feel like I’ve held my own pretty well.”
Hadge said his love for pool started in childhood, when his father first introduced him to pool.
“My dad used to take me to a pool hall when I was little,” he said. “It was dark, dingy, lights only above the tables. I’ve loved it ever since.”
There are also referees that help keep the tournament running smoothly throughout the weekend. Bob Glenn, the head referee, has officiated pool tournaments for 38 years and has worked in multiple states, including Ohio, Michigan and Nevada.
“You meet a lot of great people in all different states,” Glenn said. “They’re very friendly. It’s a great experience.”
From conversations with tournament organizers, players and referees, one common theme seemed to keep popping up. While the tournament brought competition, the weekend seemed to hold a different meaning, one built around community and a shared love for the game.
