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 History Of The APAThe American Poolplayers Association was founded in 1979 by professional poolplayers Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart (pictured left). The two men realized the popularity of the sport and knew that, unlike other sports, there was no existing recreational league system. Back then the league was called the National Pool League. The name was changed to American Poolplayers Association (APA) in 1981. Over the years, the APA Pool League has gone by many names, including The American Pool League, Busch Pool League, and Bud Light Pool League. Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart maintain positions on the APA's Board of Directors, and strive to create continued interest and growth in the sport of pool.  Renee Poehlman, (pictured right), has held the position of APA President since April of 1995. As President, she has total responsibility for overseeing the daily operations and future growth of the League. She was appointed to her position by former APA President Terry Bell, when he stepped down to assume a position on the Board Of Directors. The APA NationallyToday the APA has grown to over 250,000 members. The league boasts more members than all other "national" leagues combined. APA Pool Leagues are administered locally by a network of Franchise Operators. These League Operators conduct weekly league play in 8 Ball,9 Ball and other team formats. The APA currently has franchise opportunities available for those who wish to promote the sport of pool. APA leagues play across the United States (APA), in Canada (CPA) and recently have expanded into Japan (JPA). Teams compete weekly for the opportunity to advance to the APA's National Team Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada. At the national level, the APA guarantees almost $1.5 Million in national tournament prize money. This consists of the APA National Team Championship, the APA 8-Ball Classic, the APA 9-Ball Shootout, and finally the MiniMania Tournaments. The APA also conducts the U.S. Amateur Championship, the world's most prestigious amateur tournament. It is the only tournament conducted by the APA that is open to members and non-members alike. Triad APA League Operators, Ruth & Daniel Steenwyk, have continued to grow and expand APA league services to members since assuming operations in August of 2003. Teams consist of 5-8 players with a low weekly fee of $35 per team or $7/player plus a $25 annual membership fee. These teams compete in local divisions where APA Host Locations are grouped geographically to minimize traveling distance. The year is divided into 3 sessions, with each session running 14 to 16 weeks. Teams may play Sunday through Friday in most areas, so it's easy to fit the APA into your schedule. Winning teams compete for the right to represent their local league in Las Vegas. In addition to patches, trophies, awards, invitational tournaments and special events for its members, Triad APA offers $8,000 in travel assistance to 8 and 9 ball teams that qualify for the National Team Championships in Las Vegas. Winners in the National Singles Program as well as Masters & Doubles teams also attend the 2 Vegas events each year. |
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