The player of the month award program is designed to recognize individual excellence during weekly play. This is not necessarily limited to shooting ability, it can encompass everything from improved game, great attitude or just a great guy or gal who plays in the league. If you are interested in nominating someone, download the form and e-mail, fax or place in your weekly packet.
Player of the month - December, 2006
TAP's December Player of the Month - Jim Gahan
Congratulations to Jim Gahan for being nominated TAP's December's Player of the month. One of his team mates wrote: "Jim has been the captain of a Wednesday and Thursday night team at Skip & Jan's that I have had the pleasure of being part of for two sessions. Jim has been a captain in TAP for many years; however, just in the last couple of sessions I have seen Jim demonstrate all of the following: Improved his game, exceptional sportsmanship, courtesy and respect, love and/orknowledge of the game, support to other league members and a great attitude towards fellow players and team mates."
Jim is the kind of player who everyone likes to hang out with. Thanks, Jim, for choosing to be a part of the TAP organization!
Player of the Month for October, 2006
TAP's Player of the Month for October 2006
Seth Baker
Congratulations to Seth Baker who was nominated TAP's player of the Month for October, 2006! The nomination reads as follows:
REASON: "I'm Big, Your Small" reads Seth's tee shirt. Seth is the "Big Guy" with the deft touch. His pool game has improved tremendously over the last six months, but it's Seth's attitude, sense of humor and friendly nature that make him a winner with his team mates and the folks who play at SixShooters in the Tuesday League. His team mates are proud that Seth always shows up for league even though he may be tired form going to school full-time, playing on his community college's football team, and working part-time. He is always there to cheer his team on, coach when asked, and play any opponent needed.
There is only one person who intimidates Seth - his MOTHER! Seth exemplifies the amateur athlete and he is truly enjoyed by everyone on his team and in the league and we are proud he is a part of the TAP organization.
Player of the Month for July 2006
TAP's Player of the Month for July
Shane Manning
Meet one of our most interesting pool players, Shane Manning, who was nominated TAP's "Player of the Month" for July.Yes, July.we apologize for the time lag - it must be the summer heat.Nonetheless, her team mates have a great time with Shane and had her write a little bit about her pool playing history which follows.
"I grew up outside Chicago. I started playing pool in high school at the pool hall that was owned by Harold who was one of the publishers of Pool and Billiards magazine. The place was called "Harolds." At that time, his daughter Shari was ranked 13th in country for women. She used to practice at Harold's all the time, but I never played against her - I would just watch."
"In college, I worked in the campus pool hall and played APA. After college, I moved to Chicago, where I played APA and Chicago Pool League. In 1999, I moved to Los Angeles. While I was there, I played APA, BCA, Los Angeles Pool League, and USPPA. In 2003, I beat out all of the other Southern California handicapped 4-5s and qualified for the APA National Singles 9-Ball tournament. In 2004, my husband (who I met in APA) and I moved to Mesa. We played APA for one season here and then found TAP and have been members of TAP for a year and a half."
"I have met a bunch of the greats. Not from my pool playing abilities, though. When I was working at the pool hall in college, we were hosting the next ACUI tournament, so my boss and I went to a trade show in Vegas to look for sponsors. We had "sit downs" with almost everyone. Steve Mizerack, Johnny Archer, Mike Massey, Jeanette Lee, and a few others I can't remember."
"I played in Vegas for the APA Nationals (you have to qualify to get there), and I was going every year for BCA Nationals (anyone can play who pay the entry fee - no qualification necessary). I finished in the top 50 women in BCA Nationals a couple of years ago. I also qualified for the West Coast Challenge for LA Pool League and played singles in Long Beach.I also captained a bunch of teams in LA. I captained an APA 9-ball team for 7 seasons. I also captained a LA Pool League team for 2 seasons and a BCA team for 6 seasons."
Congratulations Shane - and, "thank you" for the great story.Phoenix TAP is proud to have a player with your experience playing in the league.
Player of the Month for June 2006
TAP's Player of the Month for June 2006
Gina Nowlin
It is not hard to see why Gina was nominated for Player of the month. She has played in several leagues and currently has her own team at SixShooters at 35th Avenue in Division "D". She truly is the definition of a good person, great sport and a very good competitor! When the players on her team and in the division were asked they said that she brightens up the night with her cheerful personality and never loses focus that we are there to have a good time! Although she was very surprised to get this award, Phoenix TAP cannot think of a person who deserves it more!
Good Job Gina!
Player of the Month - May, 2005
Brad Hagen TAP's Player of the Month for May, 2005
Congratulations to Brad Hagen for being nominated for Phoenix TAP's Player of the Month for May, 2006!!! Brad has been playing with TAP since the Summer Session of 2002. He has always been the captain of his own Wednesday night team, and currently plays on multiple nights of the week. Brad just led his own team to their first titleholders win. He also was instrumental in helping one of his additional teams to win the recent titleholders. He could potentially be on three seperate teams for the 2006 Masters Tournament. Brad has displayed the upmost sportsmanship in the league and has even gone as far as helping to coach his opposing teams when they have been short players and needed a little "extra help." He is always willing to help new players and teams with the rules, scoring and even strategies. Not only is Brad a great pool player but a great person to hang out with and an asset to any team.
Player of the Month - April 2006
Thoi Truong TAP's Player of the Month for April, 2006
If you enjoy an opponent who will give you a challenge, but always has a positive, upbeat attitude about the match, then you'll enjoy playing our "Player of the Month" for April, 2006, Thoi Truong!
Thoi has been with the TAP organization for several sessions and currently plays on the 9-ball division out of Main Street Billiards.His team, as well as the other players, believes he's a great example of a true sportsman - always helping EVERYONE - not just his team mates.His courteous and respectful manner never changes.Win or lose, he always ends with a smile and a handshake.
Congratulations Thoi, for being nominated Player of the Month for April, 2006.It's a pleasure having you playing in the TAP organization.
Player of the Month - March, 2006
Chris Carpenter TAP's Player of the Month March, 2006
Congratulations to Chris Carpenter for being nominated Phoenix TAP's Player of the Month for March, 2006.
Chris has been a member of the TAP family for two & a half years.He plays in two divisions. Division D on Tuesday & Division R on Thursday.Chris has been extremely instrumental in the start up & continued growth on the Thursday travel division in the far Westside (Otherwise known as BFE).He has been a team captain from day one.His teammates & other league members rave about Chris's outgoing personality & sportsmanship.He's never been seen with a frown on his face & has been known to wear humorous shirts during league night.That is, as long as you have a twisted sense of humor.
Teammates & competitors love the fact that he always shows up on time, has a great attitude, plays the best that he can at every opportunity & hasunquestioned ethics.Chris has been playing pool about 12 years but only competitively for the last 5 or so.He tries to play 6 or 7 times a week.He not only runs a weekend tournament at his home bar, Exit 7, he also participates in pool events all over the Valley.He says he loves the competitive nature & challenges that pool leagues provide.Chris also enjoys golf, bowling & basketball when he's not caressing the felt.Next time you see Chris, give him a "job well done" for representing what playing pool is all about - having fun with family & friends.
Player of the Month - February, 2006
Joel Barndt TAP's Player of the Month February, 2006
Congratulations to Joel Barndt for being Nominated Phoenix TAP's Player of the Month for February 2006!Joel has played with TAP from its infancy, playing out of SixShooters in Glendale, and is a good friend to everyone in his division.Joel has great knowledge of the game, and when coaching is needed, Joel is the "go to" guy.He has a very methodical approach to the game and can work through the most complex situations on the table - he always can come up with a great plan to execute the shot or play a safety.
Everyone in the league can count on Joel to have an even temper and a great attitude no matter what situation arises during league night.Phoenix TAP is proud to have a player like Joel in the organization.It's players like Joel that make Phoenix TAP the premier league in the Valley of the Sun!
Player of the Month - January. 2006
Cindy Clark TAP's Player of the Month January, 2006
Congratulations Cindy Clark. Nominated by other teams on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. They say that Cindy has sportsmanship, and respect for the players. They wish that all the teams can be like yours. Cindy says she was playing pool three nights a week and saw a t-shirt that said totally addicted to pool and thought that's what T.A.P. stood for. She decided to get a team together for Wednesday night league play. With captain Michael Valencia, Rac Pac was formed. Cindy's game went downhill. Being co-captain and nervous that her team was counting on her for a team point she soon went down to a handicap two. But this did not discourage Cindy. Last session the Clark bar team was developed with none other than Cindy Clark as captain. The safe organized atmosphere is what she likes most about playing in T.A.P. And of course all the great friends she has made that all try to help her with her game. Cindy Clark was so surprised and honored to receive this award. She did not realize that you didn't have to be the top shooter in the league to get this trophy. All you have to do is contribute to a fun and competitive night of pool as a team player. Cindy will not be a two for long her game has really improved since the reading of self help books. Both teams Rac Pac and Clark Bar play out of Famous Sam's hidden on main street in Mesa. I hope every team gets the chance to play one of these teams. They are fun,and competitive, along with great sportsmanship.
Player of the Month - December, 2005
Jason Barkac Player of the Month - December 2005
"This Kid is AWESOME!"
That's what TAP players are saying about 16-year-old Jason Barkac who has earned the December, 2005, "Player of the Month" award.
Jason has always loved pool and started playing for fun with his mom several years ago when he was just eight or nine.Now, less than one year as a member of Phoenix TAP, his skills have exceeded everyone's expectations."Jason is the most improved player I've seen in less than a year's time," said his Team Captain."From a pool player's standpoint, his overall maturity is beyond that of many."
Jason is always courteous, very respectful and in the minds of the other players, has proven to be a "stand up" player as well as a true team mate.This was evident at the TAP 2005 National event in Louisville, KY.Both teams Jason is a member of qualified to go; unfortunately, his play severely exceeded that of his current rating - not just one level above, but in some matches, two to three levels above!!Players comments were "Cool under pressure!" and "Down right jaw-dropping play for a 16 year old!"Unfortunate because of his outstanding shooting, he was disqualified from the nationals.The fortunate part was that he went to the Nationals to play the best pool he knew how, and played beyond anyone's wildest expectations.The kicker to this story is that Jason's reaction to his disqualification was just like the person he is.mature, respectful and caring for his teams as a whole - not even a tiny bit of self pity.
Jason, everyone who knows you as a person and a TAP player is extremely proud of you.Congratulations for being nominated Phoenix TAP's Player of the Month for December, 2005.AWESOME JOB!
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