Pool Tournament Provides Break from Classes

Emmanuel Lopez became the reigning champion of the ongoing pool tournaments at Fresno City College after winning the contest on April 4.

Lopez said he started playing the sport one year ago and enjoys playing pool because of “the competitiveness that the tournament provides.”

The ongoing tournaments is the handwork of Elizabeth Flores, an office assistant who coordinates Intramural programs and tournaments.

Flores started work in the fall semester of 2016, and her arrival brought consistency to the  tournaments. She said she aspires to help provide more activities and community based culture outside of classes for students.

She credits the importance of publicizing the events in recruiting participants as well as the value of consistent tournaments, which she said “helps build a friendly environment.”

Winners of the pool tournaments will meet at the championship tournament on May 2. Participants may not play in more than 16 or fewer than eight games during a tournament.

The first place winner of the tournaments wins a gift card plus an invitation to the Championship Tournament. The championship winner is rewarded with a pool stick, donated from sponsors Mecca Billiards.

The atmosphere at the competition is tense but jovial, and Flores said anyone willing to compete should plan ahead.

She encourages others to attend and cheer their friends on while they make history. The college cafe is next door for great food and snacks.