NCK Pool League offers competition, camaraderie

Fred Detrixhe and Mark James have been playing pool for a long time – over a half-century.

“Since I was 12,” said James. “I played at Milt's and the old Smoker.”

“I can remember playing back in the 70s,” Detrixhe added. “That was a long time ago.”

Detrixhe and James are two members of the NCK 8-ball Pool League, and they'd like you to come play with them.

“We have a handicap system, kind of like golf,” Detrixhe said. “That way, people who don't play all that often have a chance to win on the point system.”

The pool league begins play on November 2 and runs for 22 weeks. The teams play every Wednesday night. Each team consists of three players shooting standard 8-ball games.

The league currently has two teams from Beloit, two teams from Clay Center, and eight teams from Concordia.

“We play the majority of the games here,” said James. “But we do go to Beloit and Clay Center a couple times.”

In Concordia, the pool league matches are held at the American Legion venue, where eight tables can be set up.

The competition, and the social aspect of the games, are why James plays. “We're all friends. It's nice to get together and shoot a little pool with them. Keeps me active”

Does James also enjoy beating his friends at the pool table? “Oh, hell yes. That's part of the fun.”

Detrixhe likes the challenge that comes with each match, but it's against the table and not so much his opponent. “You're always trying to run the table, always trying to master it. Each break is different; the way the balls line up. I just want to beat the table.”

“That's what makes it so interesting,” James agreed. “It's not so much your opponent. It's what's waiting for you on the table after every break.”

Detrixhe helped establish the pool league back in the 1980s. “I helped get it going and ran it for 10 years. Then other people ran it. Then I took it over again about 14 years ago.”

In the league, each team pays a sponsorship fee of $35. When they play on Wednesdays, every player pays $10 - $6 for the round that night, and $4 for the usage of the tables. Each team plays three matches per night. Points are tallied for wins and scores using a handicap system, and at the end of the season cash prizes are awarded.

“With the handicap system, everybody has a chance to be the top shooter, but every place pays out a cash prize,” Detrixhe said. “Even the last-place finisher gets some of his money back.”

“Last year, it came down to the last match of the season to decide who won,” James said.

To sign up for the league, contact Mark James at 243-0796, or Fred Detrixhe at 243-0223.