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February 11, 2005

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WHAT: Semi-Final Round of 1 st Annual James P. Nolan Memorial 8-Ball Tournament

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 14, 11 a.m - 3 p.m.

WHERE: Woodbridge Community Center, 600 Main Street, Woodbridge

No question about it, these Woodbridge seniors love being behind the eight ball.

The Woodbridge Township Senior Billiards Club is in the midst of its first intra-club trophy match, the James P. Nolan Memorial Eight-Ball Tournament. The Tournament honors the memory of attorney James P. Nolan, the father of Woodbridge municipal law director James P. Nolan, Jr. and an avid billiards aficionado.

The competition level among the club’s chalk-and-cue artists is as intense as any you’ll encounter on the pro billiards circuit.

The tournament features two categories, Advanced and Novice; early eliminations have been going on during the last week.

The semi-final round with four competitors in each category takes place Monday, Feb. 14, from 11 a.m.-3p.m. and is guaranteed to be a table-scorcher. Two finalists will emerge in each category to compete in the Feb. 25 finals.

The Woodbridge Township Senior Billiards Club formed in 2003 as a way for seniors to become more involved with the Township’s new community center. The club has two competition teams that take on other senior billiard groups throughout Central Jersey. Last May, the club brought in international billiards champion and ESPN commentator Allen Hopkins for a trick-shot exhibition and educational seminar.

“The senior billiards club has been a great asset to the recreation options of our Township seniors,” says Mayor Frank G. Pelzman. “These folks have become dedicated ambassadors of good will and sportsmanship.”

For information about the Woodbridge Township Senior Billiards Club and the current standings of James P. Nolan Memorial Eight-Ball Tournament, call club president Pat Trombetta at (732) 636-3910.

According to the Billiard and Bowling Institute of America (BBIA):

* An estimated 4 million people play billiards every week.

* An estimated 42.2 million Americans over the age of 6 have played billiards once or more.

* Since 1987 the number of billiards players has grown 20.2 percent, outpacing the growth of the U.S. population by 10 percent.

* Billiards is the 8 th most popular U.S. sports activity behind walking, cycling, swimming, camping, fishing, exercising and bowling. . . and ahead of basketball, golf, running, baseball, tennis, skating, skiing.