USU pool players have fewer tables to practice and compete

Since 2010, the Utah State University Billiards Club has doubled in size from 15 to 30 members.

But club member Annaliesa Peterson said the group recently lost two of its eight tables. The tables were moved from the club’s location in the Fieldhouse to the Hub.

And that, Peterson said, has left less playing room club members and students enrolled in billiards classes.

“Because of the limited space, students have to pair up and therefore do not get as much practice and playing time,” Peterson said.

CClub president Chris Crook said that limits the size of tournaments that can be hosted. “It’s nearly impossible to host two schools at once,” he said. “During club nights there are times when we have more players than tables can hold.”

Crook, who also works as a teaching assistant for the billiards classes at USU, said the small space available for classes has required the teachers to change the way billiards has been taught.

“The space we have really limits how many students can participate,” Crook said. “We have already had to downsize classes due to losing tables.”

One solution to the club’s space issues could be the proposed Aggie Recreation Center. If the ARC were built, it would expand the recreation facilities available for USU students. According to Crook, the Billiards Club might have a spot in the new facility if the ARC legislation is passed — voting for the ARC is currently in process.

The club participates in monthly tournaments. It has also represented USU at the Association of College Unions International competition for several years. This coming Saturday, the club will take part in a three-school tournament in Ogden against Weber State and the University of Utah.

Abbie Lewis, Adam Barkley, Amanda Morgan, Amy Nelson, Danielle Hayes and Katelyn Swain contributed to this report.