American CueSports Alliance state tournament brings players to Quincy from near and far

QUINCY — It’s that time of year. March madness, bay-bee.

No, not THAT kind of March madness.

Instead of basketballs and bracketology, it’s eight balls and billiards this week at the Oakley-Lindsay Center, which is hosting the 28th edition of the American CueSports Alliance (ACA) state tournament. This marks the fourth consecutive year the tournament has been anchored in Quincy.

The event, featuring 29 divisions, 103 tables, 800 participants and 2,500 entries, began on Wednesday and will be in town through Sunday. ACA founder and longtime director Cecil Messer, 75, said the state tournament, which showcases both individual and team play, will award more than $100,000 in prize money, plus other awards.

“We’re here cause of the (city officials) we deal with,” Messer said. “Mayor Mike Troup has rolled out the red carpet for us.”

The tournament will inject an estimated $1.5 million into the local economy, with more to come. The ACA will also have its July 7-13 junior state competition in Quincy.. 

“We fill the local hotels and restaurants,” said Messer, a pool player since age 12 who calls what he does a “labor of love.”

While this week’s event is predominantly male, Messer estimates “about 25 to 30 percent” of the players are female. 

One of those entrants is Jennifer Passmore of St. David, Ill.

“I’ve been coming to (the state tournament) for 10 years and enjoy Quincy because it’s run so well here,” Passmore said. “And I love the local food here.”

Passmore is quick to point out she does not consider herself any sort of championship threat.

“I’m just here to participate,” she said. “It’s like a vacation.”

Alec Daniels, one of the younger participants at 25, says he is already a “four- or five-year” veteran. He enjoys the time away from his day job as a property manager back in Kent, Ohio.

Daniels said his family has been involved in pool and billiards tournaments as long as he can remember.

“I love it,” he said.

Daniels said to keep climbing the ranks there is a simple formula.

“Just practice — and you have to want it,” he said. “There’s nothing better.”

Daniels said there is an often overlooked part of the sport — the overall camaraderie. He said tremendous friendships are forged at the tables and “everyone watches out for everyone else”.

“You can leave your equipment or whatever and know others will keep an eye on it,” he said. “There’s a community trust.”

Tony Bringman of Fairfield, Iowa, is another of the longtime players in town.

“This is my first time in Quincy, but I’ve been playing all of my life,” he said. “It’s fun and it’s a hobby.”

Roy Ashman, who hails from Pontiac, Ill., was another first-time participant in Quincy.

“I’ve always been a competitor, and this is something you have to work at,” he said. “Part of the fun of something like this is being able to hang out with a lot of friends.”

For more information about the event or American CueSports Alliance, contact Messer at 219-465-8101.