Competitive 8-ball pool, while relatively popular among adults and seniors, remains relatively unpopular within youth communities, as it is often viewed as “confusing” and “dated.” Loy Norrix math teacher Corey O’Bryan hopes to change this.
“Pool is really interesting because it’s not just a sport. There’s also math, physics and really complex stuff at hand,” O’Bryan said. “I’m an okay player: I have good days and bad days, but I think as a sport it can be really interesting and engaging.”
O’Bryan sponsors both Archery club and Sword and Board, and he is now in the process of attempting to form an 8-ball pool club for the school. O’Bryan has played pool competitively for over eight years, competing at tournaments in Lansing and Niagara Falls. Despite his competitive triumphs, his reasoning for wanting to form this club is much more selfless.
“I think when you take a student who may not be as responsive or attentive in class, and you find the one thing they may have been looking for,” said O’Bryan, “you can really foster a new type of connection.”
O’Bryan’s interest in facilitating connections with students grew as he began sponsoring the Sword and Board and Archery Club. The concept of a Norrix pool club was something O’Bryan had been thinking about for years, but he only attempted to bring the idea into actuality this year. He was motivated after learning that several youth pool leagues through the American Poolplayers Association were closing due to a lack of membership and support, with hopes that a pool club could motivate students to join youth divisions, such as the Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, or Grand Rapids divisions and re-popularize this sport.
“I think a pool league would be really cool. It’s not for everyone, but I think a lot of people would be interested,” sophomore Sage Lee said.
While O’Bryan is hopeful for this club, there are many aspects at play.
“Whether it’ll be possible this year, I don’t know,” said O’Bryan. “There’s too many cooks in the kitchen, as in there’s so many people that need to contribute that it just complicates things.”
While it will likely take a while for the club to be actualized, O’Bryan remains hopeful. Slowly, the club is gaining all necessary materials, and student interest is rising.
“I mean, it took a year and a half to get Archery going.” O’Bryan said. “I think it’ll take a while, but it’s definitely something I think is possible, and something I want to pursue.”
