Taking Their Cues On Stage Pool Playing Scene Grows In Spokane As Hundreds Lean Over Green Felt Tables At Playfair Tournament

Don Gallagher can sink an 8-ball like nobody’s business.

“Hey Ray!” he shouted, seeking advice on where to angle from fellow pool player Ray Spackman.

“Cut it a little bit, and roll it in,” Spackman whispered to his team member during a one-minute timeout.

Gallagher lit a cigarette and took a drag before bending over the table and nailing the 8-ball into a side pocket to win the match.

He strolled back to his team members and dished out high-fives all around.

The men were part of Coeur d’Alene’s “Dain Bramage” pool team - one of 98 teams from the Inland Northwest to compete at the annual American Poolplayers Association City Cup Championship. Seven of the teams will advance to the nationals in Las Vegas in August.

About 800 women and men toting their pool sticks gathered at the Playfair Race Track Saturday and scoped out spots at any of 30 pool tables for what organizers call the biggest pool event in the Northwest.

Each team paid $100 to compete, but every loser walks away with $150. About $35,000 to $40,000 will be shelled out to winners after the three-day event, which wraps up today.

John Wenglewski, who operates the local league of the APA, said pool playing is picking up around Spokane, partly because it’s becoming more of a family affair.

“The image of pool has changed,” Wenglewski said. “People see it as a viable family recreational alternative.”

Wenglewski said he’s watched the local pool league grow from six teams when it started eight years ago to 100 teams now.

Rich Irving plays with his brother Jody and father Ed Degenstein on Spokane’s “Spankin’ the Nine” team.

“It’s like one big family here,” Irving said. “I can pull over and talk to anybody here.”

The players took swigs of beer, drank Coke and coffee, and flicked cigarettes as they prowled around the tables, eyeing the balls.

Players found creative ways to throw their opponents off, like playing a fast-paced game, or strutting around with an air of confidence.

Creativity played a part in team names, too.

There was “Racking Havoc,” “Bad News Cues,” “Bar Butties” and “The Leather Nuns,” among other team titles.

Cyndi Trambitas rooted on her fellow teammates on the “We Be Smokin”’ team.

Trambitas said she likes playing pool because of its competitiveness.

“It takes a lot of concentration,” Trambitas said. “It’s not just hittin’ some balls on the table. There’s geometry to it.”

Her advice to novice players: “Run the table. Watch the scratches. Stay focused.”

Ken Hoffman, team captain for Dain Bramage, said he likes the sport because anyone can do it.

“It doesn’t matter what you do for a living,” said Hoffman, who had tattoos covering his arms. “We’ve got two mechanics, a police officer … we all share a common interest.”

Hoffman said playing pool helps him deal with life’s stresses.

“It gets me out of my self,” Hoffman said. “I don’t think about anything but the next ball.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo