Galesburg, IL ACS Leagues

01/25/2022

8-Ball tournament brings business to the QC

8-Ball tournament brings business to the QC

About 900 competitors came to Davenport for the ACS 2022 Midwest 8-Ball Championships.

01/09/2022

1st Place in the fall tourney!!
Congrats to James Ludwig Karla Berry Balagna Mark Stang and Galen Davis.

01/02/2022

It’s a great honor for me to be recognized by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, for my services to Sport. I was contacted in early December by Her Majesty’s Consul General, Andrew Staunton, who told me about the MBE. I was completely shocked and elated. It’s unbelievable and I’m so grateful for the
incredible support I’ve had over the years.
Thank you 😊
Happy New Year Everyone 🥳

12/23/2021

Our fall tourney will be located at Harley's Pub, on Saturday Jan 8th, @ 11 am. To qualify, you must have four plays in current session.

Our spring session will start on Feb 2, 2022.

We are looking to expand our teams!!

If you are wanting to join a current team or get your own team, let me know.

09/30/2021

2022 ACS Midwest

https://americancuesports.org/2022-acs-midwest?fbclid=IwAR2gB72ZMOjRpKUxTevC7wlsn-xlQkUh1UGzFmN0od5RkgMz2jOnprQZM9o

Deadline for sign up is Dec 22.

07/14/2021

Galesburg pool league is going to be having a fall session starting on Sept 15. If you would like to get a 4 person team together, please send me a message of your player list and what location you will be playing out of by Aug 28th. Harleys Pub possibly has three teams already.

ACS fees are $15 now and is due by the second week of play (Sept 22).

04/26/2021

HOME | American CueSports

APRIL 26, 2021

New ACS address on June 1

ACS TO INCREASE LEAGUE SANCTION FEES TO $15 IN 2021-22 LEAGUE YEAR!

During the 17 years of the ACS, other national league organizations have raised their sanction fees, but ACS has been able to run efficiently with low overhead to keep costs down. Finally - due to rising costs and COVID - the ACS Board has been compelled to increase the 2021-22 ACS sanction fees from $10 to $15. The new sanction fees will be in force beginning with the new ACS league year that starts June 1, 2021. Divisions of play that begin prior to June 1, but are desiring to use their weeks of play to qualify players for events such as the 2022 ACS Nationals, 2022 ACS Midwest, 2022 CCS Nationals, will be required to pay the 2021-22 $15 sanction fees. 2021-2022 ACS League Sanction forms are now available for download on the ACS website: www.americancuesports.org. For a few current leagues that started back up this Spring and are just now preparing to send in their initial 2020-21 sanction fees and are using their current weeks of play to qualify for the 2021 ACS Nationals next month at the Westgate in Las Vegas and some state events being produced in the summer and fall, may use the current 2020-21 ACS Sanction forms ($10/player) to sanction their players for the current ACS league year that ends May 31, 2021.

On another note, ACS Executive Director John Lewis is retiring after 31 years of overseeing national league organizations. Janet Ybarra will become the new ACS Executive Director - beginning June 1, 2021. Janet has been involved with ACS administration at various levels since 2007; is a 2005 ACS League Operator of the Year awardee; and helped the TX ACS Championships to grow in recent years as the TX ACS Secretary/Treasurer. The new ACS address - effective June 1, 2021 is:

AMERICAN CUESPORTS ALLIANCE
2860 S. STATE HWY 161
SUITE 160-372
GRAND PRAIRIE, TX 75052
OFFICE: 469-999-0038
FAX: 469-999-0390

The ACS is a non-profit, national organization dedicated to heightening the interest and awareness of cue sports through billiard leagues and tournament play.

03/31/2021

Photos from APA Las Vegas's post

03/29/2021

American CueSports Alliance - Start your reservation

MARCH 27, 2021 RELEASE

THE ACME 2021 ACS NATIONALS IS MOVING TO THE WESTGATE RESORT & CASINO IN LAS VEGAS

Due to staffing concerns caused by the pandemic, the Tropicana has determined it cannot host the event in May, So….

THE ACME 2021 ACS NATIONALS IS MOVING TO THE WESTGATE RESORT & CASINO IN LAS VEGAS !!!

▪ Same dates: MAY 15-22, 2021 !!!!!!!!!
▪ Same schedule of play
▪ New, great venue
▪ More options for entertainment and dining
▪ BETTER ROOM RATES! $65 + tax weekday/ $85 + tax weekend (plus discounted $15/day resort fee [normally $37 at most LV casino properties]) when reserving at the new Westgate - ACS Natls event-specific website link: https://book.passkey.com/go/SACA1R
▪ The Tropicana will be automatically canceling and refunding all reservations made through the original online ACS room block on Monday, March 29. Contact the Tropicana directly if you booked your Trop room through another source.
▪ New entries still pay the same advertised tournament entry fees: a). lower if they are staying at the Westgate and can supply the resort confirmation #; b). higher if not staying at the Westgate.
ACS DISCOUNTED WESTGATE HOTEL RATES ABOVE ARE GOOD THRU APRIL 23, 2021.

When the Nevada governor next updates the safety protocols for events and venues in regard to the pandemic on May 1, 2021, ACS will announce the protocols (mask-wearing guidelines or none, etc.) to the attendees that we will be asked to follow.

Final deadline for tournament entry (online and postmarked) is Monday, April 5, 2021. WE LOOK FORWARD TO HOSTING ALL ATTENDEES!!!

Official Apparel Supplier for the ACS National Championships

Matching Collared Team Shirts are required in both the 8-Ball and 9-Ball Team divisions at the ACME 2021 ACS Nationals, May 15-22, at the Tropicana Las Vegas. If you have not yet made arrangements for matching team shirts for your team, or if you have no sponsor, we suggest taking the easy route: Contact the official ACS Apparel provider in Las Vegas - Discount Custom Apparel - in advance and simply pick-up your order at their Tournament booth once you arrive at the Championships.

CONTACT INFO: Ron Schippert - Discount Custom Apparel - 702-285-0667.

02/17/2021

Jeanette Lee Legacy Fund, organized by Tom George

Sad news in the Billiards World!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/jeanette-lee-legacy-fund

It is with heavy hearts that we share that our friend and billiards icon, Jeanette Lee, has been d… Tom George needs your support for Jeanette Lee Legacy Fund

01/19/2021

JANUARY 17 RELEASE

SAFETY PROTOCOLS ANNOUNCED FOR THE ACME 2021 ACS MIDWEST CHAMPIONSHIPS !
MASKS REQUIRED !
Per the guidelines established by the Scott County Health Dept. and our primary financial partners – the RiverCenter and the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau - and mindful of the safety of our players, the ACS must require our attendees to follow these safety protocols throughout the ACS Midwest Championships:
- Masks are required throughout the building and tournament venue at all times with two exceptions:
• You are requested but not required to wear a mask while playing a match on an assigned table(s) or practicing at an open table.
• Concessions and Bars will be available – you cannot consume food or drinks unless you are seated at a table.

▪ While turnout is excellent, we are required to install fewer pool tables in the main tournament room this year to accommodate safer spacing and to minimize congestion.
SINGLES COMPETITION: While you are not required to mask up while you are competing in a match or practicing, we request that you mask up between innings when you are awaiting your turn.

TEAM COMPETITION: When you are seated next to your teammates and not playing a game, we ask that you mask up. If you are seated with food or drink at your team table, you are not required to mask up.

SPECTATORS: The number of chairs for players will be limited - especially during team play. If you are not entered in the tournament but desire to observe a friend's match, please stand at a distance from the competition table, wear a mask and practice social distancing from those around you. Once the match is completed, please exit the tournament room.

▪ Hand sanitizers and anti-bacterial wipes will be available at every pool table. You and your teammates are requested to please clear the player table and wipe down the pool table rails, player table(s) used and chairs after completing your match – as a safety courtesy to matches following yours.
▪ Please play with your own pool chalk and remove from the pool table after your inning, match or practice! If using a golf pencil from the Tournament Desk to keep score through a match, please dispose in the trash receptacle when scanning your score sheet at the desk, so it is not reused.
▪ Masks are available at the entrances to the tournament room for those w/o one.
▪ All attendees and staff must social distance.
▪ When you complete your match - to minimize congestion in the venue or the vendor lobby - we request attendees exit the premises, return to your hotel room, patronize local businesses or other. Please support our tournament vendors in the lobby, but be mindful of minimizing congestion in all areas throughout the Championships.
WE APPRECIATE YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND COOPERATION,
SO WE CAN BE INVITED BACK FOR FUTURE YEARS!

10/28/2020

American Cue Sports National Pool Championships

OCTOBER 28 RELEASE:

ACME 2021 ACS Midwest and ACS Nationals Entry Process NOW Activated !
Entry registration and complete tournament details for BOTH the ACME 2021 ACS Midwest Championships (RiverCenter in Davenport IA, Jan. 20-24) and the ACME 2021 ACS Nationals (Tropicana Las Vegas, May 15-22) are now available online. Hard-copy entry forms may also be downloaded from the ACS website - www.americancuesports.org, and forms/posters are currently being shipped directly to ACS-sanctioned league operators. All attendees - whether transferred entries from the 2020 ACS Nationals or new - must gain their qualified weeks of play in one 2020/2021 sanctioned league session (4 weeks for the Midwest/8 weeks for the Nationals) since June 1, 2020.

The entry postmark deadline for the ACME 2021 ACS Midwest Championships is Wednesday, December 23, and discounted hotel rates for attendees are available as follows:
* Radisson Hotel [PRIMARY – Attached to RiverCenter] 563-322-2200 / For discounted rate use GROUP CODE: “ACS” by 12/20/20
* Hotel Blackhawk [across the street from the RiverCenter] 563-322-5000 / For discounted rate use GROUP CODE: “ACS Midwest Pool” by 12/14/20
* The Current Iowa [two blocks from the RiverCenter] 563-231-9572 / For discounted rate use GROUP CODE: “ACS Midwest Pool” by 12/14/20
* Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf [4 mi. from RiverCenter] 1-800-843-4753 “Bettendorf”/For discounted rate use GROUP CODE: “ACSMW21” by 1/5/21

The entry postmark deadlines for the ACME 2021 ACS National Championships are:
Early Bird Registration Ends January 30, 2021
Regular Registration Ends March 22, 2021
Late Registration / Entries Closed April 5, 2021

and discounted host hotel and resort fee rates at the Tropicana for attendees are available at the hotel/event-specific website if made by April 9, 2021:
https://book.passkey.com/go/AmericanCueSports21

ACS looks forward to inviting everyone "back into pool" in 2021!

The Tropicana Las Vegas - a DoubleTree by Hilton is surprising guests with a unique approach to fine dining – insisting on savory flavors and delivering the intimate and personalized experiences you’re truly craving. From authentic Italian indulgences to thick-cut sizzling steaks and fresh seafo...

08/26/2020

We are thinking of having a quick session for those who want/need to qualify for tourneys or who just want to play for a quick fun session.
Message me for details if interested.

04/14/2020

TUESDAY – APRIL 14 RELEASE:

RESERVATIONS & REFUNDS UPDATE - CANCELED OMEGA BILLIARDS 2020 ACS NATIONALS !

TOURNAMENT ENTRY REFUNDS: The American CueSports Alliance (ACS) administration will be processing entry refunds for the canceled OMEGA BILLIARDS 2020 ACS NATIONALS. We project the refund process will take approximately one month (April 15 thru May 15). PLAYERS DO NOT NEED TO CONTACT THE ACS, AS ACS ADMINISTRATION WILL AUTOMATICALLY PROCESS REFUNDS TO THE ORIGINAL FUNDING SOURCE FOR EACH ENTRY. During this process, we will appreciate your patience. If you have not received your refund by May 20, feel free to contact the ACS office.

OR TRANSFER YOUR ENTRY FEE TO THE ACME 2021 ACS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: Should you desire to skip a refund and transfer your entry(s) to the ACME 2021 ACS NATIONALS at the Tropicana Las Vegas, May 15-22, contact the ACS administration IMMEDIATELY at either 920-662-1705 or [email protected] and request the specific entries to be held over for the 2021 Championships! 2020 entry fee amounts will remain the same for 2021.

REFUND OF TROPICANA HOTEL RESERVATIONS/DEPOSITS: Unfortunately all business within the Las Vegas casinos (including the Tropicana) is on hold until the Nevada governor authorizes them to reopen. If you have reservations to cancel and/or hotel room deposits to be refunded, the Tropicana reservations department will automatically do so once the Tropicana reopens. They have no ability to do so until the Trop reopens. Once the Tropicana has reopened and had some time to update their affairs, they will be automatically canceling your reservations and refunding any deposits. If you do not receive notice of your cancellation/deposit refund in a reasonable amount of time, contact the Tropicana directly.

In the meantime, STAY SAFE!

03/14/2020

01/05/2020

Karla team took first in the fall session and also took first place in the fall tourney today!!

Congrats Karla, Mark, Galen, Fess, and Rory!!!

12/26/2019

Location change for March ACS tournament.

12/17/2019

Galesburg ACS fall tourney is Jan 4th at 11am and will take place at Harley’s on Grand Ave.

If any questions please contact Shawna.

12/06/2019

The Passing of Gary Benson
***
The ACS was greatly saddened to be informed of the passing of one of our great friends and supporters - and a GIANT in the world of amateur billiards - Gary Benson. As the first person in the country to make a full-time living hauling pool tables from one location to another on trucks, Gary paved the way logistically for more and more state and large tournaments to be held throughout North America. But in addition, Gary was hired out by such large league systems as the VNEA, ACS, the former BCA and others to direct many of these events, and his smarts, good people skills, and attention to detail and fairness raised his profile as THE TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR above all others. His expanding inventory of transferrable equipment, experience and observations helped to enlarge many of these national championships to sizes that would have been unheard of when he first began - making his mark on the amateur pool sport in North America indelible. Gary was a tournament director for the VNEA Internationals since its start in 1980; took over the reins directing the BCA Nationals in the late '80s through 2006; directed the ACS and CCS Nationals since their 2004 start-ups; and has provided tables for the APA Nationals for many years; not to mention the hundreds of other affiliated and independent pool tournaments throughout North America he supplied and directed! We and the sport will greatly miss this great pioneer, and we pass along our sympathies to his sons, Shannon and Corey, family and the staff at High Country Promotions - the most recognized equipment-supplier name in amateur pool sports. - John Lewis, ACS Executive Director

[From Shannon and Corey Benson]
It is with heavy sadness that we have to pass on this news . Dad passed away last night peacefully in his sleep . He put up a hell of a fight as any proud Marine would do . We kept him as comfortable as we could. My brother and I were by his side the whole time .
He had a wonderful visit with friends and family over Thanksgiving , I am so thankful for that . He really wanted to see his beloved grand daughter one more time and I am so glad that he got to do so. He really lit up when he saw her.
A little about dad .
Dad served proudly in the United States Marine Corp. He was a Vietnam Veteran and loved the service he did for his Country . He used to talk a bit about some of the stories from his tour there . He used to have some really great old 8mm film of his time in Vietnam. We will be having a full military burial to honor him and his service in the Marine Corp at Logan National Cemetery in Denver CO . We felt that would be a great way to honor his service and his life .
He was an icon and true champion in the growth of amateur pool in the billiard world . Helping build the foundations of many Leagues and Major tournaments around the US and Canada. He was one of the first league coordinators for D&R Star in Rochester MN . There for the creation of the VNEA Pool leagues with Dick Hawkins. That led to our own amusement route in Colorado , called High Country Games and Music. That really increased the size of pool and dart leagues in Northern Colorado for many years . He started High Country Promotions with Jim Mason back in 1988 , with 40 pool tables and a couple goose neck trailers . I am proud to say we have grown that to 9 semis with 360 pool tables setting tournaments year round all over US and Canada. I am truly lucky to have learned from the best in the business on how to run a pool tournament and really learn this industry from the ground up .
The foundations he has laid will continue to survive in the billiard world for a long long time.
He has also been in the bar business for a long time off and on. From Gary and Jo's Place in Pine Island MN , Match Ups Pool Hall in Fort Collins CO to Bugsy's in Las Vegas NV.
It really has been a great outpouring of love and memories that you all have shared. It really shows how many thousands of people he's interacted with and touched over the years . Lots and lots of stories over the years lol .
We will be having a celebration of life for dad at Match Ups Pool Hall in Fort Collins CO. Since we owned that for many years, I thought it would be a great place for everyone to have some drinks , food and tell some great stories . Not a big fan of funeral homes so I figured let's party it up , tip a few back for dad and celebrate his life.
We will put out information for services as soon as we have them scheduled . It will be about a week or so for us to get arrangements set . I have a hunch there's going to be a few people wanting to attend and that will give you some time to plan your travel arrangements.
Thank you again to everyone for the really amazing support and the outpouring of love thru this difficult time.
Peace and Love
Sons Shannon and Corey Benson