Billiard Congress of America (BCA)
Billiard Education Foundation (BEF)
The future of junior and collegiate pool looks bright!
The Association of College Unions International (ACUI) and the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) merged in 2005 for their collegiate and junior programs for the annual 9-Ball championships. These championships are often referred to as "Nationals," but with over 10 different countries represented in the tournaments, it is truly an international event. The inaugural endeavor of this joint program was held at the University of Michigan - Michigan Union Billiards & Games Room in June, 2005. Officially titled the "Junior & Collegiate 9-Ball Championships," this momentous event attracted over 220 of the best 18 & Under and collegiate players from the USA, Canada, and single collegiate contenders from Taiwan, Kuwait, Hong Kong, and Vietnam (representing U.S. colleges and universities).
BCA turned over the national junior program to the Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) in 2007, and BEF-ACUI continued to hold their National Championships concurrently until 2009. Unfortunately, the logistical challenges of co-hosting an event of this size at a college union were immense. Very few collegiate venues have sufficient tables, space, and financial resources to accommodate the players, parents, and spectators. BEF and ACUI officials decided to hold their tournaments separately, but are committed to a continued philosophical and education partnership to encourage youth pool players to advance to college and continue competing in a wholesome, healthy environment.
Host sites for the Junior & Collegiate 9-ball Championships have been:
2005 University of Michigan
2006 University of Arizona
2007 Minnesota State University Mankato
2008 University of Arizona
2009 Illinois State University
Host sites for the ACUI 9-ball Championships have been:
2010 University of Michigan
2011 Virginia Tech
2012 and beyond - email mjsmith1@acui.org if your school would like to consider hosting.
For more information about getting involved in the collegiate competition, contact ACUI Director of Educational Programs & Services Michelle Smith at 812-245-8055 or mjsmith1@acui.org or visit the ACUI Recreation website at www.acui.org/programs/student.
To learn more about the BEF junior pool program,
visit the BEF website at www.billiardeducation.org.
