By Edward Lynn
Local billiards player Dave Walker took 3rd place in the Super Senior 8 Ball competition and also took 3rd in the Super Senior 9 Ball, at the 59th Annual Midwest 8 ball tournament in Sioux City, which was held last Wednesday through Sunday, April 30th through May 4th.
Walker said he’s been playing pool for 60 years, competing occasionally since 1985, and annually since 2017. “I’ve finished in the top 5 quite a few times”, Walker said, noting he’s been consistent. Walker finished second in the Senior 9 Ball tournament last year, held in Waterloo. Walker’s career as a player started when his family owned the local pool hall, when he was a child, and would watch and learn from the players who came through town—learning what to do from the hustlers, he told the Eagle, and what not to do from the losers.
While Walker said he’s “tapping out” soon, he recommended the sport to anyone looking for positive experiences. “Its always fun meeting new people,” walker said, pointing to the notable people you meet playing tournaments. And, Walker added, “it gives you a feeling of accomplishment,” to compete, especially, “when you play good.”
But, Walker warned, “If you wanna be real good you have to practice all the time.
