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Invitational Hall of Fame

The Bear Paw $1600 Invitational Finals

Walking into the Bear Paw on the day of the $1,600.00 invitational one would have thought the battle had already been fought before it began —- Bud Heesacker was on crutches with a cast up to his hip; Barry Eastwood was limping because he had injured his knee; and Joe Trevino hobbled in on a walker due to a recent operation on his leg. “If nothing else, these players are dedicated” said Boomer. The FORMAT was APA league races and SINGLE ELIMINATION. Ya’ lose ya’ snooze!  

This night found us observing “Mo” Joe Trevino & Don “Coyote” Walker. [Since the GOOD was eliminated in the first round we found ourselves now down to the BAD and the UGLY! J Ed.] The Coyote proved he was certainly deserving of his newly acquired skill level “7” rating. Even though it was Joe with the Walker it was Walker doing the walking and he walked all over Joe 5 games to 1 scavenging away with the $ 500 dollar purse for first place.

The Northwinds Invitational Championship Finals

July 11th At the Aloha Station a lot of people turned out to watch the Northwinds Invitational Championship. 16 of the 18 (Tray Henderson & David Schelske didn't make it) Leg Champions each were hoping they would be the one who would emerge to be known as the best of the best in the double elimination format.

Winning 1st place and $ 225 and proving he was the best of the best today was Mr. Steve Lingelbach. Steve went through undefeated in his quest to the finish.

$1600 Bear Paw Invitational Finals

On Saturday, September 19th, the long-awaited Bear Paw Finals took place at the (under new management) O’Brien’s Bear Paw Inn. Starting at 9:00 in the morning 29 finalists competed for their share of the $1600 prize fund in the single elimination 8-ball format.

When the dust settled, Steve Lingelbach had made it through Jim Scholl (SL 4), Chuck Granade (SL 5), Bill Gentle (SL 7), Pete Carr (SL 7) and Steve “if I can win just one game against him” Kemp (SL 6), who actually won two games.

$1600 Locker Room Invitational Finals

Saturday, June 21st at 9 Am Sharp At the locker room 32 invitational holders who proved they had been the best at least once in the past 32 weeks were present to play in the long awaited $1600. Invitational double elimination tournament. The draw was taken and the tension began to build as the first match-ups unfolded. 

After a tough start, winning his way back up through the losers bracket to the championship match, Steve Lingelbach proceeded with a Table run and two Break ‘n’ runs and then finally winning the last two games to shut out the match leaving Erik Tune with 2nd place money as Steve racks up his third championship in the invitational.

$1600 Longhorn Invitational Finals

Saturday, July 22nd all 32 leg winners were invited to the Longhorn to compete for bragging rights and the lion's share of the $1600 Invitational. All but 6 eligible contestants showed up. Competition was fierce and often resulted in the races coming down to the case game and double hill in the single elimination format. 

Pat Schumacher, during the Quarter Final match against Dan Fendall, recorded the first ever zero inning match ever documented in OPAL's history. It was a 5-4 Race. Dan Fendall won the lag, Broke, but missed. Pat did a table run. Game 2, Pat Snapped the 8 in off the break. Game 3, Pat Broke and Ran, Game 4, Pat Broke and Ran, and then in the case game 5, Pat broke and ran the rack one last time. Game, Set, Match... "0" innings!  WOW!!!

$1650 Halftime Invitational Finals

Saturday, May 10th the final 32 contestants were invited to attend the latest in the $1650 Invitational to be held at a new location, the Club Amazon. The series tournaments were held at the Halftime in Vancouver, Rodder's in Oregon City and the Best Bet in Beaverton. The qualifiers were held using the new point system allowing an equal chance for all players to qualify for the finals. This leg, Warren Joab showed everyone just how good a strong skill level 4 can be beating three 6's a 5 and a 7 in the finals. Congratulations Warren!

$1650 Rodders Invitational Finals

Saturday, June 5th the battle began for the latest session of the $1650 Invitational  held at Rodders in Oregon City. Many finals have come and past and all were valiantly fought. This was to be no exception! Three out of the 5 qualifing 7's fell in the first and when the dust settled, only one was in the top four! 

A special congratulations must go out to the Halftime tournament director (and part time tournament director filling in at Rodders) Don (Coyote) Walker. He was the run away leader in overall points with 143.5 points. But that wasn't enough for the old Coyote! He took first place in the ALL of the special performance categories with 18 table runs, 13 shut outs, 11 break 'n runs and 10 8 ball breaks. Now for most of us, this would have been the end of the day, but the Coyote wasn't done yet. He proceeded to eat up the field finishing in first place. THE ULTIMATE HAT TRICK!!! Congratulations Don. 

$1650 Amazon Invitational Finals

Saturday, December 4th started the latest saga of the $1650 Invitational. This time the battleground was the Amazon Sports Bar. The battle began as 32 valiant warriors squared off and took aim at the $500 first place prize and the title of Invitational Champion.  

There was a well rounded field with skill levels from 3 to 8 participating in this sessions competition. The Special Performance categories had Rob Cnossen with 21 Table Runs, Eric Soumokil with 16 Shut Outs and Don 'Coyote' Walker with 12 Table Runs, 13 8-Ball Breaks and the Overall Point Winner with 132.5 points.

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