Cameron Greulich, freshman psychology major, shoots the opening break during the 8-ball tournament at Jazzman’s Cafe yesterday. SEAN DAUGHERTY DAILY KENT STATER

Credit: John Proppe

Student pool sharks have the chance to win a pool cue worth $300 in this year’s Kent Student Center 8-ball tournament.

The next qualifying tournament is Monday at 7 p.m. Those interested can sign up in the lower level of the Student Center at the mail desk.

Typically, each qualifying round sees anywhere from 18 to 25 people, senior English major Mahlon Rhodes said, who has been in charge of the event the last two years. The entrants then work through a bracket to determine the top three who will advance.

This is the third year for the event, which is played in a one-on-one double-elimination style. Last night was the second of six qualifying rounds for the tournament.

Rhodes said there is no limit to how many times a person can attempt to qualify for the final. In addition, Rhodes said anyone who is already qualified for this year’s final tournament on Oct. 23 is welcome to play, but should they place in the top three, the next-placed finisher will advance to the final.

The Kent Student Center started by giving away gift certificates for the University Bookstore, Rhodes said, and it has progressed to this year’s prize of a pool cue worth about $300.

Sophomore advertising major Adam Smithberger, who advanced to the final last spring semester, was impressed with the prize.

“They’re giving away a Viking cue, which is pretty good. You always see (Viking Cues) as a sponsor for the professional tournaments on ESPN,” he said.

There are no prizes for the weekly qualifiers.

“It’s all or nothing pretty much,” Rhodes said.

Cameron Greulich took first place in the Kent Student Center programming’s 8-ball tournament on his first attempt.

Greulich, a freshman psychology major, entered his first qualifying tournament and beat out a field of 17 last night in the lower level of the Student Center to be one of three advancing to the final tournament.

Also advancing were Terry Moenkhaus, sophomore computer science major, who took second, and Ian Hupertz, freshman fine and professional arts major, who placed third.

Contact student finance reporter Tyrel Linkhorn at [email protected].