Testimonial from a Teacher

At Rowlett High School, we have had a billiards team for 5 years.  It is an outstanding program not just because of all the education and opportunities it offers the students, but also because it appeals to a diverse cross-section of our student body.  Without billiards, many of the students in our programs would not be involved in any extracurricular activity at school, and some would not be working to pass their classes just so they can play.

However, these otherwise disenfranchised students are now recognized on our campus-wide announcements and represented in our school trophy case.  They have been called down to the principal’s office for recognition, not punishment.  They have the chance to travel and see the United States while playing in national tournaments.  They have the opportunity to take on leadership positions and be role models for incoming freshmen. They have a feeling of accomplishment and pride from representing Rowlett High School (and winning).  They have even been on TV!  Overall, we have had much success with our billiards program; our school truly would not be the same without it.

Sincerely,

April Renno
English Teacher
Rowlett High School Eagles

Testimonial from a Parent

Two years ago we were concerned parents, regarding William's lack of interest in school. He was not a bad child, in fact he was very bright and polite, although he just couldn't seem to jump start himself to take school seriously. His grades were C+ to D and he showed little interest in extra-curricular activities.

Then he began attending Berkner High School and announced that he wanted to join the Billiards Club. Now, I am from a small mid-western town in Kansas and when I was his age, my parents forbade me to even enter a pool hall; so obviously his mother and I were quite surprised.

We looked into it thoroughly, talked to Mr. Jolly (their teacher/sponsor for the club) and we agreed to give it a try. Wow! What a difference your program has made in his life. He not only has done very well in improving his skills as a pool player, but he now maintains straight A's in all of his class work.

I can honestly say that your program gave him the needed focus to improve in all facets of his life and we are truly grateful to you and Mr. Jolly for your efforts to provide such a professional program and rigid standards for scholarship, dress code, professional courtesy to others and all around sportsmanlike conduct.

Thank you for your efforts in behalf of all the DFW area students and especially for your contributions to our son William's growth and development.

Sincerely,

Carmen and Don Howard
Parents of William Howard
Berkner High School Rams

Testimonial from a Teacher

I have been sponsoring this program for six years now, and I have found it energizing because of what my students become, how they perform, how they interact with others and what they accomplish because of the experience.  Each year has its’ own challenges, rewards, and unique students.  I am proud to be associated with the B.E.T.T.E.R. Play Billiards^TM Program.

I would like to ask other school systems to get onboard a growing trend of new educational approaches to hooking kids on school.  This is a win – win deal.  The students win by staying in school and graduating.  The school system wins by a lower dropout rate, and reaching students who otherwise are not be involved in any other types of sports.  The parents win because their kids are excited about school, keeping their grades up, staying out of trouble, and participating in a sport, which is played in college and nationally in recognized tournaments where they can become nationally ranked as a player.

The B.E.F. offers seniors a chance to compete for college scholarships.  We put three tables in our school to help the students get turned on to the sport and to school, it worked, and it will work for you as well.  It has been tried and proven.  Let it work for you, your school system, your parents, your community, and your kids.

Sincerely,

Sam Jolly
CAD/Technology Teacher
Berkner High School Rams

 Testimonial from a Teacher

I have been the sponsor of the Garland High School Billiards club and team for 2 years.  During that time, I have watched students grow and become more self-assured and better math students and become a functioning part of the student body due to involvement in billiards.

Several kids that have been on the billiards team last year went to Junior Nationals in Tucson, Arizona in the summer of 2006.  These students made their own travel arrangements and itineraries and paid their own travel expenses and did quite well in the competition.  This was really a great life experience for these kids.

Two of my students that constantly failed their math and physics classes have now become A/B students in those courses due to involvement in Billiards.  TAKS exit level results will show that these kids have profited from their billiards experience when the results of these exams come back in May.

During SHARE night, a function sponsored by student leadership council, the Billiards program was well represented to incoming freshmen for the 2007-08 school year.  All extra curricular activities were represented at this forum for parents and students who plan to attend GHS.  Our display generated lots of interest and comments like “Wow! What a great way to learn applications for math and physics!”

My Billiards team is eager to get they’re own table on campus to practice for upcoming billiards meets.  They also will get letterman jackets and letters for those who competed at the Varsity level.  This is great recognition for some kids who don’t seem to belong to any other group on campus.  They are proud to see their names on the announcements weekly and this pride has spilled over into their academic areas as well.

In all, the billiards experience has been an overwhelming positive one for Garland High.

Sincerely,

Ann Marin
Culinary Arts Teacher
Garland High School Owls

Testimonial from a Teacher

I have had the pleasure of sponsoring a billiard program through B.E.T.T.E.R Play Billiards this year, 2006-2007.  It has meant the world to me to watch our young students grow together and drive toward their ultimate goal.

I had seven students involved with Sachse High School Billiards this year, and they’ve come from all walks of life.  A couple are involved in many extracurricular activities in and out of school, however, most are students who were struggling to find their niche.  Billiards became that hobby, that passion they could get behind.

Throughout out months together, I witnessed student’s come out of their shells and really pull together as a team.  I was awfully impressed with the way our team grew together and represented our school during competition.

Additionally, I can’t say enough about the tutelage of Earl Munson, the man behind B.E.T.T.E.R. Play Billiards^TM.  His expertise in the fundamentals and idiosyncrasies of the game were matched by his ability to communicate with the adolescent and his approachability.  It is apparent that Mr. Munson is motivated by the improvement of his pupils.  He thrives in the large group setting, as well as one-on-one instruction.

B.E.T.T.E.R. Play Billiards^TM and a new billiard team would be a wonderful and worthwhile addition to any high school family.

Sincerely,

Brian Wilson
Social Studies Teacher
Sachse High School Mustangs

Testimonial from a Principal

Wylie High School's first year of involvement with the high school billiards organization has been a tremendous success.  We had students involved in this activity that probably would not have been involved in any extra-curricular activity had it not been for this new opportunity.

Sincerely,

Gary Brown
Principal
Wylie High School Pirates

I strongly recommend the program Better Play Billiards. The positive results are truly remarkable.  My name is Bonnie Crocker and I teach at South Garland High. The 2006-2007 school year was the first year for our billiards team. As one of the sponsors, I have been impressed with this program.

One of the most amazing things I experienced is seeing how the students bonded and became a team.  Our billiards team is consisted from students of "all walks of life." It was an amazing experience to see them come from awkwardness to each other developing friendships. They look out for each other and help each other. The South Garland Billiards team is an awesome group of students. We are very proud of them.

As I stated before, I strongly recommend the Better Play Billiards for any high school. The benefits are wonderful.

Sincerely,

Bonnie G. Crocker
Special Education Teacher
South Garland High Owls

Testimonial from a Parent

My daughter, Taylor Johnson is a freshman at Wylie this year.  There have been many reasons why I am pleased with our move to Wylie from Garland. Your school is one of them.  Taylor has done well this year and even though she was reluctant to change schools, she has enjoyed her classes, her teachers & her coaches.

I wanted to drop you this note because Taylor is a bright, beautiful girl who has wanted very much to be involved in something.   Unfortunately, athletics has never quite fit for one reason or another.   I have wanted her to be involved in something, extracurricular.  I feel it is imperative for kids to be active in some type of extracurricular activity.  I believe it helps them with their self-esteem; their team work skills and gives them positive alternative to other activities.  When the flyer came home announcing Billiards Team, I thought great!  She thought, “No way”.  Well, I persuaded her to give it a try.  She did and she loves it.  Her goal is to go to Nationals next year.  Her ranking this year is not the best but she has the heart to make it happen.

Sincerely,

Tawnya Luther
Mother of Taylor Johnson
Wylie High School Pirates

Testimonial from a Parent

As a boy growing up I was forbidden, to enter a pool hall, by my parents. Such was the stigma of an unsavory crowd, perceived in such a place. In October, our son, William, came home and announced he wanted to join the Billiards Team at Berkner High School. You can imagine our initial reaction!

After thorough investigation and considering the fact that he had showed no interest in football, basketball, baseball or any other team sport, we agreed to let him give it a try. It was our understanding that at least 50 Berkner students were involved and perhaps as many as two hundred total students within the Regional High School program, and although he had not played pool before, we decided this may be our son’s only opportunity to participate in team sports.

We have always felt that William’s maturity would benefit if he participated in sports, although due to his severe asthma the opportunity just did not present itself. How delighted we are, that he has not only prospered, but, thrived. As proud as we are of his personal achievements, we are more delighted with the positive impact that participation in your program has had upon his character development.

Very truly yours,

Don and Carmen Howard
Parent of William Howard
Berkner High School Rams

The B.E.T.T.E.R. High School Billiards Club at Sachse High School is beneficial to students in many ways. First, it allows a group of students who, from personal observation, aren’t in other extracurricular activities to participate in a school-related club.  Students who aren’t the star athlete or the president of their class have a chance to excel with billiards.

Finally, there is an academic motivation.  Students must maintain their grades to be eligible to play.  The sponsor, Ms Cooper, takes a vested interest in each member by making sure they attend tutorials and behave in class.  This personal interaction with a faculty member allows students to connect with at least one adult on campus daily.

Sincerely,

Brandy Schneider
Assistant Principal
Sachse High School Mustangs

My name is Sam Jolly and I teach at Berkner High School in Richardson, Texas.  I have taught here for the last 5 years.  I teach 4 subjects and sponsor 3 after school activities.  When I was approached and asked to sponsor billiards, I said I would only if I could tie it to geometry and physics.  Since billiards has such a bad stigma tied to it, I felt people needed to understand there is more to it than what people have come to know.

In today’s world the students need something to help keep them off the streets, off drugs, and out of gangs.  I believe this program does just that, it shows people care about them regardless of the sport.  It gives them a place to spend their energies, improve their minds, and re-enforce their self-esteem.

 Sincerely,

Testimonial from a Teacher

My name is Holly Franz, and I am the billiards sponsor for Naaman Forest High school in Garland, Texas. It has been an enjoyable experience to be a part of the B.E.T.T.E.R. High School billiards program.  I believe it provides an opportunity for students to learn how to work as a team, build eye-hand coordination, connect billiards properties to physics, and have a good time all within a safe, positive, and structured environment.

As a high school science teacher, I often apply physics concepts to the game of billiards.  I also grew up playing recreational pool.  But, there was not any type of program that involved youth and billiards.  So, I an excited about the program and the experience it can provide for educators and students.

Holly Frantz
Science Teacher
Naaman Forest High School Rangers

Testimonial from a Teacher

I agreed to sponsor the billiards team because I thought it would be and excellent opportunity to interact with students outside of the school setting.  I have enjoyed working with the students as well as learning more about the game of billiards.

It is exciting to see the student’s progress.  Every week they are excited to see their stats.  Students are always stopping me in the halls asking who we play next or what they are ranked. This program has given students who may not have been interested in joining school clubs or sports, the opportunity to participate and compete. I would definitely encourage other high schools to become involved in a billiards program.

Sincerely,

Michelle Brothers
Special Education Teacher
Rockwall High School Yellowjackets

Testimonial from a Teacher

I am a third year geometry teacher at Rowlett High School. I have sponsored the billiard team for two years now.  I agreed to sponsor the club because I wanted to become involved in student’s lives outside of the classroom.  I was also hoping that I would learn more about the sport from working with the instructors.

This program draws a different mix of students.  Many of these students are not involved in other after school activities.  The requirement of passing all classes in order to compete has motivated students to work hard at their grades.  I have also been very impressed with the improvement of some of the students on the team.  One student from last year’s team started competing on a JV level and he is now the top player in the league.

Jessica Haeusler
Math Teacher
Rowlett High School Eagles

Testimonial from a Teacher

B.E.T.T.E.R. Billiards is an outstanding program dedicated to meeting the needs of the individual player while incorporating team values.  The Sachse High School Mustangs are a formidable team.

President, Sundie Jones, is a force to be reckoned with,  Chris Powell is an aggressive match for the unsuspecting.  Justin Brown immediately dominates the table while Steven Autrey savors every moment of the annihilation process.  Travis’s strategic planning and quick wit give him the edge. Ryan Swanson maneuvers behind his innocent face while winning the majority of his matches.  Steven McBrayer keeps his opposition guessing as he destroys their hopes of a victory.

We began the year as a diverse group of individuals new to this sport.  We’ll finish the year as a talented team mentoring the game.

Sincerely,

Denay Cooper
English Teacher
Sachse High School Mustangs