Blue Ridge APA League Operator Vicki Catalano, and her husband Dave, turned their passion for pool into their life’s work in December 2006.  Since then, they’ve worked tirelessly to introduce APA in Asheville, N.C. and surrounding towns.  The area now has over 75 teams and nearly 500 members!  Ask Vicki what she likes most about her new calling, and she’ll happily share any number of stories, like this one involving APA members Steve and Beth Kasper.<?xml:namespace prefix = o /?>

The APA stopped at Fat Cat’s pool hall during Tuesday night league where we watched Steve Kasper during his 9-Ball match.  Schmelke Looney Tunes, as Steve and Beth’s 9-Ball team was known at the time, went on to win the Local Team Championship at the end of the Spring Session, earning the right to represent Blue Ridge APA at the National Team Championships this past August.  They decided to make the most out of their trip to fabulous Las Vegas and renew their wedding vows as a way of celebrating their five-year wedding anniversary.  Unfortunately, money was tight, and a Vegas vow renewal ceremony can be pricey, so they decided against the idea.

Steve and Beth’s teammates caught wind of this decision, however, and they would have none of it.  As a team, they agreed to donate their $250 received from the APA upon registration and surprised Steve and Beth with a ceremony at the Riviera’s wedding chapel…they even remembered to invite Vicki—who wouldn’t have missed it for the world.  Happy belated anniversary Steve and Beth!  And to the rest of Schmelke Looney Tunes, you are truly what the APA experience is all about…thank you!