Billiards legend awes and amuses at Brady
Jack White began playing pool at age eight.
Published Oct. 21, 2005
Professional billiards player Jack White wasn't as concerned about his performance Wednesday afternoon at T.A. Brady's as he was about his image.
"Will you tell them I'm cool?" White said to reporters as he meandered around the billiards table.
White, with a distinguished frame, white hair, tie and blue jacket, made a striking first impression.
Yet, within seconds, a razor-sharp wit and friendly exuberance emerged.
He was the one on display.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., White demonstrated various trick shots and played games with students.
He returned to the tables from 2 to 4 p.m., where he instructed and advised students in the finer methods of pool.
White hails most recently from California, though he is a New York native.
He first picked up a billiard cue at the age of eight and never looked back. Gaining legendary status over time, he has entertained "universities, colleges, and military installations on a regular repeat basis for over 30 years."
Of course, billiards alone didn't draw the crowds to White.
Jokes came naturally to the pool trickster, as he told various stories about past pool exploits and boasted of his experiences with, as he said, "kings, queens and presidents."
He joked to the crowd even while taking the toughest of shots.
"I get up in the morning and it's one of the shots I just do for exercise," he said while sinking a shot.
Students responded enthusiastically.
Senior Chris Scofield, who watched White for much of his earlier performance, said White interacted strongly with the students by trying to get them involved with his act.
"Jack's an entertaining guy," he said.
Scofield said many gravitated to him even between performances.
Junior Andy Stroup said White gained attention because of his demeanor around the table.
"He was a real showman about it," he said.
White said his love for people and joy of touring college campuses is what drives him.
"Students are so nice," he said, laughingly referring to some as "wild."
Wildness is no problem for him, though, he said.
White's visit was sponsored by T.A. Brady's.
