A local pool league continues to thrive despite changes in ownership and disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over 13 teams participate with around 60 players who show up at Top Hat Billiards every Wednesday to play.
League organizer Reginald Nott has been involved since 1994.
"The teams have four people and some teams have spares," he said.
The league follows rules sanctioned by the Valley National Eight Ball Association, adapted for their full-sized 9-foot tables.
For many participants, it’s about more than just the game.
TJ Cote, who recently returned to the league after years away, said “It’s a game to get out, you know, play in the wintertime and socialize.”
The camaraderie extends beyond weekly matches.
“There’s tournaments every weekend if you want to go to one,” Cote said.
“A bunch of us go down to events in Michigan or Cheboygan. You pick guys from other teams and go down and have a blast.”
The team spirit is crucial, according to Cote.
“You always try to better yourself,” he said.
It’s important to keep your teammates accountable. “You always razz them too when they’re playing bad,” Cote said.
The league has faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We went down from 16 teams to seven teams,” Nott said.
“But when we started up again, we got back up to 14 teams and 13 this year.”
Players pay $10 every Wednesday, with $5 going to the bar, $4 to the prize fund and $1 for supplies and software.
Top teams can win up to $600 a year.
Nott hopes to modernize operations by switching to new league management software when they have enough in the supply fund.
Despite the challenges, the Open League continues to bring people together week after week.
“The more you play, the more you’re going to get better,” Cote said.
“You put yourself up higher and then keep improving.”