Pool shark racks up wins in Sanctuary
By Aimee Wilson
The Ghost fascinated students Sept. 23 in the Sa nctuary
with his trick shot performances and game winning
billiard skills.
Gerry Watson drew a crowd of about 50 students around
the pool tables. As Watson continued to wow the
onlookers, more students continued to stop by and take a
look.
Jody Andruszkiewicz, programmer/events co-ordinator
for Conestog a Students Inc. said, The students
absolutely love having him on campus. Each shot made
by Watson drew applause along with many shocked
expressions from the crowd of students who watched
every move he m ade on the tab le.
Dressed in a classy black suit and complementary red tie,
Watson gracefully moved about the pool table, cue in
hand and alw ays a ste p ahea d of his oppon ent. Stud ents
had the opportunity to test his expertise by playing a
round of pool against him and potentially winning a prize
graciously donated by Watson. Prizes consisted of a video
featuring Watson called Pool Academy and his book 101
Big Poo l Shots.
The 40-m inute video produce d by Professional Billiard
Productions, takes the view er inside the classroom w here
Watson guides yo u through basic stance, grip, cue b all
control, banking system and standard safety shots and
drills.
Watson s book is divided into four sections. These
sections include a series of photos and biographies of
some of billiard s top stars, Watson s amusing road
stories, practice routines and many diagrams of 101
strategic shots.
As students ch allenged the pool shark by taking their
best shots, Watson was found standing quietly to the side
with a graceful sm ile.
Jay Waples, 20, a business administration management
student, had the opp ortunity to challenge the pool shark
and successfully sunk the eight ball first, defeating The
Gho st. It felt fa ntastic to beat a billiard s icon , said
Wap les.
Watson adm its safety is the m ost valuable strategy in
winning a game of pool. Always being one step ahead of
your opponent will ensure you the game. Watson doesn t
keep his game winning tricks and skills a secret. He likes
sharing information with curious students. Ten to 20
years ago pool sharks wouldn t tell you anything, he
said. According to Watson s Web site,
www.gerrywatson.com, Watson picked up the nickname
The Ghost by knowing the safety aspects of pool and
alwa ys being able to keep the cue ball from his
oppo nents.
Watson s spark for billiards evolved at a young age when
he had a notio n to show up the egotists at the pool hall.
Everyone in my hometown was extremely competitive
in everything. He became the pool champion at age 15
in his hom etown of Corn wall, On t.
I ve always tried to keep a quiet demeanour abou t my
ability, said W atson.
He reminds me of that old guy you see in the movies
who sits in the pool halls, said Andruszkiewicz, adding,
He s one of th e most profession al, gentlem anly
persons.
The only other member in his family who plays pool
seriously is his brother. W hen aske d if his brother still
tries to beat him at the table Watson simply replied, He
gave up.
Watson s expertise and entertaining performances have
landed him pool shows at 43 different college campuses a
year. The pool shark s billiard history also includes
performing for the n avy, corporate gro ups, and m ore
than 2,500 p ool shows.
Watson will be representing Canada in the ESPN Trick
Sho t Magic Competitio n at th e ESPN Zone Club in
Baltimore Oct. 8 and 9. He will be the only Canadian
representative of eight players fro m aro und the world.
Along with a busy schedule, Watson also sells billiard
products ranging from a wide variety of pool cues,
accessories and cue ca ses.
Watson s popularity at Conestog a College will ensure
another visit from him. He is so wise, so kind, but can
own you on the table, said Andruszkiewicz.