Of all the typical “bar room” games like darts or ping-pong, none can compare to the fame of pool. The allure of the eight ball rarely calls to the common man, but one Titan in particular has found a passion for this centuries old table sport.
Freshman Jas Makhani was very young when his dad started taking him to pool halls.
“When I was 5 years old, we used to go play pool at a place 10 minutes from here called Break Time. The first time I went, I watched my dad play and I kind of got into it, and ever since then I really liked it. But I didn’t start taking it seriously until I was 12. [Then] I started playing competitively. I felt like I got natural at it. I just fell in love with it,” Makhani said.
Pool is not known for being an easy game. It requires a high level of understanding angles and collision physics. Also, a good player needs to know the appropriate spins, chalks, grips and strategies. Makhani’s skills require spending a great deal of time and energy to maintain and improve his capabilities.
“I play about four hours a day. During summer I wake up at 10 and go to the gym from about 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. I’m playing all day,” Makhani said.
While some may wonder if his time was worth it, Makhani has won multiple awards because of his dedication. He has placed second in three junior tournaments, won two others just last year and even placed third in a competition against adult players.
“[In] my first major tournament I became Tennessee State champion, and I was 12. My latest big win was third in the North Carolina State Open to one of the best players in North Carolina,” Makhani said.
Just as Makhani found his passion in something most people know but few people participate in, he encourages people to find what makes them happy and pursue it.
“Just stick with it and do whatever your heart desires,” Makhani said.
Maybe this is your cue to try something new and give pool or whatever else sparks your interest a shot.
