Pool player strives to change the game’s image

When most people think of professional pool players, an image somewhat akin to Paul Newman’s character in "The Color of Money" is conjured up.

While it is very common for most billiard players to make a career out of smoke-filled rooms and hustled money, Scott Lee prefers to do it on college campuses.

Lee, a renowned billiards player and trick shot artist, had his fill of the gambling life long ago and is spending all his time promoting the sport he loves.

" I prefer to play the game for the sport it is, and not just for gambling," Lee said.

A nationally certified instructor, Lee spends nine months of the year on the road, bringing his "Traveling College of Billiard Knowledge" to college campuses, local pool halls, and just about anywhere he can scrape up a few yards of green felt. He will be displaying his billiards expertise at the KUC Game Room today from 11 am to 1 pm.

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Lee, a billiards instructor from Bozeman, Mont., was at Galvin Hall at Ohio State University/Lima on Wednesday demonstrating practical methods and fancy tricks.

Needless to say, he dropped more balls than a one-arm juggler. The expressions in the student crowd ranged from disbelief to admiration, with many staying for Lee’s two sessions.

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Scott Lee never dreamed he would one day take over for the man who inspired him to learn the game of pool.

Lee, an advanced instructor certified by the Billiard Congress of America and a renowned trick-shot artist, learned billiards and pool under instruction of billiard virtuoso Jack White. Lee became White’s protégé, and when White retired in 1995, Lee carried on the legacy. He has been performing on White’s former tour ever since.

One stop on that tour was the Illini Union Billiards Center, where he shared his knowledge of the game of pool and showcased numerous trick shots for a group of about 40 students Thursday.

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Normally a place to unwind or take care of a friendly dispute, this week the Bowling and Billiards Center hosts a golden opportunity for students to improve their billiards play.

Professional and nationally recognized billiards instructor Scott Lee is providing his expert advise all week to the students, faculty and staff of ISU.

“ I have been playing for 30 years — 22 of those I have spent as a teacher,” Lee said. “I have 17 students that have won national and regional championships including three collegiate championships.”

He travels around the country teaching billiards, and this is his tenth year at ISU.

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