Hots Shots takes 3rd in Masters 8-Ball Team division at State Pool Championships

By John Burbridge sports@charlescitypress.com

WATERLOO — Joe Hull concedes that Charles City’s regular contingent of poolplayers has done much better as a whole at previous Iowa Operators of Music and Amusements State Pool Championships … himself included.

“I didn’t shoot very well in singles,” Hull said of his performance at the most recent championships held March 6-10 at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center.

But when it came to the Masters 8-Ball Team competition, Hull managed to pick it up a notch — maybe in part because good shooting in that division could be parlayed into good advertising.

“I had a couple of good runs, and that may have helped us,” Hull said of playing for “Hot Shots”, which was sponsored by his tavern/restaurant Hot Shots Billiards.

Hot Shots consisting of Hull, Jeff Buttjer, Chris Freiburg, Ryan Miller and Justin Stewart, placed third in the aforementioned Masters division.

This year, there weren’t as many Masters entrants as many would-be Masters opted to play in lower divisions for better chances for award plaques and prize money.

“The division was as tough as ever,” Hull said. “I’m glad we came back with some plaques.”

Most of the Hot Shots team members are frequent patrons of Hull’s business, and play in the various tournaments and leagues Hot Shots regularly hosts.