Hurricane Abe Strikes Again

Peoria’s own Abrin Schaad was among nearly 6,000 pool players who attempted to qualify for the American Poolplayers Association’s (APA) 8-Ball Classic Pool Championship—and one of just 692 who advanced to the national finals. Competing in the purple tier (the highest of five skill levels) in May, he was the top player left standing, taking home a $15,000 prize.

This isn’t Schaad’s first title—he also won the U.S. Amateur Pool Championship in Tampa last November, earning the nickname “Hurricane Abe” for dominating his competitors. He is a member of the Heart of Illinois APA, which includes more than 500 area players and 100 teams.

Based in Lake Saint Louis, Missouri, the APA sanctions the world’s largest amateur pool league and produces four major tournaments, paying out nearly $2 million in cash and prizes each year. poolplayers.com PM