Bagram tournaments attract the right ‘pool’ of people

Photo By Jet Fabara | (Front) Maj. Marcos Torrestorres and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mark Bowers, with the 49th AG Company, who is one of the Bagram pool tournament organizers, both line up for a shot during their weekly eight-ball pool tournaments at the Bagram Morale, Welfare and Recreation Coalition Center, Jan. 29, 2016. (U.S. Army photo by Jet Fabara)  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

01.28.2016

Story by Jet Fabara 

U.S. Forces Afghanistan

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Billiards, more commonly known as pool, is a sport that has been played since the 15th century and continues to be enjoyed to this day. Even more so, at Bagram Air Field, it’s allowed a multitude of enthusiasts to bridge the gap between cultures, different armed services and local nationals.

Billiards, more commonly known as pool, is a sport that has been played since the 15th century and continues to be enjoyed to this day. Even more so, at Bagram Air Field, it’s allowed a multitude of enthusiasts to bridge the gap between cultures, different armed services and local nationals.

Every week, approximately 32 pool participants draw cards to partake in eight-ball and nine-ball tournaments at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Coalition Center. Although the games are competitive, camaraderie and good sportsmanship is the main goal of this gathering, according to attendees.

“I love pool and this is something fun to do in my spare time. The set up and the people I get to play against makes this enjoyable,” said Specialist Javon Abrahamson, 1610th Signal Company cable systems installer/maintainer. “This place gives you a good chance to vibe with everyone, learn different cultures and make new friends.”

“I personally enjoy having a common interest with personnel from different parts of the world. At one point, I was asked to create a tournament that was limited to only military because it would be easier to solicit prizes, but one of the unique opportunities I enjoy with this format is that it invites us to talk to or play against personnel that, in normal day-to-day dealings, we would not interact with,” added Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mark Bowers, with the 49th AG Company, and one of the Bagram pool tournament organizers.

According to Bowers, the tournaments were initially organized with the help of two previous organizers who were serving at Bagram and the current tournaments carried on with this new group since January 2015. So far, Bowers noted that the group has been working on obtaining an official regulation-size table and trophies, since all the prizes are all self-funded.

“In the past, there were trophies available that were given to the winner, with an expectation that it was to be returned the following week. In addition, we have had a pool stick donated to the winner, and DHL has donated gifts that were distributed as well, but there is currently no prizes expected to be given out,” said Bowers.

“I know most of us wish we had a nine-foot slate pool table, so we’re working on getting that right now, but other than that, we do with what we have,” Abrahamson said. “We always invite folks to come out and see what this is all about.”

At the end of each tournament, the winning pool player, not only gets bragging rights, but is awarded a BAF-customized, first-place trophy and, in some cases, a donated gift. The second-place finisher is also awarded with a BAF-customized medal.

“They’re all friendly games. It feels good when you win a trophy, but we’re all really here to just have fun. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been playing for five years or five months, everyone helps out so you can learn the game,” said Edrees Akbaryar, BAF linguist and cultural advisor who won the Jan. 29 tournament.

“I’ve only been here for three months, but I’ve been learning a lot from everyone here,” added Duncan Kahe, Ryce Engineering contractor.

Nine ball is currently played on Tuesdays and eight ball on Fridays. Registration and card draw starts at 6:30 p.m. and the tournaments begin at 7 p.m. in the MWR Coalition Center.

• Date Taken: 01.28.2016
• Date Posted: 02.05.2016 03:18
• Story ID: 187982
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF