WCC HALL-OF-FAME INDUCTEES
Jose Torres (Los Angeles) August 2023
José Torres joined the Los Angeles Pool League in 1995 and has been a regular player for nearly 28 years. He first appeared in the West Coast Challenge in San Francisco in 1995 on the Little Joy JR., team. José would go on to place second in Individuals in Long Beach in 2016. Since he began in the league, José has made 17 appearances at WCC playing in the Open Individuals, in Hi-Lo and several times on teams. Outside of LAPL, Jose has won trophies at the BCA nationals, Southwest Regionals, multiple trophies in the Los Angeles Pool League and several times on first place teams. José has served on the LAPL Board of Governors for two terms and has assisted the board behind the scenes for more than 20 years with graphic arts, compiling the WCC programs, and donating space for promotions in Adelante Magazine, for which he is the editor. He has been a team captain and fundraiser for Los Angeles and the various WCCs held in LA. José Torres and partner Al Ballesteros have dedicated decades to LAPLʼs competition, camaraderie, and community.
Jon Bourgault (Los Angeles) August 2023
Jonʼs love of pool is from his grandpa Harry who taught him to play which led him to the Los Angeles Pool League in 1999. During his first 24 years in the league, he has served on the Board of Governors three separate times as secretary and vice-president as well as being webmaster for 2 years. He has qualified for the WCC 23 times, 10 times in teams, 11 times as an individual and 2 times in Hi-Lo. He won his first trophy in the Hi-Lo with Ricky Man (2002) and finished 5th place twice (2005 & 2015). During this time, he also captured the bronze medal at the 2002 Gay Games in 8 ball, a bronze in both 8 & 9 Ball at the 2006 Out-games, 5th place at the 2004 APA National Championships and 17th place in 8 ball at the 2007 APA National Championships. However, none of these are as important as the friendships he has made over the years and he is forever grateful for those. He can’t wait to see what the next 24 years have in store!
Saeromi joined the Los Angeles Pool League in fall 2011
At her first appearance at West Coast Challenge in Long Beach 2012, Saeromi placed second in Womenʼs. Since then she has made 16 appearances at WCC, 15 times playing in Womenʼs and once in Hi-Lo. She placed 2 more times for LA, both 3rd place trophies in Womenʼs. She also won Calcutta once with Malissa Mapu, another WCC Hall of Famer. Outside of LAPL, Saeromi earned a first-place trophy in Sin City Shootout 2016, and attended the APA Las Vegas team tournaments in 2005 and 2008, representing Rhode Island in the nationals. Saeromi served in the LAPL Board of Governors in 2016 and has captained several teams, including 2 all womenʼs teams. Saeromi takes time to recruit and mentor women and nonbinary players, to increase their representation in the league as well as skill level. Saeromi enjoys competition, camaraderie, and community in league play, and loves to play amongst the regulars at WCC.
Kerri Frasca (Los Angeles) August 2023
Kerri Frasca was a member of the Los Angeles Pool League for nearly 20 years. She had 14 appearances at the West Coast Challenge and took one trophy in the Women's Tournament. During her time in the league, she served multiple terms on the Board of Governors in various positions. Her service to the Los Angeles Pool League has been in the form of assisting with cultivating new players and teams, putting together fundraisers and serving as referee during playoffs. Kerri and her wife Malisa Mapu, who is a WCC Champion herself were the registration/check in team for the WCC in Los Angeles for several past West Coast Challenges. Kerri and Malisa recently relocated to Washington State where they still play competitive pool with the local leagues.
Al Ballesteros (Los Angeles) July 2018
Al Ballesteros is a seven-term President of the Board of Governors of the Los Angeles Pool League and one of our inductees for the 77thWest Coast Challenge Hall of Fame. Under his leadership and together with the Board, Los Angeles has maintained and expanded its league to new venues, has recruited new membership and created new teams. This has allowed Los Angeles to send new players to WCC to compete on behalf of our city at home and away. As President of the Los Angeles Pool League, Al has led the efforts to organize two West Coast Challenge events including WCC 77. To this end, Al together with an organizing committee managed the logistics, venue negotiations and fundraising efforts. Prior to becoming league President, Al assisted other local WCC events as a sponsor donating funds to support the set-up of tables for at least five different WCC s. In most recent years, Al has taken on the majority of the fundraising efforts bringing in new sponsors to help support the WCC in Los Angeles. This fundraising effort helps provide the best venues, amenities and playing room set-up for players from all four cities. Al has also served as an official and back-up referee at approximately six WCC events away and at home. Al joined the Los Angeles Pool League in 1987 and played on the Little Joy, JR team. He has a continuous history of 30 years playing in the LAPL. To this end and at the local level, Al assisted in organizing at least two charity events with the assistance of the LAPL during the height of the AIDS crisis in the late 1980s and early 1990s, raising money for local AIDS organizations generated from pool tournaments and raffle ticket sales. Al first captained one of the Little Joy teams which went to the West Coast Challenge in the spring of 1992. Al has been to WCC seven times on a team, five times as an individual and once on as a hi-lo player.
Malisa Mapu (Los Angeles) July 2018
Malisa Mapu started playing pool in the San Diego pool league in the fall of 1999 and from the beginning was winning qualifiers to get her to WCC. In January 2006 she took her first trophy at WCC as the first-place woman and has not slowed down since. In her lengthy career she has qualified to play at WCC a total of 17 times and has won a total of 11 trophies for the Women’s Division and one first-place trophy for Individuals. She has represented 3 cities at WCC winning trophies for all of them and through it all she has remained humble and always willing to support and teach along the way. She continues to give at WCC every season whether she is playing, running the tournament, refereeing or making people laugh. She has been a part of this amazing group of pool players for 19 years and hopefully will continue for many more years to come. One thing is for sure, no one is happy when they see her name in the same bracket as their own. In addition to her stellar pool playing, Malisa has been involved in assisting with the West Coast Challenge organizing and especially this WCC77. As a multi-term board member of the Los Angeles Pool League, Malisa has assisted in organizing our league locally with fundraising, logistics and development of new players on her teams. Her colleagues on the Board truly value her and her involvement to make the LA Pool League and our participation in the WCC the best that it can be. Thank you for all the many years of service!
Brian Haneiwich (Los Angeles) July 2016
Bryan joined the Los Angeles Pool League in the Fall 2004 season at the age of 25 and after having played a couple of seasons in the 9 Ball league. By the Spring of 2005, Bryan had qualified for his first WCC appearance in the Open Individuals. During the time between 2005 and today he has appeared in 18 WCC events, 14 times as an Individual, 2 times in Teams and 2 times in Hi-Lo. Bryan won his first WCC trophy at WCC LIX taking 4th place in the Open Individuals. Since then he has achieved four more Open Individual trophies and a First Place Hi-Lo finish for a total of six. Bryan has been a member of the Board of Governors for the LAPL since the Spring of 2015 and has been the webmaster for the LAPL since 2012. He received a special recognition award from the LAPL for his work on the website in the Spring 2013 season. With respect to LAPL play, Bryan has won the League's Individual Championship 4 times with 3 second place finishes. Bryan's service to the West Coast Challenge has been as a player, volunteer referee, an organizer of WCC LXXIII and as the webmaster of the LAPL keeping statistics in order.
Phil Stephens (Los Angeles) July 2016
Phil Stephens has had an extensive record of service to the West Coast Challenge for many years in different capacities. Phil initially became involved with the WCC in 2005 as a referee. Since that time, Phil has participated in at least 19 WCC events as either a referee, board member, WCC committee member or player. Phil attended 15 WCC events in a row from 2006 to 2013. As a player, Phil participated in the Open Individuals in Spring 2010 in San Francisco and also captained a team that represented Los Angeles at the Fall 2015 WCC in San Diego. Phil served on the WCC organizing committee for Los Angeles three times and was the WCC Committee Chairperson at WCC LXI 2010 in Los Angeles. Phil has served as an LA representative committee member at the WCC at least ten times. He soon successfully petitioned the Board of Governors of the LAPL to add a new sponsor location and convinced twelve new players to join the LAPL to start two teams at the Gold Coast Bar in West Hollywood. Phil was elected to the Board of Governors of the LAPL in the Spring of 2006 and served nine terms as Statistician. He served as President of the LAPL in Spring 2010, Fall 2010 and Spring 2011. Phil served two terms as the Chair of the Rules and Protest Committee from 2012-2013.
Julian Auzenne (Los Angeles) July 2014
As a Louisiana native, Julian first joined the Los Angeles Pool League in August 2010 after playing many seasons in LA's 9-Ball League. Julian was selected to be a member of the LAPL Board of Governors where he served as Treasurer. Prior to joining the LAPL, Julian joined the Long Beach Pool League in January 1998 and has served as Co-Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice President. He was instrumental in sanctioning the Long Beach Pool League with the BCA. As a member of both LAPL & LBPL, he has competed in several West Coast Challenges in Hi-Lo, Team and Individuals events, with a first place finish in Hi-Lo (Spring 1998), a third place (Spring 2006) and fifth place (Spring 2000) finish in Individuals competition. He has also competed in the BCA Nationals where he placed in the money. He is honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and values the friends he's made along the way. A quote that describes Julian best is "I learned long ago that those who are the happiest are those who do the most for others" - Booker T. Washington.
Joe Nealon (Los Angeles) July 2014
Joe grew up in Denver as one of 7 children in a home with a pool table in the basement. He has enjoyed the game throughout his life. Joe moved to California in 1985 and joined the L.A. Pool League in the Spring 1993 season from the Incognito Bar in Reseda. Over the past twenty years he has been on many competitive teams that have consistently finished in the top four spots. He has a commendable history of top eight LAPL Individual trophies. His teammates have included some of the top players in League and WCC history and he credits those such as Frank Bustamante and Tony Wales with helping him advance his game to a higher level. Joe was elected to our Board of Governors serving as Playoff Chair and then as President in the Spring 2006 season. He chaired WCC LIII hosted by the L.A. Pool League held at the Airtel Hotel. As a member of the Team, Open Individual and HI/LO delegations in numerous Challenges, he was on the championship team at WCC XXXII in January 1996 in Long Beach. He has served as a Judge on multiple occasions. His all-around athletic ability is evidenced by his longtime participation in various sports. As a player in the softball league, he participated in 3 World Series events, winning the team title in 1991. He is also an avid tennis player and an accomplished golfer with a 7 handicap. Although he still loves to compete he realizes that the ultimate prize is the many lifelong friendships made throughout the years.
Russ Pepin (Los Angeles) July 2012
Russ Pepin was born in Massachusetts. He left New England, moving to Washington D.C. in 1981. He became an activist for gay rights, involving himself in multiple gay sporting activities. He served in numerous player and administrative positions and interfaced with local, national and international authorities to improve both the available facilities and profile of the gay community. Russ moved to San Francisco in 1991 and immersed himself again with the sports network. He was elected to the SFPA Board eventually as Vice President volunteering his time as both a manager and player at all levels. A prodigious fund raiser, he has been honored by multiple leagues for his Calcutta auctions generating substantial funds for charities. The passing of his close friend and fellow SFPA member Luby Pelletier motivated Russ to organize more than a decade of annual 8 and 9 Ball fund raising events in Luby's honor. Russ transitioned to Los Angeles and soon was elected to the LAPL Board. He has served as Treasurer, Tournament Chair and Vice President. Russ has multiple Open Individual accomplishments and has been a member of numerous championship teams. His distinguished service to both the SFPA, our League and the West Coast Challenge have more than justified his induction into the Hall of Fame.
Dale Beattie (Los Angeles) July 2010
A native Californian, Dale joined the L.A. Pool League with the commencement of our Fall 1992 season. Dale served with distinction on our Board of Governors as Vice President, Secretary and Rules & Protest Chair. He is also a talented Bridge player and avid golfer. He was awarded the Bronze Medal during the "scratch" golf event at the 1986 Gay Olympics II held in San Francisco. Always a focused competitor, he was a member of the top LAPL team in the Fall 2003. Dale's six LAPL and two WCC Open Individual championships along with his WCC second, fourth, seventh and eighth place Open personal finishes underscore his skill and concentration. His service on the WCC Committee and as a judge on numerous occasions is a testimony to his competence, fair mindedness and good sportsmanship. While serving multiple terms as our Rules Chairperson, he earned the confidence and admiration of our membership and his WCC Rules counterparts with well written and concise proposals leading to important revisions and clarifications to both our League and the WCC.
Gibbi Tkatch (Los Angeles) July 2010
Gibbi joined our League more than a decade ago. He started at the top on Lauren Ward's winning Shooters team with a first place in WCC XLI (July 2000). He had a long history in the BCA (2003 Trainee of the Year, 2004 Rookie of the Year, 2006-2007 BCA Referee of the Year, 2009 ACS Referee of the Year and currently Tournament Director of BCA's 9 Ball Challenge). He has supplied tables multiple times in San Francisco, Long Beach, and Los Angeles. He additionally provided stick repairs and anything else related to the equipment end of our game. His gifts of cues and other items to the various cities to use as WCC raffle items have been appreciated by all. Joining LA 10 years ago he has played in almost every WCC in either Hi-Lo or Team, placing first in Hi-Lo (WCC LV, WCC LVII) and Team (WCC XLI and WCC XLIII). He has been on LA’s team most seasons in this past decade including the last 4 WCCs in a row. In the LAPL, Gibbi has also been busy. He married Anna in 2004 and got elected to our BOG. He has served multiple seasons and delivers the same level of support as he does to the WCC. His generous donations as a sponsor add something special to our events. In short both LA and the other WCC cities are happy to share him with Anna.
Vern Addison (Los Angeles) July 2008
Vern Addison was inducted into the Hall of Fame on July 13th, 2008. She has made (14) WCC appearances. (13) appearances in the Women's Open Individuals. 3rd Place Women's Open WCC XLI (Jul 2000), a HI/LO appearnacne with Ian Dodrill WCC LI (Jan 2006), Judged at WCC XXXV (Jul 1997), WCC XXXVI (Jan1998), WCC LIII (Jul 2006) and WCC LIV (Jan 2007)
Rick Ayers (Los Angeles) July 2008
Rick Ayres was inducted into the Hall of Fame on July 13th, 2008. He has been an LAPL member since 1983. His WCC history includes (7) Team appearances and (9) Open Individual appearances. 1st Place Team WCC XXIX (July 1994), 8th Place Open Individuals WCC XXXV (July 1997), 8th Place Open Individual WCC XLI (July 2000), 5th Place Open Individual WCC XLII (Jan 2001), 1st Place HI/LO w/Kerri Frasca WCC XLVI (Jan 2003), and 2nd Place Open Individual WCCLVI (Jan 2008).
Stevan Bailey (Los Angeles) July 2006
Inducted into the second group from Los Angeles, Stevan has had an impressive record performance: Nine team championships - WCCs- XXI (7/'90), XXXII (1/'96), XXXII (7/'96), XXXV (7/'97), XXXVI (1/'98), XXXVII (7/'98), XXXIX (7/'99), XLI (7/'00) and XLII (7/'01). Five Open Individual placements: Third - WCCXX (1/'90); Second-XXXVII (1/'99); and First Place at WCC XL (1/'00). Stevan has won our League's individual championship four times. Stevan owned and operated Rawhide/Shooters, the location for multiple West Coast Challenges. He received the John E. Isakson Memorial Award for his outstanding contributions as a sponsor of the L.A. Pool League. He recently relocated to Hawaii.
David Boyd (Los Angeles) July 2006
David joined our league in the late 80's with the encouragement and guidance of early League supporters Jeff Lusiak and Carlos Navarrete. A three time WCC team champion: WCCs-XXI (7/'90); XXXV (7'97); and XXXVI (1/'98). Two Open Individual finishes: Fourth = XXXI (7/'95) and Sixth - XLV (7/'02). David won the League individual championship once and has numerous finishes in the top eight. His tenure as team Captain has proved to be highly successful with multiple top four team wins over the past 20 years. This season, David represents us again in the Open Individuals (LIII/'06). As a long time supporter of the League, we congratulate him on his induction into the WCC Hall of Fame.
Frank Bustamante (Los Angeles) Charter Member July 2005
Frank first appeared on our records at West Coast Challenge II. He is a member of thirteen WCC championship teams. He also won three 4th place finishes in the Open Individuals, along with two 2nd and one 1st place which came on his birthday in 1981. He was a Hi/Low winner partnering with Olive McLaughlin. Frank has received Los Angeles Leagues’ “Sportsmanship Award.” He has always been one of those players who took the time to help others with their game. Frank has consistently been able to amaze us with the “clutch” wins at crucial times to send a match into overtime or defeating his individual opponent while making them feel somewhat good about the experience.
Paul H. Bussiere (Los Angeles) Charter Member July 2005
Hailing from New England’s Cape Cod , Paul, a Maser Electrician and entrepreneur served nine terms on the Board of Governors for the Los Angeles Pool League. In the team events, Paul has won twice. However, in the Open Individuals he has been outstanding, receiving one 8th, three 6th, one 4th, one 3rd, one 2nd, and three 1st place finishes. Those of us who saw Paul play was amazed at the speed at which he could execute shots. When he got in the groove, he proved to be an extremely tough competitor. His life was tragically shortened due to illness.
John Cochran (Los Angeles) Charter Member July 2005
A member of the Los Angles League for nearly 25 years, John has serve 27 terms on the Los Angles Pool League Board of Governors, including five times as President. He has represented LA as a Hi/Low and Open Individual player in the West Coast Challenge. His firm and steady hand as Tournament Director has brought stability and professionalism to the LAPL hosting responsibilities. John is an immensely popular with our members, and he has a wonderful, positive attitude and an enviable record as a fund-raiser.
Joe Dale (Los Angeles) Charter Member July 2005
Joe Dale was born in Golden Valley , Minnesota and is one of the few West Coast Challenge players to have played from more than one city. He started playing in Long Beach in the late 1980’s and was on the first winning WCC team at WCC XXIII in San Diego. He was on the winning Hi/Low team at WCC XLI, Joe played in more than a dozen WCCs representing both Long Beach and Los Angeles . He is a great supporter attending most fund-raisers in whichever city he is playing. HE has braved his illness and carried on providing stiff competition whenever he plays.
Jack Frohman (Los Angeles) Charter Member July 2005
Jack holds the extraordinary record of 11 Los Angeles Pool League individual titles. He has nine West Coast Challenge team championships, and in the Open Individual’s he has four 4th, four 3rd, one 2nd and two 1st place finishes. As sponsors, Jack and “Butch” opened the “Palms, “ the first women’s bar in the Los Angels Pool League. He has also hosted the WCC at the “Four Star Saloon”, later “showplace” on several occasions. Jack is a true Southern gentleman with a relaxed charm, he has incredible focus and a strong will to win. In the 1980’s, after undergoing an eye operation, Jack played an entire season with a patch over one eye. He still had a record of 37 wins and 3 losses and won the Open Individuals at WCC. How does that make you feel?
Jeffrey Hersh (Los Angeles) Charter Member July 2005
Jeffrey was born in New York and has a B.A. in U.S. History and Political Science. He also has a Pre-law degree and has worked for 30 years in musicians’ management. He moved to California from Boston in 1979 and joined the Los Angeles Pool League in the Spring of 1981. Jeffrey has served 11 terms as President. He thrives on detail and has organized the West Coast Challenge at the Hollywood Roosevelt as well as numerous others. HE has eight LAPL team titles and two WCC championship team victories. In the Open Individuals, Jeffrey has finished in 7th, 6th, twice in 5th, 4th, and 3rd.
Bob Holden (Los Angeles) Charter Member July 2005
Bob was born in Long Island , NY . HE joined the league early on and was instrumental in arranging the first inner-city challenges between the Los Angeles Pool League and the San Francisco Pool Association. He was the winning Captain of three Inter-City matches that preceded the West Cost Challenge. He was a co-founder of the LAPL 9-ball League and served on the LAPL Board of Governors (8 ball League); and was League historian. He held the record for the most LAPL team championships at 15. He succumbed to cancer in the Fall of 2000.
Bill Hoover (Los Angeles) Charter Member July 2005
Bill was born in Ohio . He is currently serving his 13th term as President of the Los Angeles Pool League. He has attended almost every West Coast Challenge since inception. He has chaired the 5oth anniversary committee for the WCC. HE has served on nearly all WCC committee delegations representing LAPL. Although he has participated in 11 WCCs as a player, he has primarily concentrated his efforts in the administration and operation of many WCC tournaments. He has probably judged more final team matches than anyone else in WCC history. He is most proud of being a primary driving force in causing the WCC Hall of Fame to come into existence.
Lauren Ward ( Los Angeles and San Francisco ) Charter Member July 2005
As a San Francisco native, Lauren forged a friendship with Luby, Rick Mariani and Gene Miller in the early 1980’s. She joined them to win (3:00 am at the Arena) West Coast Challenge V. The Board of Directors nabbed her talents as Head Referee for many years. Lauren contributed much to the WCC. Among those was the proposal for a Women’s Tournament. In the Fall of 1987, Liza and EZ formed a team which won WCC XIV in Reno . Lauren captained a number of winning teams in SF for the WCC. In the Fall of 1994 she moved to Los Angeles , and immediately took her second Open Individual title in WCC XXX. She hooked up with Steven Bailey and Frank Bustamante to bring home the WCC XXXII title and from then on they have multiple wins. Lauren says, “What surpasses every accomplishment is the loving friendships I’ve treasured over the years and the delight in visiting so many friends at each WCC events while realizing, its not how good you’ve been-it s how good you will be.”
