Billiards increases in popularity among seniors

METRO DETROIT — Those age 50 and older are racking ’em up more and more as billiards gain popularity among the age group.

This is exemplified in the southeast Michigan area by the Michigan Senior Olympics, where those joining for billiards are quickly gaining in number, said MSO Executive Director Becky Ridky.

“Billiards is definitely popular among seniors,” she said. “Some events we do get about 300 athletes, but considering we are doing this as sort of a start-up program, this has proven pretty popular. It’s a sport that a lot of people can do. A lot of these men and women have already been playing for years, and it’s a great way to get together with their friends.”

Senior Olympics are competitions for those age 50 and older to compete in five-year age groups. They compete each February or March. Among the competitors are Terry Treat, from Rochester Hills, a gold medalist in billiards last year.

“I’ve had a good time with the Michigan Senior Olympics,” he said. “I just do billiards in the eight-ball tournament. There are plenty of participants, and everyone enjoys it. I’ve completed the last two years, and it’s run really well. Both men and women can play. It’s great.”

Treat said its accessibility is likely why the game is so popular.

“I think it’s something you can do that’s relaxing but that requires thought and skill,” he said. “It’s an enjoyable thing you can do above age 50, and it lets you get out and do something out of the ordinary.”

“We even get some father-son groups participating,” added Ridky.

Ridky said that they are looking forward to the next Michigan tournament in February and hope the game will be added to national competitions soon.

“We finished our most recent billiards tournament this month. Our official dates for the next one aren’t set yet,” she said. “I have been with the Michigan Senior Olympics for about 11 years, and we have been doing these tournaments since then. Unfortunately, billiards isn’t yet part of the National Senior Games, but we are trying to get more people out to play and perhaps change that.”

Those interested in competing in the Michigan Senior Olympics’ billiards competitions can do so by going to www.michiganseniorolympics.org/billiards-winter. There is a $25 yearly fee for an MSO membership, as well as a $15 registration fee and a $5 processing fee for all credit and debit cards. Registration for the next tournament in February is due by Feb. 18.

She is excited that more people are participating in the sport.

“We did events at the Rochester (Older Persons’ Commission), and we usually had about 15 members. We have since moved it to Sidepockets Billiards in Lapeer, and we have more than doubled our numbers,” Ridky said.

Treat agreed it seems as though more people are playing.

“I was surprised how many people were there at the last tournament. So I can’t comment on how much it’s gaining in popularity (among seniors), but I see plenty of people playing, so I certainly believe it,” he said. “I often play people younger than me, since I’m getting a bit older, but the last time, I also played someone who was 85 years old. So anyone can do it. You just have to love pool.”