TOM FRANK
1937 - 2007
MERITORIOUS & ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Tom Frank has been playing pool since he was 21 and stationed in Germany when he was in the Army. Mostly a self-taught player, it was at the Last Resort Lounge that Tom competed in his first pool tournament. From there he joined the Massillon pool league, followed by the VNEA, the Clark and Son league, and most recently the BCA league. Tom’s most memorable victory was the year that he, his son Troy, Barry Hixon, and Brian Frank won the prestigious National Team Open in Milwaukee "when nobody else could win". In league play on the Massillon league, Tom’s team was so strong that 3 players from his own team quit because there was "no competition!" That year his team won the league as well as the playoffs. His teammates were Dick Amos, Dick Eubanks, Steve Szuter, and Mike Walker. Other notable wins include a 1st place win in the Sandusky National Team Open with teammates Brian Frank, Troy Frank, Brian Halter and Dave Schneider; a 1st place VNEA Master’s division title in 1996 with teammates Dan Capestrain, Troy Frank, Brian Halter, Duane Lambes, Dick Moecia and Dave Schneider; at least ten 1st place team wins in the Massillon league and numerous 1st place wins in the VNEA league.
Though Tom attested to not having many individual awards, he has as an individual contributed greatly to the sport of billiards. Argumentation has always been one of his strong points arguing for "what’s right". He’s always been an advocate to bring pool "out of the basement, out of the dungeons to a respectable level". His business, On the Snap, the pool establishment is testimony to this fact. It is a respectable, classy place to play pool or just stop in to gather with friends or family.
THE GREATER CANTON AMATEUR BILLIARDS ASSOCIATION
FRAN STOIBER
Born November 21, 1941
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Fran Stoiber was born and raised in Riverside, California. He moved to Ohio in 1975 with his wife, Cheryl and daughter, Cheri. Fran also has a son, Mark, who lives in Oregon. In 1978, Fran and Cheryl bought the "Village Inn" in Louisville, where Cheryl formed the Louisville-Canton Pool League. Fran has played and captained a team in that league for 21 years. He may be the longest running captain in Stark County. Incredibly, his teams have placed in either 1st or 2nd place nineteen out of the twenty-one years plus he has won the MVP title three times. Fran has also played in the VNEA League for seven years. His first year in the league, Fran’s Bennett’s team took first place in their division.
Twice, his VNEA teams have made the final 16 in the Ohio State VNEA Open Division, 8-ball tournament. In August, 2000, Fran placed seventh in the VNEA Ohio State 8-Ball Open singles tournament. In 1999, he won the Chi-Chi’s Leukemia Benefit 8-Ball Tournament. In December, 2000, he won the Loop Cafe’ "Toys for Tots" 8-Ball Open Tournament. In 2000, he captained a 3-man team that won 1st place at Fiddlestix Open 8-Ball Tournament. Fran has also placed in an uncountable amount of mini-tournaments throughout his lifetime of playing pool.
Fran is a diplomat of the game and one of the best sports in the area. His good nature is driven not by wins over losses, rather by his passion for the game.
THE GREATER CANTON AMATEUR BILLIARDS ASSOCIATION
MICHEAL GEARHART
Born April 2, 1956
MERITORIOUS AWARD
Mike has been an integral part of the Massillon pool league since the league was in its infancy twenty years ago. He has served as President, Vice President as well as on the rules committee since 1985. He devotes much of his time to organizing banquets and raffles plus promoting the sport to younger players.
Mike has been playing pool since he was 15 years old. As proprietor of Corky & Dicks, he had one of the very first teams in the league. Despite being on four championship teams, Mike often will step aside to allow younger players gain experience through the thrill of competition.
THE GREATER CANTON AMATEUR BILLIARDS ASSOCIATION
BOB WOLFARTH
PHOTOGRAPH UNAVAILABLE
1928 - 1995
Bob Wolfarth started playing pool while in college at Akron University in 1952 after serving in the Army in Korea. He played recreational pool as a hobby for many years while working for the Diebold Company in Canton, Ohio. Bob started to play on a more competitive level in the early 1980’s in leagues and local tournaments. He soon became a familiar face in the area while winning several tournaments at the Varsity, Tiger Bowl and Reedurban Tavern. He participated many years in league play in the 80’s and 90’s, playing in just about every league in the area at one time or another. Playing for Obie’s and the Varsity Tavern in the Massillon League as well as The Village Inn and Time Out Tavern in the Canton - Louisville League where his teams managed to win a few league championships. He also won the mixed team league in 1992 while playing at Quinn’s Tavern. Best known for his ability to make a crucial bank shot, he soon earned the nickname of "Bankin Bob".
Pool is a game and Bob brought that thought with him every time he played. His constant smile always showed that he enjoyed it every time he played. He would always greet the opposing player with statements like, "hi, nice to see you again" or "good luck". He made the game better for everyone by setting the example that it is a gentleman’s game and should be played as such. This attitude towards the game was taught to many of our younger players who had the chance to play Bob on a competitive level. He helped to make our local leagues to be the success that they are by showing other players that a competitive game can still be a fun night out.
THE GREATER CANTON AMATEUR BILLIARDS ASSOCIATION
DAVID KOURY
PHOTOGRAPH UNAVAILABLE
1899 - 1996
David S. "Nig" Koury was born in 1899 in Damascus, Syria and became deceased on May 20, 1966 at the age of 67. Although time has erased many memories, Nig was a very accomplished three cushion billiards player. He owned and operated a couple pool and billiard establishments in the Canton area with the most notable being Strand Billiards downtown. He once played legendary Willie Hoppe in a 50 point three cushion that ended 50-35 in favor of Hoppe. He was credited with being instrumental in the bringing of several world class talented players to town matching up with local Canton talent. He was well known and respected among the games greats such as Jimmie Moore, Willie Masconi, Ralph Greenleaf, Jimmy Carras, and others. Truly, he is a welcome addition to our Canton Billiards Hall of Fame.
THE GREATER CANTON AMATEUR BILLIARDS ASSOCIATION