Local Legends Series — Episodes

EP 14: Tom George

On episode 14 of our Legends Series, we are joined by Tom George. Tom and Nick discuss why 3-cushion billiards was Tom’s game of choice, his family’s history in the Billiards business, how the way of life in Duluth, Minnesota was during the 1960s, and some great stories about the traveling hustlers of the era that found themselves looking for action in the Twin Ports. Tom tells a great story about his time spent in New York City in some high stakes games as well. This is one you do not want to miss!

Local Legends SeriesNick OlsonJuly 24, 2020Billiards, The Place Pool Hall, St. Louis BillliardsComment

EP 13: Mark Lachecki

On the 13th installment of our Twin Ports Legends Series Nick is joined by VNEA National Champion 8-Ball player Mark Lachecki. Mark and Nick talk a lot about handicapping in the current pool world as well as comparing it to the 1960s and 1970s. They talk about Mark's National Championship victory in Las Vegas and talk at length about his time as a BCA Certified Billiards instructor. Mark also describes his time discovering the game and playing at The Place Pool Hall in Duluth, MN.

Local Legends SeriesNick OlsonJuly 17, 2020VNEA, Billiards, The Place Pool Hall, 8-ball, BCA, Cue TecComment

EP 12: Robbie Daugaard

On Episode 12, we are joined by Twin Ports Legend and 1989 Eveleth 8-Ball Shootout Champion Robbie Daugaard. Nick and Robbie talk about his start in pool at The Place Pool Hall in Duluth Minnesota. His experiences in Las Vegas at VNEA National Tournaments and much more.

EP 11: Billy Johnson

On episode 11, Nick invites twin ports pool community members on the show to share memories and stories about the late local legend Billy Johnson. Nick replays Jeff Schelin's story about Billy's amazing tournament performance at Horseshoe Billiards. Sandy Vatalaro, Tom Wasserman, Jerry Fredrickson and Brian Baker also join the show to share some stories.

Local Legends SeriesNick OlsonJune 14, 2020Horseshoe Billiards, Mr. Lucky's, 8-ballComment

EP 10: Darell Fredrickson

On the tenth episode of our Local Legends Series, we are joined by 2016 ACS 9-Ball National Champion Darrel Fredrickson. Nick and Darrel touch on numerous topics including, the Eveleth 8-Ball Shootout, his 2016 national tournament win, his feelings on vendors and the current game of billiards, and Diamonds Billiards.

On our Diamond Cutters segment, Thomas Van Eck, creator of iCue Training Cue Ball joins the show to talk about his cue ball and how it can help players of all levels.

Local Legends SeriesNick OlsonJune 6, 2020iCue, ACS, VNEA, 9-Ball, Eveleth 8-Ball Shootout, Horseshoe Billiards, Diamonds BilliardsComment

EP 9: Rob Hovick

On Episode 9, Nick is joined by 2021 Wisconsin Billiards Hall of Fame nominee Rob Hovick. Rob talks about his time owning a pool hall in Marshfield, Wisconsin, his 1980 Collegiate National Championship run, the Hall of Fame, and his time playing pool in the twin ports at local pool halls: Helen's, Joe's and Ringside Billiards.

EP 8: Jeff Schelin

On Episode eight, Nick is joined by local legend Jeff Schelin. Jeff and Nick talk about Top Hat Tavern, Jeff's days in the cue making business, his times at National Tournaments in Las Vegas, mental struggles juggling owning a business and playing the game at a high level and Jeff and Nick share stories about Billy Johnson, Irv Arseneau, and Gary Galiford.

Local Legends SeriesNick OlsonMay 23, 2020Billiards, Diamonds Billiards, Top Hat Tavern, VNEA, Top Hat CuesComment

EP 7: Bill Beyer

On the seventh episode of Chalk is Cheap, Nick is joined by VNEA Hall of Fame Referee Bill Beyer. Nick and Bill take about what it takes to become an official VNEA billiard referee, including what training needs to take place before you are certified. They also chat about the night Bill was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007 and BIll shares a fun story about that night. He also shares some stories about the late Gary Galiford and Irv Arseneau.

Local Legends SeriesNick OlsonMay 16, 2020The Place Pool Hall, VNEAComment

EP 6: Bill Goldsworthy

On the sixth episode of Chalk is Cheap we are joined by Bill Goldsworthy. Nick and Bill discuss Bill’s time at The Place Pool hall, the Glenshenn 3-Cushion Billiards tournament, the mental aspect of the game of pool, how other activities and sports translate to billiards, the "competitive edge" and much more.

Local Legends SeriesNick OlsonMay 9, 2020The Place Pool Hall, Pool History, 8-ballComment

EP 5: Jerry Fredrickson

On the fifth episode of Chalk is Cheap we are joined by "The Man Who Saved Pool in the Twin Ports" Jerry Fredrickson. Nick and Jerry cover many topics including how he got into the pool hall business. He talks about Diamonds, Mr. Lucky's, and Horseshoe Billiards, he tells stories about many pool players from the area including a great story about the late Gary Galiford.

EP 4: Scott Orville

On the second episode of Chalk is Cheap Twin Ports pool legend Mike Miller joins the show. Nick and Mike chat about Helen's Pool Hall in the 1970s, his infamous Assigned Team Tournament, and Mike fills us in on the 1980s 3-cushion billiard tournaments that finished with the finals at Glensheen Mansion in Duluth. Mike also lets us know why he all but gave up pocket pool.

EP 3: Sandy Vatalaro

On the third episode of Chalk is Cheap, former Minnesota State Pool Champion and local pool legend Sandy Vatalaro joins the show. Nick and Sandy talk about her beginnings in pool, including learning how to play the game from the legendary Willie Mosconi. She mentions that she has played leagues for 42 years straight and shares numerous stories about her time doing so. They also chat about her time tending bar and working for every pool hall in the Twin Ports since the mid 90's.

Local Legends SeriesNick OlsonApril 20, 2020Superior Trailblazers, 8-ball, VNEA, BilliardsComment

EP 2: Mike Miller

On the second episode of Chalk is Cheap Twin Ports pool legend Mike Miller joins the show. Nick and Mike chat about Helen's Pool Hall in the 1970s, his infamous Assigned Team Tournament, and Mike fills us in on the 1980s 3-cushion billiard tournaments that finished with the finals at Glensheen Mansion in Duluth. Mike also lets us know why he all but gave up pocket pool.

Local Legends SeriesNick OlsonApril 14, 20203 Cushion Billiards, Billiards, Helen's Pool Hall, ACSComment

EP 1: Tom Wasserman

On the first-ever episode of Chalk Is Cheap, Host Nick Olson welcomes his good friend, teammate and 2019 Superior Trailblazers MVP Tom Wasserman.