Mark Anderson
Charter: Cheyenne Vending – Cheyenne, Wyoming

Mark has done it all. He has captained teams an average of 3 nights per week for over 20 years. Needless to say, his local accomplishments are many including raising money for many national charities.

He has been the League Coordinator for Cheyenne Vending for 21 years growing the leagues from 8 teams to 140 teams strong. Mark has been certified as a VNEA Referee and Instructor and has worked diligently with the Junior Program since he instituted the local youth program in 1992.

2005 will mark Mark’s 22nd year at the VNEA International Championships. Mark has been called upon in several capacities from tournament staff to set-up to VNEA booth duties, and he’s done them all with a smile. Oh yeah, he’s a pretty good pool shooter as well.

"VNEA has given me the opportunity to work within a system with people from local, regional, and national levels who all have a common bond in pool. There is a kinship in VNEA that has a sense of family rather than a business or a job." – Mark Anderson

Denver Whittaker
Charter: Derrick Music – Charleston, West Virginia

Denver has been a member of the VNEA for 11 years and has helped his Charter Holder recruit and support a number of teams each and every year, even forming a Summer league for the last 3 years.

Always looking for ways to help, Denver has assisted in scheduling/coordinating and has been involved in a Women’s Charity Pool Tournament, which raises money for worthy causes. He also uses his skills as a player to teach others through weekly lessons and his knowledge as a VNEA Certified Referee to answer and explain VNEA rules to his fellow players.

"Since VNEA President Jerry Derrick asked me to join the VNEA in 1994, every year I look forward to the competition and excitement of flying to Las Vegas and playing in the VNEA International Championships. I take pride in watching and supporting our local teams at tournaments." – Denver Whitt

Andy Robinet
Charter: Town & Country Amusements – Windsor, Ontario

On the local scene, Andy has served as Captain of the legendary "Caboto Club" pool team for the last 15 years. He and his team have secured several league honors throughout their longstanding career.

Andy has finished atop the leader board at the Ontario Provincial Championships and Can-Am Tournament in both Singles and Team events on numerous occasions. A Certified Instructor, Andy has shared his knowledge of the game to many players including many local junior shooters through an Instructional Lessons Program, which he developed.

A Master Player for the last 20 years, Andy’s team has accumulated five "Top 3" finishes at the VNEA International Championships. Andy’s first trip to Reno for the VNEA Championships in 1982 resulted in an impressive second place team finish.

"I’ve had many great memories competing in the VNEA and am very thankful for all the new friendships that I’ve found along the way (many of them for over 20 years). I would also like to thank my teammates for all of their support and encouragement over the years." – Andy Robinet

Anita Smith
Charter: BMW Billiards – Ft. Collins, Colorado

Throughout the 80’s, 90’s, and into the new millennium, Anita has captured several titles in both Singles and Team Tournaments in Colorado and Minnesota.

She has served as the team Captain for several teams throughout the years and has also shared her skills and knowledge of the game to other women players in her local area.

After winning the Women’s Team Division at the 2nd Annual VNEA International Championships in Reno, Nevada in 1982 with her team "Hoff’s Bar," Anita has shown tremendous consistency at the big event in Vegas. 
As a member of the VNEA for 25 years, Anita is one of the true veterans of our association.

"Pool is a fascinating sport. There is always something to learn to improve your game. It’s exciting to have experienced the growth, interest, and talent in pool the past 25 years, especially in the women’s divisions. I’m happy to be a part of the history of the VNEA." – Anita Smith

Art Erickson
Charter: Black Hills Novelty – Sheridan, Wyoming

Art has achieved many top finishes at the Wyoming State Team and Singles Tournaments along with several titles in various regional events. In 2005, Art was inducted into the Wyoming Hall of Fame.

He is both a VNEA Certified Referee and Certified Instructor and teaches pool at a local college. Art organized the Black Hills Novelty pool leagues and has been the League Coordinator for the last 15 years. He has also organized the South Dakota State 9-Ball Championships and the Wyoming VNEA State Team Championships as well as other major state events.

Art has been a member of the VNEA since its inception 25 years ago and has participated in the International Championships for the past 15 years. Art is a true ambassador of the VNEA.

"VNEA has paved the way for TEAM pool for the past 25 years. VNEA promotes fair play, good sportsmanship, and camaraderie in a fun, competitive atmosphere." – Art Erickson