Larry Heywood
Charter:  G & G Enterprises – London, Ontario

Larry has been very involved in the VNEA for several years acting as a team Captain on over two dozen teams as well as serving as President and League Coordinator for several leagues. In 1999, Larry helped start and coordinate the G & G Enterprises Junior League Program. Larry was a very big part of the 1st Annual Ontario Junior Championships’ success in 2003.

Larry’s most memorable moment in his VNEA experience was walking into the Riviera Hotel’s Grande Ballroom for the first time in 1991. The hair stood up on the back of his neck and that same rush still hits him every year at the Championships.

A great believer in the VNEA, Larry is a welcome addition to the VNEA Hall of Fame family.

“I would like to thank my Charter Holder, G & G Enterprises (Bill and Barb Landrey) for all of their support.  Also, thank you to the VNEA for organizing both a first class International Junior Championships and a Las Vegas Tournament that is second to none.”  – Larry Heywood

Tony Blankenship
Charter: Just Darts & Indy Amusements – Indianapolis, Indiana

Tony has helped promote pool and the VNEA in the Indianapolis area since the early 1990’s. Along the way, he accumulated many local titles.
Saying that Tony is an Indiana “Super-Star” is an understatement. He was the Indiana State Singles Champion in 1991, 1999, and 2001. His team took home the Championship in 1992, 1995, 1998, 2002, and 2004.

In Las Vegas, Tony has had many top finishes including a Scotch Doubles Master title in 1996 and a 9-Ball Masters Singles title in 2002. In 1994, Tony was honored as a member of the VNEA “All-Star” Team.

From his first Vegas showing in 1992 to the present, Tony has always been a feared competitor at the International Championships and deserves the title of “VNEA Hall of Famer.”

“Being a member of VNEA has been a positive influence in my life.  My best friends are VNEA members and participating in State and International events is something I look forward to every year.  Valley tables are the standard in the industry and wonderful equipment to play on.” – Tony Blankenship

Rodney Weisbeck
Charter: Music Service of South Dakota – Sioux Falls, South Dakota

While competing at both the local and state levels, Rodney has racked up several top finishes including many 1st place Team titles.

Rodney has shown his leadership skills by being his team’s Captain for several years as well as taking on the responsibility of being his league’s President.

At the International level, Rodney has had both top Master Singles and Team finishes.

In the 2003-04 league season, Rodney, along with his wife Lena, was inducted into the South Dakota “Pool Hall of Fame.”

“I have found that the VNEA was always the best organized league for competitive pool when compared to any other league that I’ve played in.  My experiences with both my Charter Holders, Music Service and Rushmore Amusement, have been very positive and enjoyable.” – Rodney Weisbeck

Laurie Hawkins
Charter: Rushmore Amusement/Black Hills Novelty – South Dakota

Laurie is one of the top women pool players in the state of South Dakota.  She has accumulated many local and state titles and top finishes and has been voted “Most Valuable Player” of her league for 12 years.  In 1999, she was inducted into the South Dakota “Pool Hall of Fame” making her a local legend.

Laurie serves on her local Board, is Secretary of her league, and Captain of her team.  She is also a VNEA Certified Instructor and has helped promote her local Junior League Program over the last 10 years.

A past “VNEA All-Star,” Laurie has certainly earned the title capturing Women’s International Team Championships in 1984, 1990, 1993, and 1996.  Laurie is a true “Hall of Famer” in every aspect of the term and her dedication to the Association over the years is in a league of its own.

“VNEA is a great organization to be a part of and always seems to have the players in mind when organizing events.  Keeping players interested in coming back year after year is a task in itself.  The competition is always excellent as well as all of the activities that surround the event.” – Laurie Hawkins

Lena Weisbeck
Charter: Music Service of South Dakota – Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Lena’s accomplishments at the local level are numerous.  Showing her diversity in game styles, Lena has captured titles in 8-Ball, 9-Ball, Scotch Doubles, and Team events in her city and state Championships.

She has served as her team’s Captain as well as the President of her women’s league.  In the 2003/04 league season, Lena was inducted into the South Dakota “Pool Hall of Fame.”

At the International level, Lena took home the Women’s Team title in 1984 with her team “Bank Shot Hustlers.”  She has also had many top finishes in both Team and Singles events.

“VNEA has always been the best organized sanctioned pool tournament that I’ve had the privilege of competing in.  It is always professionally handled at every level.” – Lena Weisbeck