Mike McLaughlin
Charter:  C & N Sales – Mankato, Minnesota

Mike’s Minnesota State Tournament titles are numerous. He captured Singles titles in 1984, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1998, and 2005. His team won championships in 1986, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2006, and 2007. He took first in Scotch Doubles competition in 1999 and 2001.

If that’s not enough, he also won the South Dakota State 8-Ball Championship in 1983 and the 9-Ball title in 1989.

Mike has had the high average in his local league for 9 years and, in 1984 and 2000, he achieved 30/0 Perfect Matches.

While Mike’s team has done well at the International Championships, a more impressive story is that his league team has been playing together since 1986.

“I would like to thank my Charter Holder for this nomination and the VNEA for the induction.  Without a doubt, May 26th, 2008 will be my most memorable moment in my long VNEA career.”  – Mike McLaughlin

Freida Nassas
Charter:  New Crown Music – Ontario, Canada

Freida is that player in your area who walks into every tournament as the one to beat.  Freida has won literally dozens of local tournaments and has been awarded League MVP for several seasons.  She has served as the Captain for several teams, is a Certified VNEA Referee, volunteers her help at VNEA tournaments and is very involved with fundraising for VNEA’s growing Junior Program.

At the 2005 VNEA International Championships in Las Vegas, Freida captured the crown in the Women’s Intermediate 8-Ball Singles.  She has also captured titles in many other Tournaments around Canada and the United States.

According to Freida, her most memorable moment in VNEA competition was attending her first VNEA International Championships in 1999.

“Having joined the VNEA has made the biggest impact on my life.  I’ve met countless people, many of whom have become close friends.  My dearest friend is John Weloski, our Charter Holder.  I cannot thank him enough for all his hard work that benefits each of his players.” – Freida Nass

Shaun Pilfold 
Charter:  Aactive Coin Machine – Winnipeg, Manitoba

In his 10 years as the League Coordinator for Aactive Coin Machines, Shaun has helped build their league system to over 400 teams.  Tables on location grew from 40 to over 325 while Shaun was promoting the leagues.

Shaun was also a founding member of the Western Canadian Pool Championships, which has become the largest VNEA tournament in Canada.

In his 15 years as a player, Shaun has accumulated many local league honors, and he and his team have had great success at the International Championships in Las Vegas.

Shaun’s involvement as a stellar league coordinator has positively influenced the shape of VNEA pool leagues in Canada.

“It has been great being a part of the VNEA’s phenomenal growth in Canada over the years.  It has been a pleasure for 15 years to be involved in the “Greatest Pool League in The World.” – Shaun Pilfold

Kim Anderson
Charter: Inglis Coin – Boise, Idaho

On the local scene over the past couple of decades, Kim has accomplished numerous league titles and amassed an impressive number of Idaho State Tournament titles including four Scotch Doubles first place finishes.

Kim has also Captained several league teams over the years and is always willing to share her vast pool knowledge with other players in her league system.

At the VNEA International Championships, she has accumulated 2 first place, 2 second place, and 6 third place finishes.

In 1992, she put together a team that won their local Women’s Leauge and also did well at the Idaho State Tournament. So, they decided to head to Vegas and see how they would do. They captured the Women’s Regular Team title. In 2006, Kim took another team to the “big show” and won the Women’s Intermediate Championship.

“It’s always a privilege to play in the VNEA Int’l Championships.  Win, lose, or draw, you can’t help but feel the excitement in the air for the players from all over the world measuring themselves against one another.  Also, local Charter has opened a world of opportunities for our players.” – Kim Anderson

Warren Woodson
Charter:  BMW Billiards – Ft. Collins, Colorado

Because Warren’s parents were Bowling Center Proprietors and had pool tables in their establishment, Warren began playing pool at the age of 13. He continued to hone his skills until 1968 when he went into the Army and was quickly sent off to serve in Vietnam.

Upon his return, Warren’s pool skills began to peak. He is often at the top of the leader board at the Rocky Mountain Team & Singles Championships including titles in both events. He has been the Captain of his team for years and has recently started an amusement company (BMW Billiards) and joined the VNEA’s ever growing Charter Holder base.

At the International Championships in Las Vegas, Warren has always been a contender in the Seniors, Scotch Doubles, and other events.

“VNEA is definitely the best pool league out there and VNEA does more for their players than any other league system.  I love going to Vegas and meeting players from other countries, exchanging gifts, and also seeing the same friends year after year..” – Warren Woodson