‘Love of the game’: State champion pool team heading to national tournament in Las Vegas

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Nick Palazzo II and his “Str8 Outta Crompton” pool pals came to Johnston seeking to end a long drought.

“Most of our players have been together for 14 years,” said Palazzo, who works for the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. “We’ve made it to the finals 11 times, and always fell short. This time, we finally made it.”

The uniquely named group, which represents the Crompton Veterans Organization in West Warwick, recently staked claim to the prestigious Rhode Island Amateur Pool Association (APA) title in the state championship, which was held at Underground Billiards at 930 Plainfield St. in Johnston.

Palazzo’s pals not only captured the state crown – the St8 Outta Crompton club earned a berth in the highly acclaimed APA National Championships, which will be played at the posh Westgate Casino in Las Vegas.

And, as is often the case with any amateur sports championship crowning, the title comes with a price tag.

“The APA of America gets us there,” Palazzo said. “However, there are additional expenses that will not be covered, so we’re going to have a special event to hopefully raise that money and also celebrate our long-awaited championship.”

This Saturday evening, July 30, the Str8 Outta Crompton club will hold a fundraiser at the CVO headquarters, located at 37 Hepburn Street in West Warwick. The event is open to the public and will run from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For the price of $20, the event will feature a dinner and a number of raffles.

“A lot of local businesses have donated prizes and gift certificates for the fundraiser,” Palazzo said. “We’ll also have two additional raffles – one for a 55-inch smart television that will hopefully help us raise the necessary funds for our trip.”

Members of the St8 Outta Crompton club, who are also selling tickets for the fundraiser, are John Sanford, Ryan Gribbin, Thomas Pelcher, Alex Momplet, Phil Torrence, Adam Waldeck, and Palazzo.

In staking claim to the state title, the club culminated nearly a full year of competition that includes spring, summer, and winter seasons, which range between 15 and 16 weeks and are then highlighted by two additional weeks of playoffs.

“Because all the players are talented, the matches often don’t get over until around midnight,” Palazzo noted. That can be a challenge, he said, “because all our guys have different jobs, and families … We do it for the love of the game.”

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