Suffolk had two representatives in the billiards tournament in Newport News that was part of the recent Virginia Senior Games, and their experience at the event has grown their desire to compete in the sport.

Alvin Bryant, of Suffolk, took home the bronze medal in the 60- to 64-year-old male division. He was representing Suffolk Parks and Recreation after having won the city’s Active Adult (50 and older) Pool Tournament.

“I was a little nervous because I’ve never played there before, and I was trying to check out the competition,” Bryant said. “They had some very good competition.”

He saw much room for improvement in his play but was encouraged that Suffolk Parks and Recreation felt he was good enough to represent Suffolk.

“That gave me the confidence to win,” he said. “I would like to try it again, but I think I’ll do better next time,” now that he is more familiar with the playing environment and level of competition.

Sherman Goodman, of Suffolk, entered to compete in the Virginia Senior Games and also participated, falling just short of placing in the 65- to 69-year-old male division.

“I think I did pretty good,” Goodman said.

He was pleased by the support that SPR recreation supervisor Jason K. Jones showed by staying on hand throughout the tournament, keeping track of and photographing both Bryant and Goodman.

“That was very inspirational for him to be there,” Goodman said.

Since the Virginia Senior Games billiards tournament, Goodman has formed a Suffolk team of pool players that competes in a league at Q-Master Billiards in Virginia Beach.

“The reason I did that was because I was very much inspired by shooting at the (East Suffolk) Recreation Center and by participating in the Senior Games,” Goodman said.

As for the new Suffolk team, “so far, we’re doing pretty good,” said Bryant, who is also part of the team.