TC#25 Mike Hays Invitational 2025
One Day. Three Divisions. One BIG Community.
TC#25 brought the Wolfpack Sportz community together for a full day of competitive pool at V-Lounge, Victoria, with players across divisions sharing the same tables, the same space, and the same focus – good matches, fair formats, and a well-run event.
Held on December 27, the Mike Hays Invitational featured three division-specific brackets, each structured to suit the level and pace of the players competing in it. While the divisions differed in race length and field size, the atmosphere remained consistent throughout the day: focused, respectful, and unmistakably community-driven.
The Format
Rather than forcing all players into a single format, this was deliberately structured to give each division a bracket that made sense for them.
A Division
Designed for longer races and sustained pressure play.
- Field: 16 players
- Format: Double elimination
- A-Side (Winners): Race to 5
- B-Side (One Loss): Race to 4
The longer races allowed matches to develop fully, rewarding consistency and table control over the course of the day.
B Division
A faster-paced bracket built for accessibility and momentum.
- Field: 16 players
- Format: Double elimination
- A-Side (Winners): Race to 3
- B-Side (One Loss): Race to 2
With shorter races, every rack mattered, keeping the bracket moving while maintaining competitive integrity.
B+ Division
A tighter field with evenly balanced races on both sides of the bracket.
- Field: 8 players
- Format: Double elimination
- A-Side (Winners): Race to 3
- B-Side (One Loss): Race to 3
The smaller bracket created closely contested matches throughout, with no room for complacency on either side.
How the Divisions Played Out
A Division: Island’s Best Bring the Heat
The A division featured some of the best players from the Island, and the competition lived up to expectations. Mark Hernas stormed through the A side and maintained his dominance all the way to claim the title. Clark Hayes played exceptionally well, conquering opponent after opponent—his only loss coming at the hands of the unstoppable Mark.
Several B+ players made the bold choice to play up in the A division, wanting to test themselves against the best competition available. Shred Hillson was the only B+ player to cash, proving the jump in competition was real.
B+ Division: Hill-Hill Drama
The B+ division was packed with tough competitors and delivered some of the tightest matches of the day. Bob Grenke looked dominant throughout his run and seemed set to take the title—until he faced Barry Caskey, who Bob had earlier sent to the B side. Barry completed the comeback and won the tournament. Hill-hill matches were a constant theme throughout this division, keeping spectators on edge all day.
B Division: The Women Take Over
The B division brought the drama and was absolutely dominated by the women competing. Lori Austerman, who has shown consistent improvement through the summer, had a great run to win the A side of her bracket. Linda Quesnel displayed incredible grit, coming back from 0-2 to win her side against Bonnie.
Jackie Waggoner, who lost her first match to Venky on the hill, fought her way back through the entire bracket to meet Linda in the finals—and took the title. Hell yeah!
A Day That Ran on More Than Just Matches
Behind every smooth tournament day is a group of people making sure the details don’t get in the way of the game.
A sincere thank-you to Mike Hays for continuing to support and anchor the Invitational, and to everyone involved in managing registrations, brackets, timekeeping, and on-the-floor coordination.
V-Lounge once again provided the setting that made it all work by keeping the doors open, the tables running, and the environment welcoming for players and spectators alike.
Special thanks to Zac Cues and Evo Sports for their support with the livestream, allowing the wider community to follow along throughout the day.
Shared Tables, Shared Energy
From early-round matches to late-stage pressure games, the event carried a steady rhythm throughout the day. Players moved between divisions, matches overlapped, and conversations flowed just as freely as the games themselves.
Select matches were livestreamed, allowing the wider community to stay connected, while those in the room experienced the full day the way it’s meant to be played – face-to-face, rack by rack.
Watch the livestream: https://wolfpacksportz.com/livestream/
Tournament Results
A Division
- 1st Place: Mark Hernas – $370
- 2nd Place: Clark Hayes – $260
- 3rd Place: Daniel Brennan – $165
- 4th Place: Mike Harry – $100
- 5th–6th Place: Brad Douglas – $50, Shred Hillson – $50
B Division
- 1st Place: Jackie Waggoner – $120
- 2nd Place: Linda Quesnel – $90
- 3rd Place: Lesa Ofosu Antwi – $60
- 4th Place: Lori Austerman – $30
B+ Division
- 1st Place: Barry Caskey – $160
- 2nd Place: Bob Grenke – $105
- 3rd Place: Shawn Jacobs – $70
- 4th Place: Michael Liu – $30
Relive the Moments
Want to see all the action from the day? Check out the complete gallery of captured moments from the tournament:
View Gallery: Mike Hays Invitational Tournament 2025
Closing the Day
Mike Hays Invitational 2025 wasn’t defined by a date on the calendar—it was defined by the people who showed up, played hard, and respected the format and each other.
To every player, volunteer, supporter, and viewer who took part in the day: thank you for continuing to make this series what it is.
We’ll see you at the next one.
This Tournament story is everything I love about Pool, Thanks are in order!
The commitment to make it happen:
Bill Unwin ran the entire tournament and spent hours working through divisions, formats, and payouts. He is one guy who tirelessly works on promoting pool on the Island! Thank you for your work Bill!
Shred Hillson is an awesome find!! – He helped with tables, livestreams, scoring, and equipment—while also playing in a very strong field.
Adam Unwin kept things moving, helped with brackets, and backed up Bill all day.
Geoff and Shaundra Radford from Radford Billiard for fixing the table issues before the tournament so everything played right.
Bradford Wescott and Susie Reavley took care of food and drinks all day.
The sportsmanship and love for competition:
William Stalk and Dave Parker moved up to B+ so other players could get a spot in B Division.
And those five B+ players who decided to play for A even though they had the choice of playing in the B+ divison. Telly Olson Shred Hillson Dan Buchanan Jeremy Fawcett Geoff Radford
Palmbay Joe Laver
Our Sponsors :
@Vlounge and Zac Cues for their commitment to the game and for endless support over the years!
The Community members that travelled from Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Duncan, Shawnigan Lake and beyond to compete and to be a part of this!!
Lori Austerman Debbie Roberson Palmbay Joe Laver @jeremy Fawcett Shaundra Radford Geoff Radford Michael Harry Daniel Brennan Glenna Thibault Johnnie Darren Rice Daniels Lesa Ogden @bob grenke @gord lecouffe Jason MacDonald
@James Clapp and several others for the pictures!
Last but not the least!!
The Awwweessoommmeeee Victoria Pool Players who have embraced online registration, livestreaming, CompuSport and continue to support our tournaments and the game of pool in the City!! Thank you very much!
