Many of you may have heard by now that, at our recent player meeting, Rosanne and I announced that we will be stepping down as League Operators of the Southern Tier APA.

This was not an easy decision for either of us. We spent a great deal of time reflecting on what would be best not only for both league areas, but also for ourselves and our family. As I explained at the player meeting, the pace we had been maintaining simply was not sustainable anymore.

For the past eight years, we have operated two league areas separately, running dual tournaments, dual events, and countless other responsibilities. Eventually, my body began telling me it was time to slow down. Beyond that, I realized how much time I was missing with my son, my nephew and niece, and the people who matter most in my life. The demands of balancing it all had become more than I could continue to shoulder.

Ultimately, we were faced with two choices: fully integrate the leagues and operate them as one, or sell one of the league areas.

At first glance, integrating the leagues seemed like a viable option. However, after carefully weighing the pros and cons, we realized the negatives far outweighed the positives. Rather than creating more opportunities for our members, it had the potential to create fewer. It would have required increased travel for players in both areas, potentially resulting in additional expenses such as hotel stays. Integration would also have significantly impacted our host locations by reducing the number of tournaments available to them.

In addition, both areas would lose the opportunity to host our larger World Qualifier events locally, as those events would likely need to move to a ballroom-style venue. We would also be forced to run both the 8-Ball and 9-Ball World Qualifiers during the same weekend, which we do not believe would provide the best experience for our players.

After considering all of these factors, we were left with only one option that truly made sense, and that was the heartbreaking decision to sell one of our league areas.

Once that decision was made, choosing between the Southern Tier and Upstate areas became much clearer. My desire to move closer to my son in the Buffalo area played a role, but even more importantly, Rosanne and I felt we had found someone who could seamlessly continue what we have spent so many years building.

With that, we are proud to announce that Coleen Murray will be your new League Operator for years to come.

Over the last eight years, Coleen has been much more than our photographer. She has been a trusted friend, a dedicated supporter of the APA brand, and someone who genuinely loves the game of billiards. And let's not forget—she is also a World Champion. What better way to drop the mic than by winning a National Championship in Las Vegas and then stepping into the role of League Operator the following year?

As I mentioned at the meeting, I sincerely hope the members who have always treated us with kindness and respect will extend that same courtesy to Coleen. For those who may not always have, I simply ask that you give her a chance and a little grace.

Transitions take time, and there will undoubtedly be a learning curve. Like all of us, Coleen will make mistakes along the way. But knowing her dedication, personality, and commitment to doing things right, I have no doubt she will learn quickly, make adjustments, and continue moving the league forward.

So here's to you, Coleen. We wish you nothing but success and happiness in this next chapter.

Rosanne and I have had the privilege of serving as your League Operators for the past 14 years, and we cannot thank you enough for the trust you have placed in us throughout that journey.

The friendships we have built, the memories we have shared, and the incredible community we have watched grow together are difficult to put into words. Seeing the growth of the Southern Tier APA, especially over the last few years, has been truly remarkable. Watching new faces join, new friendships form, and players develop both on and off the tables has been one of the greatest rewards of this experience.

We will certainly miss being your League Operators and the countless interactions we've shared at league nights, tournaments, and events. However, the future of the Southern Tier APA remains incredibly bright.

While we may no longer be your League Operators after today, we still look forward to seeing many of you at charity events, interleague competitions, and perhaps even some fun crossover events in the future—so stay tuned.

In closing, this is a bittersweet moment for us. There will always be some sadness attached to this decision, and part of me wishes I could have found a way to continue for a few more years. But both my body and my heart were telling me it was time.

Please know that we love this community deeply. The Southern Tier APA will always hold a special place in our hearts, and the memories we have created together will stay with us forever.

Thank you for 14 incredible years.

Forever Grateful,

Rosanne & Gregg

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