Helv focused on remaining competitive in area billiards

Nine years ago, Kevin Helv of Cape Girardeau took up billiards.

He hasn't regretted it since.

The future looks bright for Helv, 34, who's now getting his feet wet in heavy-duty competition.

"I used to go out with friends when it was more of a hobby," he said. "It started as a pastime. We would go to the pool room, play a few games and just talk. Eventually it grew on me."

The game has moved from a pastime to big-time. Helv and his teammates play in the Billiards Congress of America league every Sunday night and want to qualify for the league's national tournament in Las Vegas in May.

"I think we have a fair shot at doing well up there," he said. "That's a goal of ours. It's the reason we play every Sunday."

The BCA is a league that is not handicapped, unlike many leagues in the area.

"They play at a higher level in the BCA," Helv said. "It's really more of an all-out competition."

Helv also competes in local tournaments when he gets the chance. He spends much of his time at the Billiard Center with a group of guys he's played with for several months.

"There are a lot of open tournaments for us to get into," he said. "Most are handicapped. That's good because it gives everybody a chance at winning. It gets people out there, it gets them started. In fact, that's how I got started."

So far, Helv has steered clear of most big-money tournaments, but he occasionally picks up awards locally.

"There is very good competition around here," he said. "A lot of good teams come through Cape."

Helv plays with his neighbor, a good friend, across the street and also with friends from around the area.

Above all, Helv wants to stay competitive locally.

"Basically, my goal is to be able to compete and fare well in the competition here," he said. "It's tough, because there are a lot of good pool players around this town."