From Perth Amboy to Washington DC and back!
Long-time USBA member Eric Hughes, now retired and living in Washington, D.C., returned home to central New Jersey to play in the 2013 USBA nationals at the Super Billiards Expo at the New Jersey Convention and Expo Center in Edison and became a media sensation. Eric grew up in nearby Perth Amboy and is a member of the Perth Amboy High School Hall of Fame. His return, and the allure of the fascinating game of 3-C drew the attention of a local reporter, Suzanne Russell.
Hughes soon found himself trailed by the news reporter and a cameraman. Hughes learned to play both pool and billiards from Steve Mizerak Sr., the father of legendary pool player Steve Mizerak Jr. The senior Mizerak owned a pool room on Madison Avenue in Perth Amboy.
The chance to return to his roots and play 3-C was an opportunity that Hughes relished. In the article for MyCentralJersey.com, he is quoted by Russell as saying: “‘This is a big thing for me. I’ve come full circle.’”
Hughes is a well-known and well-liked USBA member who competes in numerous tournaments throughout the year. He is the author of several books, and he recently built an addition onto his house, where he practices 3-C on his Gabriels table. He has an open invitation for anyone around, or traveling through, Washington, D.C. to play. In the national tournament, he found himself in Group F, which was eventually won by Carlos Hallon. Sonny Cho finished second, and Lupe Cruz placed third.
Suzanne Russell’s article about Eric Hughes and an accompanying video can be found at www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013304030052