By Eddie Brisendine
   The spring season of the APA (American Poolplayers Association) is under way. In its first year in Ramona, the league, known as “Casino Royale,” has just over 60 players on eight teams.
   Team sponsors are three Ramona bars: Molly Malone’s at 1270 Main St., the Par Lounge at 24157 San Vicente Road and the Turkey Inn at 716 Main St. Games are played on Monday nights at 7.
   While new to Ramona, the APA has been around for a long time. It was founded in 1979 and has over 250,000 members nationwide. There are 475 teams in San Diego County alone. 
   Henry Preciado got the league started in Ramona and is excited about the turnout so far.
   “The league plays with a handicap basis so that everyone has an equal chance,” said Preciado. “We place an emphasis on fun and learning.”
   Players are ranked between 3 and 7, 7 being the best.  New players start off as a 4 and move their way up or down as they play.
   Score sheets are turned in and ranks and standings are updated and posted weekly on the sdapa.com website. The teams also compete for end-of-the-year awards as well as trying to qualify for regional tournaments. 
   “Thirty-four area teams qualify for a regional tournament, and from there four go on to a national tournament in Las Vegas and compete for over $1 million in prize money,” said Preciado.
   The cost to play in the league is $25 for the season and $8 each Monday night that a player participates. The next season will begin at the end of June, but there is still time to join the spring season. 
   For more information, e-mail Henry at henry_preciado9@hotmail.com.