In Part 2 of our four-part Legends of the Cue conversation with Jerry Briesath, we dive deep into the heart of his instructional philosophy—and the ideas that forever changed how generations of players approach the game.

This episode is all about process over results. Jerry explains how his teaching evolved from instinct to system, anchored by one deceptively simple concept: the cue ball on the spot. From that single reference point, he reveals how the cue tip tells the entire story of a player’s stroke, why delivery matters more than the trophy, and how consistency under pressure is built long before competition ever begins.

Jerry shares priceless insights into timing, the pendulum stop, and the transition from backswing to forward swing—drawing parallels to golf, bowling, and throwing mechanics. You’ll hear why he teaches perfection even while acknowledging unorthodox champions, and how elite players separate themselves not by aiming better, but by moving the cue stick than their opponent.

We also explore Jerry’s impact beyond the lesson table: the culture he created in his rooms, the free-lesson philosophy that turned slow nights into packed houses, and the systems-driven approach that inspired lifelong improvement in beginners, league players, and future champions alike. From kids leagues that dominated state tournaments decades later to his instrumental role in shaping the BCA instructor program, Jerry’s influence reaches far beyond Madison.

Along the way, Mark Wilson, Allison Fisher, and Mike Gonzalez reflect on how these teachings shaped their own development—and why so much of what’s missing in today’s game isn’t talent, but environment, mentorship, and systemized learning.

If you’ve ever wondered why great players stay great under pressure, this episode provides the answer: trust the delivery, trust the system, and let the results take care of themselves.

Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text.

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Music by Lyrium.

About

"Legends of the Cue" is a pool history podcast featuring interviews with Pool Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around pocket billiards. We also plan to highlight memorable pool brands, events and venues. Focusing on the positive aspects of the sport, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher, Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, our podcast focuses on telling the life stories of pool's greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”

In this opening episode of a special four-part series, Legends of the Cue begins the remarkable life story of Jerry Briesath, widely regarded as the father of modern pool instruction and the longtime Dean of the BCA’s Master Instructor program.

Born in 1937 in Winona, Minnesota, Jerry’s story starts far from championship tables and teaching platforms. He grew up working at his father’s one-man gas station, pumping fuel for 23 cents a gallon, checking oil by hand, and learning the values of discipline, service, and hard work. As a youngster, his first athletic passion was golf—good enough to play high-school varsity as the number one player—before a move to Milwaukee and a chance visit to a small billiard room forever changed his path.

With no formal instruction available in those days, Jerry learned the game the old-fashioned way: watching great players, asking questions, and running balls late into the night. Under the influence of straight-pool runners like Willis Covington, Jerry fell in love with the game’s precision and patterns. Yet even then, he noticed something missing—there was no true understanding of mechanics, no structured way to teach how to control the cue stick.

That realization would ultimately reshape the sport.

In this episode, Jerry reflects on his earliest memories, the post-war years, discovering pool in Milwaukee, and the environment that shaped his thinking long before he ever taught a lesson. You’ll hear how his analytical mind, combined with a deep respect for fundamentals, laid the groundwork for an instructional philosophy that would influence generations of players—including Mosconi Cup player and Captain Mark Wilson and countless champions worldwide.

Part one sets the stage for an extraordinary journey—from small-town beginnings to the foundation of modern pool education—told in Jerry Briesath’s own thoughtful, humorous, and insightful voice.

Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text.

Support the show

Follow our show and/or leave a review/rating on:

Our website: https://www.legendsofthecue.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-the-cue/id1820520463

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Za0IMh2SeNaWEGUHaVcy1

Music by Lyrium.

About

"Legends of the Cue" is a pool history podcast featuring interviews with Pool Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around pocket billiards. We also plan to highlight memorable pool brands, events and venues. Focusing on the positive aspects of the sport, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher, Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, our podcast focuses on telling the life stories of pool's greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”

In this powerful and deeply human conclusion to our multi-part conversation, Pat Fleming reflects on a life spent giving more to the game of pool than he ever took from it. Known worldwide as the founder of Accu-Stats, Fleming opens the door to the values, decisions, and moments that shaped both his career and his character.

The episode begins with gratitude—gratitude for fans across generations who discovered pool history through his lens, and for a team so committed to the mission that they’d show up even without a paycheck. Pat speaks candidly about legacy: preserving moments so future players can see greatness, not just hear about it. For him, the joy has always been in sharing history with people who weren’t yet born when legends first ran racks.

We also hear stories that reveal the competitor behind the camera. Fleming recounts his own days as a formidable straight-pool player, including memorable battles with icons like Steve Mizerak—moments that remind us he didn’t just document excellence; he lived it. From there, the conversation turns delightfully personal, touching on skydiving mishaps, lifelong athletic curiosity, and his current passion for long-distance cycling—where, at 75, he’s still chasing records with a grin.

The final moments bring three signature questions that distill Pat’s philosophy. What would he tell his 20-year-old self? Why family matters more than any missed shot. And how does he want to be remembered? Simply: as someone who contributed, who wasn’t selfish, and who built something lasting.

It’s a fitting close to a remarkable life story—one defined by service, integrity, and an unwavering belief that preserving history matters. This is Pat Fleming, forever part of the fabric of the game, and now forever part of Legends of the Cue.

Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text.

Support the show

Follow our show and/or leave a review/rating on:

Our website: https://www.legendsofthecue.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-the-cue/id1820520463

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Za0IMh2SeNaWEGUHaVcy1

Music by Lyrium.

About

"Legends of the Cue" is a pool history podcast featuring interviews with Pool Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around pocket billiards. We also plan to highlight memorable pool brands, events and venues. Focusing on the positive aspects of the sport, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher, Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, our podcast focuses on telling the life stories of pool's greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”