Nickname: Iron Mike

Home Town : Fayetteville, NC

Current Residence : Charlotte, NC

Date of Birth : Jan 13, 1975

Year Turned Pro : 2003

First Pro Event : 1996 US Open

Sponsors : Dragon Promotions

What is your greatest strength?

Keeping a positive attitude.

What is your favorite memory of the sport?

Getting out hill-hill to win Reno Open.

How did you get started playing the sport?

Father took me to play as a child.

What advice would you give an aspiring player?

Play as many open tournaments as possible. Having a positive attitude is huge. Many good players beat themselves because they can’t get over a bad roll or the way the table plays or whatever else may be bothering them

Places you have travels or explored?

I have been to Canada, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, and Holland for pool. The pool action in the Philippines was great. I visited Amsterdam while in Holland. Honestly, I enjoyed Toronto the best of any place I have traveled for tournaments so far, the people were very friendly there.

Other hobbies/activities?

Used to play a lot of other sports like basketball and racquetball. Tried poker for a bit but really trying to remain focused on pool for now.

Why do you love pool?

It is the best combination of a mental and physical game. I often explain pool to people as it is an exercise in creative problem solving.

What are your goals?

To maintain a high ranking and hopefully make the Mosconi Cup Team again.

What can't you live without?

The adrenaline rush that goes along with competing.

Who is your biggest influence?

There is no one person or player that was a huge influence. I have tried to adopt many different aspects from various influences.

What is your most treasured possession?

My cue

Favorite movie?

American Pie

Favorite shot?

Long draw shots – it is fun to let your stroke out for that type of shot.

Favorite pool hall?

Cue Masters in Virginia Beach, VA.

What are five songs on your iPod?

Nickelback-If Everyone Cared; Eminem-Lose Yourself; Nine Inch Nails or Johnny Cash-Hurt; Sarah McLachlan-Possession; and Big & Rich-Live This Life

What was your first car?

1977 Mercury Monarch

What living person do you most admire?

Efren Reyes because of his thought process in the game.

Titles Won

2003 Reno Open, 2005 Florida State Championship, 2006 U S Bar Table 9 Ball Champion