Standing just 4-foot-11 inches, Lukas Fracasso-Verner carries a big stick--or rather pool cue.
The 12-year-old from Wallingford recently returned from a week in Las Vegas as a member of the 10-man "Connecticut Crusaders" billiards team.
Lukas was instrumental in helping his team take home the 8-ball title, proving that the six days of practice he puts in every week have paid off. The Crusaders are still celebrating their win as part of the USA Pool League (USAPL) National Championship.
"Some people were like, I have to play a 12-year-old?" Lukas quipped.
Bobby Hilton, a Crusader team member and the owner of Yale Billiards--named for its address on Yale Avenue, not for the school--said Fracasso-Verner has the goods.
"In 20 years he's the best 12-year-old I've seen," Hilton said. "He just soaks up the game like a sponge."
Billiards doesn't exactly pay like the PGA, but the team took home a collective prize of about $7,000, plus a trophy and, of course, bragging rights.
Hilton added, "To go out and actually win a national championship, it's unbelievable."
Lukas's father, Dave, who is the Crusaders' team captain said, "We went all the way and we're going to go back again."
Lukas, who also likes playing little league baseball, added, "It was just an awesome experience."