The atmosphere was friendly but the competition was fierce as Trent faculty, students, staff and local Peterborough dignitaries came together for the Tom Jackson Celebrity Pool Tournament for Kids Help Phone at Lady Eaton College on Wednesday, March 23, 2011.

Celebrities playing in the tournament against students, faculty and staff were: Trent chancellor Dr. Tom Jackson, president and vice-chancellor Dr. Steven E. Franklin, Board of Governors chair Mr. David Morton and Peterborough City counsellor Mr. Dean Pappas, who was playing on behalf of Trent’s founding president, Professor Tom Symons.

“I haven’t held a pool cue since 1949,” confessed founding president, Prof. Tom Symons. “But I am most excited about this tournament. It brings together faculty, administration, and students as a community in a fun and informal way. Events such as these represent a vital part of university life.”

There was a sparkle in Prof. Symon’s eye as he revealed his “ringer” tournament entry.

“I may not be playing,” he admitted, “but I brought a champion in Dean Pappas.”

Pappas, a city councillor and Trent alumnus, is the owner of Pappas Billiards in downtown Peterborough. Professor Symons had him decked out in an original 1964 freshman gown and cap for the event.

“It’s an honour,” said Mr. Pappas, a former Champlain College student. “I hope to do a good job of representing my college.”

Unfortunately, despite the home table advantage of playing in the Ceilie, Mr. Pappas didn’t survive into the final round.

Chancellor Tom Jackson, however, did – eventually falling to Otonabee College student Hendo Brouwers in a nail-biter.

And while the tournament namesake played down his pool skills, he extolled the benefits of the tournament.

“There is a real feeling of comfort here,” he said, looking around him. “And it is important for us to feel this sense of comfort in our lives. It is important for us to have safe places, strong communities. This tournament is a great example of community. This campus is a safe place for young people to grow. But sometimes people need more. And when the need is too great, the Kids Help Phone is there to act as an outlet, another safe place, where youth can find safety in anonymity, in support.”

Proceeds from the event will be donated to Kids Help Phone in honour of Trent students who have passed away. Entry fees paid by faculty, staff and students competing in the tournament will be split between the winner and the charity.

Trent student Greg Mountenay, prime minister of Lady Eaton College Cabinet and the organizer of the event explained, “In the community atmosphere that Trent fosters, the loss of any life has an impact on the larger Trent community. This event is an opportunity for us to honour our friends, raise money for a worthy cause, and promote access to resources for our students.”

“This is a great day for us,” announced Kids Help Phone coordinator, Mikaela Lefaive. “It allows us to gain a better presence for youth who need our services and it opens the door for wonderful fundraising initiatives.”

“Having community-wide attention for this tournament helps students realize that the Help Phone is there for them.”

For more information on the Kids Help Phone, please visit www.kidshelpphone.ca