Owatonna’s Seykora is a pool prodigy

While many kids were picking up their video game controllers and logging on to play Fortnite or other popular games with friends during the COVID-19 pandemic, Owatonna 12-year-old Grady Seykora put down the controller and picked up a pool cue for the first time.

What started out as a family-time idea by his parents to get then-six-year-old Seykora and his siblings to play pool on their home table turned into a new passion.

“I was too short to peek over the table, so I hopped on a hoverboard to take my shots and I just fell in love with the game,” said Seykora.

According to him, the game came naturally, and despite playing his older siblings Gavin, Jorrie and Remi, Seykora was a quick study and began winning right off the bat.

The home games were always competitive, but when Seykora began to separate himself on the table, he knew there was another top dog that he had to compete against for the right to call himself the best in the family.

“My grandpa is really good,” said Seykora. “He’s taught me a lot over the years and been a great coach. I love playing against him and learning from him.”

According to Seykora’s father, Clint, the bond – and table rivalry for that matter – grows every time the two hit the table for games.

“They play every time they’re together. My father-in-law, Jim Guse, will come over and they’ll get some games in. He’s taught him a lot over the years and he’s always trying to help Grady get better. It’s so cool to see the bond they’ve formed through the game,” said Clint.

The lessons might be free, but wins are hard earned.

“I did let him win to begin with,” said Guse with a laugh. “Up until a year or two ago, I go heads up with him. He’s competitive, but he has to expect some losses here and there. It helps him.”

According to Clint, a big moment in his son’s career was when he turned seven and could finally legally enter Wagners Lunch - Pool Hall in Owatonna to join the youth league.

According to Wagners owner and local youth pool coach Dan Kubista, Seykora’s rise onto the local pool scene has been “rapid.”

“It’s like any sport. You can tell when people walk in if they take it seriously or if it’s just for fun. He’s always taken it seriously and he’s already an incredibly impressive player,” said Kubista.

Over the years, Seykora improved his game locally but also decided to take his talents to the next level by competing in tournaments both locally and out of the state.

Most recently, Seykora first place as a team with two Minnesota teammates at the VNEA National Youth Pool Tournament in Nebraska and took second in international singles play behind one of his teammates.

Along the journey at nationals, Seykora was able to compete against professionals and get a glimpse at what his future may look like one day.

“They have good attitudes and they’re really smart about how they play,” said Seykora on what he enjoyed about playing and watching the pros compete.

According to him, the most important part of his game that he is hoping to improve is his hunger to win – something that he feels should be no issue as he continues to grow in tournament competition.

However, according to Guse, shot shaping and controlling the cue ball might be next up on the training regimen.

“He’s got a lot left still to learn, but I’m so proud of him. He’s a great player and a great young man. What more could you ask for?” said Guse.