To most, pool is a recreational game. But to some rare birds, pool is a competitive sport requiring 15 balls, a cue and green felt.

And to the rarest bird, the felt is not the only green involved in pool.

Jack White, an internationally famous pocket billiards and trick shot artist, graced Iowa State’s campus with his presence last week.

Among the events featured at the Memorial Union were an open billiards tournament, a round-robin competition and a trick-shot exhibition by White.

This was White’s third year performing at ISU.

Nearly 30 students attended the events held throughout the week, but White was disappointed by the turnout.

“I’ve done colleges where over 400 students have attended,” he said.

Before he began holding shows, White played pool competitively for four years.

He was considered one of the top players on tour and proved he was when he won the world’s championship in 1962.

White joked about the amount of money he received for that feat.

“For that accomplishment, I received all of $2,000 and a trophy,” he said.

After winning the championship, White quickly learned competitive pool was not where he was going to find the money he was looking for.

“It was a great honor to be called the world’s champion, but I’d rather be called the world’s richest,” he said.

White was first asked to do a trick-shot exhibition by UCLA in 1963. He was an immediate hit.

“The kids really took to me, so one thing led to another, and all of the sudden I had a steady job,” he said.

White left the professional tour in 1963 to pursue his new career.

This steady job at UCLA eventually led to a few more gigs at other universities, and now White is famous for what he does.

“I do shows at over 200 colleges a year, and I’m a lot more successful, financially speaking, than I ever was playing competitively,” he said.

White has toured universities all over the United States and has made over 100 visits to foreign countries.

White said one of his most notable shows was the one he performed at the White House for President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hilary Clinton.

“I loved playing at the White House because I know that no one there can beat me, unless they request to,” he said.

Despite a desire to retire and various job offers asking him to teach pocket billiards at universities, White said he will continue his busy schedule of holding exhibitions.

“I love this game, and that is enough for me to tolerate all these cocky kids,” he said with a smile.But when it comes to pool, Jack White is all business.