For generations of New Glarus residents, Fred Ryser was the man behind the bar at Sportsman’s, a familiar face downtown and a businessman who rarely needed much attention for the things he did for his community.

But elsewhere in Wisconsin — and well beyond it — Ryser also built another reputation.

He could play pool.

And he spent decades helping other people play it, too.

Ryser has been named one of the 2026 nominees for induction into the Wisconsin Billiards Hall of Fame, recognition of a billiards career that has stretched for more than half a century as a player, promoter, sponsor and dealer.

It is a résumé that begins in New Glarus.