INSIDE From the President 2

ISRA Family News 3

School Dayze Doubles Shootout 3

The 2010 ISRA Golf Outing 4

4th Annual Slam It for Susan 5

2010 US Open Racquetball Championships 8

The 19th Annual Turkey Shoot 9

Volunteers Rock! 12

2010 ISRA Players of the Year Award 13

2011 Distinguished Service Award 15

The Kill Shot Kids Corner 16

What Racquetball Means to Me 18

ISRA 2011 Tournament Calendar 19

Lend Your Support 20

2011 ISRA Newsletter Advertising Rates 20

USA Racquetball Membership Team Illinois Te Application 20 Racquetball at the US Open! Challenge Courts 21

www.illinoisracquetball.com 1 ILLINOIS STATE From the RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT PRESIDENT Happy Holidays! As I write this article, Laurel Davis - Oak Brook I am in between holiday parties. I have attended four this week so far and VICE PRESIDENT have some sort of event for the next Geoff Peters - Chicago five days in a row – and then it will be Christmas Eve. December is filled with SECRETARY opportunities to get together with Marla Cusano - Lombard friends and catch up as well as to cel- ebrate the year that is about to end. TREASURER You’ll find tournament information Michelle Halverson - Lombard at www.illinoisracquetball.com or But what happens when the holidays www.r2sports.com. Remember ZONE VICE PRESIDENTS are over? January can be cold and when signing up for either event – Steve Angelo - Alton (South) lonely. That’s when SAD may occur. Doubles teams must play at the Pam Schubach - Peoria (Central) According to the Cleveland Clinic, level of the highest skilled player Kevin Brylski - Lake Villa (North) “Seasonal depression, often called per ISRA eligibility. Doug Halverson - Lombard (West) seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a depression that occurs each year at A new doubles rule also goes into GOVERNING BOARD the same time, usually starting in fall effect on January 1, 2011. This rule Patrice Calvi - New Lenox or winter and ending in spring or early will require you to keep your brain Rich Clay - Libertyville summer. It is more than just ‘the win- (further) engaged when playing Mike Davern - Naperville ter blues’ or ‘cabin fever.’” doubles. USAR’s Board of Direc- Steve Goodman - Wheaton tors has voted that a doubles team Pam Grace - Wheaton Don’t let SAD get you this year! In or- should be allowed to have either Cheryl Kirk - Naperville der to help you start the fight against Jim Maroon - Morton partner serve first each time the the winter blahs and prepare for the team comes “in” to serve and that Rick Seaberg - North Aurora State Doubles Championships, the Joe Silius - Mokena an “out’ should be assessed to the Lynne Weisbart - Lake Forest Glass Court will host a one-day team if a partner who has lost the doubles warm-up on January 8th, serve attempts to serve again dur- AUXILIARY BOARD three weeks before the Peoria event. ing that inning. Here is the perti- Larry Boyer - Mt. Zion nent rule wording: Keith Brown - West Chicago Then, grab your doubles partner and Dan Flood - Sugar Grove head for Peoria. The ISRA hosts the Rule 4.2 SERVE IN DOUBLES Jeff Grace - Wheaton 2011 ISRA State Doubles Champion- (a) Order of Serve. At the begin- Paul Jepsen - Hinsdale ships at Landmark Racquet & Health ning of each game, when the first Joann Kempthorne - East Peoria Club, January 28th-30th. Landmark is server of the first team to serve is Kit Lawson - Naperville known for hosting great tournaments. out, the team is out. After that, ei- Dave Milazzo - Gurnee In addition to the health club, the ther partner can serve first each Liz Molitor - Glen Ellyn complex features a sports bar, bowl- time the team steps in to serve. Mike Vicary - Metamora ing alley and a movie theater all under Lynn Yeazell - Naperville Both players on each team shall one roof. Three hotels have provided serve until there is a handout and a reduced rates for the weekend. The ISRA NEWSLETTER STAFF sideout — i.e. both players are out. Cheryl Kirk - Editor number of rooms is limited; book your The referee must make sure that Geoff Peters - Associate Editor room early to receive the tournament neither partner serves again after Joe Silius - Advertising Editor rate. that partner had previously lost a Kit Lawson - Photo Editor rally while serving. Rule 4.4 OUT SERVE IN DOUBLES The ISRA Newsletter is published (a) Out of Order Serve. If either quarterly, and is the official publication of partner serves again after that part- the Illinois State Racquetball Association (ISRA). All rights reserved. Copyright On the Cover... ner had previously lost a rally while 2010. Reproduction in whole or in part serving, the penalty is an immedi- ate out for that team. of any text, photograph or illustration Saad Siddiqui, Eric Mathews, without written permission from the ISRA is strictly prohibited. Letters to the and Brad Statdfield all The new rule changes go into ef- medaled at the US Open in Editor, photographs, and articles or editorial fect January 1, 2011. contributions should be sent to October! [email protected]. (See page 8, this issue) continued on next page Typesetting by: TypaGraphics

2 www.illinoisracquetball.com ISRA FAMILY NEWS Gudinas and Rajsich Host Clinic World Seniors John LoMonaco Memorial Grant En route to a women’s pro stop in August saw several members of Team Il- For players who have never attended September, top pros Cheryl Gudinas linois in Albuquerque for the IRF 22nd National Singles, check out the most re- and Rhonda Rajsich popped into World Senior Championships. Con- cent USA Racquetball eNewsletter or Glass Court for a few hours of exhi- gratulations to Eugene Coyle (1st place, the USA Racquetball website bition, instruction and play-the-pro Men’s 40+), Lola Markus (1st place, (www.usaracquetball.com). An all-ex- activity.RESULTS A number of diehards took Women’s 75+), Dave Negrete (4th place, penses paid trip (up to $2,000) to the the challenge - time well spent in the Men’s 45+) and Joe Quirke (3rd place, USAR National Singles Championships company of greatness! Men’s 65+)! in Fullerton, California, May 25-30, 2011, has again been anonymously donated by a friend of John LoMonaco of West Hills, California. Mr. LoMonaco, an avid racquetball player, passed away on May 5, 2009 at the age of 57.

The recipient of the John LoMonaco Memorial Grant must be at least 18 years of age, a member of USA Rac- quetball and a U.S. citizen. He/she will submit an application and write an es- say of 500 words or less expressing why he/she wants to attend National Singles next May.

Full details and the application form are posted on the USAR website. The deadline for submissions is December 31, 2010, with the recipient announced Rhonda Rajsich and Cheryl Gudinas (center) on or before February 28, 2011. provided a great clinic for attendees From the PRESIDENT continued from previous page SCHOOL DAYZE

WOW! Referees will need to be Doubles Shootout alert in order to make sure teams Silver Lake Country Club Mixed Open/A (6) Double abide by the new rule. As always, Orland Park Elimination: Nancy Healy/Rich referees will be paid $10 per match September 18, 2010 Bowman; Jim Wehrli/Marla Cusano, at the State Doubles tournament. Tournament Director - Joy Herth Barb Vagedes/Doug Halverson (3rd) B/C (3): Glen Bero/Tamara Buss; Please call me (630-476-6896) or Jim Maroon (309-208-7788) if you David Carr/Joy Herth, Jason have questions about the tourna- RESULTS Goodman/Sam Goodman ment. Sponsorship opportunities Division/# entered: First; Second; Semifinals are also available.

Have a safe and Happy New Year. I Men’s Open/A (4): Joe Silius/Matt hope to see you all at the party in Sochacki; Rich Bowman/Len Restaino, Peoria! Jim Wehrli/Doug Halverson (3rd)

— Laurel Women’s Open/A (4): Judy Sands/Nancy Amaro; Joy Herth/Kathy Ruzycki, Dolores Lamberson/Maritza Ortega (3rd)

www.illinoisracquetball.com 3 The 2010 ISRA GOLF OUTING The ISRA Golf Outing was held this Tom Anderson of Golf Clubs year on August 28, 2010, at the Fox Fore Less Run Golf Course in Elk Grove Vil- (www.golfclubsfore lage, Illinois. The weather was less.com). beautiful, and we had a fantastic turnout of golfers to mark the day - We’d like to thank all of our sponsors who do- nated money and prizes. A special thank you goes to Dan Flood, Laurel Davis, and Michelle Halverson for their time and On the links: Rob Lee, Keith Mecklenberg, efforts in Doug Halverson, and Dan Flood helping make this event a success. Look for the date and time an- nouncement in our Spring 2011 Plans are already in Newsletter. the making for next — Marla Cusano year’s outing, and we Julie Carter, Keith Mecklenberg, and Cyndi Devoss display their winnings hope to grow it into “If you watch a game, it’s fun. If an even bigger and you play it, it’s recreation. If you 18 women and 40 men! At the end better event. work at it, it’s golf. “ Bob Hope of their rounds, everyone sat down to enjoy delicious food prepared by Rosario’s Catering of Elk Grove Vil- lage.

The winners of the low net team men were Matt Malcheski, Jeff Bertrand, Anthony Giea and Jay Becker. Taking home the prize for low net team women were Laurel Davis, Barb Utterback, Kim Gregoire and Cyndi Devoss. Winning the mixed low net team were Marla Cusano, Kerry Spix, Julie Carter and Dale Carter. Keith Mecklenberg came out on top by winning both the men’s closest to the pin and the longest drive.

Julie Carter took home a new driver for winning the women’s longest Women of Golf drive, and Cyndi Devoss won a 5 Front, L to R: Lynn Yeazell, Judy Sands, Marla Cusano, Wood for women’s closest to the Janet Christie, Liz Molitor, Sue Quiqley pin. Both clubs were donated by Rear, L to R: Pam Snyders, Barb Vagedes, Jen Dixon, Barb Utterback, Laurel Davis, Julie Carter, Cyndi Devoss, Becky Goodman

4 www.illinoisracquetball.com 4th Annual SLAM IT FOR SUSAN The Lattof YMCA began Breast Can- cer Awareness Month by hosting the Fourth Annual Slam it for Su- san. There were over 80 partici- pants who donated to play in this event and for their donations re- ceived lots of pink goodies — pink socks, pink water bottles, pink key chains and Race for the Cure shirts.

Once again it was a night for re- membering Susan Mertes and all the other women who have and have not survived their fight against breast cancer. This year Susan’s sis- ter-in-law Jean stopped by. Al- though she is not a racquetball player, she still bid on (and won!) several of the items in the silent auc- tion. Challenge courts were set up for every level of racquetball enthu- siast. Wilson Hope pink racquetballs continued on next page Remembering Susan — Martha Huske, Nancy Kronenfeld, Lynne Weisbart, Diane Bunker, Patti Moser

www.illinoisracquetball.com 5 4th Annual SLAM IT FOR SUSAN cont. from previous page were donated by Wilson Sporting eat!). Dave Negrete volun- Goods, and it was the ball of choice teered to string racquets and being slammed around all evening. gave a generous donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure Janet Leet, Art Michaely, Dave from what he collected that Kronenfeld and Nancy Kronenfeld evening. Thanks to Wilson checked in all the players and tried Sporting Goods, Susan G. to make sure everyone got in lots of Komen for the Cure, Pam playing time (or, barring that, lots to Grace (E-Force), Mike Davern (Head), Dave Kronenfeld and Dave Negrete, there were plenty of items donated. Also, huge thanks to Rick Coletti for generously donat- ing awesome pizza from his restaurant, Coletti’s, as he has every year since this event be- gan. We want to recognize a new benefactor this year, Shirish (Sam) Sanghavi, who Cheer up, Art! not only made fresh samosas (Nancy Kronenfeld and Janet Leet for all but donated $$, too! Plant Two on Art Michaely)

When the night was over $2,450 was year, as this is a very special event raised with $1,550 donated to Susan G. that we would love to continue as Komen for the Cure and $900 donated long as you will all come out to play. to the Lattof YMCA in Susan Mertes’s So, please come back next year for Guillermo Torres and memory. We are so grateful for the the 5th Annual “Slam it for Susan!” Antonio Vazquez — support we received from all of you this Two Guys with the Right Idea! — Nancy Kronenfeld

6 www.illinoisracquetball.com www.illinoisracquetball.com 7 2010 US OPEN Racquetball Championships Life Time Fitness, Krystal Csuk – Women’s Pro (QF); Mixed Minneapolis, MN Open Doubles (Geoff Peters) October 20-24, 2010 Tournament Directors – Mike Davern – Men’s 45+A, Men’s 50+ Doug Ganim and Jim Hiser Geoff Goldblatt – Men’s Pro, Men’s Open Pro Results Men’s Pro Singles Cheryl Gudinas – Women’s Pro (QF) Kane Waselenchuk (CAN) def. Alvaro Beltran (MEX) (10), 2, 2, 6 Juan Herrera – Men’s Pro Semifinalists Ben Croft, Jack Huczek Cheryl Kirk – Women’s A Doubles Women’s Pro Singles (Terry Rogers/CA); Mixed A Doubles Rhonda Rajsich (USA) def. Paola (Jeff Elder/MD) Longoria (MEX) 8, (8), 9, 5 Semifinalists Christie Huczek, Gregg Mandell – Men’s 55+, Samantha Salas Solis Men’s 55+A (QF)

Men’s 40+ (Classic Professional Eric Mathews – Men’s A, Men’s 24-A Racquetball Tour – CPRT) (3rd), Men’s A Doubles (Saad Siddiqui) Woody Clouse def. Jeff Bell 0, (5), 2, 0 Semifinalists Brad McCunniff, Ray Meisner – Men’s B, Men’s 55+B (QF) Jimmy Lowe Dave Milazzo – Men’s 50+, Men’s 45+ John O’Donnell, Jr. brought Team Illinois at the US Open Doubles (Troy Stallings/SD) home Double Gold to Illinois! Men: 20 Women: 6 Horace Miller – Men’s 60+, Men’s 65+ (3rd) John O’Donnell, Jr. – Men’s 75+ (1st), Men’s 80+ (1st) Ben Croft – Men’s Pro (SF) Keith Minor – Men’s 40+, Men’s 45+ Doubles (Scott Schafer/TX) (1st) Heather Olson – Women’s C, Women’s 24-/25+C (1st)

Alberto Palacios – Men’s 55+B (3rd), Men’s 65+ (QF)

Geoff Peters – Men’s 50+, Mixed Open Doubles (Krystal Csuk), Mixed A Doubles (Lynne Weisbart)

Ray Redelman – Men’s 35+B (QF), Men’s 45+B

Rick Seaberg – Men’s B (QF), Men’s 45+B, Men’s B Doubles (Bill Bearden/ TX) (QF)

Jesus Rojas – Men’s B, Men’s 25+B (2nd), Men’s A Doubles (Antonio Vazquez)

Saad Siddiqui – Men’s B, Men’s 24-B (3rd), Men’s A Doubles (Eric Mathews)

Cary Slade – Men’s Elite, Men’s 35+ (QF), Men’s 40+

Ray Meisner, Wil Rounsaville, Cary Slade, Horace Miller, and Keith Brown at the Target Center in Minneapolis continued on next page

8 www.illinoisracquetball.com The 19th Annual TURKEY SHOOT The Glass Court Swim & Fitness, Lombard November 19-21, 2010 Tournament Directors – Doug and Michelle Halverson

Another great Turkey Shoot is in the record books with this year’s event having gone international, boasting 169 players not only from 5 other states (Colorado, Delaware, Indiana, Iowa, North Carolina) but from Canada as well! Twenty-four divisions in- cluded 12 men’s singles, 2 women’s singles, 5 men’s doubles, 2 women’s doubles, and 3 mixed doubles.

Division successes provided trips upward for sev- eral skill division players. Matt Sochacki, after hav- ing won Men’s A at Summerfest, made this his sec- ond win in the current season and therefore, he makes the move immediately to Men’s Open (but still retains the chance to nab State, Regional and National championships in his prior Men’s A divi- sion). Basilio Salazar will move to Men’s A at the beginning of the next season; Benjamin Torres to Men’s B; and David Singer to Men’s C. Tournament Director Doug Halverson (center) congratulates Mixed Open Doubles Champs continued on next page Rich Bowman and Nancy Healy

2010 US OPEN Racquetball Championships cont. from previous page

Brad Statdfield – Men’s D (3rd), Men’s 24+C (QF)

Joan Vande Kieft – Women’s 55+ (3rd), Women’s 60+ (1st)

Antonio Vazquez – Men’s A, Men’s A Doubles (Jesus Rojas)

Lynne Weisbart – W45/55+A (4th), Mixed A Doubles (Geoff Peters)

Team Illinois Medal Count (14) Gold (5): John O’Donnell, Jr. (2), Keith Minor, Joan Vande Kieft, Heather Olson Silver (1): Jesus Rojas Bronze (7): Ben Croft, Eric Mathews, Horace Miller, Alberto Palacios, Saad Siddiqui, Brad Statdfield, Joan Vande Kieft Pewter (1): Lynne Weisbart

Team Illinois Cheerleaders Bringing their enthusiasm to Minneapolis were Keith Brown, Chris Evon, Terri Graham, Pat and Bill Gudinas, Leo and Susan Klimaitis, Kit Lawson, John Mason, Bobbi Redelman, Wil Rounsaville, Kim Skarupski Dr. Nadeem and Ghazala Siddiqui lend Seaberg, Nadeem and Ghazala Siddiqui, Arlene O’Donnell support to son Saad

www.illinoisracquetball.com 9 The 19th Annual TURKEY SHOOT continued from previous page

Phil Brankin, Brian McNally and Joann Martin — Sam and Katelyn Singer cheered their our Glass Court buddies! dad David on to victory in the Men’s D

In the Men’s Open, it was the Battle of the Brothers, with Andres Herrera emerging the victor over sibling Juan, (14), 10, 3. Ellen Somberg squeaked by challenger Janet Eminger in the Women’s 40+ with scores of 9, (11), 6.

Tournament Directors Doug and Michelle Halverson, along with club owners Dan Jaskier and Joe DeArmas, provided another world- class tournament experience. Their thanks go to the many volunteers who lent their support: Marian Bala, Dustie Baker, Kenny Brown, Ron Calloway, Marla Cusano, Laurel Davis, Joey Eminger, Dan Flood, Lori Good, Jeff Grace, Pam Grace, Joy Herth, Cheryl Kirk, Sara Lyons, Jim Maroon, Eric Mathews, Liz Molitor, Geoff Peters, John Puccio, Len Restaino, Bill Roberts, Ashley Ryan, Judy Sands, Pam Schubach, Joe Silius, Sam Singer, Chuck Snyders, John Thorson, Marcia Warren, and Lynne Weisbart.

Check out the results, on page 10...

— Cheryl Kirk Vishwam Sankar — Benjamin Torres, his first tournament! Men’s C Winner

10 www.illinoisracquetball.com Men’s 45/50+ (10): Tom Horton; Bob Riley Men’s 40+ Doubles (10): Jim Hillman/ (NC); Michael Mancuso, John Richier Keith Minor; Tom Utterback/Dave RESULTS Men’s 55+ (9): Bob Riley (NC); Joe Bachar; Andy Pitock/Eric Jensen, Dave Division/# entered: First; Second; DeArmas; Dave Olson, Jim Maroon Negrete/Eric Battaglia Semifinals Men’s 60/65+ (6): Joe Silius; Pat Taylor; Alberto Palacios, Larry Schum Women’s Open Doubles (2): Janet Men’s Pro/Open (14): Andres Herrera; Eminger/Nancy Amaro; Laurel Davis/ Juan Herrera; Geoff Goldblatt, Trevor Women’s A (3): Rhonda Mundhenk; Mary Pam Schubach Snyders Crambes; Sandra Filipp (3rd) Women’s A Doubles (6): Dolores Men’s AA (4): Oscar Madrigal; Clint Women’s 40+ (8): Ellen Somberg; Janet Lamberson/Lynne Weisbart; Julianne Hickman; Saad Siddiqui Eminger; Lynn Yeazell, Diane Bunker Valentino/Pam Grace; Dustie Baker/Kim Men’s A (15): Matt Sochacki; Kenny Wainwright Brown; Eric Mathews, Patrick Sands Men’s Open Doubles (9): Juan Herrera/ Men’s B (19): Basilio Salazar; Ryan Andres Herrera; Bryan Crosser (IA)/Keith Mixed Open Doubles (9): Nancy Healy Fosco; Rick Nielsen, Matthew Reeser Minor; Geoff Goldblatt/Juan Martinez III, (IN)/Rich Bowman (IN); Martin Men’s C (22): Ben Torres; Hung Che; Oscar Madrigal/Trevor Snyders Gonzalez/Lynn Yeazell; Jim Hillman/ Jesus Rojas, Dan Musgrove Men’s A Doubles (12): Kenny Brown/Eric Ellen Somberg, Janet Eminger/Tom Men’s D (15): David Singer; Levester Mathews; John Puccio/Mike Davern; Jake Utterback Dean; Porfirio Villalobos, Larry Schum Ryan/Jeffrey Hill, Jim Maroon/Joe DeArmas Mixed A Doubles (9): Julianne Men’s Novice (2): Vishwam Sankar; Men’s B Doubles (8): Dan Musgrove/Dave Valentino/Frank Valentino; N/A; Rick Harry Tram Wielgus; Jose Alberto Acosta/Ranferi Seaberg/Cheryl Kirk, Barb Vagedes/Doug Men’s 30/40+ (10): Alok Mehta; Salgado; John Anaya/Joe Wilhelm, Enrique Halverson Antonio Rosselli; Eric Battaglia, Cary Rodriguez/Gene Cromwell Mixed B/C Doubles (4): Leon Soren/ Slade Men’s C Doubles (4): Hung Che/Philip Joan Hohs; Sandra Filipp/Carl Carman; Men’s 35/45+ Intermediate (8): Dave Kluss; Edgar Pinto/Jorge Pinto; Danny Dustie Baker/Michael O’Dea (3rd) Wielgus; Alan West; Gerald Kudanian, Ortega/Dominc Galvan (3rd) Dan Pacetti

www.illinoisracquetball.com 11 VOLUNTEERS ROCK!

As we close out another great calendar year and fling ourselves into the second half of the racquetball tournament season, the ISRA takes this opportunity to thank our volunteers who help make our tournaments so enjoyable. You come in all shapes and sizes, and (per the pic- tures below) many times in sets of three! We can’t include every valued volunteer’s picture on this page, but let these pictures represent you all. Thanks so much for what you do in service to your racquetball community!

Sam Singer, Joy Herth, Lori Good V V V V Marcia Warren, Pam Schubach, Jim Maroon

V Jeff Grace and Ashley Ryan — V Tournament Desk Trevor Snyders, Ron Calloway, Chuck Snyders Dream Team! V

12 www.illinoisracquetball.com 2010 ISRA Players of the Year Vote for your favorite Male and/or (1989); Pat Tarzon, Bill Lyman (1990); Khamis (2002); Carolyn Watkins, Female Player of the Year and Most Laurel Davis, Ron Johnson (1991); Lola Adrian Beltramino (2003); Geoff Improved Player using the form be- Markus, Bill Lyman (1992); Cheryl Goldblatt (2004 & 2005); Richard low. Please include comments re- Gudinas, Andy Pitock (1993); Cheryl DeArmas (2006); Trevor Snyders garding your selection(s) using the Gudinas, Greg Hasty (1994); Cheryl (2007); Frank Milazzo (2008); Juan following criteria: Gudinas, Horace Miller (1995); Dawn Martinez III (2009). Gates, John Negrete (1996); Krystal 1. Accomplishments Csuk, John O’Donnell, Jr. (1997); Mary Act Now: Nominations must be re- 2. Number of years played Crawford, Greg Hasty, Sr. (1998); Terri ceived by February 15, 2011! 3. Sportsmanship Graham, Cary Slade (1999); Cheryl Submit your nominations to: Illinois 4. Improvement Gudinas, Bill Lyman (2000); Nancy State Racquetball Association, 1163 5. Contribution to the sport Kronenfeld, Bill Lyman (2001); Liz S. Grace St., Lombard, IL 60148; of racquetball Molitor, Ben Croft (2002); Liz Molitor, or email your nomination to Marla Dave Milazzo (2003); Krystal Czuk, Dave Cusano at [email protected]. Nominees must be USAR members Milazzo (2004); Liz Molitor, Keith Minor Your nomination(s) should include and may play at any level. Winners (2005); Liz Molitor, Keith Minor (2006); your name, address, day and will be chosen by the ISRA Govern- Pat Taylor, Julie Vincent (2007); TJ evening phone numbers, the name ing Board and will be honored at Ferro, Ellen Somberg (2008); Alok of the nominee(s), and the reasons the ISRA State Singles Champion- Mehta, Nancy Amaro (2009). why that person(s) should receive ships on April 2, 2011. the award, including a list of Most Improved Player Award – achievements. Note: The more de- Players of the Year — past recipi- past recipients: Robert Gates, Jr. tailed your nomination (including ents: Chris Evon, Marshall Waldo (1998); Ben Croft (1999); Diane Bunker tournament results), the better (1988); Cheryl Gudinas, Rich Clay (2000); Ubaldo Melo (2001); Angel chance your nominee(s) will have!

2010 ISRA Players of the Year & Most Improved Player NOMINATION FORM

Male Nominee’s Name ______

Female Nominee’s Name ______

Most Improved Player’s Name ______

Include paragraph regarding your selection(s) (may use separate sheet of paper): ______

______

______

______

______

Name of ISRA member initiating nomination (please print): ______

Phone (day) ______Phone (night) ______

Signature ______Date ______

Please return by February 15, 2011 to:

ISRA c/o Marla Cusano 1163 S. Grace St., Lombard, IL 60148

or email nomination to: [email protected].

www.illinoisracquetball.com 13 2011 Distinguished Service Award Nominations are being accepted Gay Kenna (1981); Jim Harper (1982); Jim Act Now: Nominations must be re- for the 2011 ISRA Distinguished Cartwright (1983); Alan Shetzer (1984); ceived by February 15, 2011! Sub- Service Award. Criteria for consid- Clyde Senters (1985); Diane Gabrisko mit your nominations to: Illinois eration include commitment to the (1986); Geoff Peters (1986); Bill Feigen State Racquetball Association, 1163 sport of racquetball; quality of ser- (1987); Alvin Barasch (1988); Judy Young S. Grace St., Lombard, IL 60148; vice; and accomplishments benefit- (1989); Bill Roberts (1990); Al or email your nomination to Marla ing the sport and its players. Any Danielwicz(1991); Bill Piggott (1992); Rich Cusano at marcusano@ comcast.net. ISRA member may make nomina- Clay (1993); Dave Negrete (1994); Lori Kai- Your nomination(s) should include tions. The winner, chosen by the ser (1995); Brian Stuertz (1996); Diane your name, address, day and evening ISRA Governing Board, will be hon- DeArmas (1997); T.J. Ferro (1998); Laurel phone numbers, the name of the ored at the ISRA State Singles on Davis (1999); Rich Clay (2000); Mike nominee(s), and the reasons why that April 2, 2011. Davern (2001); Pam Grace (2002); Cheryl person(s) should receive the award, Kirk (2003); Patrice Calvi (2004); Geoff Pe- including a list of achievements. Note: Distinguished Service Award – past ters (2005); Doug Halverson (2006); Laurel The more detailed your nomination recipients: Tom Street (1978); Bob Davis (2007); Michelle Halverson (2008); (including tournament results), the Troyer (1979); Art Michaely (1980); Cheryl Kirk (2009); Lori Good (2010). better chance your nominee(s) will have!

2011 ISRA Distinguished Service Award NOMINATION FORM

Nominee’s Name ______

Include paragraph regarding your selection(s) (may use separate sheet of paper): ______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

Name of ISRA member initiating nomination (please print): ______

Phone (day) ______Phone (night) ______

Signature ______Date ______

Please return by February 15, 2011 to:

ISRA c/o Marla Cusano 1163 S. Grace St., Lombard, IL 60148

or email nomination to: [email protected].

14 www.illinoisracquetball.com www.illinoisracquetball.com 15 The Kill Shot KIDS CORNER JTI MISSION STATEMENT part of their vision for the future in their Since racquetball is not just for Junior Team Illinois (JTI) was clubs nationwide. young people when you grow up founded by TJ Ferro and the ISRA you can play in an age group that for the purpose of teaching and pro- There is a revenue stream for the club allows you to play harder players moting racquetball to junior players associated with junior racquetball activ- and work out. Playing racquetball is aged 6-18. JTI’s goal is to develop ity. Depending upon the number of kids more exciting and fun because play- character, skill and sportsmanship in involved and the fee charged, it could ing against friends and meeting new young players, teaching the funda- become economically meaningful in the people is always a good experience. mentals of the game from an intro- short- and long-term. Generally, court People should get off the couch and ductory to an advanced level and time is used during the off-prime court pick up a racquet and play racquet- promoting safety on the court. JTI hours. As an example, Glass Court of- ball. staff is comprised of volunteers, par- fers us their facility mid-afternoons on ents and advanced junior players. the weekends. MEET OUR JUNIORS JTI is also working with sponsors/manu- 2010 – 2011 Season facturers to assist in providing equip- The season kicked off on November ment and promotional materials as 7th at The Glass Court Swim & Fit- needed. ness in Lombard, IL and runs through the last Sunday in February, Please feel free to contact us if we can but we will continue to work with be of assistance: juniors who wish to compete at a Barry Dixon - phone# 630-881-4639, high level at the ISRA State Singles email [email protected]. Championships scheduled for early Steve Goodman - phone# 708-819-3067, April 2011. For a nominal member- email [email protected]. ship fee, juniors receive two hours of coaching and court time on a weekly basis. WHY PEOPLE SHOULD PLAY RACQUETBALL Our mission for this season is to by Sam Goodman (Junior Player) spread the word to other clubs in Illi- (Excerpts from a 7th grade school paper nois. We are reaching out to assist submitted in 2010) interested clubs in creating a juniors program at their facilities. Racquetball was created by a man named Joe Sobek in the 1960’s. In the Our suggested approach is a simple 1980’s racquetball became more popu- one. First, the club may want to hold lar. The court you play on is forty feet Max Trakas a clinic to introduce the sport to a by twenty feet. Players use a racquet Meet Max, one of our junior players wide variety of ages. We have volun- and hit a hollow rubber ball at the front who plays at Glass Court in teers who are willing to help host a wall. A maximum of four people can Lombard, IL. He is a 6th grader at clinic. play on one court. Three reasons that Kingsley School in Downers Grove, people should play racquetball are that IL. His favorite subjects include sci- Second (and most important) is that this sport is fun; helps work on player’s ence, reading and math. He is a adult/parent leadership continues cardio vascular system; playing can also Cubs fan whose favorite sports are with the next step of the process: ini- help players lose weight. Racquetball is football, baseball, bike riding and go- tiating a weekly two-hour session. more fun because players can work out ing to the beach. His other interests This is when the juniors can come to with friends and play with new people. are video games, music and art. learn and play the game. ADULT/ Max has been participating with our PARENT INVOLVEMENT IS THE KEY Clearly, more people should learn to juniors program for the past three TO A PROGRAM’S SUCCESS. The play racquetball because it is more fun years. He always comes to practice successful youth program leaders in then a torturous work out program. So ready to play and have fun. He is a Oregon and Missouri stress this key when they try racquetball they see that great kid to have in our program. element. you run and workout as well as having a fun time. Another reason that racquet- Note: If any other clubs would like to Large organizations such as Life ball is good is that USAR (United States introduce their junior players to our Time Fitness have recognized the Racquetball Association) found out that readers, please forward their infor- importance to their business of players work their heart 75 to 85% of its mation to Barry Dixon or Steve maintaining healthy adult and youth maximum heart rate. People run a lot in Goodman for future publication. racquetball programs. Racquetball is racquetball up to two miles so that will help your legs get stronger.

16 www.illinoisracquetball.com The Kill Shot KIDS CORNER continued from previous page TJ FERRO Award Created in Memory of JTI Founder

The James B. Dvorak Award was created by the Dvorak family who has generously pro- vided the monetary donation for this award since 2005. The Dvorak Family has made the decision not to continue funding the award going into the future but wants every- one to know how much they have enjoyed remembering their husband and father in this way. The ISRA extends its warmest thanks to the Dvorak family for making the award possible these past five years.

Winners of the James B. Dvorak Award in the past have included Kevin Schultz, Jake Sutton, Trevor Snyders, Geoff Goldblatt, Vinny Carvallo, Jeremy Dixon, Noor Michael, and Saad Siddiqui.

In November 2010, the ISRA Board voted unanimously to rename the award in memory of TJ Ferro, Founder of Junior Team Illinois. A $250 scholarship will be awarded annu- ally to a deserving junior player who is a member of the ISRA, to be used to supplement the cost of that player’s education.

Four categories that were important to TJ will be used to evaluate applicants: Racquetball Participation, Sportsman- ship, Scholastic Achievement, and Community Service. Interested junior players must apply (see information in this newsletter). Please complete the application and return it to Barry Dixon via e-mail at [email protected]. Applications will be accepted through February 15, 2011.

The 2011 Award will be announced at the ISRA Annual Awards Ceremony to be held at the ISRA State Champion- ships on Saturday, April 2, 2011.

TJ FERRO JUNIOR AWARD APPLICATION

Junior players, please provide the information in this application and include it along with your written essay (see below) to Barry Dixon via e-mail at [email protected]. Remember, you must apply to be considered!

APPLICANT INFORMATION:

Name:______USA Racquetball Member #: ______Street Address: ______City:______Zip Code: ______Phone:______E-Mail Address: ______

Please describe your activities and involvement in each of the following four categories:

• Racquetball Participation • Sportsmanship • Scholastic Achievement • Community Service

References: List three people (non-family members) who can provide a reference for you. Include people who are familiar with the activities you have described above. They may include coaches, teachers, peers, et al. Please include an e-mail address, phone number and their relationship to you.

Name______Relationship ______Phone ______Email ______Name______Relationship ______Phone ______Email ______Name______Relationship ______

Phone ______Email ______

www.illinoisracquetball.com 17 What Racquetball MEANS TO ME

by Shelley Stewart This includes doing what it takes to ac- my children and hopefully watch complish any personal and professional them play someday. Tell us a little about yourself: age, goals. My favorite quote that I live my hometown, occupation? life by is, ”Cherish yesterday, Dream to- What else would you like your morrow, and LIVE today.” I believe that racquetball friends to know I am 40 years old and have been life is full of choices, and it is up to the about you? playing racquetball for 22 years. I individual to make the best ones. live in Chatham, IL with my 2 I think it’s important for everyone young boys (Trenton, 9, and What was your most memorable mo- associated with the sport of rac- Clayton, 4). I am a Literacy Coach ment in racquetball? quetball to keep the sport alive. at an elementary school for Over 22 years of playing, I have Springfield District #186. My It was at State Singles a long time ago watched it slowly die in the areas home club is Springfield Racquet when I forgot to bring the most impor- of Springfield, Decatur, and and Fitness Center. tant thing for me to have when playing Champaign. When I began, there racquetball…something that I was not were so many great tournaments What influenced you to start play- going to be able to replace when in the around the area, but now the ing racquetball? Chicago area…my contact lenses! tournaments seem more limited. Luckily, I am not completely blind with- I appreciate my racquetball I was influenced by my grandfa- out them but would certainly prefer to friends in Peoria who are working ther as well as my mother to begin have them considering that it is pretty to keep the sport alive and consis- playing racquetball. I began by crucial to be able to see the ball. Re- tently putting on great tourna- traveling to tournaments with my gardless, I won first place and was ments at their fabulous facility. mom and just watching. When I proud to say that I was able to do it began playing shortly afterward, I without my contacts! realized how much I loved the sport. What cause(s) do you support?

What are your goals in racquet- Literacy in Education, ball for this year? Cancer research, Youth Sports, and research My goals are to play as much as for the American Heart possible, which, in reality, is cur- Association. rently not nearly enough as I would like. With two young chil- What is one thing you dren who are very active in sports would like to do that themselves, I find my time is lim- you have not done yet? ited on the court. I am going to play in the State Doubles tourna- I’d like to play more ment in January with my mother tournaments, not just but will most likely not get to play around the state but before then. around the country. I feel I have viewed my What makes you love this sport? love for this sport as more of a hobby verses It’s one more thing that I get to par- a competitive sport that ticipate in with my mom. We I live and breathe. As travel together to various tourna- much as I love being on ments and play for fun. I also en- the court surrounded joy the fast pace of the sport. I like by great friends, the re- to be active, and it feels good at ality is that I do not my age to still be somewhat quick have the time in my life on the court. at this point to devote to being more active in What is your philosophy on life? it than I currently am. I would also like to instill Simply, to enjoy life to its fullest. my love of the sport to

18 www.illinoisracquetball.com 2011 Tournament CALENDARCALENDAR For updates or edits to the ISRA Tournament Calendar, please contact Geoff Peters at (773) 251-4413 or at [email protected]

January 8, 2011 February 11-13, 2011 April 1-3, 2011 Glass Court One-Day Doubles 2011 St. Valentine’s Day ISRA State Singles Warm-up Massacre Championships - JR The Glass Court Swim & Forest View Racquet Club, The Glass Court Swim & Fitness, Arlington Hts. Fitness, Lombard Lombard Dave Negrete; Cheryl Kirk (630) 215-4242 Andy Pitock (630) 629-3390 [email protected] April 6-9, 2011 January 14-16, 2010 March 10-13, 2011 2011 USAR National WSMRA Championships 2011 Shamrock Shootout - JR Intercollegiate (35+) The Glass Court Swim & Fitness, Championships Denver, CO Lombard Arizona State University, Kendra Tutsch, Doug Halverson Tempe, Arizona [email protected] (630) 629-3390 Heather Fender www.r2sports.com (719) 635-5396 March 23-26, 2011 January 28-30, 2011 NMRA National April 15-17, 2011 ISRA State Doubles Championships (45+) USAR Regional Qualifiers - Championships - JR Portland, OR JR Landmark Racquet and Steve Cohen Locations TBD Health, Peoria www.r2sports.com Eddie Meredith Laurel Davis (719) 635-5396 [email protected] March 26, 2011 Forest View One Day May 25-30, 2011 February 9-13, 2011 Shootout Series - Singles USA Racquetball 44th USAR 44th Annual National Forest View Racquet Club, National Doubles Championships Arlington Hts. Singles Championships - JR Arizona State University, Dave Negrete; Fullerton, CA Tempe, Arizona [email protected] Heather Fender Heather Fender (719) 635-5396 (719) 635-5396

JR - Includes Junior Divisions All tournaments listed are sanctioned by USA Racquetball Illinois tournaments are highlighted in red

www.illinoisracquetball.com 19 Lend Your 2011 ISRA Newsletter SUPPORT Advertising Rates Your membership in the ISRA has helped make our organi- GUIDELINES: zation second to none. • The ISRA Board of Directors has established a formal Though we strive to make im- provements to build and grow policy of not allowing advertisements to include product the sport for future success, pricing. we sometimes struggle to • All ads should be camera ready. They can be accepted keep our heads above water as an organization. Our focus electronically in .tif, .jpg or .pdf formats. is not for the purpose of mon- • These rates are in effect until December 31, 2011. etary gain but to generate • Deadlines are as follows: enough funds to give back quality, first-rate programs, tournaments and events we • Issue Publication Date: 2/25/11 can all be proud to participate Articles/Releases/Ads Due: 2/1/11 in. Our volunteers who donate • their time and/or money are greatly appreciated as are • Ad Rates: those who advertise in this ISRA Newsletter. For as little Full page: $150/issue as $25 for a business card size Half page: $75/issue ad, we can help get your Quarter page: $50/issue name out there to let every- one know what you do; for Other sizes quoted on a $150, we can run your ad on a case-by-case basis. full page. Help Us Help You by getting your ad into the next ISRA newsletter. • For any questions or submission: Send articles/releases to Cheryl Kirk at Many thanks, [email protected] Joe Silius, Advertising Editor Send ads to Joe Silius at [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

NAME ______ADDRESS ______CITY ______STATE/ZIP ______Send to: TELEPHONE (Home) ______(Business) ______E-MAIL ______ISRA BIRTHDATE ______603 E. Wilson Ave. Lombard, IL 60148 Adult competitor ...... $50.00 ______Member Sport, Junior competitor (age 21 and under) ...... $25.00 ______U.S. Olympic Tax-deductible donation ...... $ ______Committee Total enclosed ...... $ ______

Tournament ______Representative ______

All memberships are for one year, and include a subscription to RACQUETBALL magazine (four times/year).

20 www.illinoisracquetball.com Racquetball CHALLENGE COURTS Buehler YMCA Heritage YMCA Norris Rec Center (847) 359-2400 (630) 420-6270 (630) 377-1405 Palatine, IL Naperville, IL St. Charles, IL Thursdays 7-10 p.m. Saturday Tuesday and Thursday Saturday 8 a.m. - Noon 9 -10 a.m. 7 - 9 p.m. $15 One-Day Guest Pass $4.00 Friday 5 - 7 p.m. Members, Sunday8 -10 a.m. $8.00 $5.00 Members Courts Plus Non-Members and Non-Members (Elmhurst Park District) (630) 833-5064 Monday-Saturday Landmark Health Schaumburg Park District 8:30 -11:00 a.m. and Racquetball (847) 490-2505 $2.00 M-F, (309) 685-8360 Schaumburg, IL $3.00 Sat. Members Peoria, IL Saturday 8 -10 a.m. $10.00 Non-Members First and Third Sunday 6 - 8 p.m. Friday each month $3 Members, $9 Non-Members 6 - 8 p.m. Fitness Formula Clubs $5.00 Old Town Silver Lake Country Club (312) 640-1235 (708) 349-6940 1235 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL Life Center Health Orland Park, IL Tuesdays 6:00-9:00 pm and Fitness at the Friday 7 - 10 p.m. Saturdays: 9:00 am – 12 noon Bartlett Park District $7.00 Members $20 for guests (630) 540-4848 and Non-Members Bartlett, IL Wednesdays Forest View Racquet 7:30 -9:30 p.m. West Cook YMCA and Fitness Club Saturdays (708) 383-5200 (847) 640-2574 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. Oak Park Arlington Heights, IL $4.00 Members Wednesday 7 - 10 p.m. Thursday $6.00 Non-Members Thursday 2 - 4 p.m. 6:30 -10:00 p.m. $9.00 Non-Residents Saturday 8 -10 a.m. $2.00 Members, Free to YMCA members, $5.00 Non-Members $9.00 Non-Members

To add your club to this list, contact: Marla Cusano at [email protected]

We’ve got you under our wing Jeff Grace Associate [email protected] Aflac.com

1000 Jorie Blvd. 630-462-9030 office Oak Brook, IL 60523-4482 630-586-0110 office 630-203-6042 fax

Proudly serving Aflac since 1996 An independent Associate representing Aflac

www.illinoisracquetball.com 21