DOCSLIB.ORG

April 1 2004

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
April 1 2004 Racquetballquarterly publication of the Racquetball Association Reporter of Michigan November 2004 Volume XXVII, Issue 1 In This Issue WEST MICHIGAN OPEN BRINGS PROFESSIONAL RACQUETBALL BACK TO MICHIGAN Thoughts from the - Twayne M. Howard President For the first time in over a decade, Professional game style is his tremendous getting ability and Page 2 Racquetball graced the courts of a Michigan amazing power. Jack is Mr. Consistency, and is tournament. And what a show it was. Huge also one of the best “getters” on the Tour. Andy crowds came out to play in the tournament and fought hard, but the disparity in talent was too Junior’s Corner watch the best of the best show their stuff in much to overcome as he lost 11-6, 11-1, 11-6. IRT World Champions this Tier 4 International Racquetball Tour event. Jack’s awesome shot-making ability kept Andy on Over 100 spectators were on hand to watch the run, and on the fly, and on the dive the entire NMRA Champions Saturday morning’s first Pro match and the match, and it proved too much in the end. Page 4 crowds only got bigger throughout the day. The second semifinal pitted Jim Floyd against In the Pro Division, five touring Pros faced off Ruben Gonzalez. This match was a thrilling dis- against eight local players looking to prove their play of high-speed racquetball as both players flew RAM Tournament stuff. The round of sixteen saw only one upset around the court with reckless abandon. The first Schedule as Michigan’s State Open Champion Brandon two games went to “overtime” 12-10, 12-10. Then Page 5 Cortese took out the 5th seeded Pro, Joey Ruben found the answer and switched away from Logan. Brandon safely advanced in three a lob serve to his classic “slicey-dicey” drive serve. games. The other matches had Mike Ander- This seemed to keep Jim off balance and Ruben son advancing past Jason Gorski, Andy rolled to an 11-0 win to advance to the Finals. Court Club Listing Hawthorne advancing past Dale Graham, Jim “Donut in the Semis… Ouch”. Page 6 Floyd advancing past Brent Zimmerman, and Scott Graves advancing past Shannon Kohl The finals featured a classic confrontation be- in a classic five game match that took nearly tween the young kid, on top of his game, his whole two hours to complete. future ahead of him and the veteran, still danger- STATE DOUBLES ous after all these years on the tour. What a great ENTRY FORM The quarterfinals kicked off with another “up- show! It was the first time most of the spectators Page 7 set” as Michigander and past State Champion had gotten to see racquetball at this level and the Jim Floyd dispatched 3rd Seed Eric crowd was loud and supportive all day, inter- Desrochers. Going in, this was the keynote spersed with comments of shock at the awesome match of this round and many felt that Jim could talent they were seeing. There were rallies where get past Eric. Jim did not disappoint as he beat both players covered every corner of the court, the 33rd ranked Pro in three games. The rest each diving to retrieve a great shot from his op- of the round went according to seed. Jack ponent, each get and each shot better than the Huczek, currently #1 on the tour easily defeated last. It was a tremendous display of racquetball tour veteran Mike Anderson in three games. as the game should be played. After an 11-2 blow- Ruben Gonzalez, currently #19 on the tour, out in game one, Ruben decided to get more ag- dropped one game to Scott Graves, and then gressive in two and three. Both games were close allowed Scott only one point in the next three with both players holding small leads with no room games. “Double donut…ouch”. Sorry about for any mistakes. Ruben’s aggressive play, kept that Scott. That’s why they call this 52 year old Jack scrambling, but in the end, it was not enough. Hall of Famer “Superman”. Brandon Cortese’s Jack won games two and three 11-8, 11-8. run ended when he ran into Andy Hawthorne. Brandon took a game from the #43 Pro, but it All of the Pros took time out to talk to the specta- wasn’t enough as Andy cruised into the semis. tors, answer questions, sign autographs and just chat throughout the weekend. The Pros put on a Racquetball Association of Michigan Racquetball The semis kicked off Sunday morning with the tremendous show and provided a great start to a Huczek / Hawthorne match first up. Andy’s (cont. on page 3) THOUGHTS FROM THE PRESIDENT . 2004-05 Wow what a great way to kick off the rac- racquetball gear. Feel free to donate any quetball season! As you read this we will new item you feel of value, and come pre- Board of Directors have completed seven or eight sanctioned pared to bid high or go home. Remember, President tournaments with more adding all the time. it’s for a good cause. It’s good to be back in the heart of the sea- Twayne Howard son with plenty more to look forward to. In other exciting news, we have added sev- (616) 771-0312 eral tournaments since the last edition. No- In this edition of the Racquetball Reporter vember 5-7 Karen Green is hosting the Vice President you’ll find the entry form for State Doubles. Franklin Turkey Shootout. November 12- Jack Huczek Total Sports will host the event again this 14 Jeff Connell is hosting a Benefit Tour- (248) 373-4541 year and we look forward to another full nament at the Lansing MAC. January 7-9 weekend of great doubles fun. Jeff Tloczynski is hosting a tournament at Secretary the OMNI Fitness Club in Muskegon. Janu- Sharon Huczek We will again be hosting a “State of the ary 14-16 Stephanie Winfrey is hosting a (248) 373-5255 State” meeting on Saturday at 7pm. This tournament is Genesys Athletic Club in will be an “open board meeting” where we Grand Blanc. Finally Don Schopieray is Treasurer will have the opportunity to discuss with you hosting a tournament at the Davison Ath- Tom Blakeslee some of the things we’re working on, and letic Club in January or February. As al- (810) 468-2787 you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your ways the best way to keep up on the sched- ideas with the Board. Last year’s event led ule is to check out our website, Board Members to some good discussion and we hope this www.michiganracquetball.net. Feel free to edition will as well. Always remember that add it to you “Favorites” and check it every Felicia Mann we are here to work for you. Use this op- few days. Jack White portunity to give us your feedback on how Karen Green we’re doing. In my last letter, I mentioned our current Lewis Forrest Stephanie Winfrey Board and how exciting it is to be involved Randy Pagels Now, we’re not above bribing you to come with this group. As a natural evolution, sev- Ron Barton to the meeting. At approximately 8:00 pm, eral committees have sprung up working we’re going to host another fundraising on dedicated projects. The Hall of Fame, Webmaster auction of racquetball gear, and just about Web Site, Newsletter, Advertising, Juniors, anything else we can get our hands on. Women, Sanctioning and State Tourna- Randy Pagels This auction will benefit the Michigan Jun- ments are just some of the committees. (313) 235-7965 iors Program and we hope to top last year’s This is in addition to undertaking the re-write total of $1,200. Anyone who was there last of our Constitution and By-Laws. We have Sanctioning Committee year knows that this was fun-filled event changed considerably since the current edi- Felicia Mann with several items garnering heated bidding tions were created, and they are in need of Twayne Howard until the final winner was determined. And updating. If any of these interest you, keep Tom Blakeslee don’t worry, there is something for just about in mind you do not have to be on the Board (810) 468-2787 everyone included. The flip side to that is to contribute, or to come to the meetings. that if you have any items that you feel Junior’s Committee would be popular and are willing to donate Even if you are just curious, you are wel- Karen Green them to the cause, please contact me at come to attend Board meetings. The next Lewis Forrest (616) 771-0312. Last year we auctioned one will be the week of November 29 to off clothing, massages, body care gift bas- work on the State Doubles Draws and will Newsletter kets, meals, and many other items, not just be held at Franklin Athletic Club. If you The Racquetball Reporter would like to attend, please contact me for 321 Village Dr. details. Lansing, MI 48911 [email protected] As always, please feel free to contact me. Or any of the other Board members with The Racquetball Reporter is the official an questions, comment, concern and com- publication of the Racquetball Associa- plaint. We are here to work for you. tion of Michigan (RAM) and is published quarterly. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph, or illustration without the written permission of RAM I wish you all a continued great season! is strictly prohibited.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Racquetball Packet # 18
    RACQUETBALL PACKET # 18 INSTRUCTIONS This Learning Packet has two parts: (1) text to read and (2) questions to answer. The text describes a particular sport or physical activity, and relates its history, rules, playing techniques, scoring, notes and news. The Response Forms (questions and puzzles) check your understanding and appreciation of the sport or physical activity. INTRODUCTION Racquetball is a relatively new game which continues to grow in popularity. It can be played competitively or simply for fun and relaxation. HISTORY OF THE GAME Racquetball is an offshoot of the game of tennis. It’s tempting to make comparisons between the two sports but we have to be careful not to be misleading! According to many pros, excelling in one of the racquet sports does not necessarily guarantee top performance in another. Racquetball is a young sport, having originated in the United States in the 1950s. Although it is strenuous and physically challenging, it does not entail chasing balls all over a court. But like tennis, it does require both supe- rior physical dexterity as well as the ability to strategize quickly and effectively. HOW RACQUETBALL IS PLAYED BASIC RULES Racquetball can be played alone, against one opponent as a singles game, or with four Physical Education Learning Packets #18 Racquetball Text © 2008 The Advantage Press, Inc. players as a doubles game. In racquetball, the first team or player to score 21 points (or to score 11 points if the opposing players remain scoreless) wins. A match is won by the first side to win two games. The server or serving side tries to win each volley by serving or returning the ball so that the opposition is not able to keep the ball in play.
    [Show full text]
  • Racquetball Reporter Page 2
    Racquetballquarterly publication of the Racquetball Association Reporter of Michigan October 2003 Volume XIV, Issue 1 In This Issue US SINGLES PLAYERS CAPTURE GOLD MEDALS Page 2 AT THE XIV PAN AMERICAN GAMES - Sharon Huczek RAM Board Members RAM Board Meeting The XIV Pan American Games took place on August 1-17, 2003 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Repub- Letter from the Prez lic with 7,700 athletes and officials from 42 countries participaing in 38 sports. This event has grown in stature throughout the years. The first Pan American Games opened in Buenos Aires, Argentina with 2,500 athletes from 22 countries. The sport of racquetball first entered the games in 1995. Page 3 Representation for a sport in the Pan American games is critical. It is one of many hurdles for any sport Hall of Fame Nominations Hall of Fame Calendar bidding for an Olympic position. A brand new 8-court racquetball facility, with 6 glass back wall courts Club Profile: and 2 back and side wall glass courts was specifically built for the games in order for racquetball to Farmington YMCA ensure a spot in this year’s event. The racquetball venue was centered in the main park, the Olympic Park, which hosted 16 other sports. Each day the park was packed with spectators, many of which visited the racquetball venue raising the visiablity of the sport. Page 4 One of the highlights of the event was Jack Huczek Fall Brawl Racquetball (MI) defeating Canada’s Mike Green in straight Tournament games 15-12, 15-7 to earn his first Pan American Bronson Athletic Club Tournament gold medal.
    [Show full text]
  • ISRA NL Summer 2009.Pmd
    Racquetball Romance 4 Pro Nationals at 2009 ISRA Newsletter Chicago’s Navy Pier 11 Advertising Rates 25 From the President 2 Catching Up with 16th Annual Summerfest 19 Cheryl Gudinas 5 5th Annual Racquet Lend Your Support 26 Donate Your for the Cure 13 TJ Ferro Inducted into Used Racquetballs 3 2009 USA Racquetball ISRA Hall of Fame 21 Attention ISRA Members 26 Chicagoland Regional 2009 USA Racquetball John Lomonaco Championships 8 Junior Olympic 2009-2010 USA Racquetball Memorial Grant 3 Championships 16 Tournament Calendar 24 Membership Application 26 USA Racquetball National ISRA Movin’ On Up: Singles Championships - 2009 NMRA International ISRA Officer and Board Racquetball Challenge 2009-2010 Season 3 “The Finals” 11 Championships 17 Member Election Held 25 Courts 27 www.illinoisracquetball.com 1 ILLINOIS STATE From the RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT The racquetball community, as well as times be pain- PRESIDENT friends and family, gathered on Saturday, ful to accept Laurel Davis - Oak Brook July 25th to celebrate TJ Ferro and his ac- if you’ve VICE PRESIDENT complishments in the world of racquet- just blown a Geoff Peters - Chicago ball. This turned a regular Saturday night 10-0 lead in tournament party into a very special the tie-breaker!) SECRETARY event that will be remembered for a long Marla Cusano - Lombard time by everyone in attendance. The There is no need to rattle off TJ’s win- evening culminated with TJ’s induction loss record or mention the number of TREASURER into the Illinois Racquetball Hall of Fame. tournaments he has won at all levels. Michelle Halverson - Lombard This is about who he is and the im- I think Doug Halverson has captured the pact he has had on countless players ZONE VICE PRESIDENTS essence of TJ in his comments below, over the years.
    [Show full text]
  • IRT Newsletter
    INTERNATIONAL RACQUETBALL TOUR ISSUE 1 | YEAR 2010 1. Waselenchuk Goes Undefeated in 2009-2010 IRT Season 2. 2009-2010 Season Ending Rankings 3. 2010 Mexico Open 4. 2010-2011 IRT Schedule 5. Interviews with Ben Croft and Chris Crowther 6 . All About Strings & Stringing - Racquetball Warehouse 7. IRT Board of Directors 8. Shari Coplen Accepts Position as IRT's Director of Community and Player Relations 9. Tecnifibre Becomes Official String of the IRT 10. Championship Racquetball with Fran Davis 11. IRT Rule Changes for 2010-2011 Season WASELENCHUK GOES UNDEFEATED IN 2009-2010 IRT SEASON By Evan Pritchard And when you look at his career with Swain at 26.5% (71/268) and numbers, it only gets more Jack Huczek at 24.6% (28/114). amazing. Waselenchuk's now Given his current form, been the IRT season end #1 Waselenchuk's percentage could five times, tying him with Sudsy well go higher. Monchik and Mike Yellen. Only Cliff Swain has more year Waselenchuk's season was ending #1 titles with six. highlighted by his record setting Waselenchuk's 40 career titles 5th U.S. Open title, breaking the put him 4th on the IRT career tie he had with Monchik, and in victories list behind Swain (71), doing so, he didn't lose a game. Marty Hogan (60) and Monchik Called by some the King of Kane Waselenchuk continued (43), but he's done it in only 80 Memphis, the U.S. Open host to amaze the racquetball world tournaments! (Waselenchuk's city, Waselenchuk hasn't lost a in the 2009-2010 International only 30th in IRT career match there since 2002.
    [Show full text]
  • IRT Newsletter
    exploited, and even power going to one serve would lead to players started to utilize the lob fewer rallies? INTERNATIONAL serve in certain situations. Drew Kachtik and Aaron Katz It is impossible to know what the RACQUETBALL TOUR developed the “Texas lob”. Andy unintended consequences will be Roberts, himself capable of of the rule change, but we think hitting big drive serves, perfected ISSUE 2 | YEAR 2010 it’s going to be exciting. The 1. The IRT Two Serve Rule - Making a Case for the Change the Texas lob and made it an change undoubtedly will help 2. IRT Network Tops 30,000 Viewers integral weapon in his arsenal. I some players and hurt others. 3. A Preview to the 2010 U.S. Open Racquetball Championships developed a unique lob service Some will develop the drive serve 4. 2010 U.S. Open - The Greatest Show on Earth pattern that was effective against as a weapon, and some may try 5. Racquetball Warehouse Pro Player Gallery and fail! When a player falls 6. ProKennex Racquetball Re-signs #1 Kane Waselenchuk behind in a match, maybe having 7. Wilson Racquet Sports Signs Top Player Mitch Williams 8. The Racquetball “U” featuring Mitch Williams and Shane Vanderson two serves will offer a greater 9. IRT 2010-2011 Schedule opportunity to mount a 10. Championship Racquetball by Fran Davis comeback. We think fans will 11. Racquetball Changed His Life by Mark Cotterman love seeing the return of the crack 12. I’ve Got Next? by Kathy Geels ace and powerful serve and shoot 13.
    [Show full text]
  • IRT Newsletter of Ben Croft, Kane Waslenchuck, and Sudsy Monchik Before Settling on the Swain Image
    INTERNATIONAL RACQUETBALL TOUR ISSUE 3 | YEAR 2010 1. New Season, New President, New Logo! 2. 2010-11 Season Preview 3. HEAD Penn Players Dominate World Racquetball Championships 4. Ektelon Re-signs Andy Hawthorne for Two Years 5. Mike Boatman Photography 6. HEAD Penn Racquet Sports Signs Top Racquetball Professional Rocky Carson 7. Kansas City, Here I Come! 8. 2010-11 IRT Schedule 9. Interview with Cheryl Gudinas - Illinois Racquetball Hall of Fame 10. Championship Racquetball Sports Triangle... Tips from the Coach! 11. 2010 San Diego Racquet House IRT Pro/Am [Entry Form] 12. 2010 Cali Colombia Grand Slam [Entry Form] 13. 2010 U.S. Open [Entry Form] NEW SEASON, NEW PRESIDENT, NEW LOGO! By John Scott Many racquetball fans and professionals recognize Cliff Swain as the best player of all time. He has numerous #1 titles, he is one of only a few repeat players to win the U.S. Open, and now has another honor to add to his amazing resume...he is immortal- ized in the new IRT logo. Towards the end of last season, IRT President Jason Mannino issued a challenge to fans across the globe. The IRT was to hold a contest to submit ideas for a new logo. After a worldwide search, one fan was lucky enough to have his submission chosen: Jason Hentges of Allentown, Pennsylvania. Hentges said he’s honored to have his idea for the logo used as the most recognizable symbol of the sport, "It's awe- some! I tell you it's a real privilege that my idea was picked.
    [Show full text]
  • Jack Huczek Retires from Racquetball
    Jack Huczek Retires From Racquetball http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=101502686939995... Search Jack Huczek Retires From Racquetball by HEAD Penn Racquetball on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 7:53pm Jack Huczek Retires From Racquetball The sport’s most decorated player moves on to dominate the telecommunications industry Fullerton, Calif. – May 24, 2011 – Team HEAD/Penn’s Jack Huczek today officially announced his retirement from the sport of racquetball. He leaves a legacy stretching from his days on the junior circuit to his reign at the top of the professional rankings that may never be met again. Little did his mother know when placing Jack’s first racquet in his hand at their home club in Michigan more than 25 years ago that his career would amass 22 World Championships and 42 National Championships. Once becoming a full-time player on the International Racquetball Tour in 2000, Jack’s professional career would see him reach the finals in more than half of the events he entered. HEAD Penn Racquetball's Notes While earning accolades on the court the past few seasons, Huczek was also earning grades in the Notes About HEAD Penn classroom towards a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Oakland University. Racquetball Jack’s degree will be put into play as he serves into a career in the telecommunications industry working as an Account Manager for Ericsson. Jack, his wife Christie and the couple’s daughter will Browse Notes continue to make the Dallas, Texas area their home. Huczek’s retirement is effective immediately Friends' Notes and he will not be playing in the 2011 US National Championships this week in California.
    [Show full text]
  • International Racquetball Tour ® Guide 2019/2020
    ® MEDIA INTERNATIONAL RACQUETBALL TOUR ® GUIDE 2019/2020 www.irttour.com @racquetballtour @racquetballtour @racquetballtour International Racquetball Tour ® INTERNATIONAL RACQUETBALL TOUR ® Welcome to the IRT 2019/2020 Season We are excited to have you join us for the International Racquetball Tour’s 47th season of exciting racquetball action! If you love extreme sport action and athletes with colorful personalities and tremendous athletic ability, you have come to the right place. The 2019/2020 season promises to provide all of that and more. Overview of Racquetball The sport of racquetball was created in the early 1940s by a U.S. man named Joe Sobek. Using 20 x 20 x 40 foot handball courts, a shortened tennis racquet, and a rubber ball, he created a fast-paced game that caught the nation by storm. In the 1970s, club members and students would line up around the block to get on the court for their hour of racquetball action. More fun than running, many celebrities fell in love with the exciting calorie-burning sport, including Elvis Presley, who had a court built in Graceland. In 1973, professional racquetball came on the scene, 5 years after the organization of the International Racquetball Association, the predecessor of USA Racquetball. The basic rules of racquetball play are simple: Get the ball to the front wall before it bounces twice. More details are added in about serving and, because it is in an enclosed space, being in the way of the opposing player. The challenge is figuring out the geometry and speed of the ball’s trajectory, then getting there to hit the ball, usually very hard, to the front wall in hope that one’s opponent will be unable to return the ball again to the front wall.
    [Show full text]
  • ISRA NL Winter 2009.Pmd
    Lend Your Support 19 2009 ISRA Newsletter 17th Annual Turkey Shoot Advertising Rates 15 Attention ISRA Members 19 From the President 2 Open 9 Revie Sorey Celebrity USA Racquetball 13th US Open Racquetball ProKennex One Day Classic 16 Membership Application 19 Championships 3 Women’s Classic 11 Notice of Election ISRA 2009 Tournament Southlake Pumpkin Open 5 One Day Christmas Blast 12 of Officers 18 Calendar 21 Military Racquetball ISRA State Doubles Kuhlman Competes at Racquetball Challenge Championships 7 Championships 13 Worlds 18 Courts 22 www.illinoisracquetball.com 1 ILLINOIS STATE From the RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT Should the same rules of etiquette apply people in. The reward is usually that PRESIDENT in racquetball as they do in the workplace the same person enters late the next Laurel Davis - Oak Brook or in other areas of your life? time, as well. If you think you are go- ing to have time conflicts, that’s fine. VICE PRESIDENT Just think about that question a little bit. If Still, enter on time and list what the Geoff Peters - Chicago you are sick and can’t go to work, you call conflicts are. We will also take heroic your boss or another designated indi- measures to honor your conflicts. We SECRETARY vidual to let them know you won’t be want as many people as possible to Rick Seaberg - North Aurora there. Do you do the equivalent thing at a play in tournaments. racquetball tournament? TREASURER That concludes my annual sermon. Michelle Halverson - Lombard For instance, you sign up for a consola- We are a small group of people with a ZONE VICE PRESIDENTS tion bracket and decide later that you common love.
    [Show full text]
  • Kane Waselenchuk
    MEDIA GUIDE Table of Contents Event Information .......................................................................... 2 St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital .......................................... 3 University of Memphis Intern Program .......................................... 3 Doug Ganim – Event Director ....................................................... 4 Jim Hiser – USRA Executive Director ........................................... 4 Dave Negrete – IRT Commissioner .............................................. 5 Claude Crocker – LPRA Commissioner ....................................... 5 Hank Marcus – Legends Tour Commissioner ............................... 6 Ryan John – Media Operations Manager ...................................... 6 Player Information .................................................................. 13-39 Jason Mannino ............................................................................ 14 Jack Huczek ................................................................................ 16 Kane Waselenchuk ..................................................................... 18 Cliff Swain ................................................................................... 20 Alvaro Beltran .............................................................................. 22 Rocky Carson ............................................................................. 23 John Ellis ..................................................................................... 24 Derek Robinson .........................................................................
    [Show full text]