Recognizing Excellence – ISRA Annual Awards and Hall of Fame Ceremony

First Half 2020 | VOL 38 NO 1 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ILLINOIS STATE RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION

• Social Media ISRA-Style • Illinois Junior Racquetball • State Championships, Shamrock Shootout, and More! • 2020 Tournament Calendar (Tentative) Instagram: ISRA Illinois Racquetball | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 1 • Indoor Heated Pool • 2 Cardiovascular • Outdoor Heated Pool Fitness Centers & Sundeck • Swim Lessons for All Ages • Land & Water Aerobics • Supervised Nursery • 8 Racquetball/ • Whirlpools & Saunas Wallyball Courts • Indoor Track • Aerobics Classes • Basketball Court • Paramount & • Certiﬁ ed Personal Trainers Cybex Equipment • State-of-the-Art Free • Pro Shop & Lounge Weight Equipment • Massage Therapist NO INITIATION FEE STAY HEALTHY & COME and FIRST MONTH WORKOUT IN A SOCIALLY DISTANT ENVIRONMENT!

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2 | www.illinoisracquetball.com | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | Instagram: ISRA Illinois Racquetball ILLINOIS STATE RACQUETBALL Table of ISRA COURTSIDE ASSOCIATION CONTENTS First Half 2020 | VOL 38 No. 1 PRESIDENT Cheryl Kirk - Naperville Racquetball Reflections...... 4 VICE PRESIDENT Geoff Peters - Chicago ISRA Family News...... 5 SECRETARY Barbara Vagedes - Carol Stream Social Media, ISRA-Style...... 6

TREASURER ISRA Annual Awards and Hall of Fame Ceremony...... 7 Dolores Lamberson - Indian Head Park ISRA Annual Meeting: Election of Board Members PAST PRESIDENT Laurel Davis - Oak Brook and Officers...... 8

ZONE VICE PRESIDENTS Movin’ On Up – 2019-2020 Season...... 8 Bill Roberts - Northbrook (North) John Thorson - Fox River Grove (West) KILLSHOT Kids’ Corner...... 9 Arun Baskaran - Bloomington (Central) John O’Donnell, Jr. - Champaign (South) ISRA State Doubles Championships...... 12 GOVERNING BOARD ISRA State Singles Championships...... 15 Glen Bero - Addison Todd Burris - Oswego 35th Annual KWM Gutterman Shamrock Shootout...... 18 Mike Davern - Naperville Jonelle Dubois - Naperville Pam Grace - Wheaton WSMRA Annual Women’s Senior/Masters Alcides Gutierrez - Oak Lawn Begins New Decade of Events!...... 23 Rick Seaberg - Streamwood Carolyn Vazquez - Chicago USA Racquetball 2020 National Doubles Championships...... 24 AUXILIARY BOARD ISRA 2020 Tournament Calendar...... 27 Marian Bala - Wheaton Jeff Grace - Wheaton Dan Jaskier - Lombard Lend Your Support...... 28 Eric Jensen - Bolingbrook Kit Lawson - Naperville 2020 ISRA Courtside Advertising Rates...... 28 Dave Milazzo - Gurnee Liz Molitor - Glen Ellyn Lem Rowans - Chicago

ISRA COURTSIDE STAFF On the Cheryl Kirk - Editor COVER Alisa Burris - Social Media Photo Credit – Mike Davern

ISRA Courtside is the official publication of the Recognizing Excellence – ISRA Annual Awards Illinois State Racquetball Association (ISRA). and Hall of Fame Ceremony All rights reserved. Copyright 2020. (See article page 7) Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written Recipients, Nominees, and Hall of Fame: permission from the ISRA is strictly prohibited. L to R: ISRA President Cheryl Kirk, Barb Vagedes, Letters to the Editor, photographs, and articles Kristin Coulter, Emily Fauser, Laurel Davis, Jake Ryan, or editorial contributions should be sent to [email protected]. JC Herrera, Tejas Veer, Thomas George, Andy Pitock

Design & Layout by: TypaGraphics Instagram: ISRA Illinois Racquetball | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 3 RACQUETBALL REFLECTIONS by ISRA President Cheryl Kirk An ISRA Courtside during the pandemic? What’s there to USAR is the National talk about? Well, you’ll notice this isn’t exactly a shadow of Governing Body for Racquet- newsletters past…there’s plenty to absorb regarding the ball under the US Olympic past, the present, and our future. I use the following “WE” & Paralympic Committee in the context of ALL OF US: (USOPC). Our National staff (Executive Director and two WE want to preserve the memories of earlier this year at staff members) leads and State Singles, State Doubles, and the Shamrock Shootout. provides: WE want to keep racquetball in our minds and hearts in • Event sanctioning the many ways presented in this letter and in this issue. (insurance/R2 for both indoor and outdoor) WE want to remind everyone that while our racquetball • National Championships and the US OPEN family is effectively social distancing (really, no choice), we are all still here, we are hopefully staying safe, and we are • Social media, website, magazine, newsletter all fervently looking forward to the next time we can be together once again. • Rules maintenance, referee program, instructor program, event director support Go play other sports, but don’t forget to come back! Really, don’t WE have the BEST sport EVER?? • Rankings and record book Temporarily replacing Racquetball magazine, the monthly • Hall of Fame and Annual Awards USA Racquetball newsletter, Serving Up the News, features • Pan American Sport under the USOPC a different state association each month. In August, the ISRA was featured with an excellent recap by our treasurer, • US Team and US Junior Teams competing for our Dolores Lamberson. Our social media coordinator, Alisa country Burris, contributed as well. What a proud moment, and it’s due to so many volunteers continuing to do great things • Committees working on a number of important initia- here in Illinois that we had the opportunity to be featured. tives (see document on the USAR website for committee Be sure to check out the latest newsletter that should descriptions and members) have reached an email inbox near you. (Note: If you find you are not receiving communication from USA Racquetball, • Multiple vehicles to allow manufacturers of racquetball visit your membership profile at www.usaracquetball.com to equipment, racquetballs, etc. to showcase what they ensure your email settings are exactly as you desire.) offer to the racquetball community Speaking of memberships…there’s something every one • Membership rebate support that comes back to the of us can do if you are in a position to do so during these state associations (like us here in Illinois!) challenging times. Simply, please, please renew your USA So that’s what you can do to help. You can ALSO stay Racquetball membership if yours is expired, or extend it if safe and healthy until we meet again. Speaking of it’s not. that… Q. What?? Renew my membership when I may not be playing As you are able to get back on the court, USA Racquetball a tournament for awhile? has published some considerations for safer play, aptly A. Well, if everyone will think in terms of “what’s in it for named USA Racquetball Considerations for Safer US” vs. “what’s in it for me,” and if each member were to Racquetball Play. To review these before competing or contribute $5/month ($60 annually for auto renewal that practicing, visit: https://www.teamusa.org/usa-racquetball/ includes both indoor and outdoor memberships), it would about/resources-and-forms. mean a world of difference for USA Racquetball. WE dream of the time when we can get together and once Q. Why should I care whether USA Racquetball makes it past again play the sport we love! Hope to see you VERY SOON! the pandemic? A. Frankly, it depends on how much we value what most -- Cheryl and your ISRA Board of Directors take for granted or don’t realize. What part of our sport’s infrastructure are we okay with losing? Read on…

4 | www.illinoisracquetball.com | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | Instagram: ISRA Illinois Racquetball ISRA Family News Bowling Excellence! Singles -- 1st: Janet Leet, 2nd: Diane Bunker Never let it be said Doubles -- 1st: Janet Leet, 2nd: Karin McCauley racquetball players don’t Doubles Only -- 1st: Donna Heinzl, 2nd: Mary excel in other sports as Crawford well––we have a bowling superstar in our midst! On Thanks to Diane Bunker for her organization February 13, 2020, Lem and communication to keep the league running Rowans bowled a perfect efficiently throughout the season. The coming 300 game! This took season is uncertain, but the women are ready to place at Stardust Lanes in rumble when circumstances permit! Addison during a league The ISRA Men’s A/B Travel League, under the night. It takes laser-like capable leadership of Dan Jaskier, competed focus and nerves of steel their entire season except for the playoffs that in those final frames to get couldn’t occur in the end due to the pandemic. the job done. Congratula- tions, Lem, on accomplish- Four teams competed this year: ing something so very few ever get to experience! LA FITNESS ELGIN, Mike Zupke, Captain GLASS COURT, Todd Burris, Captain They’re Engaged! LA FITNESS GLASS COURT, Brian Lien, Captain On Saturday, June 13th, CENTER COURT, Mike Reinhofer, Captain Scott Warren proposed to Vickie Onesti (transplanted Rowans Courtesy of Lem Congratulations to the Elgin team for emerging to California but forever victorious in the 2019-2020 season! in our hearts) at the outdoor courts in Florin, California. She Windy City 3WallBrawl seemed sort of excited, based on the accompanying photo. This lone event of the summer took place August 8th at Rainbow Beach in Chicago, and Tournament Director Joey Logan had a turnout of 62 players from 11 states (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Maryland, Florida, Arizona, Cali- fornia, Virginia, North Carolina, and Maryland). The weather was great, and players received t-shirts and face coverings along with their own personal hand sanitizer. Danny Ortega of Taco Burrito King was on hand with his portable grill serving up beef, pork, and chicken tacos for everyone! This event gives back to the community as well – Joey and his volunteers traditionally put together back-to-school backpacks for kids on the south side. -- Geoff Peters Check out the results: https://www.r2sports.com/tourney/ divisions/listAllDivs.asp?TID=36061&sortBy=defaultOrder Forwarded by Shane Jackson by Forwarded

From Vickie: “We met at the World Outdoor Racquetball tournament in Vegas in 2015, long distance for three years, and then I moved out to California July 2018. It’s been an amazing ride so far! We have not set a wedding date yet because of Covid but thinking sometime mid next year as soon as the pandemic gets under control!” We wish all happiness to Vickie and her Superman! ISRA Women’s and Men’s Leagues The ISRA Women’s League that commenced October 7th was able to finish just under the wire on March 9th. Sixteen players and four subs competed at Glass Court every week in an “every woman for herself” point-earning format in both singles and doubles. Courtesy City of Windy Brawlers Prizes for the season were awarded at the season-ending Rocky Carson, Eugene Coyle, Andrew Price, and celebration that early March evening: Fernando Javier Rivera at Rainbow Beach

Instagram: ISRA Illinois Racquetball | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 5 Social Media, ISRA-Style

August 16, 2020 For a few months now, one of the only ways people have easily been able to keep in touch is through social media. Alisa Burris has joined us this year to help reinvigorate and establish our presence on social media. In an organized approach, we are stepping up our posts on the Illinois State Racquetball Association Facebook page. We have been featuring Illinois players discussing their love of the sport and its role in their lives; added flashback pictures; joined in ‘pass the racquetball’ challenge; posted memes; and shared some USAR and area clubs’ postings and news. We are gaining followers each week in our mission to help keep racquetball in the minds and hearts of those who love the game.

Alisa prepared this timeline to describe the ISRA’s social media journey (never a destination!): Alisa Burris • In February 2013, the ISRA Facebook page was created and in March 2020 had 350 likes. • In late December 2019, Alisa Burris volunteered to help with social media. She is experienced in managing Facebook business pages and writing professional social media posts. • From January through March 2020, ISRA President Cheryl Kirk and Social Media Coordinator Alisa Burris communicated regularly to lay out preliminary thoughts for the page and approach. • In March 2020, Cheryl and Alisa led a brainstorming meeting with ISRA Board members to discuss social media, soliciting ideas designed to incorporate regular features as well as to serve the association’s Facebook community with information and reminders. • Since March 2020 when the new initiative launched, the ISRA Facebook page has offered a wide range of posts that include Illinois player features; fun, historic moments in local racquetball; important information from USAR, IRT, LPRT, and IRF; significant lifecycle events about people in the ISRA racquetball family; and details on membership deals and discounts related to the sport. • As of this writing, the page has a total of 657 likes with 673 followers. • In June 2020, ISRA launched an Instagram page––ISRA Illinois Racquetball––and to date has 51 followers. Check out (and please ‘like’) Illinois State Racquetball Association on Facebook, and be sure to follow israillinois on Instagram! If you have ideas for ways to enhance the ISRA’s social media presence, please email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you! -- Cheryl, Alisa, and your ISRA Board of Directors

6 | www.illinoisracquetball.com | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | Instagram: ISRA Illinois Racquetball ISRA Annual Awards and Hall of Fame Ceremony by Alisa Burris On Saturday, February 22, 2020, excellence, dedication, and service were honored at the Illinois State Racquetball Association Annual Awards Ceremony. Devoted players and longtime contributors to the sport came together for an evening that celebrated the Illinois racquetball community. ISRA President Cheryl Kirk served as the host of this event, introducing Board members and award winners to an appreciative and enthusiastic audience in the Glass Court basketball gym transformed for the evening’s celebration. Graciously thanking his family and racquetball friends, Jake Ryan received the Male Player of the Year Award. Emily Fauser accepted recognition as the Female Player of the Year with a poignant speech dedicated to her late mother. She also spoke inspiringly about the powerful capacity of physical movement and intense competition that make this game so important to her. In the category of Most Improved Player of the Year, Tejas Veer earned this award, having impressed his peers and the association alike with his drive to develop outstanding skills over a short period Davern Mike by Photo of time. JC Herrera followed as the very talented recipient Hall of Famers Attended to Welcome Laurel! L to R: Marshall Waldo, Laurel Davis, of the TJ Ferro Scholarship Award. To acknowledge his many Geoff Peters, Gay Kenna Mason, Dave Milazzo, John O’Donnell, Jr. years as an accomplished instructor and supportive adult and strated unwavering commitment to the sport and continues junior coach, Andy Pitock was recognized with the Distin- to be actively involved. guished Service Award. On hand to congratulate Laurel were fellow ISRA Hall of Fame The ISRA also recognizes these individuals who so richly members Marshall Waldo, Geoff Peters, Gay Kenna Mason, deserved the honor of being nominated for these awards: Dave Milazzo, and John O’Donnell, Jr. (John, also an ISRA Thomas Carter (Male Player), Kristin Coulter (Female Player), Board member, made the night extra-special by introducing Thomas George (Most Improved), and Barb Vagedes (Distin- Kay, his bride of two months, to his racquetball family. See guished Service). photo page 28.) This night of well-deserved distinctions continued with Our gratitude goes to ISRA Board member Mike Davern for the induction of Laurel Davis, ISRA Past President, as the his excellent photography, to Glen Bero for livestreaming newest member of the ISRA Hall of Fame. After an introduc- the event on Facebook, and as always, to Glass Court’s Dan tion by fellow ISRA Board Vice President Geoff Peters, Laurel Jaskier and Joe DeArmas for providing the perfect setting for shared anecdotes about her most memorable experiences this time-honored ISRA tradition. in racquetball. Over more than forty years, she has demon-

Full House at the ISRA Annual Awards Ceremony Instagram: ISRA Illinois Racquetball | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 7 ISRA Annual Meeting: Election of Board Members and Officers The ISRA Board held its Annual seats on the Board for this year’s election. Executive Vice President and Treasurer, Meeting on June 10, 2020. As As part of the process, the Nominating respectively. John Thorson assumed the with all ISRA Board meetings, this Committee determined which sitting West Zone VP position vacated by Doug meeting was open to the member- Board members wished to run for re- Halverson. ship. The Annual Meeting is par- election. The Board slate consisted of ticularly important since all members Cheryl Kirk, Geoff Peters, Bill Roberts, Any ISRA member who wishes to help attending have a vote in the election Arun Baskaran, John O’Donnell Jr., Todd improve the quality of racquetball in of the ISRA Board of Directors. Burris, Jonelle Dubois, Alcides Gutierrez, Illinois and familiarize themselves with and Carolyn Vazquez. The Nominating Board processes is welcome to join the Board members Doug Halverson and Committee brought Glen Bero as an ad- ISRA Auxiliary Board. Joe Silius made the decision to leave ditional nominee to the Board slate. the Board after many, many years of Come out and support Illinois Racquet- service. Words cannot express the There were no additional director ball! nominations received from the member- gratitude we feel for the time and Signed, expertise they donated for the benefit ship, and the Board slate was accepted of the ISRA and its players. automatically. All terms commenced on The ISRA Nominating Committee 7/1/20. Mike Davern (Chair), Pam Grace, Board positions are staggered and John Thorson two-year terms. There were ten open Geoff Peters and Dolores Lamberson were re-elected to the positions of

Holy cow! Seven of eighteen ISRA Board Members in the same place at the same time at State Doubles in January. L to R: Cheryl Kirk, Dolores Lamberson, Joe Silius, Laurel Davis, Bill Roberts, Alcides Gutierrez, John Thorson Movin’ On Up – 2019-2020 Season Racquetball success equates to greater challenges. These individuals/teams won at least one full-draw division during the 2019-2020 season and recently received “The Letter” (suitable for framing) notifying them of their new eligibility. Congratulations, and we hope to host tournaments and see everyone as soon as possible! -- Dolores Lamberson, ISRA Eligibility Chair Here are the winners, their new divisions, and the events where their results “moved them on up”! Men’s Open Carlos Ibarra, State Singles Tejas Veer, Shamrock Shootout Men’s A Paul Nijensohn, Shamrock Shootout Men’s B Anuj Parikh, Shamrock Shootout Men’s Open Doubles Henry Conforti / James Zidek, ISRA State Doubles Henry Conforti and Jim Zidek – Welcome to Men’s Open Doubles! 8 | www.illinoisracquetball.com | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | Instagram: ISRA Illinois Racquetball KILLSHOT Kids’ CornerJunior Team Illinois Getting the Team “Distantly” Back Together By Coach Carolyn Vazquez

Webster’s Dictionary defines the word how we are coming back stronger and oxymoron (n) as “a figure of speech more focused for our upcoming 2020-21 in which apparently contradictory season. terms appear in conjunction.” My best current example of this word is As the pandemic would shortly make reflected in our “new normal” lives its way into our awareness, JTI was fully where we have been attempting to engaged in the tournament season with “stay connected” while remaining a few JTI players competing at ISRA State “socially distant.” Singles and the Shamrock Shootout. Now add your favorite sport––rac- At State Singles, a great time was had quetball, or any other daily activity by all. Of special note, JC Herrera was for that matter––to the equation, the recipient of the 2020 TJ Ferro Junior and it would almost seem impossible Scholarship Award! (See page 11.) to achieve. It’s like we live in a snow At the Shamrock Shootout, Axel Lopez globe and COVID-19 is turning us and JC Herrera had the opportunity upside down and shaking the flakes to compete with pros in the Sponsor around. So much has happened, and Doubles on Thursday, and most of our in this brief edition of the Killshot JTI players (and a few more) attended Kids’ Corner, I will give you some the Junior Clinic with the Pros on Sunday updates on how we ended our 2019 Cheryl by Photo Kirk morning (see page 10). JTI moms put Junior Team Illinois (JTI) season and JC Herrera partnered with Daniel De La Rosa in continued on page 10 the Shamrock Shootout sponsor doubles!

Junior Team Illinois Family: Players, Coaches, and Parents – March 1, 2020

Instagram: ISRA Illinois Racquetball | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 9 Killshot Kids’ Corner continued from page 9 together a delicious bake sale, Saigeetha Varadharajan and junior players step up for the challenge, and they worked her dad Varad donated a new iPad as a very successful fund- hard to meet the deadlines, get back in shape, and play some raising raffle prize, and Axel turned socially distant games. Our Illinois 13 years old at the tournament! applicants included Juan “JC” Herrera, Jr., Axel Lopez, Montserrat Our Junior Team was becoming Torres and Saigeetha Varadharajan stronger by the day, and even before -- all awesome JTI players. (Note: our planned season-ending pizza Lucas Shoemaker, “adopted” from party (that has yet to happen!), we Iowa, applied for selection to kept our focus on the USA Racquet- the Junior Team as well!) We are ball Junior National Championships. waiting to hear the final selection It was a big deal until, due to the of the US National Junior Team pandemic, life in America called a members so, if you see a JTI player, BIG timeout. We waited and after a please CONGRATULATE them 2+ month hiatus, we received word (and their parents!) on their hard that USAR would implement a new work, effort, and commitment selection process for the National in representing Illinois and their Junior Team. We got excited again families on a huge national stage and our mission: get the band back for racquetball. We are so PROUD together. This new selection process of their efforts and they are all included lots of at-home drills, winners from where we stand! Zoom coaching, and video submis- sions – indeed, the perfect socially Shoutout to John Thorson and distant test of an athlete’s ability to Mike Davern: Both guys assisted overcome challenges. We had four with the US Junior Team video submission. Thanks so much! continued on page 11 Photo by Cheryl by Photo Kirk Axel’s a teenager – coolest birthday cake ever!

Shamrock Shootout Clinic with the Pro’s!

10 | www.illinoisracquetball.com | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | Instagram: ISRA Illinois Racquetball Killshot Kids’ Corner continued from page 10 Moving forward -- we will be recruiting more JTI members. After all, they are the future of this sport! We also continue to adjust to the circumstances life has dealt these days. We have a great team of athletes, parents, and coaches who have stepped up to help us succeed. Special thanks go to coaches and volunteers Marian Bala, Andy Pitock, Jairo Torres, Glen Bero, and Liz Molitor who have been so committed to junior racquetball. This global pandemic has strengthened our resolve as a team to develop more ambassadors in Illinois for the 2020 season. While we haven’t officially started the JTI season yet, please note that we are adhering to all local and state health guidelines for COVID/social distancing and safety as we monitor our JTI members. Presently there are no available gym classes or afterschool programs, and health and fitness are so important. As the new season kicks off, we intend to approach schools and homeschooling families to join the team in view of adjusted academic approaches. If you have a young friend or family member interested in joining the team, please feel free to contact us, and if you have any questions or want to know what we are doing at Glass Court these days, reach out for more information. The new season will be great, and we will be watching as our stars shine nationally to represent Illinois. Photo by Mike Davern Mike by Photo Stay safe and socially distant because we are all in this Carolyn Vazquez and Cheryl Kirk congratulate JC Herrera, recipient of the together! See you on the courts! TJ Ferro Junior Scholarship Award Photo by Cheryl by Photo Kirk Junior Team Illinois players applied for the US National Junior Team! L to R: Axel Lopez, JC Herrera, Saigeetha Varadharajan, Montserrat Torres

Instagram: ISRA Illinois Racquetball | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 11 LOCAL | STATE | NATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL | EVENTS ISRA State Doubles Championships January 24-26, 2020 Glass Court Swim & Fitness, Lombard Tournament Director: Laurel Davis This was the first time an ISRA championship allowed players to create their own weekend tournament schedule. This was accomplished by pre-defining when different divisions would be played during the weekend. Divisions started and finished on the same day. The tournament offered combined skill/age divisions on Friday night. Age divisions and skill divisions competed on Saturday, and mixed divisions capped off the event on Sunday. This meant that if players couldn’t play on Saturday, there were divisions available on Friday or Sunday. If they couldn’t play on Friday, then Saturday or Sunday were available. If they didn’t want to play more than one day, that was easily accomplished – all they had to do was choose the divisions they entered accordingly. Players have told us that this is what they

Men’s 35+ Intermediate Barrera/George mixed it up with Junior 16’s O’Dea/Lopez L to R: Spencer O’Dea, Daniel Barrera, Axel Lopez, Thomas George

want – to know during what block of time they will play and to be able to play a “one-day tournament” rather than being scheduled to play one match on each day of a tournament. So how did it go? Players numbering 102 (84 men and 18 women) entered the tournament, up from 89 players in 2019. Fifty-eight players entered one division, with 43 entering two divisions and one person (a glutton for punishment) playing three divisions. We received many positive comments about the format. Alok Mehta had a busy day on Saturday, competing in both the Men’s Open Division and the Men’s Age Division and playing into the Division playoff finals. He and partner Andrew Price came in second to Clint Hickman and Eric Mathews in Men’s Open. He and Keith Minor were the gold medalists in the Men’s Age category, besting silver medalists Martin Gonzalez and Alcides Gutierrez to take the crown.

Photo by Claudia Torres by Photo Women’s Open gold medals were earned by Women’s A combined with Girls 14’s Jennifer Suwanski and Karin McCauley with Kristin Clockwise from 12 o’clock – Montserrat Torres, Julianne Valentino, Cheryl Kirk, Saigeetha Varadharajan continued on page 13

ISRA State Doubles Championships continued from page 2

Men’s Open State Champions Eric Mathews and Clint Hickman

Tournament Desk Brain Trust: Jeff Grace and Dolores Lamberson

Coulter and Liz Molitor taking silver. In Mixed Open, it was Daniela Molina and Danny Ortega capturing the championship over Lannette Klosa and Eric Mathews. Congratulations to these winners and the winners of the other divisions as well – State Champions all! Visit here to view the full results: https://www.r2sports. com/tourney/viewResults.asp?TID=31371. As always, these tournaments can’t happen without the great group of volunteers who tirelessly donate their time to make our events a success. Thanks to the following volunteers: 1) ISRA Board Members Todd Burris, Mike Davern, Pam Grace, Doug Halverson, Cheryl Kirk, Dolores Lamberson, Geoff Peters, Bill Roberts, Rick Seaberg, Joe Silius, John Thorson, Barb Vagedes, and Carolyn Vazquez and 2) Lori Good, Liz Molitor, Spencer O’Dea, Andy Pitock, and Claudia Torres. Warm thanks go to Glass Court’s Joe DeArmas and Dan Jaskier and their staff for their hospital- ity and support of Illinois racquetball. Men’s Open Silver Medalists Alok Mehta and Andrew Price -- Laurel Davis

ISRA State Doubles Championships continued from page 13

Men’s B Finalists Anuj Parikh/Tejas Veer and Mike Pfleeger/Anurag Singh Takedown! Mixed A Champs Rick Seaberg and Gisela Gomez (what exactly did Geoff do to deserve this? RSVP…) RESULTS | ISRA State Doubles Championships Division (# entered): First; Second; Semifinals Men’s 25+/35+/45+ INT/JR 16- (5 RR): Thomas George/Daniel Men’s Open (10 PP) Playoff (6): Eric Mathews/Clint Hickman; Alok Barrera; Patrick Timson/Pete DeBruin; Bill Pelen/Paul Nijensohn (3rd) Mehta/Andrew Price; Eric Marion/Keith Minor, Fernando Javier Rivera/Jorge Ortiz Junior 16- (1): Spencer O’Dea/Axel Lopez Men’s A (13 PP) Playoff (8): Jim Zidek/Henry Conforti; Nikhil Iyer/ Todd Burris; Roberto Rivas/Rogelio Ruiz, Arthur Pavinato/Blase Zera Women’s Open (4 RR): Jennifer Suwanski/Karin McCauley; Kristin Men’s B (8 PP) Playoff (4): Anuj Parikh/Tejas Veer; Anurag Singh/ Coulter/Liz Molitor; Letty Maldonado/Carolyn Vazquez (3rd) Mike Pfleeger; Art Cooley/Edward Funches, Mason Kimberley/Justin Mrowicki Women’s A/Girls 14- (3 RR): Julianne Valentino/Cheryl Kirk; Deanna Munro/Barbara Vagedes; Montserrat Torres/Saigeetha Varadharajan Men’s C (3 RR): Kaushik Vaghasiya/Shashank Shrivastava; Spencer (3rd) O’Dea/Axel Lopez; Joseph Daumen/Justin Cruce (3rd) Girls 14- (1): Montserrat Torres/Saigeetha Varadharajan Men’s 25+ (2): Mike Pfleeger/Anurag Singh; Patrick Timson/Pete DeBruin Men’s 35+/40+/45+/60+ (6 PP) Playoff (4): Keith Minor/Alok Mehta; Mixed Open (5 RR): Daniela Molina/Danny Ortega; Lannette Klosa/ Martin Gonzalez/Alcides Gutierrez; Chris Choi/Nadeem Sharifuddin, Eric Mathews; Letty Maldonado/Alcides Gutierrez (3rd) Basilio Salazar/Lee Frick Mixed A (3): Gisela Gomez/Richard Seaberg; Carolyn Vazquez/Glen Men’s 120+ Super Centurion (6 PP) Playoff (4): Joe Silius/John Bero; Geoff Peters/Barbara Vagedes (3rd) Thorson; Dave Milazzo/Keith Harper; Carlos Ibarra/Bill Roberts, Jim Mixed Mega Centurion +125: Cheryl Kirk/Andy Pitock Schlicher/Raj Sondhi Men’s 35+A/50+A/55+A (7 PP) Playoff (4): Henry Conforti/James Zidek; Arthur Pavinato/Blase Zera; Bill Wolf/Bob Thomson, Carlos Canessa/Todd Burris

14 | www.illinoisracquetball.com | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | Instagram: ISRA Illinois Racquetball LOCAL | STATE | NATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL | EVENTS ISRA State Singles Championships February 21-23, 2020 Glass Court Swim & Fitness, Lombard Tournament Director: Cheryl Kirk In a variation of the flexible approach afforded to players at State Doubles (see article on p. 13 of this issue), we went right ahead and followed suit for State Singles, with Skill divisions competing on Friday/Saturday; Age on Saturday only; and combined Age/Skill and Juniors on Sunday. Eighty-one players (67 men/14 women) came from 55 towns and cities across Illinois, with 45 entering one division and 36 in two divisions. A total of nineteen divisions were competed, all of which––except for Men’s Open with AA dropdown–– were formatted into round robins or pool play, guaranteeing at least two matches per division entered. The tournament souvenirs for players this time around did not involve apparel, unless you consider socks to be in that category. The tournament director chose the route of providing a pair of Bombas to each player (that’s the company that donates a pair of socks to the homeless for each pair sold). Additionally, thanks to the design expertise of Lynn Yeazell of Response Graphics, a personalized bag tag in the style of a State of Illinois license plate seemed pleasing to the players.

Eric Mathews captured the Men’s Open Gold medal in a nail- biting tiebreaker vs. Clint Hickman: 15-14, 13-15, 11-10. Kristin Coulter def. Emily Fauser, 15-3, 15-14, to emerge as the 2020 ISRA State Singles Women’s Open Champion. On Saturday evening, 2/22/20, match play halted temporarily so that everyone could attend the ISRA Annual Awards Ceremony and Hall of Fame Induction (see article on p. 7 of this issue). Sponsors are so very much appreciated! Warm thanks go to Awards & Fine Gifts, Glass Court (Dan Jaskier and Joe De Armas), Response Graphics (Lynn and Kevin Yeazell), Liz and Dave Molitor, Little Debbie (Janet and Joe Eminger), and Head/Penn Racquet Sports. Many thanks to these volunteers who contributed their time and efforts toward the success of ISRA State Singles: Marian Bala, Alisa Burris, Todd Burris, Mike Davern, Laurel Davis, Michael Fornero, Pam Forsberg, Lori Good, Pam Grace, Jeff Grace, Al Gutierrez, Doug Halverson, Dan Jaskier, Kit Lawson, Liz Molitor, Sue Mueller, John O’Donnell, Jr., Geoff Peters, Bill Roberts, Sara Roberts, Pam Schubach, Rick Seaberg, Joe Silius, John Thorson, Claudia Torres, Montserrat Torres, Barb Vagedes, Carolyn Vazquez...and the Staff Members of Glass Court! For a complete look at the draws, go to www.r2sports.com/ tourney.asp?TID=31370. -- Cheryl Kirk

Men’s 50+A and 45+A Gold – Brad Simon and Jairo Torres continued on page 16

2020 ISRA State Singles Championships continued from page 11

Double Gold! Men’s Open and Men’s 25+ State Champion Eric Mathews

Women’s Open Gold Medalist Kristin Coulter

Men’s 60+ Gold and Silver – Miguel Riollano and Ray Redelman Double Gold: Men’s AA and Men’s 50+ State Champion John Thorson

2020 ISRA State Singles Championships continued from page 11

Women’s C/D Division! L to R: Pam Forsberg, Saigeetha Varadharajan, Montserrat Torres, Sharyn Pietras

RESULTS | 2020 ISRA State Singles Championships Division (# entered): First; Second; Semifinals Men’s 25+/30+/35+/45+ Intermediate (8) Pool play playoff (2): Men’s Open (10): Eric Mathews; Clint Hickman; Alok Mehta, Thomas George; Anuj Parikh Fernando Javier Rivera Men’s 30+ Intermediate (1): Anuj Parikh Men’s AA (4): John Thorson; Jake Ryan; Danny Ortega, Nick Czapla Men’s 45+ Intermediate (2): Todd Haverkos; Varadharajan Men’s A (15) Pool play playoff (3): Carlos Ibarra; Tejas Veer; Rogelio Cancheepuram Ruiz (3rd) Men’s 50+/55+/65+ Intermediate (6) Pool play playoff (2): Helder Men’s B (7) Pool play playoff (7): Thomas George; Glen Bero Dos Santos; Eugen Gheorghiu Men’s C (8) Pool play playoff (2): Brad Statdfield; Ryan Urbaniak Men’s 50+ Intermediate (1): Chris Wolverton Men’s D (4) Round robin: Maulik Shah; Juan Herrera II; Varadharajan Men’s 65+ Intermediate (1): Randal Ashton Cancheepuram (3rd) Men’s 25+/40+/50+ (6) Pool play playoff (2): Fernando Javier Women’s Open (6) Pool play playoff (2): Kristin Coulter; Emily Rivera; Eric Mathews Fauser Men’s 25+ (3): Eric Mathews; Alcides Gutierrez; Nick Czapla (3rd) Women’s A (3) Round robin: Jennifer Kwong; Julianne Valentino; Men’s 40+ (2): Fernando Javier Rivera; Nadeem Sharifuddin Carolyn Vazquez (3rd) Men’s 50+ (1): John Thorson Women’s C/D (4) Round robin: Sharyn Pietras; Pamela Forsberg; Saigeetha Varadharajan; Montserrat Torres Men’s 60+ (4) Round robin: Miguel Riollano; Ray Redelman; Michael Mancuso (3rd) Women’s C (2): Sharyn Pietras; Pamela Forsberg Men’s 65+/70+ (6) Pool play playoff (2): Joe DeArmas; Platt Hill Women’s D (2): Saigeetha Varadharajan; Montserrat Torres Men’s 65+ (3) Round robin: Joe DeArmas; Bruce Nelson; Bill Roberts (3rd) Junior Boys 18- (1): Spencer O’Dea Men’s 70+ (3) Round robin: Platt Hill; Joe Silius; Al Tamberelli (3rd) Junior Boys 14- (1): Juan Herrera II Men’s 30+A/40+A (3) Round robin: Tejas Veer; Rogelio Ruiz; Mason Junior Boys 12- (1): Axel Lopez Kimberley (3rd) Junior Girls 14- (1): Saigeetha Varadharajan Men’s 45+A/50+A (8) Pool play playoff (3): Jairo Torres; Brad Junior Girls 12- (1): Montserrat Torres Simon; Todd Burris (3rd) Men’s 55+A/60+A/65+A (5) Pool play playoff (2): Roberto Rivas; Geoff Peters Mixed Open Doubles (unofficial) (3): Kristin Coulter/Miguel Riollano; Martin Gonzalez/Lynn Yeazell; Glen Bero/Cheryl Kirk (3rd)

Instagram: ISRA Illinois Racquetball | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 17 LOCAL |STATE| NATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL | EVENTS 35th Annual KWM Gutterman Shamrock Shootout IRT Tier 1 Pro Stop | Presented by MyPillow Glass Court Swim & Fitness, Lombard Kane Waselenchuk (Canada/USA) defeated Alejandro Landa March 12-15, 2020 (Mexico/USA), 15-3, 15-5. Thanks to everyone who participated and volunteered at the Amateur Play 35th Annual KWM Gutterman Shamrock Shootout Pro-Am Although the IRT Professionals are the “main attraction” at any Presented by MyPillow, March 12-15. It was an action-packed pro stop, thirty (30) amateur divisions were offered in Men’s weekend, and although a handful of concerned competitors and Women’s Singles and Doubles as well as Mixed Doubles. elected to drop from the tournament, when Sunday afternoon came around, we felt it was a successful event for everyone In the Women’s Open, it was Erika Manilla (Colorado) vs. who attended and who watched on the IRT Network. Melania Sauma (Costa Rica) with Manilla winning 15-9, 15-8. Erika was a late addition to the draw after her classes were Turnout cancelled -- she flew in on Friday afternoon to be part of the Overall, we ended the weekend with 185 competitors from 6 event! On the Men’s Open side, Andres Acuña (Costa Rica) countries (Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, defeated Sebastian Fernandez (Mexico/USA), 15-11, 15-13. and the USA) as well as 18 states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Erin Slutzky (Missouri) and Alok Mehta emerged the winners Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, in a four-state Mixed Open round robin. Missouri, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin). Visit https://www.r2sports.com/tourney.asp?TID=31369 for a full look at the draws. Pro Action The racquetball world watched via the IRT’s LiveStreaming as Sponsor Doubles – Thursday Night Fun 39 IRT Pros competed in Qualifier and Main singles rounds in Before a full weekend of pro and amateur competition kicked an attempt to make it to the finals. Additionally, ten (10) teams off, the Pro-Am Doubles provided a once-in-a-lifetime op- competed in the IRT Pro Doubles competition. Saturday night, portunity for eight lucky amateurs to play with pro partners. Daniel De La Rosa and Alvaro Beltran (Mexico) took the Pro When the smoke cleared, it was Raj Sondhi and Andree Parrilla Doubles title over Javier Mar (Mexico) and Rodrigo Montoya defeating Danny Ortega and Rocky Carson in the final. On the (Mexico), 15-10, 15-13. This follows the 2019 Pro Doubles final dropdown side, Axel Lopez and Lalo Portillo bested Jose L. where De La Rosa and Beltran fell to Kane Waselenchuk and Arteaga and Alex Landa. The Thursday night Pro-Am continues Ben Croft. Unfortunately, Ben (a local Lake Bluff product) to be a fun event for everyone, and the sponsors enjoy the op- was unable to be in Lombard with Kane to defend their portunity to rub elbows with the IRT Pros (and vice versa!). title. Sunday afternoon, in a well-attended Pro Singles final, continued on page 19 Photo by Ken Fife Ken by Photo Shamrock Shootout – IRT Sponsor Doubles!

35th Annual KWM Gutterman Shamrock Shootout continued from page 18 We were fortunate this year to have MyPillow, a national sponsor of the IRT, become a presenting sponsor of the Shamrock Shootout by providing a Travel MyPillow to each competitor, a King-Size pillow to each division winner, and a Queen-Size pillow to each division runner up! Our Platinum Sponsors this year included some of the most dedicated folks

IRT Sponsor Doubles draws (grab a magnifying glass, it’s worth it!) Sponsors, We Couldn’t Do It Without YOU! Sponsors are the lifeblood of any Pro Stop. Thanks to an impressive list of sponsors, we in Illinois have enjoyed the con- sistent pleasure of welcoming the pros to Glass Court. Keith Minor (KWM Gutterman) continues to step up and support Illinois, the ISRA, USA Racquetball, the IRT, and the LPRT. Keith has been a lead sponsor for many events and was the title sponsor for this 35th edition of the Shamrock Shootout. We simply could not make this event happen without Keith’s continuing support! Cheryl Kirk and Rick Seaberg: It’s the Shamrock Shootout, after all!

who support racquetball in Illinois: PapaNicholas Coffee (Jim Schlicher), Platt Hill Nursery (Platt Hill), Rick Seaberg, Frank and Diane Bunker, and Anthony’s Pizza (Tony and Anthony Cosmano). These players––and all of them are players as well as sponsors––are major contributors to this and other events in Illinois throughout the season. And, we had a group of Gold Sponsors featured on the sidewalls of our Glass Stadium Court that included: Chicago Spectro (Geoff Goldblatt), Susan L. Klimaitis Foundation (Leo and Sue Klimaitis), Taco Burrito King (Danny Ortega), Wayne Lorenz – Baird Warner Real Estate, Edwardo’s Pizza (Dave Milazzo), Newman Schimel Financial Advisors (Jack Newman), EquipoVision (Jose Arteaga), Alok Mehta, JAM Trucking (Bob Randazzo), and John O’Donnell Jr. Of course, we have the important Silver Sponsors who are critical to make this event happen. This year, they included: Cheryl Kirk and Kit Lawson, John Thorson, Willy Fellows, and Mike Davern. And, last, but hardly least, our Bronze Contribu- tors stepped up again this year with merchandise to support our successful Silent Auction for Junior Racquetball, including: Head/Penn Racquet Sports, Little Debbie (Janet Eminger), Molitor Lawn Service (Dave and Liz Molitor), Racquetball Warehouse (Ben Croft), Gearbox, and EForce.

Joe DeArmas dressed up for the occasion! continued on page 20

35th Annual KWM Gutterman Shamrock Shootout continued from page 19 Surprise Proposal! On Friday night, our buddy from Indiana, Patrick Buckley, popped the question to Indiana State President Laura Pesek on live streaming in a carefully orchestrated proposal that involved Rocky Carson, the IRT’s Dean Baer, and a concocted interview topic that hid what was really going on. Hid, that is, until Patrick went down on one knee, said some really nice things, and…well, the rest is history. Congratulations, Laura and Patrick! (See photo p. 28.) Video and Photos Available! Videos of matches from the Shamrock are worth watching! Here is the link to the Men’s IRT Pro Final with Kane Waselenchuk vs. Alex Landa, and after you watch that, you will want to catch some of the great doubles action, including action that Doug Halverson said was some of the best he had ever seen! Here’s the Singles Final: https://youtu.be/1MGiOSiqHt8 Photo by Ken Fife Ken by Photo Alejandro Landa and Kane Waselenchuk battled it out for the top spot

The Volunteer Army In addition to recognizing Glass Court’s excellent staff for their hard work, Dan Jaskier and Joe DeArmas and the ISRA extend much gratitude to the team of volunteers who pitched in to provide a top-notch Shamrock Shootout experience: Marian Bala, Doug Brown, Laura Brown, Alisa Burris, Todd Burris, Mike Davern, Laurel Davis, Jonelle Dubois, Michael Fornero, Marie Gomar, Lori Good, Pam Grace, Karen Grisz, Mike Grisz, Alcides Gutierrez, Doug Halverson, Michelle Halverson, Evelyn Herrera, Cheryl Kirk, Dolores Lamberson, Kit Lawson, Luz Lopez, Dave Milazzo, Liz Molitor, Sue Mueller, Spencer O’Dea, Deb Peters, Bill Roberts, Joe Silius, Dave Singer, Jim Thomas, John Thorson, Claudia Torres, Barb Vagedes, Tracie Valentine, Carolyn Vazquez, Beth Winters, and Rich Winters. It really does take an army! Photo by Ken Fife Ken by Photo Murray vs. Landa – this is what focus looks like

Also available is a gallery of great photos put together by Ken Fife who was camped by the stadium court much of the weekend. You can see some great pictures of the Pros – and check out our Pro-Am competitors as well in their glamour shots. Here is the link to the photo gallery: https://www. fifephoto.com/Racquetball/IRT/2020-03-12-35th-Annual- KWM-Gutterman-Inc-Shamrock-Shootout Partnering with the IRT to bring the Pros to Glass Court is always a thrill, and we look forward to the time we can all gather once again! Laurel Davis – semper paratus, Shamrock style! (look it up) -- Geoff Peters, on behalf of all of our staff and volunteers continued on page 21 20 | www.illinoisracquetball.com | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | Instagram: ISRA Illinois Racquetball LOCAL |STATE| NATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL | EVENTS

35th Annual KWM Gutterman Shamrock Shootout continued from page 20

New eye guards, Nadeem? Look who stopped in to say hello – Racquetball Legend and USAR Hall of Famer (Class of 2002) Andy Roberts!

IRT Stream Team! Dean Baer, Favio Soto, Pablo Fajre Men’s B Doubles winners Anthony Giacalone and Glen Bero

continued on page 22

35th Annual KWM Gutterman Shamrock Shootout continued from page 21

Coach Carolyn Vazquez and her Bella. Could they be any sweeter?

RESULTS | 35th Annual KWM Gutterman Shamrock Shootout Division (# entered): First; Second; Semifinals Men’s B Doubles (7): Glen Bero/Anthony Giacalone; Daniel Barrera/ *Note: from Men’s A on, if no state is designated, assumed to be IL Thomas George; Chris Sommer/Gary Frasco, Justin Mrowicki/Mason Kimberley Men’s IRT PRO (24) Main Draw: Kane Waselenchuk (TX/Canada); Alejandro Landa (USA/Mexico); Andre Parrilla (Mexico), Daniel De La Men’s C Doubles (9): Jason Duffecy/Brad Statdfield; Stephen Rosa (AZ/Mexico) Lindstrom/Nick Ringger (WI); Shashank Shrivastava/Kaushik Vaghasiya, Spencer O’Dea/Axel Lopez Men’s IRT Pro Doubles (10): Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico)/Alvaro Beltran (Mexico); Javier Mar (Mexico)/Rodrigo Montoya (Mexico); Men’s 35+ Doubles (3): Jeffrey Hill/Jake Ryan; Mike Davern/Chris Eduardo Portillo Torres (Mexico)/Andree Parrilla (Mexico), Samuel Choi; Jose L. Arteaga/Alvaro Tony Garcia (3rd) Murray (Canada)/Alejandro Landa (USA/Mexico) Men’s Doubles Centurion 100+ (4): Keith Minor/Jim Hillman; Lee Men’s Open (29): Andres Acuna (Costa Rica); Sebastian Fernandez Frick/Jake Ryan; Jairo Torres/Jerry Kee (3rd) (USA/Mexico); Gerardo Franco (Mexico), Mario Mercado (Colombia) Men’s Doubles Mega Centurion 125+ (5) Playoff (2): Mike Grisz Men’s AA (13): Eric Mathews (IL); Damian Zamorano (AZ); Andrew (VA)/Dave Milazzo; John Thorson/Joe Silius Gleason (IA), AJ Bennett (OH) Men’s Elite (7): Benjamin Horner (IA); John Thorson (IL); Mike Grisz Women’s Open (8): Erika Manilla (CO); Melania Sauma (Costa Rica/ (VA), Danny Ortega (IL) AZ); Erin Slutzky (MO), Marie Gomar (Guatemala) Men’s A (18): Tejas Veer; Irfan Siddiqui; Thomas George, Danny Women’s AA (4): Elena Robles (IN); Kristin Coulter; Susan Caillier, Sardina (AZ) Diane Bunker Men’s B (12): Paul Nijensohn; Mason Kimberley; Rich Morales, Rick Women’s A (4): Alejandra Lopez (IN); Tracie Valentine (MD); Vicki Rueger Hopkins (MD) (3rd) Men’s C (15): Anuj Parikh; Axel Lopez; Ryan Urbaniak, Jose Women’s B/C/D (4): Sharyn Pietras; Thea Mattfeldt (AZ); Montserrat Hernandez Torres (3rd) Men’s D (4): Jose Hernandez; Juan “JC” Herrera II; Al Tamberelli (3rd) Women’s Open Doubles (4): Melania Sauma (Costa Rica/AZ)/Erika Men’s 35+/45+ (5): Fernando Javier Rivera ; Alcides Gutierrez; Manilla (CO); Karen Grisz (VA)/Marie Gomar (Guatemala); Rebecca Nadeem Sharifuddin (3rd) Bowman (IN)/Lynn Yeazell (3rd) Men’s 55+ (13): Tony Cosmano; Ray Redelman; Ferd Samson (MI), Women’s A Doubles (4): Kimberly Randolph (CA)/Cheryl Kirk; Laura Keith Harper Pesek (IN)/Chris Cerny (IN); Alejandra Lopez (IN)/Thea Mattfeldt (AZ) (3rd) Men’s 65+ (5): Joe DeArmas; Ron Sweeney (IA); Platt Hill, Bruce Green (MN) Men’s 35INT/45INT (3): Carlos Canessa; George Ipe; Sean Cantorna Mixed Open Doubles (4): Erin Slutzky (MO)/Alok Mehta; Rebecca (3rd) Bowman (IN)/AJ Bennett (OH); Miguel Riollano/Kristin Coulter (3rd) Men’s 55+ INT (2): Rick Nielsen; Rick Rueger Mixed Doubles 95+/100+ (4): Mike Grisz (VA)/Karen Grisz (VA); Martin Gonzalez/Lynn Yeazell; Craig Coleman (IN)/Doris Roberts (IN) Men’s Open Doubles (10): Gerardo Franco (Mexico)/Erick Cuevas (3rd) Fernandez (Mexico); Keith Minor/Fernando Javier Rivera; Anthony Martin (UT)/Damian Zamorano (AZ), Thomas Carter/Alok Mehta Mixed Doubles Skill (4): Craig Coleman (IN)/Doris Roberts (IN); Chris Cerny (IN)/Jody Ashley (IN); Laura Pesek (IN)/Patrick Buckley Men’s A Doubles (12 PP) Playoff (3): Juan Pablo Rodriguez (IN)(3rd) (Colombia)/Francisco Fajardo (Colombia); Nick Czapla/Bob Thomson; Tejas Veer/Anuj Parikh (3rd)

22 | www.illinoisracquetball.com | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | Instagram: ISRA Illinois Racquetball LOCAL |STATE| NATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL | EVENTS WSMRA Annual Women’s Senior/ Masters Begins New Decade of Events! ISRA Represented at 31st Annual Event By WSMRA President Kendra Tutsch and Cheryl Kirk “Meet Me in St. Louis” was the theme of the Women’s Senior/ and Guatemala (yes, this Masters Racquetball Association’s 31st Annual tournament, was truly an interna- held January 17-19, 2020, at Vetta Racquet Sports - Concord. tional event!). Skill level In 1993 at its 4th Annual event, the WSMRA was officially doubles were offered, formed as an organization to carry on the tournament and and many players chose promote racquetball as the sport for a lifetime. In light of this, to play two doubles St. Louis was a great location to begin the fourth decade of divisions, or one singles this tournament! and one doubles. This meant that a few intrepid players had 12 or more matches over 2-1/2 days! Illinois lent four players to this 45-player event: Susan Caillier (Springfield YMCA), Nancy Kronenfeld (Lattof YMCA), Joyce The Saturday night banquet is a highlight of the weekend, and Satorius (Channahon Arrowhead Center), and Brenda White Tournament Director Shari Coplen outdid herself with a beach (Landmark Racquet & Health). theme complete with palm trees, flamingo lights, and leis for everyone! The program began with a moment of silence to On Thursday afternoon the tournament kicked off with the remember friends lost in the last year, including long-time traditional “fun doubles” to benefit breast cancer research. This WSMRA player and inspiration Lola Markus and her husband is a yearly tradition that gives players a chance to check out Ray, a true supporter of women’s racquetball. the courts and facilities, and this year several local high school players joined in on the action as well. The players are always After the delicious banquet meal followed by trivia and joke- generous with their contributions, and over $370 was raised telling contests, the last announcement of the night was the for breast cancer awareness and research, thanks to the efforts exciting news that the 32nd Annual Women’s Senior/Masters of Nidia Funes who perennially runs this event so very well. tournament is in the planning for Atlanta, January 15-17, 2021! Friday morning the tournament kicked off with round robin View results at: https://www.r2sports.com/tourney/viewRe- play in singles and doubles for the 45 players from 23 states sults.asp?TID=31207 Photo courtesyPhoto WSMRA

Instagram: ISRA Illinois Racquetball | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 23 LOCAL | STATE | NATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL | EVENTS USA Racquetball 2020 National Doubles Championships February 5-9, 2020 Sun Devil Fitness Complex, Tempe, AZ National Doubles is not to be missed––from an Illinois perspective, what’s not to like about February in Arizona? But who could have guessed that a global pandemic would descend and impact, in myriad ways, every life, every family, every business, every institution? That makes the memories of this year’s National Doubles especially precious and poignant. Eleven members of Team Illinois were on hand to compete and to enjoy the camaraderie of this event and the excite- ment of watching the USA’s best compete for spots on the U.S. Adult Team. Before reporting results, there were some occurrences that punctuated this event in both good and sad ways: Military Racquetball Federation veterans hit the courts on Saturday to participate in the Racquetball Rehabilita-

tion Clinic (RRC) Team Challenge. The MRF’s RRC program promotes racquetball as a means of therapy (and fun!) for veterans who are striving to overcome a variety of challenges. In Tempe, players representing the Prescott, Las Vegas, and Phoenix VAs competed, with Prescott coming out on top (see photos p. 25). Players were treated to team shirts and goodie bags from the MRF and USA Racquetball as well as commemorative coins from the International Racquetball Federation. A lively group lunch followed. New USA Racquetball staff member Connor Shane arrived to hang with National Doubles players and pitch in to help with the event, even though he didn’t technically start in his new position until the following week. While at National Doubles, Jim Durham was confirmed and announced as new US Team Head Coach and had the opportunity to observe team qualifying division matches in a somewhat different way than he might have otherwise (spectator vs. coach)! Sadly, Bernard “Mac” Linhart, 55, of Sierra Vista, Arizona, passed away while competing on Wednesday evening, February 5th. Mac, who had a distinguished 22-year military career and had continued as a Department of Army Civilian after retiring, was proud of serving his country, and he was proud of his family. His wife Susie, daughter Alex, son Luke, and dog Rylie will forever be a part of our racquetball family.

Medals all over the place: David Singer, Jeffrey Hill, Jake Ryan continued on page 25

USA Racquetball 2020 National Doubles Championships continued from page 24 In Team Qualifying action… Doubles Alejandro Landa/Sudsy Monchik def. Jose Diaz/Jake Breden- beck, 15-13, 4-15, 11-9 Aimee Ruiz/Erika Manilla def. Hollie Scott/Lexi York, 15-6, 15-9 Singles Rocky Carson def. Alejandro Landa, 15-6, 15-14 Hollie Scott def. Erika Manilla, 15-5, 9-15, 11-9 Team Illinois Took to the Courts Thomas Carter: Men’s Open – Silver with Will Reynolds (CA); Men’s Team Qualifying (Singles) Jeffrey Hill: Men’s Centurion A – Gold with Jake Ryan; Men’s Centurion B – Gold with David Singer; M50/60+A with Gary Stone Brent Huff: Men’s 35+ – Gold with Damian Zamorano (AZ) Cheryl Kirk: Mixed 60+A – Silver with Robert Frazier (AL); Mixed Mega Centurion – Bronze with Geoff Peters Keith Minor: Men’s 45+ – Gold with Jeff Stark (CA); Men’s 50+ -- Gold with Jeff Stark (CA)

Geoff Peters: Mixed Mega Centurion – Bronze with Cheryl Kirk William Holden (aka Pastor Bill) looks on as fellow Phoenix VA players take to the court Wil Rounsaville: Men’s Centurion A with Kyle Kennedy (AZ) So…that’s a lot of metal (aka medals) that traveled back Jake Ryan: Men’s 40+A – Gold with David Singer; Men’s home with Team Illinois. Congratulations to all! Centurion A – Gold with Jeffrey Hill -- Cheryl Kirk David Singer: Men’s 40+A – Gold with David Singer; Men’s Centurion B – Gold with Jeffrey Hill For a full look at National Doubles draws, visit https://www. r2sports.com/tourney.asp?TID=31680 Gary Stone: Men’s 50/60+A with Jeffrey Hill continued on page 26

Racquetball Warriors in Tempe – Prescott (blue), Las Vegas (red), and Phoenix (green)

USA Racquetball 2020 National Doubles Championships continued from page 25

Brent Huff was on hand to provide treatment and to take a Illinoisans and Arizonans who used to be Illinoisans – miss you guys! gold medal home as well! L to R: Eric Battaglia, David Singer, John Puccio, Gary Stone, Jeffrey Hill, Jake Ryan

The view from the stairs above courts 1 & 2 Mixed 60+A silver medalists Cheryl Kirk and Bob Frazier

Due to the global pandemic, and as with everything concerning sport in the United States, the events listed here are tentative. Please check periodically on R2Sports.com or www.illinoisracquetball.com for updated information. This list should not be considered as confirmed nor should it be viewed as inclusive of all tentatively scheduled sanctioned events in Illinois or across the U.S.

October 14-18, 2020 December 16-19, 2020 11th Annual 3WallBall World Championships 36th IRF World Senior Racquetball THE STRAT Hotel, Las Vegas Championships https://www.r2sports.com/website/event- Midtown Sports & Wellness, website.asp?TID=34945 Albuquerque, NM https://www.r2sports.com/tourney/EntryList. asp?TID=31892 October 24, 2020 Glass Court Fall Shootout Glass Court Swim & Fitness, Lombard December 9-11, 2020 NMRA Doubles-Only Championships Location TBD November 19-22, 2020 http://www.nationalmastersracquetball.com/ 29th Annual Turkey Shoot competition/annual-championships/ Glass Court Swim & Fitness, Lombard

January 14-17, 2021 December 12, 2020 32nd Annual WSMRA Annual Tournament Glass Court Holiday Doubles Recreation ATL, Lilburn/Atlanta, GA Glass Court Swim & Fitness, Lombard

Visit www.r2sports.com and/or www.illinoisracquetball.com for more information on each of these sanctioned events. Illinois tournaments are highlighted in blue.

Instagram: ISRA Illinois Racquetball | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 27 Lend Your SUPPORT 2020-2021 ISRA Courtside Your membership in the ISRA has Advertising Rates helped make our organization second to none. Though we strive GUIDELINES: to make improvements to build  The ISRA Board of Directors has established a formal policy of and grow the sport for future not allowing advertisements to include product pricing. success, we sometimes struggle to  All ads should be camera ready. They can be accepted keep our heads above water as an electronically in .tif, .jpg or .pdf formats. organization. Our focus is not for the purpose of monetary gain, but  These rates are in effect until December 31, 2020. to generate enough funds to give  Deadlines are as follows: back quality, first-rate programs, tournaments, and events we can Articles/Releases/Ads Due November 27, 2020 all be proud to participate in. Our  volunteers who donate their time  Issue Publication Date December 11, 2020 and/or money are greatly appreci-  Ad Rates Full page $150/issue, Half page ated as are those who advertise in $75/issue, Quarter page $50/issue. Other ISRA Courtside. For as little as $25 sizes quoted on a case-by-case basis. for a business card size ad, we can help get your name out there to let everyone know what you do; For any questions or submission: for $150, we can run your ad on a full page. Help Us Help You by Send articles/releases/ads to getting your ad into the next issue of ISRA Courtside! Cheryl Kirk at [email protected] Racquetball Many thanks, Cheryl Kirk Editor 2020 Racquetball Photo by Mike Davern Mike by Photo Davern Mike by Photo John O’Donnell, Jr. and his new bride Kay Proposal at the Shamrock – on air and on camera! Patrick Buckley ª Laura Pesek at her first racquetball event!

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