DOWNtheLINEnews Maryland Washington Racquetball Association Newsletter • www.mwraweb.com

Deep breath…there we go. It’s been a The USRA Mid-Atlantic Regionals will busy couple of months with the State once again be held at the Tysons Sport & Games, Wintergreen Classic, the Singles Health Club in McLean, Virginia the Championships, and the Make A Wish weekend of April 19-21. In addition to Shootout. All were great successes, even singles play, Tournament with the season’s only snowfall occur- Director Ed Willis will be ring the weekend of the State offering doubles play as a third President’s Message • 1 Games. Wintergreen was yet event for those who are again a great hit, as well as the interested. Also, for the first About MWRA • 2 Singles where it (to me time, New York will be anyways) felt like hosting their own Regionals For Your Information • 3 a huge racquetball tournament the following Make a Wish Shootout party than a state weekend, April 26-28. So if for A Huge Success • 4 championship! some reason you can’t make it But I think it’s safe down to Tysons, or you just want USRA Member Application • 8 to say that a good time was had to play in another Regional event, Tournament Results • 10 by all. Lastly, a special thanks to Ralph head on up to Jackson Heights, DiFelice, Frank Finach, Ben Wong, New York for a more northern Executive Committee Val Rogolino, Larry Seidl, and Dr. experience. Elections • Back Cover Laurence Block for putting on a great tournament at the Merritt See ya at the next tourney! USRA Maryland/DC Sanctioned Athletic Club in Towson. Look - Steve Tournaments • Back Cover inside for a summary of the weekend’s activities.

Over the years, the MWRA has made ex- sages and end up changing the draw and Please folks, we want to continue to tensive efforts to accommodate player’s starting time list once we find out that bring you the best tournament experience scheduling requests at all State Champi- someone wasn’t entered into the tourna- in the area, and by having all participants onship events. Recently it seems that ment. Please be conscious of sending in follow the guidelines above, we are con- scheduling requests (i.e. no Friday your applications on time, either through fident we will be able to do so. Thanks evening play) have dramatically in- the mail or through the internet. In addi- for your cooperation. creased, and it is becoming progressively tion, it is becoming more imperative that more difficult to schedule matches effi- we collect fees before the tournament so ciently. If you absolutely and positively we can deposit checks ahead of time in cannot play on Friday evenings, then we order to pay the tournament’s bills in a ask that you only play in one division. timely manner. If we have to collect your Also, we will no longer be taking tour- fees at the tournament, there will be an nament applications over the phone. Re- additional $5 fee added to your entry fee. cently we had several instances where No exceptions. folks have called the club where the tour- Lastly, bank fees are on the rise and nament was being held and left messages we are now forced to charge a $25 fee for containing entry information. Too many any returned checks. times we have not received these mes- Andrews AFB: Jeff Elder Merritt Eldersburg: Kathy Cornell Aspen Hill Club: Will Ferguson Merritt Salisbury: Carolyn Payne Fitness Club of Gaithersburg: Ed Parra Merritt Security: Butch Harris Bally’s Greenbelt: Tom Miller Merritt Towson: Frank Finach Bally’s Rockville: Ocean City: Paul Conway Bel Air: Severna Park: Val Rogolino Jr. Bolling AFB: Willie Sutton Skill Shot Racquetball Club: Chesapeake: Program Director Sport Fit Bowie: Evelyn Specht Columbia Athletic Club: Dave Bleyer Sport Fit Laurel: Ron Hines Frederick YMCA: Sport & Health Bethesda: Bev Supanick Fairland: Warren Riecke Sport & Health Rio: Steve Myers Fort Meade: Sport & Health Rockville: Mel Goldstein Steve Graham Hagerstown YMCA: Sport & Health White Oak: Chad Joyce Editor JCC, Baltimore: Supreme Sports Club: Eric Robinson Leisure: Talbot County YMCA: John Mautz Sr. Sterling Spangler Merritt Annapolis: Larry Seidl The Players Club: Design Merritt Downtown Athletic Club: University of Maryland: Chris Wilmoth Alan Golombek The opinions voiced in any article or column are those of the particular author and are not an official position of the MWRA You will notice that there are several clubs that do not have names associated with them. or the USRA. Newsletter This is due to the fact that those people who were listed ARE NOT currently USRA advertising rates: members as reported on the latest membership list from Colorado Springs. Anyone from these clubs who is a USRA member and wishes to become a Board of •Business Cards: $25 Governors representative, please contact Larry Seidl at 410-269-1976. •Tournament Ad: $35-full page • 1/4 Page: $45 • 1/2 Page: $60 •Full Page: $100 • 10% discount for placing your ad in four consecutive issues

Hmmm? Chairman: Tye Brown, Severna Park Ideas? Opinions? Larry Seidl, Merritt Annapolis Ralph DiFelice, Merritt Towson Comments? Matt Gehling, Merritt Annapolis USRA Representative: Steve Graham, Sport Fit Laurel Give us a call Val Rogolino Jr., Severna Park Tom Miller, Bally’s Greenbelt and speak Warren Riecke, Fairland your mind... Kevin Sterling, Severna Park

Larry Seidl: 410•269•1976 Val Rogolino Jr.: 410•987•0980

The Maryland Washington Racquetball Association (MWRA) is an independent, non- profit racquetball player group and is not affiliated in any way with any vendor or equip- ment manufacturer. Dues are renewable every year and includes membership in both the MWRA and the United States Racquetball Association (USRA).

Down the Line News is the official publication of the MWRA. We welcome your com- ments and views! Send your letters to the editor, advertisements, and other correspon- dence to us at:

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www.mwraweb.com Down the Line News Spring 2002 3 By Ralph DiFelice, Merritt Athletic Club - Towson

e came, we saw, we played rac- round. Doreen Fowler and Travis Aldinger tie breaker with Baron’s passing shots ex- quetball! The Make a Wish matched up against Laura Fenton and ploding off the front wall like a bag of dy- Shootout, presented by E-Force Craig Powell. In the opening game, namite and Lucas’ educated backhand Racquetball, was held March 15-17 at the Aldinger started with a “wallpaper lob pinching and passing at will, however, it Merritt Athletic Club in Towson. serve” that forced Powell into a defensive was not meant to be. Feaster-Stewart and The tournament began with a “Celeb- posture. Aldinger ran off 6 before Powell Gehling prevailed with a 15-14 nail biting rity Doubles” charity auction where ama- made the side out. When Powell and victory. teur players had the opportunity to bid on Fenton took over the service box, they ran The championship match would be the and partner with a professional racquetball off 7 points to even up the game. From saga of “Diving Doreen,” pitting Travis player in a round of 16 single-elimination that point on Powell and Fenton domi- Aldinger and Doreen Fowler against Matt doubles event. The courts were hot and nated. Powell’s return of serve and ability Gehling and Shannon Feaster-Stewart. In fast, the ribbing was loud and good-natured to pinch any ball that came off the back the first game Feaster-Stewart played with and when the dust settled the team of Karen wall kept Aldinger off balance. Fenton was the elegance of a wrecking ball. Every at- Denu (VA) and Dan Llacera (DE) came brilliant with her ripping forehand and ut- tempt of Fowler trying to pass her would out on top. Finishing second was the team ter domination of the forecourt. The first position Feaster-Stewart turning, setting of Shannon Feaster-Stewart and Stephen game ended 15-9. The second game was and dealing 35 foot kill shots that brought Lee. The rallies were long and fast and all completely different. It was now Powell a smile to Matt Gehling’s face as he of- had a splendid time. who was off balance and unable to set his It should be noted that the “big guns” feet to respond to Aldinger’s drive serve. Dan Fowler, Laura Fenton and Ruben On the ladies side, Fowler took control as Gonzalez were all eliminated in the first both women jockeyed for position with round of play! They, like the rest of us Fowler dictating the pace of the rallies. amateurs, were subjected to the same It seemed she rolled the ball out at friendly mockery. They gave as good as will winning the second game 15- they got. It was truly great fun. 8. With 125 participants and only five The previous two games had the courts, the tournament ran a little behind audience on the edge of their seats (ok, ok, so we were 3 hours behind), and (if they were lucky enough to find was compounded by the loss of court 4 for one) and set up the highly charged 6 hours on Saturday due a sprinkler sys- tiebreaker. The breaker was a heated tem incident. The last Saturday match fi- contest resulting in Powell and Fenton nally ended around 2:00 a.m. Sunday playing catch-up most of the game. They morning!!! Sunday’s schedule was just as never had the lead and were finally dis- full, with the last match ending around 8:00 patched by Fowler and Aldinger in an ex- p.m. The tournament directors want to citing 11-9 crowd pleaser. thank all the participants for their patience, The other side of the semifinal draw as it was greatly appreciated. paired Maryland State champions Shannon Three significant divisions highlighted Feaster-Stewart and Matt Gehling against the event. The Men’s Open, The Women’s Michelle Lucas and Mark Baron. The first Open and the Mixed Open Doubles. It was game was completely governed by Feaster- the largest prize money of the year and the Stewart and Gehling. Lucas and Baron field attracted some extremely talented never had a lead and with Gehling’s bril- players from several states. liant gets and Feaster-Stewart’s dazzling The Mixed open was arguably the most forehands they coasted to a 15-9 victory. fun to watch. While all the matches were In the second game, Lucas and exciting, it really got hot in the semifinal Baron were determined to force a

4 Down the Line News Spring 2002 www.mwraweb.com fered up, “nice shot partner.” Feaster- played extremely well in the first game, Todd Boss who gave Gonzalez all he could Stewart and Gehling won the first game The Maryland State champion took hold handle in the second game. 15-6. in the second game with blistering fore- The semifinals were earned with Fowler The second game brought us the emer- hands and earned her spot in the semifi- besting Harris in a 90-minute match. The gence of “Diving Doreen.” Fowler was de- nals matching her against the highly re- unintimidated Harris kept coming at termined to force a tiebreaker. What was garded Fenton. Fowler, but it wasn’t meant to be. Addi- probably the best rally of the entire tour- With the semifinal showdown set on tionally, Gehling topped Aldinger in a nament consisted of Gehling blasting court 4, (previously rained out due to a “come from behind” tiebreaker, Llacera nuclear shots at Fowler who, unimpressed, sprinkler leak) the match would feature ousted Simpson, and “Ruben the Great” responded in kind. At 5-5 Gehling took aim Feaster-Stewart’s express forehands and dispatched the crowd pleasing Craig and hit a reverse pinch that had Fowler div- explosive backhands, but were no match Powell in another hard fought battle. ing at least 5 feet to make an impossible for Fenton’s court coverage and highly re- So, that left Dan Fowler versus Matt get, only to have Gehling blast the ball spected drive serve. The Maryland State Gehling in the first of the semifinal again, which resulted in Fowler making champion succumbed to Fenton 15-7 and matches. Gehling has never beaten Fowler another diving get, this time offering a 15-9. Fenton commented to me after the and it was my opinion today was going to breathtaking killshot that culminated in an match the great difficulty she had negoti- be the day. Fowler was coming into the amazing 15-stroke rally! The crowd was ating Feaster-Stewart’s forehand blasts and Make a Wish after a long road trip and on their feet applauding and cheering praised Feaster-Stewarts ability. there were some concerns over the great Doreen. Her extraordinary efforts were re- The championship was set. Laura Dan Fowler’s nagging injuries. Gehling warded as the second game ended with Fenton versus Michelle Lucas with a started extremely well giving Fowler no Aldinger and Fowler forcing the tiebreaker $1000.00 purse on the line. Fenton took quarter and matching him kill for kill splat with a 15-10 win. an early lead and never looked back, not for splat dive for dive in exciting 10 to 12 Undaunted by their recent defeat, and allowing Lucas to dictate pace. Even with stroke rallies when Fowler called time out perhaps inspired by it, Feaster-Stewart and Michelle’s devastating backhands and su- at 10-10. That was all the illustrious cham- Gehling played the tiebreaker at the pin- perior getting ability, she fell to the Kan- pion needed as he returned to dispatch the nacle of their abilities. They left the court sas City dynamo 15-6, 16-7. The ever- hard-hitting Gehling 15-10. with an exhausting 11-6 championship vic- classy Lucas embraced Fenton after the The second game was even better than tory. The hard fought match was one of match in a gratifying display of sportsman- the first with the dynamic Gehling, always the best of the action packed day. ship. The crowd responded with a stand- keeping it close, taking small leads, and The Women’s Open division featured ing ovation for the champion and runner fighting his way to 11 points before the the top marquee players in the East. Seeded up. magnificent Dan Fowler ended Gehling’s at the top of the division was Laura Fenton This brings us to the Men’s Open draw hopes of a tie breaker 15-11. Dan Flower, from Kansas City, Kansas. Fenton is cur- with a full field of 16 topped by future hall always the gentleman, relayed to me it was rently ranked second in the world and fin- of famer, Dan Fowler of Rockville, MD. the hardest match he played and paid trib- ished last year’s LPRA tour fourth in the This field of sixteen, included young guns ute to Gehling’s performance. world. like Travis Aldinger, Stephen Lee, Victor The other semifinal pitted hall of famer Michelle Lucas, Doreen Fowler and Sh- Zambrano, Steve Graham, Bryan Gray, Ruben Gonzalez against Dan Llacera. Ev- annon Feaster-Stewart, while aware of Chris Wilmoth, Todd Boss, Jason eryone, who has ever seen Gonzalez play, Fenton’s credentials, had winning inten- Colangelo and the extremely talented has a tale about his getting ability. Today tions of their own. Maryland State champion Matt Gehling. would be no different as Gonzalez came The semifinals paired Lucas and Fowler With the veteran marquee players Jamal from behind to tie the diving Llacera 14- who earned their semifinal berths by vic- Harris, Steve Simpson, the hard-hitting Jim 14 with Gonzalez about to serve for the tories over TJ Baumbaugh and Candi Snowden, Dan Llacera and returning to first game. In a rare and astonishing fault, Hostovitch, respectively, in straight games. tournament play, the classy Craig Powell. Gonzalez hit the ceiling in an attempt to Lucas and Fowler played an exciting Also entered was the legendary 2000 hall lob serve the 15th point to Llacera. The match, with Michelle winning the first of fame inductee, Ruben Gonzalez, seeded usually poker faced Gonzalez walked to game handily, 15-5 and Doreen issuing a second. his receiving position dismayed over the receipt, winning the second game 15-6. The sixteen went to eight with Fowler service fault. The opportunistic Llacera The tiebreaker, hard fought, would have defeating Wilmoth, Harris topping would be unforgiving as his put away dis- Lucas taking victory in an 11-7 thriller. Snowden in a hard fought tiebreaker, tinguished Gonzalez the next rally, 15-14. The other side of the draw had Fenton Aldinger besting Colangelo, Gehling dis- With both men aware of the $1000.00 prize dispatching Karen Denu in straight games patching Gray, Simpson advancing over money, the verbose Llacera tried in vain in the quarterfinals and Shannon Feaster- Lee, Llacera surpassing Graham, Powell to put away the remarkable Gonzalez in Stewart coming away with a victory over taking Zambrano in another hard fought the second game, however, Gonzalez Kristen Fritz 15-14 and 15-6. While Fritz match and Gonzalez taking out gracious would have none of it edging the vocal

Continued on page 6

www.mwraweb.com Down the Line News Spring 2002 5 Continued from page 5

Llacera 15-13 in a brilliant game, forcing ball with ease. In my mind, I knew it was Corsello. Tom Chandler won the 45’s and the tiebreaker. correct. In my heart, I wanted it played the always-tough Wayne Toyne won the Both men were running on reserve af- again, as I was cheering for Gonzalez to 55’s. ter the two hard fought games when win the first game. My reason for the bi- The women’s division was full of tal- Gonzalez kicked it up a notch with the ased opinion in the first game is that I ent with Danielle Emerson winning the A’s tiebreaker tied 3-3. Llacera dove for a ball wanted to see a tiebreaker. I know that the over Eleanor Adcock and Tina Davenport that referee Craig Powell called a double celebrated Dan Fowler wasn’t sticking capturing the B’s away from Kim Bray. bounce. Llacera appealed Powell’s call to around to play a tiebreaker after the first Justin Williams took the Junior’s over the line judges who agreed with the ref- game. Jeffery Flaesch, Joe Kramer, Davis Dupree eree. The call stood leaving Llacera rant- I was correct. The workmanlike Fowler and Jenny Hough. ing. Llacera was warned of a possible tech- took apart the tiring Gonzalez 15-5 to claim Overall, the event was a rousing suc- nical if he continued. Play resumed, but it the Make a Wish Championship. cess raising close to $2000.00 for the Make was all Gonzalez from that point on dis- Other highlights included, the fabulous a Wish Foundation! missing Llacera 11-6. Victor Zambrano topping Bryan Gray in Lastly, but certainly not least, I would The championship was made. The re- the 25/35. The talented Sean Walker win- like to thank my colleagues, Ben Wong, markable Dan Fowler versus the hall of ning the Men’s A over the much improved Frank Finach, Val Rogolino, Larry Seidl fame great, Ruben Gonzalez. The cham- Stan Golob. Cory Goshorn besting Jon and Steve Graham. Their hard work made pionship court was packed as the players Flahart to take the largest draw (32) of the this tournament the highlight of the were announced and play started. The event, “the killer Bees”. Giovanni MWRA season. score was close until Fowler broke it open Cortorreal captured the C’s over Buzz and ran against Gonzalez 14-7. With the support of the crowd rooting for the un- derdog Gonzalez, he went into overdrive, Photo Op 1 knotting the game 14-14. Fowler returned Gonzalez’ drive serves with an enormous 38-foot kill shot putting Gonzalez out. What happened next is a matter of opin- ion that will go as unsettled to some. Dur- ing the course of an exciting 6-stroke rally, Gonzalez dove to save a Fowler passing attempt. Gonzalez was brilliant and made the save, however, he left the ball up. The ball went through Fowler’s legs. Fowler turned to address the ball coming off the back wall when he collided with Gonzalez. Gonzalez made an attempt to yield, but could not, stopping the rally. The ball came off the back wall, (in my opinion) two feet high. The referee looked to the players to see if they could settle it. Fowler thought it was an avoidable hinder and expressed that to Gonzalez who did not object. As the two men were walk- ing off the court, Fowler offered to replay the rally. Gonzalez didn’t accept the offer Make A Wish Tournament Directors Ben Wong, ending the first game 15-14. Now the opin- Frank Finach, Steve Graham, and Ralph DiFelice. ions went flying everywhere. I’ll give (Photo courtesy of Ben Wong) mine. The ball was two feet high off the back wall. Had Gonzalez, been able to yield, as he is required to, Fowler kills the

6 Down the Line News Spring 2002 www.mwraweb.com Photo Op 2

Men’s Open Champion Dan Fowler and Finalist Ruben Gonzalez. (Photo courtesy of Ben Wong)

Photo Op 3

Women’s Open Champion Laura Fenton (third from left) and Finalist Michelle Lucas (second from left). Presenting the checks were Ralph DiFelice (far left) and Steve Graham (far right). (Photo courtesy of Ben Wong)

Photo Op 4

Mixed Open Doubles Champions Shannon Feaster-Stewart and Matt Gehling. Check presented by Ralph DiFelice. (Photo courtesy of Ben Wong)

www.mwraweb.com Down the Line News Spring 2002 7 PLEASE BE SURE TO RETAIN YOUR RECEIPT MEMBERSHIP — IT'S YOUR TEMPORARY PROOF OF APPLICATION MEMBERSHIP UNTIL YOUR CARD IS ISSUED!

United States Racquetball Association SERVICE New Member Renewal TYPE Address Change Subscription NAME ______MEMBER Adult Junior ADDRESS______TYPE Collegiate High School

CITY ______All U.S. memberships are for one year, and include a subscription to RACQUETBALL Magazine STATE ______ZIP ______(International members must add $15.00 to receive the publication). 35% of all dues remain with each Home Telephone: ( ) ______state affiliate organization for local promotion and support. Business Telephone: ( ) ______MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS Email: ______Adult ...... $20.00 Adult, 2 years ...... $40.00 Club Affiliation: ______Junior (18 & under only) ...... $15.00 Junior (18 & under, w/o mag) ...... $10.00 BIRTHDATE ______(month)/______(day)/______(year)/ SUBSCRIPTIONS & DONATIONS ONLY AMATEUR ATHLETIC WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY ¥ In consideration of being allowed to participate in any United States RACQUETBALL [U.S. Rate] ...... $15.00 Racquetball Association athletic/sports programs, and related events RACQUETBALL [Foreign Rate] ...... $35.00 and activities, the undersigned: ¥ 1. Agree that prior to participating, they will inspect the facilities and equipment to be used, and if they believe anything is Tax-deductible donation ...... $ ______unsafe, they will immediately advise their coach, supervisor, or USRA personnel of such condition(s) and refuse to participate. ¥ 2. Acknowledge and TOTAL FEES ENCLOSED ...... $ ______fully understand that each participant will be engaging in activities that involve risk of serious injury, including permanent disability and death, and severe social and economic losses which might result not only from their own actions, MC/Visa # ______inactions of negligence but the actions, inactions or negligence of others, the rules of play, or the condition of the premises or of any equipment used. Signature ______Exp. ______Further, that there may be other risks not known to us or not reasonably foreseeable at this time. ¥ 3. Assume all the foregoing risks and accept personal responsibility for the damages following such injury, permanent disability or death. ¥ 4. Release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue the United States Racquetball Association, its affiliated clubs, regional sports organizations, their respective administrators, directors, agents, coaches, and other employees of the organization, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and lessees of premises used to conduct the event, all of which are hereinafter referred to as "releasees" from any and all liability to the signator on the opposite side of this form, his or her heirs and next of kin for any and all claims, demands, losses or damages on account of injury including death or damage to property, caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the release of otherwise. The undersigned has read the preceding waiver and release, with the understanding that they have given up substantial rights by signing, and do so voluntarily. Member signature ______Date ______Parent or Guardian (if member is 18 and under)

USRA Representative ______Tournament/Club______

UNITED STATES RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION ¥1685 West Uintah Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904-2906 Tel: 719/635-5396 ¥ Fax: 719/635-0685 ¥ www.usra.org ¥ www.racqmag.com ¥ Member, U.S. Olympic Committee

8 Down the Line News Spring 2002 www.mwraweb.com Smarter Racquet. Better Game. Introducing the world’s first intelligent racquets.

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www.mwraweb.com Down the Line News Spring 2002 9 Wintergreen Classic MWRA Singles Championships Make A Wish Shootout Sport Fit Laurel Racquet and Health Club - February 1-3, 2002 Sport Fit Laurel Racquet and Health Club - March 1-3, 2002 Merritt Athletic Club-Towson - March 15-17, 2002

Men's Open Singles – Finals Men's Open Singles – Finals Men's Open Singles – Finals Matt Gehling[1] d. Travis Woodbury[2] 15-8; 15-6 Matt Gehling[1] d. Robert House[3] 15-5; 15-13 Dan Fowler[1] d. Ruben Gonzalez[2] 15-13; 15-5

Men's A Singles – Finals Men's A Singles – Finals Men’s A Singles – Finals Jason Linnell[3] d. Sean Walker[1] 4-15; 15-12; 11-10 Ben Coit[10] d. Jason Linnell[1] 15-6; 15-11 Sean Walker [1] d. Stan Golob[3]

Men's B Singles – Finals Men's B Singles – Finals Men's B Singles – Finals Jamie Sparks[15] d. Steven Droski[1] 6-15; 15-6; 11-8 Steven Droski[1] d. Jeff Brown[10] 1-15; 15-7; 11-7 Cory Goshorn d. Jon Flahart 15-8; 5-15; 11-1

Men's C Singles – Finals Men's C Singles – Finals Men’s C Singles – Finals Jimmy Falcon[4] d. Eddie Gardner[2] 15-14; 15-6 Justin Stephens[7] d. Jimmy Falcon[1] 15-7; 15-10 Giovanni Cortorreal [2] d. Buzz Corsello [4] 15-2; 15-9

Men's Club C Singles – Finals Men's Club C Singles – Finals Men's 25/35+ Open/A Singles – Finals Joseph DiMaggio d. Robert Mein 15-11; 15-13 Aaron Cowell[5] d. Kevin Coit[3] 15-12; 15-14 Victor Zambrano d. Bryan Gray 15-11; 15-7

Men's 30+ Singles – Finals Men's 24- Singles – Finals Men's 25/35+ B/C Singles – Finals Steve Simpson[3] d. Ben Hale[4] 11-15; 15-12; 11-0 Matt Gehling d. Ben Coit 15-14, 15-4 Cory Goshorn d. Sean Langford 13-15; 15-11; 11-5

Men's 40+ Singles – Finals Men's 25/30+ Open/A Singles – Finals Men's 45+ Open/A Singles – Finals Mark Baron[1] d. Robert House[2] 15-6; 9-15; 11-10 Eric Blood[1] d. Jeffrey Elder[6] 15-11; 15-1 Tom Chandler d. Mark Baron 15-9; 9-15; 11-3

Men's 30/40+ B/C Singles – Finals Men's 25/30/35+ B/C Singles – Finals Men's 45/55+ B/C Singles – Finals Alan Golombek[3] d. Jody Stiles[4] 9-15; 15-11; 11-8 Brian Wetcher d. Rob Cherry 15-14; 15-13 Bob Windsor d. David Wetcher 15-10; 15-6

Men's 50+ B/C Singles – Finals Men's 35+ Open/A Singles – Finals Men's 55+ Open/A Singles – Finals Dean Smith[2] d. Ray Firlie[1] 15-8; 15-9 Glenn Smith[2] d. Steve Simpson[1] 15-14; 15-11 Wayne Toyne d. William Winowitch 15-5; 12-15; 11-0

Men's 50+ Singles – Finals Men's 45+ Open/A – Finals Women's Open Singles – Finals Dwayne McKnight[1] d. Larry Deamud[3] 15-2; 15-4 Robert House d. Jamie Velasco 15-1; 15-5 Laura Fenton[1] d. Michelle Lucas[3] 15-6; 15-7

Women's Open Singles – Finals Men's 45+ B/C Singles – Finals Women's A Singles – Finals Michelle Lucas d. Shannon Feaster-Stewart 10-15; 15-2; Hal Roche[3] d. James Wetzel[4] 11-15; 15-5; 11-2 Danielle Emerson[1] d. Eleanor Adcock[2] 15-7; 15-8 11-10 Men's 50+ B/C Singles – Finals Women's B Singles – Finals Women's B Singles – Finals Ray Firlie[1] d. George Hardinger[2] 15-6; 9-15; 11-3 Tina Davenport[2] d. Kim Bray[5] 11-15; 15-7; 11-1 Becca Polignone[1] d. Eleanor Adcock[2] 15-9; 5-15; 11-7 Women's Open Singles – Finals Women's C Singles – Finals Shannon Feaster-Stewart d. Danielle Emerson 15-1; Tracie Valentine[2] d. Donna Dennis[5] 15-13; 15-11 Women's C Singles – Finals 15-0 Claudia Soto[8] d. Aimee Newhall[2] 15-7; 15-9 Men’s A Doubles – Finals Women's A Singles – Finals Nelson J - Walker S [1] d. Bryan G - Mims C [2] 15-8; 7-15; Women's 30+ B/C Singles – Finals Dyan Anderson[1] d. Danielle Emerson[3] 15-9; 11-15; 11-7 Tracie Valentine d. Fran Gower 15-7; 15-14 11-8 Men's B Doubles – Finals Men's A Doubles -- Finals Women's B Singles – Finals Brown J - Brown J [2] d. Ard D - Cherry R [4] 9-15; 15-12; Misal D - Weinstein K d. Schad B - Sterling K 15-12; 15-8 Becca Polignone[1] d. Selma Cuadros[3] 15-1; 11-15; 11-3 11-5 Men's B Doubles -- Finals Men's C Doubles – Finals Droski S - Sokolowski R [1] d. Parks A - Pendleton T [7] Women's 30+ B/C Singles – Finals Cowell A - Cowell C [1] d. Lee J - Venkatesh V [3] 15-5; 15-5; 15-12 Robbie Compson d. Tracie Valentine 15-6; 15-9 15-3

Men's 30+ Doubles – Finals Women's All Age Open/A – Finals Women's Open/A Doubles – Finals McKnight D - Miller T d. Chandler T - Simpson S 15-9; Shannon Feaster-Stewart d. Ruth Hough 15-7; 15-4 Baumbaugh T - Hostovitch C [1] d. Bell V - Winder A [2] 15-8; 15-2 15-9 Women's 40+ B/C Singles – Finals Men's 45+ Doubles – Finals Tina Davenport d. Evelyn Specht 15-3; 15-7 Mixed Open Doubles – Finals Baron M - Hartwell B [1] d. Chandler T - Hines R [2] 15-3; Feaster-Stewart S - Gehling M [2] d. Aldinger T - Fowler D [1] 15-12 Junior Boys – Finals 15-6; 10-15; 11-7 Aaron Cowell d. Justin Williams 15-10; 15-11 Mixed Open Doubles – Finals Mixed B Doubles – Finals Fritz K - Woodbury T [2] d. Denu K - Shipman A [4] 15-10; Lundien D – Yorski R [1] d. Newhall A – Selby S [7] 15-4; 15-2 15-10

Mixed A/B Doubles – Finals Juniors Singles – Finals Le T - Wigder T d. Brooks E - True L 12-15; 15-8; 11-2 Justin Williams d. Jeffrey Flaesch 4-15; 15-14; 11-4

Celebrity Doubles – Finals Denu K - Llacera D [3] d. Feaster-Stewart S - Lee S [9]

10 Down the Line News Spring 2002 www.mwraweb.com EKTELON REGIONAL RACQUETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS ¥ April 19-21, 2002 Tysons Sport & Health Club, Mclean, VA Applications due April 15!

ENTRY FORM • Please Print QUALIFIER DIVISIONS

Name______Gender: M | F MEN’S ¥Singles¥ WOMEN’S _____ Open _____ Phone (Day) ______(Evening) ______A ______B _____ Birthdate ______Age ______C ______D _____ Email______24- ______25+ _____ Club Affliation ______30+ ______35+ _____ Doubles partner ______40+ ______45+ _____ Regional Skill Level Verification _____ 50+ ______55+ _____ I have played at this level in my state for the last three months. _____ 60+ ______65+ _____ I have been AmPRO certified for competition at this level within the past _____ 70+ _____ year by: MEN’S ¥Age+Skill¥ WOMEN’S I have been approved for participation at this level by the following state _____ 24- A/B _____ director/representative: _____ 24- C/D _____ Waiver: I hereby, for myself, me heirs, executors, and administrators, waive and release _____ 25+ A/B _____ any and all rights and claims that I may have against the Sport & Health Company, Ed _____ 25+ C/D _____ Willis II, Team Ed, USRA, Ektelon, Head/Penn Racquet Sports, or their respective agents _____ 30+ A/B _____ for any and all injuries. I also acknowledge the potential risk of eye injury during competi- _____ 30+ C/D _____ tion, and can provide written proof that my protective eyeguards (including prescription _____ 35+ A/B _____ frames/lenses) conform with all standards specified in USRA Rule 2.5(a). _____ 35+ C/D ______40+ A/B ______40+ C/D ______45+ A/B _____ Participant Signature Date _____ 45+ C/D ______50+ A/B _____ Register online at: http://www.edwillisii.com _____ 50+ C/D ______55+ A/B ______55+ C/D _____ Fees & Payment USRA Member # ...... ($ 30.00) ______MEN’S ¥Doubles¥ WOMEN’S First event ...... ($ 45.00) ______Open _____ Second event ...... ($ 20.00) ______A ______B _____ Third event (Doubles)...... ($ 15.00) ______C _____ Telephone/ _____ 35+ _____ Email/Internet Entry ...... ($ 5.00) ______45+ _____ TOTAL DUE: ...... $ ______55+ _____ Credit Card #: ...... Exp. ______Mixed Open ______Mixed A _____ Send completed entry and all fees by April 15 to: _____ Mixed B/C _____

USRA Regionals Voice: (703) 684-4146 BOY'S ¥Juniors¥ GIRL’S c/o Ed Willis II Email: [email protected] _____ Age _____ 247 Evans Lane _____ 8- Multi _____ Alexandria, VA 22305-3002 _____ 6- Multi _____

www.mwraweb.com Down the Line News Spring 2002 11 There will be three positions open for elec- USRA Regionals tion this year on the Executive Committee. April 19-21, 2002 The elections will be held by the MWRA Tysons Sport & Health Club Board of Governors this November at the 8250 Greensboro Drive Doubles Championships (location to be de- McLean, VA 22102 termined). Visit EdWillisII.com or call 703.684.4146 Executive Committee members whose for additional information. terms expire this year (2002) are Tye Brown, Tom Miller and Kevin Sterling. Women's Only Invitational Anyone desiring to serve on the Execu- April 27-28, 2002 tive Committee would need to send in a re- Mt. Vernon Health and Racquet Club sume and a brief statement highlighting their 7950 Audubon Ave projected ideas for advancing racquetball in Alexandria, VA 22306 Maryland and D.C over the next 3 years. In- Contact Wayne Toyne at 703.360.7300 for formation should be forwarded by October additional information. 19, 2002 to: LPRA Steve Powers Memorial MWRA LPRA Pro Stop 106 Groh Lane June 21-23, 2002 Annapolis, Maryland 21043 Tysons Sport & Health Club 8250 Greensboro Dr McLean, VA 22102 Visit EdWillisII.com or call 703.684.4146 for additional information.

Presorted Standard U.S. Postage P A I D Annapolis, MD 106 Groh Lane Annapolis, MD 21403 Permit No. 380

12 Down the Line News Spring 2002 www.mwraweb.com