US OPEN Coverage • WSMRA at Glass Court • Annual Awards Nominations ...And Much More!

Fall Winter 2016/2017 | VOL 34 NO 3

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ILLINOIS STATE RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION

• US OPEN Coverage • WSMRA at Glass Court • Annual Awards Nominations ...and much more!

Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 1 2 | www.illinoisracquetball.com | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association ILLINOIS STATE ISRA COURTSIDE RACQUETBALL Table of ASSOCIATION CONTENTS FALL WINTER 2016/2017 | VOL 34 NO 3 PRESIDENT Laurel Davis - Oak Brook From The President...... 4

VICE PRESIDENT 2016 ISRA Players of the Year...... 5 Geoff Peters - Chicago

SECRETARY 2017 Distinguished Service Award...... 6 Marla Cusano - Glen Ellyn What Racquetball Means to Me...... 7 TREASURER Michelle Halverson - Lombard KILLSHOT Kids’ Corner...... 9

ZONE VICE PRESIDENTS Bill Roberts - Chicago (North) Illini Open...... 10 Doug Halverson - Lombard (West) Adam Mills - Germantown Hills (Central) 2016 Fall Brawl/IRT Tier 3 Pro Stop...... 11 John O’Donnell, Jr. - Champaign (South) Turkey Shoot Open 2016...... 14 GOVERNING BOARD Todd Burris - Oswego 2016 UnitedHealthcare US OPEN Racquetball Championships...... 17 Mike Davern - Naperville Jonelle Dubois - Naperville Pam Grace - Wheaton 28th Annual Women’s Senior/Masters Racquetball Association Cheryl Kirk - Naperville National Championships...... 22 John Puccio - Naperville Dolores Lamberson - LaGrange XXVIII IRF World Junior Racquetball Championships...... 28 Rick Seaberg - North Aurora Joe Silius - Mokena International Update -- Making a Difference...... 31 AUXILIARY BOARD Marian Bala - Indian Head Park ISRA Calendar...... 33 Jeff Grace - Wheaton Paul Jepsen - Hinsdale Challenge Courts...... 34 Kit Lawson - Naperville Dave Milazzo - Gurnee Liz Molitor - Glen Ellyn Advertising Rates/Deadlines...... 35 Vickie Onesti - Elmhurst Barbara Vagedes - Carol Stream USAR Membership Application...... 35

ISRA eMAGAZINE STAFF Cheryl Kirk - Editor Joe Silius - Advertising Editor On the COVER The ISRA eMagazine is published quarterly, and is the official publication of the Illinois State Racquetball Association (ISRA). Illinois Women turned out impressively All rights reserved. Copyright 2017. for the WSMRA Annual Championships Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written at Glass Court in January! permission from the ISRA is strictly prohibited. Letters to the Editor, photographs, and articles or editorial contributions should be sent to [email protected].

Design & Layout by: TypaGraphics

Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 3 From the PRESIDENT I was in Champaign for a meeting with the University of In 1958, he was off the coast of China, showing Illinois a few weeks ago. When I travel to Central Illinois cities, off Lockheed’s F-104 Starfighter, the “missile I make a habit of reading the local newspaper, especially in with a man in it” that could reach top speeds of Champaign. It gives me a needed dose of ILLINI news! On this Mach 2. particular day, I picked up the Champaign News-Gazette and “We didn’t know what was going to happen saw a friendly face smiling back at me. What a surprise! There next with China,” the colonel says. was ISRA Hall of Famer, John O’Donnell, Jr. On “profile missions” every 60 days, O’Donnell tested himself and The article printed in the paper appears below. the Starfighter, taking the jet to 100,000 feet, where the engine Those Who Served: ‘We’d come in ... failed – then falling back to 60,000 feet before he hit the start button and blow up the side of the hill’ to relight the engine. Monday, January 9, 2017 | Paul Wood At one point, he posed for a photograph with Mao’s nemesis, Chiang CHAMPAIGN — As an Air Force pilot, Col. Kai-shek, the dictator of Taiwan, next to an F-104. John O’Donnell flew at Mach 2 — more The pose was literally on the edge, given the jet’s aerodynamic than 1,300 miles per hour — and at 100,000 profile. feet in altitude, where his jet engines were “The F-104’s wings’ leading edges were so sharp they had to be extinguished by lack of oxygen. covered with foam rubber (safety measures) on the ground,” In 33 years in the military — first in the Navy, O’Donnell says. then in the Army Air Forces and finally in its In 1963, he commanded a squadron of F-100 pilots in Vietnam, successor, the Air Force — O’Donnell joined becoming a colonel. up just after World War II and outlasted the drawn-out Vietnam War. O’Donnell had Just after the war, O’Donnell was posted to Chanute Air Force Base, some of his most intense times in 1958, when now closed, in Rantoul, serving there from 1976 to 1980. he flew his F-104 at high speeds between While he was there, O’Donnell coached softball and basketball on China and Formosa (now Taiwan) to let Mao’s Chinese forces see the base. the might of the U.S. “Those flights were mostly political,” he says. That’s how he met the then-new Illini athletic director, Neale Stoner. O’Donnell, 87, is a Louisiana native — though he doesn’t have the accent to show for it — and went to college there, taking ROTC Stoner called O’Donnell in to offer him a job, and he was given an classes while majoring in physical education and math. expedited discharge from the Air Force by Gen. Norma Brown. He enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1946, which meant working on In his second career, O’Donnell worked another 14 years. his tan in Jamaica the next year. His athleticism continued long past retirement, as a racquetball “Then, four of us decided to enlist in the Army Air Forces,” he says. champion at the Fitness Center in Champaign, and now coaching it on the University of Illinois campus. That same year, it became a separate branch, the Air Force. So he has honorable discharges from the Army, Navy and Air Force. He and wife Arlene have six children, 13 grandchildren and six great- grandchildren. O’Donnell returned to active duty in 1952 after finishing up his bachelor’s degree. That was during the Korean War — so he ...and ultimately he was inducted into the Illinois State Racquet- undertook accelerated training as a pilot, reaching Korea near ball Association Hall of Fame! (John is also a member of the ISRA the armistice, and flying his F-86 Sabre on “two or three ‘hot’ Board of Directors as South Zone VP.) missions” with live armaments. Wow! What a neat article. We have this impressive man in our The Air Force had a mission to improve morale for the soldiers at midst, and I bet many of us didn’t know what an incredible back- the demilitarized zone, O’Donnell remembers. ground he has, even if we were aware of his military career. “We’d pick a hill that didn’t have any personnel on it, then the In other ISRA news... The State Doubles and State Singles cham- ground crew set up a target, even if it was only a couple of bed pionships are coming up on the weekends of February 24 and sheets,” O’Donnell says. March 30, respectively. With our State Singles Championships also “Then we’d come in with live ordnance and blow up the side of comes our Annual Awards Ceremony and Hall of Fame Induction. the hill, to show the ground troops that they had our full support. I say this every year, and I will say it again – people can’t be As we turned back to the base, they all waved at us” in apprecia- inducted or awarded if they are not nominated! That applies to all tion. of the awards. If you have nominees, please provide the appropri- He then spent four years as an instructor in pilot training. ate documentation and submit it to ISRA Secretary Marla Cusano. Forms can be found at www.illinoisracquetball.com and on pages At Davis-Monthan Air Force Base near Tucson, Ariz., he trained 5 and 6 of this issue of ISRA Courtside. airmen on the SM-75 Thor, the first intermediate-range U.S. ballistic missile. We have many impressive Hall of Fame members including a Chicago Bears player (Revie Sorey) and a famous sports photog- O’Donnell traveled to the United Kingdom because the English rapher (Art Shay), just to name a few. I can’t wait to see whom we and the U.S. worked together on nuclear ordinance. induct next and to hear their back stories! “We could hit Russia from there,” he remembers. See you on the courts, His postings included training airmen, but also flying the world’s fastest aircraft of the time.

4 | www.illinoisracquetball.com | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association 2016 ISRA Players of the Year Vote for your favorite Male and/or Davis, Ron Johnson (1991); Lola Markus, Watkins, Adrian Beltramino (2003); Female Player of the Year and Most Bill Lyman (1992); Cheryl Gudinas, Andy Geoff Goldblatt (2004 & 2005); Richard Improved Player using the form below. Pitock (1993); Cheryl Gudinas, Greg DeArmas (2006); Trevor Snyders (2007); Please include comments regarding Hasty (1994); Cheryl Gudinas, Horace Frank Milazzo (2008); Juan Martinez III your selection(s) using the following Miller (1995); Dawn Gates, John Negrete (2009); Saad Siddiqui (2010); Rhonda criteria: (1996); Krystal Csuk, John O’Donnell, Jr. Mundhenk (2011), Tom Ness (2012), (1997); Mary Crawford, Greg Hasty, Sr. Cheryl Kirk (2013), Jeremy Dixon (2014), 1. Accomplishments (1998); Terri Graham, Cary Slade (1999); Alcides Gutiérrez Bernal (2015). 2. Number of years played Cheryl Gudinas, Bill Lyman (2000); Nancy Kronenfeld, Bill Lyman (2001); Liz Molitor, Act Now: Nominations must be 3. Sportsmanship Ben Croft (2002); Liz Molitor, Dave Milazzo received by Sunday, March 12, 2017! (2003); Krystal Csuk, Dave Milazzo (2004); 4. Improvement Submit your nomination(s) to Marla Liz Molitor, Keith Minor (2005); Liz Molitor, Cusano, Awards Chair, at marcusano@ Keith Minor (2006); Pat Taylor, Julie Vincent 5. Contribution to the sport comcast.net. Your nomination(s) should (2007); TJ Ferro, Ellen Somberg (2008); Alok of racquetball include your name, address, day and Mehta, Nancy Amaro (2009); Juan Herrera, evening phone numbers, the name Nominees must be USAR members and Janet Eminger (2010); John O’Donnell, of the nominee(s), and the reasons may play at any level. Winners will be Jr., Krystal Csuk (2011); Clint Hickman, why that person(s) should receive the chosen by the ISRA Governing Board Nancy Kronenfeld (2012); Greg Hasty, Kelly award, including a list of achievements. and will be honored at the ISRA Annual Gremley (2013), Keith Minor, Nancy Amaro Note: The more detailed your nomina- Awards Ceremony on April 1, 2017. (2014), Eugene Coyle/Lynn Yeazell (2015). tion (including tournament results), the better chance your nominee(s) will Players of the Year — past recipients: Most Improved Player Award – past have! Chris Evon, Marshall Waldo (1988); recipients: Robert Gates, Jr. (1998); Ben Cheryl Gudinas, Rich Clay (1989); Croft (1999); Diane Bunker (2000); Ubaldo Pat Tarzon, Bill Lyman (1990); Laurel Melo (2001); Angel Khamis (2002); Carolyn

2016 ISRA Players of the Year & Most Improved Player NOMINATION FORM

Male Nominee’s Name______

Female Nominee’s Name______

Most Improved Player’s Name______

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

______

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

Phone (day) ______Phone (night)______

Signature ______Date______

Please scan/email your nomination(s) to Marla Cusano at [email protected]

Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 5 2017 Distinguished Service Award

Nominations are being accepted for Gabrisko (1986); Geoff Peters (1986); Act Now: Nominations must be the 2017 ISRA Distinguished Service Bill Feigen (1987); Alvin Barasch (1988); received by Sunday, March 12, 2017! Award. Criteria for consideration Judy Young (1989); Bill Roberts (1990); include commitment to the sport of Al Danielwicz (1991); Bill Piggott (1992); Submit your nomination(s) to Marla racquetball; quality of service; and Rich Clay (1993); Dave Negrete (1994); Lori Cusano, Awards Chair, at marcusano@ accomplishments benefiting the sport Kaiser (1995); Brian Stuertz (1996); Diane comcast.net. Your nomination(s) should and its players. Any ISRA member may DeArmas (1997); T.J. Ferro (1998); Laurel include your name, address, day and make nominations. The winner, chosen Davis (1999); Rich Clay (2000); Mike Davern evening phone numbers, the name by the ISRA Governing Board, will be (2001); Pam Grace (2002); Cheryl Kirk of the nominee(s), and the reasons honored at the ISRA Annual Awards (2003); Patrice Calvi (2004); Geoff Peters why that person(s) should receive the Ceremony on April 1, 2017. (2005); Doug Halverson (2006); Laurel award, including a list of achievements. Davis (2007); Michelle Halverson (2008); Note: The more detailed your nomina- Distinguished Service Award – past Cheryl Kirk (2009); Lori Good (2010); Diane tion (including tournament results), recipients: Tom Street (1978); Bob Bunker (2011); Marian Bala (2012); Marla the better chance your nominee(s) will Troyer (1979); Art Michaely (1980); Cusano (2013); John O’Donnell, Jr. (2014), have! Gay Kenna (1981); Jim Harper (1982); Marian Bala (2015), Dan Jaskier (2016). Jim Cartwright (1983); Alan Shetzer (1984); Clyde Senters (1985); Diane

2017 ISRA Distinguished Service Award NOMINATION FORM

Nominee’s Name______

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

______

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

Phone (day) ______Phone (night)______

Signature ______Date______

Please scan/email your nomination(s) to Marla Cusano at [email protected]

6 | www.illinoisracquetball.com | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association What Racquetball Means to Me Dan Jaskier, President of Glass Court Swim & Fitness

Recipient of the 2016 ISRA Distinguished Service Award Courtesy of Dan Jaskier Dan Jaskier, 43, along with Joe DeArmas, provides the tourna- We went to the finals and ment home for racquetball in the Chicagoland area. Each lost to Kenny Brown and Eric year, players enjoy Summerfest, Turkey Shoot, Shamrock Mathews. Shootout, ISRA State Singles and Doubles, USAR Regionals, and this year, the Women’s Senior/Masters Annual Champion- Q. What is something you ships and the National Police Racquetball Association event would like to do that you (scheduled for the first week of May). Read on to find out have not done yet? more about Dan, his family, and Glass Court. A. Buy a house in Florida on Q. Age, hometown, the water where I could walk occupation, family? outside and immediately walk onto my boat...aka retire- A. I grew up in ment! Addison and live in Lombard. My oc- Q. What is your favorite part Courtesy of Dan Jaskier cupation is President of running Glass Court? of Glass Court Swim A. It’s interacting with the & Fitness. My mother members. We have a great core Diane and stepfather of members, both racquetball Joe ran the club for and non-racquetball. Working with a lot of these people for a years, and I took long time, they have become family. It’s amazing how many over day-to-day come up and ask me for advice, about anything you can possibly operations when imagine, like how to deal with car problems, Comcast questions, she passed away in investing their money, and so on. Why? It’s because of these 2008. My wife Kimberly and I are the proud parents of our relationships that have been built over the last 20 years. daughters Kaitlyn, 12, and Lauren, 9. Q. Least favorite part? Q. What are your interests outside of Glass Court and your family? A. Fixing stuff in the middle of the night. At least once a week I need to work during the night to fix things that can’t be dealt A. My favorite hobby is fishing. I try to go once a month with during the day while the club is open. April-October, maybe another weekend every so often. Keith Mecklenburg and I have travel trailers and boats in Wisconsin. Q. So, Dan, what does it take to run Glass Court? What do you I usually take the girls up there once or twice a year. That way, actually do? Kimberly gets time for herself. A. Day-to-day operations, office manager, HR (employee staffing, Q. What influenced you to start playing racquetball? morale, payroll), team leader, IT, advertising, sales, marketing, purchasing (maintain inventory for general supplies and the A. About 19 years ago, I was playing volleyball and wallyball lounge), cleaning and club maintenance. three to four nights a week, and I was having a lot of knee problems. Being around racquetball and working at the club, Q. What do you think your mom Diane DeArmas would say I started to take an interest in it because there wasn’t as much about the job you’re doing at Glass Court? pounding on my knees. A. I think she would say I’m doing an okay job. Q. What are your goals in racquetball for this year for Glass Court and for yourself? (Editor’s note: There is no question that Diane would be extremely proud of Dan and the Glass Court staff. A very ac- A. That’s a hard one. I feel like just about everything has been complished player herself, she was all about the racquetball accomplished at Glass. I would love to have a women’s pro community. Diane’s legacy lives on through Dan.) stop here. I don’t have any goals in the sport for myself except to keep playing! Q. Any final thoughts? Q. What makes you love this sport? A. Thanks to everyone who supports the club and the sport, especially those who don’t live nearby. It’s incredibly appreciated A. The people. It’s like a family. when players maintain memberships here at Glass when they may not make it to the club any more frequently than once a Q. What have been your most memorable moment(s) in week or so, sometime less often. I appreciate the sponsors, who racquetball? are also good friends; they help provide a first-class experience A. The best time I ever had was playing State Doubles with through generous donations of products and services. And we Keith Mecklenburg when it was in Peoria several years ago. couldn’t do it without the volunteers in the racquetball family I was away from work, which was enjoyable -- no pressure! who pitch in time after time to help at the tournaments.

Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 7 8 | www.illinoisracquetball.com | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association KILLSHOT

JTI Update Kids’ Corner Under the leadership of Marian Bala, Carolyn Vazquez, and Andy Pitock, Junior Team Illinois has been in full swing at Glass Court since October 16th. A special thank-you goes to Michael Fornero, a junior player himself who is moving into the Men’s Open ranks, for donating his time to help out. A really nice aspect of this year’s program is the involvement of parents who take to the courts with the kids, sharing their own expertise and love of the game. We so appreciate the help of Jorge Ortiz, Jairo Torres, Alcides Gutierrez, Stephen Gollins, and Raul Sanchez. Their assistance allows the coaches to spend some one-on-one time with players. We are also grateful for the dedication of the non-playing parents who make sure their kids get to Glass Court throughout the season! The coaching staff has been incorporating instruction, practice, and competition as part of the curriculum. Fifteen players ranging from ages 8 through 14 take to the courts Sunday mornings (except when tournaments take over!). The JTI season will conclude with a pizza party in early April. To allow the players to showcase their skills, several tournaments will offer junior divisions this spring: the Shamrock Shootout, ISRA State Singles, and USAR Regionals. There is talk of a few making it out to Stockton, California, in late June to compete in USAR Junior Nationals. We know Jeremy Dixon (in his last year of junior competition) will be there along with Michael Fornero and perhaps a few first-timers as well. Stay tuned! Mackenzie and Adina -- Cheryl Kirk Photo by Mike Davern Mike by Photo Davern Mike by Photo

Dad Alcides works with Erick Emily and Santiago

The Illini Open is a tournament that originated in Results the early 1970’s and was Division (number entered): 1st; 2nd; Semifinals run annually for about 15 years by Illinois’ own Men’s Open (4): Jesse Schmit; Cary Slade; Arun Baskaran; Tom John O’Donnell, Jr. and Bill Neal Williamson. The Illini Rac- quetball Club was happy to Men’s Elite (4): Scott Esker; Thomas Connelly; Ryan Baumgart- reboot the tradition this past ner; Evan Howard (IN) Fall of 2016. The fledgling club is trying its very best to boost Men’s A (8): Joe Vallender; Matt Reeser; Carl Carman, Ryan enthusiasm for the sport of racquetball while also providing Baumgartner opportunities for students to play in a more competitive setting. Men’s A Consolation (4): Evan Howard; Tim Klein; Eugen Gheorghiu, Craig Nielsen (PA) There was a good showing of 6 players from the U of I and 3 players from Purdue! Additional players from within the Men’s B (6): Allen Bell; Glen Bero; Bryan Pierson (IN), Craig Midwest racquetball community (Illinois and Indiana) and Nielson (PA) further east as well (Maryland and Pennsylvania) made the trip to Champaign to support the club and take part Men’s B Consolation (2): Noah Jemison; Yulia Maximenko in the competition. There were even two father/son teams competing -- Cary and Ryan Slade and Michael and Tim Klein. Men’s C (7): Ryan Slade; Bryan Pierson (IN); Mark Perlman The day was filled with good food, new connections, and Men’s C Consolation (2): Hunter Vaught (IN); Cosmin Radoi good vibes for everyone. Keep an eye out in Fall 2017 for the Men’s D/Novice (4): Hunter Vaught (IN); Michael Klein; Cosmin next episode of the Illini Open. All are welcome! Radoi; Rangarajan Thiruvengadam (MD) A special thanks to the ISRA for supporting the event and the Men’s B/C Doubles (2): Anthony GIacalone/Glen Bero; Michael Illini Racquetball Club! Klein/Tim Klein Draws and match scores are available for viewing at http:// www.r2sports.com/tourney/viewResults.asp?TID=18785 -- Tim Klein

In the Life of a Notice of Annual Tournament Director Meeting of the ISRA A recent time conflict request... “I can play at 6:00 am on Saturday, but have to be out Board of Directors of the club by 6:15 am. Can return by 5 pm but cannot The ISRA Board will hold its Annual Meeting on Tuesday, play on court 12 at that time if temperature exceeds 71.3 June 6, 2017. As with all ISRA meetings, this meeting is degrees F. I am not able to play from 5:45 pm - 7:32 pm open to the membership. The Annual Meeting is particu- if the moon is rising unless of course I am on court 13. larly important since all members attending have a vote Please make sure that my matches are refereed by a high in the election of the ISRA Board of Directors. If you plan level certified ref, and I would like to choose who I play in to attend, please contact Marla Cusano at marcusano@ each round. Let me know if you have any questions.” comcast.net for time and location. On or before April 1, refer to the ISRA website home page at www.illinoisrac- Sure, no problem! We aim to please! quetball.com for more information about the upcoming Credit: Lynn Yeazell ISRA Board of Directors election.

10 | www.illinoisracquetball.com | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association LOCAL | REGIONAL | NATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL | EVENTS 2016 Fall Brawl/IRT Tier 3 Pro Stop October 28-30, 2016 Sponsors Glass Court Swim & Fitness, Lombard A huge debt of Tournament Directors: Jeff Grace, Cheryl Kirk, gratitude goes to Joey Logan the many sponsors who made this event The Fall Brawl moved from late September to late October possible: this year to accommodate UnitedHealthcare US OPEN players Platinum Plus -- Klimaitis Family (Leo, Sue, and Kristy) who benefited from just a touch more space between the two events. Competitors numbering 108 (92 men/16 women) Platinum -- Chicago Spectro Service Laboratory, Inc. (Geoff from 10 states entered 20 singles and doubles divisions. There Goldblatt) was plenty of high-level racquetball to watch as nine players battled it out in the Pro division. Winner Marco Rojas (CA) Gold -- KWM Gutterman (Keith Minor), Wayne Gonsalves, earned a nice payday by defeating Jansen Allen (TX), 8-11, Advisors Circle/Coyle & Associates, LLC (Eugene Coyle), 11-5, 11-7, 11-7. We’re still not sure how he got that big fat Amatulli & Associates Financial Services (John Amatulli, check on the plane... Newman Schimel Wealth Management (Jack Newman), Sachs, Earnest & Associates/Logan Investigation (David On the amateur side, with the Fall Brawl being just the second Earnest & Joey Logan) local sanctioned event of the 2016-17 season, three players earned Movin’ On Up letters (come summer, or sooner with Silver -- Advanced Hand and Plastic Surgery Center (Scott S. another full draw win) for trips to the next higher division. Gargasz), Anthony’s Pizza (Tony & Anthony Cosmano), ENG Michael Fornero will move to Men’s Open, Nikhil Iyer to Men’s Networking Group (Jeff Grace), Gildea & Coghlan, LTD (Ed A, and relative newcomer Christopher Anton to Men’s B. Coghlan) Congratulations! In-Kind Sponsors -- Splathead (Joe Hall), Glass Court Swim & Matches of note were Men’s Open where Thomas Carter (PA) Fitness (Dan Jaskier & Joe DeArmas), Tony Giacalone, Cheryl def. Juan Herrera, 15-11, 3-15, 11-8; Men’s Open Doubles Kirk & Kit Lawson, Pro Penn, Response Graphics & Embroidery where Jeremy Dixon/Thomas Carter (PA) def. Eric Mathews/ (Lynn & Kevin Yeazell), CPR Training for Life (Vickie Onesti) Fernando Javier Rivera,15-11, 15-8; Women’s Open/A Doubles where Lynn Yeazell/Rebecca Bowman claimed victory in their round robin division; and Mixed Open/40+ Doubles where continued on page 12 Lynn Yeazell/Eric Mathews def. Brent Huff/Rebecca Bowman (IN), 15-8, 15-3. Photo by Ray Redelman Ray by Photo

2016 Fall Brawl/IRT Tier 3 Pro Stop continued from page 11 Volunteers Never in a million years would these events run smoothly without the help of our faithful volunteers. Note that most of these names appear time after time in article coverage of Glass Court events. Heartfelt thanks go to Marian Bala, Todd Burris, Marla Cusano, Jonelle Dubois, Michael Fornero, Pam Grace, Doug Halverson, Dolores Lamberson, Eric Mathews, Geoff Peters, Andy Pitock, John Puccio, Angelica Sanchez, and Carolyn Vazquez. Results appear below...and for a look at match-by-match outcomes, go to: http://www.r2sports.com/tourney/viewRe- sults.asp?TID=18746 -- Cheryl Kirk

Joe Vallender, Men’s 65+ Champ

Cari Mory and Laurel Harper (Carolyn Watkins-Vazquez photo bombs “victory”!)

Jim Schlicher and Basilio Salazar

2016 Fall Brawl/IRT Tier 3 Pro Stop continued from page 12

Men’s C Winner Christopher Anton “Double doubles” winner (Men’s A and Mixed A) John Puccio with proud mom Linda Bara and proud wife Anna Puccio

2016 FALL BRAWL/IRT TIER 3 PRO STOP | RESULTS

Division(# entered): First; Second; Semifinal Men’s Open Doubles (6): Jeremy Dixon/Thomas Carter (PA); Eric Mathews/Fernando Javier Rivera; Eugene Coyle/Keith Men’s IRT Pro (9): Marco Rojas (CA); Jansen Allen (TX); Minor, Alok Mehta/Andrew Price Thomas Carter (PA), Juan Herrera Men’s A Doubles (7): James Zidek/John Puccio; Gallagher Men’s Open (11): Thomas Carter (PA); Juan Herrera; Eric Van Garcia/Jose Garcia; Anthony Cosmano/Michael Fornero, Marion, Eugene Coyle Frank Wrobel/Jose Alberto Acosta Men’s AA (4): Alok Mehta; Eric Mathews; Danny Ortega, Men’s B Doubles (4): Anthony Giacalone/Glen Bero; Allen Anthony Cosmano Bell/Daniel Barrera; Rich Morales/Valentina Presniakovas (3rd) Men’s A (13): Michael Fornero; Frank Wrobel; Todd Burris, Men’s C Doubles (3): Chris Lake/Ron Schakowsky; Doug Tony Costello Carmichael/Herb Laney; Andrew Letson/Kevin Christens (3rd) Men’s B (17): Nikhil Iyer; Andrew Gleason (IA); Eugen Men’s Combined 90+ (7): Bruce Young/Keith Minor; Basilio Gheorghiu, Luis Monsreal Salazar/James Schlicher; David Coyner/Peter McCauley, Men’s C (13): Christopher Anton; Jesus Lopez; Hector David Lilly/Jeff Grace Herrera, Benjamin Horner (IA) Men’s D (7): Douglas Gonzalez; Helder Dos Santos; Kevin Women’s Open/A Doubles (5): Lynn Yeazell/Rebecca Christens, Selam Totonchi Bowman (IN); Cari Mory/Laurel Harper; Emily Fauser/Susan Men’s 40+ (4): Alcides Gutierrez; Antonio Vazquez; Jason Mueller (3rd) York (3rd) Men’s 50+ (4): Tony Costello; John Moscato; Ray Redelman Mixed Open/40+ Doubles (6): Lynn Yeazell/Eric Mathews; (3rd) Brent Huff/Rebecca Bowman (IN); Antonio Vazquez/Cari Mory, Andy Pitock/Cheryl Kirk Men’s 55+/60+ (3): Ray Redelman; Drake Deavours (IN); Jerry Kee (3rd) Mixed A Doubles (8): John Puccio/Jonelle Dubois; Gisela Gomez/Jairo Torres; Scott Warren/Vickie Onesti, Dolores Men’s 65+ (4): Joseph Vallender; Bill Roberts; Doug Lamberson/Glen Bero Carmichael (3rd)

Women’s A/B (4): Letty Maldonado; Edith Seaman; Gisela Gomez (3rd)

Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 13 LOCAL | REGIONAL | NATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL | EVENTS Turkey Shoot Open 2016 Glass Court Swim & Fitness, Lombard a repeat of a Men’s November 18-20, 2016 40/45+A match back in February, Tournament Directors -- Doug Halverson, where Levester also Michelle Halverson, Dan Jaskier won (although Blair Wagner of Lake Forest Photos by Mike Davern took the top prize in that event). Looks like A total of 111 participants came out to play at the 25th Levester and Matt will Annual Turkey Shoot at the Glass Court in Lombard. Tourna- see a bunch of each other in future matches as they have very ment Director Doug Halverson was sweating this event out similar rankings (and their scores demonstrated that) in the as it coincided with a weekend move of residences, but his USAR ranking system. co-tournament directors, the excellent Glass Court staff, and a host of volunteers helped pull the event together. In other surprise upsets, Michael Ryan, ranked 15th in the Men’s B singles, worked through the draw to take out top The Pro draw featured local pro Juan Herrera, ranked 50 on seed Todd Burris of Oswego. Michael will get to play B’s until the Men’s Tour, facing off against Thomas Carter from Murrys- one more win and also get a chance to play in State Singles ville, Pennsylvania. Juan gave a good battle before pulling out at the B level before moving up to Men’s A next season. Peter in the third game with pain in his right arm. In the quarterfi- Riegler from Mount Prospect also came up through the draw nals, Eric Van Marion gave Jeremy Dixon all he could handle to win Men’s C as well as taking first in Men’s D in a six-player as they went five games with Jeremy making it into the semis. draw. (Pro matches are best of 5 games to 11.) On the Women’s continued on page 15 Open side, Rebecca Bowman from Indianapolis, Indiana (and Indiana’s top ranked female player) bested all comers in the round robin event. In the draw on the Men’s A side, hard-hitting Levester Dean out of Tinley Park took the prize over perennial Men’s A top seed, Matt Reeser, 15-14, 15-14. Can’t get any closer without also going to an 11-10 tiebreaker! That match was

Turkey Shoot Open 2016 continued from page 14 On the women’s singles side, Amy Pivovar from distant Papillion, Nebraska, came from sixth seed to win Women’s A over Glass Court local Amy Anderson. This might be the first ever Amy/Amy Women’s singles A finals in Illinois history, but that could not be confirmed at press time. Thanks so much to tournament volunteers Marian Bala, Todd Burris, Laurel Davis, Jeremy Dixon, Lori Good, Jeff Grace, Pam Grace, Dolores Lamberson, Eric Mathews, Liz Molitor, Geoff Peters, Alexa Puccio, John Puccio, and Joe Silius. The tournament staff would like to thank all of the sponsors including Anthony’s Pizza, Mitchell’s Ice Cream, Kirsten’s Danish Bakery, Juice Plus, and Head/Penn Racquet- ball. Check out the results below, and go to http://www.r2sports. com/website/event-results. asp?TID=18752 for a full look at divisions/match scores. Juan Herrera and Thomas Carter in the Men’s Open final. Interesting... -- Mike Davern

continued on page 20

Cuatro Amigos -- Tony Cosmano, Thomas Carter, Michael Fornero, and Carolyn Watkins-Vazquez

Turkey Shoot Open 2016 continued from page 15

Men’s A Champ Levester Dean and TD Doug Halverson -- Movin’ On Up! TURKEY SHOOT OPEN 2016 | RESULTS Division/# entered; First; Second; Semifinal Men’s B Doubles (7): Roberto Dunaway-Torres/Carlos Contreras; Allen Bell/Mark Buckley; Mike Szeliga/Eric Uhlig, Men’s Pro/Open (7): Thomas Carter (PA); Juan Herrera; Alok Ranferi Salgado/Porfirio Villalobos Mehta, Jeremy Dixon Men’s C Doubles (4): Miguel Angel Perez/Daniel Barrera; Men’s P/O AA Consolation (4): Eric Van Marion; Michael Jesus Lopez/Porfirio Villalobos; Raul Sanchez/William Sadlick Fornero; Cristian Moreno (3rd) Men’s A (11): Levester Dean; Matt Reeser; Chris Choi, Nikhil Men’s 40+ (5): Bruce Young/Keith Minor; Eric Battaglia/Basilio Iyer Salazar; Alcides Gutierrez/Arnold Ortega (3rd) Men’s B (17): Michael Ryan; Todd Burris; Carlos Contreras, Ranferi Salgado Women’s Open (5): Rebecca Bowman (IN); Janet Eminger; Men’s C (11): Peter Riegler; Carlos Canessa; Nick Namio, Cari Mory (3rd) Selam Totonchi Women’s A (6): Amy Pivovar (NE); Amy Anderson; Julianne Men’s D (7): Peter Riegler; Nick Namio; Tom Trecker, Antonio Valentino, Letty Maldonado Ortiz (IN) Women’s A Consolation (2): Vickie Onesti; Viri Del Bosque Men’s 45/50+ (11): John Thorson; Thomas Utterback; Bob Women’s Open/A Doubles (5): Rebecca Bowman(IN)/ Riley (NC), John Moscato Lynn Yeazell; Janet Eminger/Cari Mory; Diane Bunker/Karin Men’s 55/60/65+ (11): Bob Riley (NC); Dave Collier; Joseph McCauley (3rd) Vallender, Bruce Green (MN) Men’s Open Doubles (4): Jeremy Dixon/Thomas Carter Mixed Open/40+ Doubles (5): Keith Minor/Rebecca (PA); Alcides Gutierrez/Eric Van Marion; Jorge Ortiz/Michael Bowman (IN); Eric Mathews/Lynn Yeazell; Basilio Salazar/ Fornero, Arnold Ortega/Cristian Moreno Diane Bunker (3rd) Men’s A Doubles (9): James Zidek/John Puccio; Antonio Mixed A Doubles (3): John Puccio/Jonelle Dubois; Ed Vazquez/Matt Reeser; Daniel Jaskier/Jerry Kee, Bruce Young/ Esparza/Emily Fauser; Joe De Armas/Barbara Vagedes (3rd) Drake Deavours (IN) Juniors (3): Santiago Sanchez; Emily Sanchez; Erick Gutierrez (3rd)

16 | www.illinoisracquetball.com | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association LOCAL | REGIONAL | NATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL | EVENTS 2016 UnitedHealthcare US OPEN Racquetball Championships October 5-9, 2016 Longoria, Jairo Torres with Kane Waselenchuk, and Rick Life Time Fitness Target Center Seaberg with Rocky Carson. Talk about luck of the draw for Team Illinois! Minneapolis, Minnesota Tournament Director -- Doug Ganim Team Illinois 42 Men 33 Stats Women 9 Total players: 725 (Illinois placed in the top 5 states sending Team Illinois Medal Count (28) -- Congratulations! players along with California, Florida, Minnesota, and Texas) Gold (7) -- Emily Fauser, Lee Frick, Jeffrey Hill, Jesus Lopez, Cari Seventeen countries, 42 US States plus District of Columbia Mory, Randy Puebla, Richard Seaberg Pro Winners Silver (4) -- Ed Esparza, Emily Fauser, Tony Garcia, Keith Minor Singles Bronze (16) -- Anthony Cosmano, Ben Croft, Emily Fauser, Lee Kane Waselenchuk (TX) def. Rocky Carson (CA), 11-2, 11-2, Frick, Gisela Gomez, Kelly Gremley, Jeffrey Hill, Cheryl Kirk, 11-6 Horace Miller, Susan Mueller (2), Valentinas Presniakovas, Bill Roberts, Jake Ryan (2), Jairo Torres Paola Longoria (Mexico) def. Samantha Salas (Mexico), 11-3, 11-7, 11-3 Pewter (1) -- Brenda White Doubles Team Illinois Players/Divisions José Rojas/Marco Rojas (CA) def. Daniel De La Rosa/Edson Jose Arteaga -- Men’s 35+C, Men’s D Martinez (Mexico), 15-10, 15-5 Bernie Bustos -- Men’s 55+B, Men’s B, Men’s B Doubles (Josue Paola Longoria/Samantha Salas (Mexico) def. Frédérique Del Rio) Lambert (Canada)/Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador), 15-10, 15-0 Anthony Cosmano -- Men’s 25+A (Bronze), Men’s B, Men’s B Pro Am Doubles -- This fundraiser for Juvenile Diabetes Doubles (Michael Fornero) Research Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Rapha House saw Geoff Peters teamed up with Paola continued on page 18

Daniel De La Rosa and Rocky Carson battle it out in a five-game semifinal

2016 United Healthcare US OPEN continued from page 17

Keith Harper -- Men’s 55+ Jeffrey Hill -- Men’s 45+C, Men’s B Doubles (Bronze/Jake Ryan), Men’s Centurion B Doubles (Gold/Lee Frick) Cheryl Kirk -- Women’s Centurion A Doubles (Bronze/Susan Mueller) Leo Klimaitis -- Men’s 65+, Men’s 65+A Jesus Lopez -- Men’s 35+C, Men’s D (Gold), Men’s C Doubles (Tony Garcia) Horace Miller -- Men’s 70+ (Bronze) Keith Minor -- Men’s 45+ (Silver), Men’s 50+, Men’s IRT Doubles (Jeff Stark, CA)

continued on page 19

Rick Seaberg, Vickie Onesti, and Cari Mory

Eugene Coyle -- Men’s 40+, Men’s 45+ Ben Croft -- Men’s IRT Doubles (Bronze/Kane Waselenchuk) Josue Del Rio -- Men’s 25+B, Men’s C, Men’s B Doubles (Bernie Bustos) Jeremy Dixon -- Men’s Elite, Men’s Elite Doubles (Ethan Slutzky, MO) Roberto Dunaway-Torres -- Men’s 35+B, Men’s B Ed Esparza -- Men’s 45+B, Men’s B, Mixed B Doubles (Silver/ Emily Fauser) Emily Fauser -- Women’s 35+A (Gold), Women’s B Doubles (Bronze/Susan Mueller), Mixed B Doubles (Silver/Ed Esparza) Michael Fornero -- Men’s A, Men’s B Doubles (Anthony Cosmano) Lee Frick -- Men’s Centurion A Doubles (Bronze/Jake Ryan), Men’s Centurion B Doubles (Gold/Jeffrey Hill) Tony Garcia -- Men’s 45+C (Silver), Men’s C (Silver), Men’s C Doubles (Jesus Lopez) Gisela Gomez -- Women’s B, Women’s B Doubles (Vickie Onesti), Mixed B Doubles (Bronze/Jairo Torres) Kelly Gremley -- Women’s LPRT, Mixed Elite Doubles (Bronze/ Tony Domelle, IN) Cheryl Gudinas -- Women’s LPRT, Women’s Doubles LPRT (Sharon Jackson, GA) Alcides Gutierrez -- Men’s Elite Doubles (Eric Van Marion), Men’s A Doubles (Kyle Smith, IN) Jairo Torres and Kane Waselenchuk with cheerleader Montserrat

2016 United Healthcare US OPEN continued from page 18 Cari Mory -- Women’s 55+A (Gold), Women’s Elite Doubles (Rebecca Bowman, IN), Mixed 50+ Doubles (Antonio Vazquez) Susan Mueller -- Women’s B, Women’s B Doubles (Bronze/Emily Fauser), Women’s Centurion A Doubles (Bronze/Cheryl Kirk) Bilal Muhammad -- Men’s 45+C, Men’s D Jeff O’Hern -- Men’s 55+A Vickie Onesti -- Women’s B, Women’s B Doubles (Gisela Gomez), Mixed B Doubles (Matt Beals, IN) Danny Ortega -- Men’s A, Men’s A Doubles (Antonio Vazquez) Geoff Peters -- Men’s 55+A, Men’s Centurion A Doubles (Bill Roberts), Mixed Centurion A Doubles (Shari Coplen, MO) Valentinas Presniakovas -- Men’s 35+C (Bronze) Randy Puebla -- Men’s 55+B, Men’s 65+B/C (Gold), Men’s Centurion B Doubles (Dan King, IA) Ray Redelman -- Men’s 45+A, Men’s 55+A Bill Roberts -- Men’s 65+, Men’s 65+A (Bronze), Men’s Centurion A Doubles (Geoff Peters) Jake Ryan -- Men’s B Doubles (Bronze/Jeffrey Hill), Men’s Centurion A Doubles (Bronze/Lee Frick) Richard Seaberg -- Men’s 35+B, Men’s 55+B (Gold), Men’s Centurion B Doubles (Bill Bearden, TX) Gisela Gomez and Jairo Torres -- Bronze! Jesus Sotelo -- Men’s C Singles Jairo Torres -- Men’s 45+B, Men’s B, Mixed B Doubles (Bronze/Gisela Gomez) Eric Van Marion -- Men’s A, Men’s Elite Doubles (Alcides Gutierrez) Antonio Vazquez -- Men’s A, Men’s A Doubles (Danny Ortega), Mixed 50+ Doubles (Cari Mory) Brenda White -- Women’s 60+ (Pewter) Full coverage of the UnitedHealth- care US OPEN appears in the Winter 2016 issue of Racquetball magazine, available online at www.usaracquetball.com. For divisions and individual match results, visit http://www. r2sports.com/website/event-results. asp?TID=17305 The UnitedHealthcare US OPEN is back in Minneapolis this year, October 4-8, 2017. Don’t miss out on the competition and the fun! Brenda White The tall and short of it... Garrett Tyler and Vickie Onesti -- Cheryl Kirk

2016 United Healthcare US OPEN continued from page 19 Photo by Roby Partovich Roby by Photo

Paola Longoria and Jeremy Dixon, Marian Geoff Peters Bala, Michael Fornero, and Anthony Cosmano Photo courtesyPhoto of Cheryl Kirk

On-court photo bomb! Valentinas Presniakovas, Jairo Torres, and Ray Redelman (bombers: Cheryl Kirk and Susan Mueller)

20 | www.illinoisracquetball.com | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 21 LOCAL | REGIONAL | NATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL | EVENTS 28th Annual Women’s Senior/Masters Racquetball Association National Championships January 13-15, 2017 Glass Court Swim & Fitness, Lombard Tournament Directors: Cheryl Kirk and Laurel Davis

Portions of this article reproduced courtesy of USA Racquetball

Q. Why, for heaven’s sake, would players from warmer climates want to show up in Lombard, Illinois, in mid-JANUARY??? A. The WSMRA Annual event provided players with lots of reasons to brave the cold and show up in decidedly nippy weather on January 12th at O’Hare or Midway airports: competition, exercise, camaraderie, fitness, to name a few. Believing in full disclosure from the very first, the tag line on the event entry was “Balmy Weather definitely NOT guaranteed; a great time absolutely ENSURED!” Tour- nament Directors Cheryl Kirk and Laurel Davis, in partnership with the WSMRA Board, great sponsors, and many dedicated volunteers, are proud to say that all indications were “Mission Accomplished.” Heck, the weather wasn’t even that bad (unless maybe you ask someone from the south). ISRA members went above and beyond in their support of this national event. Janet Eminger, Vickie Onesti, Barb Vagedes, and Amy Anderson put together very nice welcome bags for each attendee. Marla Cusano and Kerry Spix actually rented a larger vehicle, donating their time and resources to ensure everyone had rides back and forth between Glass Court and the Marriott. Tom Lamberson created a stunning metal rendition of the event logo (see above). Kit Lawson took the group shot and was charming to boot (no prejudice here at all). And last but certainly not least, ISRA men (led by Geoff Peters) ran the desk so the women could enjoy their event. See the sidebar boxes on pages 25 and 26 for a full listing of our generous sponsors and fabulous volunteers. So 80 players ages 36-76 arrived from 21 states and Guatemala (which actually made this an INTERNATIONAL event). The round-robin format ensured play on every day of the three-day tournament. The women competed in singles and doubles continued on page 23 Photo by Kit by Lawson Photo

28th Annual Women’s Senior/Masters Racquetball Association National Championships continued from page 22

Barb Vagedes and Janet Eminger cleverly stored Dolores and Tom Lamberson with Tom’s excellent creation! welcome bags prior to the event

age divisions -- seven round robins and three pool-play-with-playoff formats. Forty-eight played in both singles and doubles (see “exercise” in Q1). Some of the highlights of this year’s soiree that received positive feedback from the attendees were: a trendy lime green and gray souvenir jacket; high-end logoed awards; the silent auction with an array of items on which to bid (add “shopping opportunities” to the Q&A response at the beginning of this article); pleasant and economi- cal accommodations at the Marriott Suites Downers Grove; a hospi- table and welcoming club -- Glass Court Swim & Fitness, of course!; fun banquet at the host hotel (it was great to see the pleasantly surprised reaction from DJ Greg Vazquez who never expected a “Women’s Senior Masters” group to rock the dance floor!). Laurel and I offer our heartfelt thanks to the 32 Illinois women who participated. It would have been a much smaller event without you! And to put the icing on the cake, WSMRA President Kendra Tutsch announced at the banquet that Illinois has now surpassed California in overall attendance at the WSMRA events over these past 28 years! The 29th Annual WSMRA Championships will be back in sunny Tucson next January (always on the MLK holiday weekend) where Tournament Directors Linda Moore and Cindy Tilbury will likely ENSURE lovely weather along with a great time! Check out the draws, match by match, at www.r2sports.com/tourney. asp?TID=17584 -- Cheryl Kirk

continued on page 26 TDs Laurel Davis and Cheryl Kirk: matching snowflake tights, what a coincidence...

28th Annual Women’s Senior/Masters Racquetball Association National Championships continued from page 23 Photo by April by Settell Photo

Pat Meyer, Terry Rogers, Laurel Davis, and Cheryl Kirk with a The Spirit of the WSMRA! couple of good men (Geoff Peters and Doug Halverson) 28TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S SENIOR/MASTERS RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS | RESULTS

SINGLES 70+: Paula Sperling (NM) 35+BC: Amy Anderson (IL); Melissa Musick (IL) 75+: Mildred Gwinn (NC); Marquita Molina (CA) 45+: Sheila Champion (WI); Karin McCauley (IL); Kim Reim- schisel (IN); Lynn Yeazell (IL) DOUBLES 45+BC: Susan Mueller (IL); Victoria Pickard (PA); Chris Cerny (IN); Cindy Streif (OK) 35+ Doubles: Lynn Yeazell (IL)/Rebecca Bowman (IN); Carolyn Watkins Vazquez (IL)/Letty Maldonado (IL); Melissa 50+: Jean Halahan (NY); Marie Gomar (Guatemala); Laura Musick (IL)/Susan Mueller (IL) Brandt (FL); Page Kern (MN 45+ Doubles: Jean Halahan (NY)/Marie Gomar (Guatemala); 55+: Cindy Tilbury (CA); Ann Fingerhood (MO); Diane Bunker Carrie Reitmeier (NE)/Linda Moore (AZ); Cheryl Jones (MN)/ (IL); Carmen Hernandez (FL) Wendy Miller (MN), Janet Eminger (IL)/Nancy Amaro (IL) 55+BC: Ingrid Callman (DE); Pat Kwasigroch (IL); Mary 55+ Doubles: Ann Fingerhood (MO)/Page Kern (MN); Carmen Crambes (IL), Audrey Sorrento (NY) Hernandez (FL)/Susan Adams (FL); Susan Pfahler (FL)/Karen Bouchard (FL), Joanna Nache (NC)/Kathy Stellema (MI) 60+: Liz Molitor (IL); Susan Adams (FL); Marsha Berry (KY); Brenda White (IL) 65+ Doubles: Nancy Kronenfeld (IL)/Shirley Parsons (CO); Jane Snyder (TN)/Laurie Kitchen (NY); Patricia Meyer (NY)/ 65+: Shirley Parsons (CO); Laurie Kitchen (NY); Jane Snyder Terry Rogers (NV); Barbara Vagedes (IL)/Patricia Moser (IL) (TN); Carol Gellman (NM) 75+ Doubles: Mildred Gwinn (NC); Marquita Molina (CA) 65+BC: Barbara Vagedes (IL); Patricia Meyer (NY)

continued on page 25

28th Annual Women’s Senior/Masters Racquetball Association National Championships continued from page 24

Overlooking Court #4 WSMRA Silent Auction

Photos on this and the next two pages by Karen Bouchard continued on page 26

We gratefully acknowledge the contributions of these sponsors who helped make the WSMRA tournament a success:

Penn Malibu Ladies Racquetball Camp, Malibu, California (Cindy Tilbury & Rick Betts) Anthony’s Pizza (Tony and Anthony Cosmano) Kirsten’s Danish Bakery (Paul & Kirsten Jepsen) Papa Nicholas Coffee (Jim Schlicher) Little Debbie (Janet & Joe Eminger) Illinois State Racquetball Assn. (Awards Sponsor) Professional Insurance Producers (Nancy Kronenfeld) Marla Cusano & Kerry Spix (Transportation Sponsors) Lola & Ray Markus Liz Molitor Kendra Tutsch, Chair, WSMRA Glass Court (Dan Jaskier & Joe DeArmas) Generous individual silent auction donors

28th Annual Women’s Senior/Masters Racquetball Association National Championships continued from page 25

L-O-L-A, Lola! Martha Huske and Diane Bunker

VOLUNTEERS THE WOMEN! Amy Anderson, Marian Bala, Barbara Curran, Marla Cusano, Jennifer Donath, Janet Eminger, Nidia Funes, Carol Gellman, Marie Gomar, Lori Good, Jean Halahan, Merijean Kelley, Nancy Kronenfeld, Dolores Lamberson, Patricia Meyer, Linda Moore, Vickie Onesti, Terry Rogers, Joyce Satorius, April Settell, Paula Sperling, Cindy Tilbury, Kendra Tutsch, Barb Vagedes, Carolyn Watkins-Vazquez THE MEN! Todd Burris, Michael Fornero, Jeff Grace, Doug Halverson, Dan Jaskier, Tom Lamberson, Kit Lawson, Brian McNally, Dave Milazzo, Geoff Peters, Andy Pitock, John Puccio, Bill Roberts, Kerry Spix, John Thorson

Janet Eminger (she didn’t seem cranky...)

28th Annual Women’s Senior/Masters Racquetball Association National Championships continued from page 26

Illinois vs. Florida (Martha Huske, Donna Heinzl, Jean Trimble, and Renee Fish)

At the Banquet -- Nancy Amaro, Pam Grace, Dolores Lamberson, and Juliangelina Valentino

Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 27 LOCAL | REGIONAL | NATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL | EVENTS XXVIII IRF World Junior Racquetball Championships San Luis Potosí, Mexico Opening Ceremonies November 10-20, 2016 Players numbering 182 from thirteen countries par- Article and photos by/courtesy of Cheryl Kirk ticipated in World Juniors: Excerpts reprinted courtesy of USA Racquetball. Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa U.S. Junior Team players, staff, and cheerleaders numbering Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, 72 (26 players, 6 staff members, and 40 parents/siblings/ Honduras, Korea, Mexico, friends) in the delegation, traveled to San Luis Potosí, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the USA. to compete alongside 12 other countries in the IRF World Junior Racquetball Championships. Visit www.usaracquetball. com to view full coverage of the event (names, individual At the Opening Ceremonies, results, and more). after the Parade of Nations when the delegations Amongst a staff of six, Team Illinois was represented by US were introduced and took their Olympic-style lap of honor, a Junior Team Head Coach Cheryl Gudinas and US Junior Team short program was followed by two dancers who performed Leader Cheryl Kirk. with fire -- fire sticks, fiery hula hoops, etc. Those dancers were really good! Somehow, when the element of danger is involved, it’s more fun, especially for the kids who were the La Loma -- World Class most engaged of any junior audience I’ve witnessed at an opening ceremonies in recent years. They loved it! La Loma Centro Deportivo boasts eight racquetball courts, all glass backs, including two stadium courts with an additional glass side wall each. It’s a beautiful facility, also featuring two Care and Feeding of Racquetball Players swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), many tennis courts, incredible weight and cardio rooms, gymnasium, shops It is a tradition of the US Junior Team that evening meals are and kiosks, restaurant, smoothie bar, and locker rooms that arranged for the older players (18-, 16-, 14-) so they can eat featured individual saunas, hot tubs, and salon services. with their fellow teammates, talk about the day, and hear continued on page 29

XXVIII IRF World Junior Racquetball Championships continued from page 28 from the coaches. The members of the ISRA repeated their generosity of the last five years by providing a meal for the US Junior Team.

Post-Competition Awards Ceremonies From the wave at the beginning to non-stop photo ops at the end, these Awards Ceremonies were among the most smooth and efficient in recent memory. A good time was had by all as the clinking of medals grew louder by the minute.

Overall Results U.S. World Cup Team 3rd (Mexico/Bolivia/USA) U.S. Boys WC Team 3rd (Mexico/Bolivia/USA) Heather and Julia loved representing their country! U.S. Girls WC Team 2nd (Mexico/USA/Bolivia) U.S. Esprit Team 3rd (Mexico/Bolivia/USA) We had many hard-fought matches this week that saw the U.S. Boys Esprit Team 3rd (Mexico/Bolivia/USA) athletes reaching deep and giving their all. A big congratulations to Erika Manilla on taking home the Girls 18- singles U.S. Girls Esprit Team 3rd (Mexico/Bolivia/USA) world title! Many Team USA athletes medaled and helped us earn 3rd place overall in both World Cup and Esprit divisions Esprit Team Coach Jen Meyer Summarized this year! It has been amazing to watch the kids reach for their goals, create memories, and make friends from all over “Wow! We started this journey in June at Junior Nationals the world!” and held training camp at the Olympic Training Center in August. The kids have all sacrificed for a common goal of For a complete look at the draw sheets from World Juniors, being a World Champion. At the beginning it always seems please visit: http://www.internationalracquetball.com/junior- like we have a long road ahead, and then all of a sudden we world-championships.html are sitting at the closing ceremonies of the World Champion- To live vicariously with the team after the fact, read the Daily ships. Throughout the tournament, the players did an incred- Blogs (including the popular feature, Question of the Day) ible job of putting everything they had into their games at: http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Racquetball/Features/2016/ and more importantly being class acts on and off the court. November/12/2016-World-Junior-Racquetball-Championship- Blogs

The US Junior Team thanks Team Illinois! Gudinas and Kirk understood each other

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.COM 30 | www.illinoisracquetball.com | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association International Update -- Making a Difference Kids Learning Racquetball at the Tracks in Guatemala City Photos courtesy of Marie Gomar In the late summer of 2016, an idea was born to promote and teach racquetball and to impact the lives of children in Guatemala. Marie Gomar, Vice President of Women’s Racquetball Development for the Pan American Racquetball Confederation, included this information in her initial appeal to the IRF and PARC Boards of Directors in November: “For seven years, Tom Travers (a former USA Racquet- ball master coach and now coach of the Guatemalan National Team) has been supporting the education racquetballs plus 30 racquets (donated by Paula Lemon, Mary of a girl, now a young woman, to help lift her out of poverty. Crambes, and Cheryl Kirk) went home with Marie when she This began a program to gain sponsors for children in the departed with a gold and a silver medal won in the WSMRA interest of positively affecting their lives. I accompanied Championships! Tom several times when visiting his “family.” The area where they live, the Tracks, is adjacent to an old railway line on the Recent Update: Marie, with permission from PARC and the outskirts of the City of Guate settlement. There is an American assistance of the WSMRA, initiated this program on schedule there, Pastor David Beam, who has for the past 11 years been in February as a pilot project that will hopefully be replicated aiding families, facilitating housing development (“Shack in other locations in the city and country as well as in other Attack”), finding ways to provide dental work for kids (“Plaque countries. Marie reported in just prior to press time: Attack”), and also supporting a small school, Escuela Cristiana Camino de Luz, that has grown to 325 students from pre- “One of our most important challenges has been to locate kindergarten to the ninth grade. Students are sponsored by a racquetball instructor for the kids. We have hired Karina benefactors from the U.S. to be able to attend. These children Hernandez, 27, who has shown great interest, responsibility, and their families are part of the 50% of Guatemala City’s and strong abilities as a children’s coach, having worked population who live in precarious settlements under often- eight years as a tennis assistant coach. For our PARC Women’s dangerous conditions. Development Program, I am happy that we can empower and train Karina and “There is an enclosed in doing so, develop parking area at the women to further the Tracks that we thought growth of racquetball could be adapted to in Guatemala. Karina improvise an outdoor is sister to Cesar, one racquetball court and of our Guatemala initiate a program Team Coaches, who of development of is also in charge of a our sport, with an development program emphasis on girls, for at a local private this community that school. “Checha,” as we lacks many resources.” warmly call him, has enthusiastically volun- In the WSMRA Annual teered to collaborate Championships in Karina’s training and coverage on page 22 was instrumental in of this publication, the introduction of our reference was made program at the Tracks. to a silent auction held during the event. “Prior to starting the Proceeds from the actual lessons on auction were split Wednesday, February between the WSMRA 1, we worked on, and Racquetball at the besides Karina’s Tracks in Guatemala. training, the schedules Thanks to the generos- in coordination with ity of the bidders, over the school’s director, $1,100 was raised Raquel Vasquez, whose to support the new program! Additionally, a tote of Penn green continued on page 32 Tom Travers and Marie Gomar (center) visit with friends at the Tracks

Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 31 International Update -- Making a Difference continued from page 31

family runs the school. On Monday, January 30, Raquel introduced us and the program at a parents’ meeting of 200+ attendees, where we had the op- portunity to talk about the sport, about our program, and about our generous donations coming from the U.S. We received a very loud and warm applause of gratitude and excitement from audience and staff! “Prior to the meeting when we were talking with Raquel’s parents (who are in charge of the administrative aspects of the school), we mentioned our concern for not yet having the funds to install open-window meshing to keep the balls from getting lost onto the neighboring rooftops. To our surprise, they announced at the parents’ meeting that after seeing the great effort in Enough racquets to go around!

work and donations that “all these good people have done and are doing for our school and children,” they would pri- oritize their funds to install mesh in the open windows, to protect our ball donation! We have started our lessons with meshing on most of the windows! “As you can imagine, we are feeling very happy, very excited, and very blessed to see our program moving forward! After two inspiring weeks of lessons during the school day, we have started an after-school program with eight children, and many more are showing interest. We are presently working on an update flyer and a Facebook page to keep our collaborators informed and show our apprecia- tion and gratitude!” Author’s note: We in the U.S. are fortunate to be able to take so much for granted in our enjoyment of our beloved sport -- our club facilities, our equipment, our friendships! If anyone reading this would like to donate funds or items, it will make such a difference. Eye guards primarily (and gloves in small sizes, secondarily) are especially needed. Donations will be gratefully accepted at ISRA State Doubles, the Shamrock Shootout, and ISRA State Singles. And, if anyone would like information about sponsoring a child for school there at the Tracks, contact me at [email protected]. -- Cheryl Kirk Racquetball Instructor Karina Hernandez

32 | www.illinoisracquetball.com | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association 2017 Tournament

For updates or edits to the ISRA Tournament Calendar, please contact Geoff Peters at (773) 251-4413 or at [email protected]

February 24-26, 2017 March 29-April 1, 2017 May 24-28, 2017 ISRA State Doubles USAR Intercollegiate USAR National Singles Championships Championships Championships Glass Court Swim & Fitness Los Caballeros Sun Devil Fitness Complex Lombard, IL Fountain Valley, CA Arizona State University Laurel Davis (630) 476-6896 www.usaracquetball.com Tempe, AZ www.usaracquetball.com March 1-5, 2017 March 30-April 2, 2017 USAR High School ISRA State Singles June 21-25, 2017 Championships Championships USAR Junior Olympic Vetta Racquet Sports - Concord Glass Court Swim & Fitness Championships St. Louis, MO Lombard, IL In-Shape Sports www.usaracquetball.com Cheryl Kirk (630) 215-4242 Stockton, CA www.usaracquetball.com March 16-19, 2017 April 21-23, 2017 Shamrock Shootout/IRT Pro Stop USAR Midwest Regional July 12-15, 2017 Glass Court Swim & Fitness Championships NMRA International Lombard, IL Glass Court Swim & Fitness Championships Dan Jaskier (630) 629-3390 Lombard, IL Wisconsin Athletic Club Geoff Peters (773) 251-4413 West Allis (Milwaukee), WI March 22-25, 2017 Cindy Tilbury (303) 888-4461 NMRA National Championships May 5-7, 2017 [email protected] Maverick Athletic Club National Police Racquetball Arlington (Dallas), TX Association (NPRA) Tournament July 28-30, 2017 Cindy Tilbury (303) 888-4461 Glass Court Swim & Fitness Summerfest Open [email protected] Lombard, IL Glass Court Swim & Fitness Bill Bearden; bill_bearden@ Lombard, IL yahoo.com Doug Halverson (630) 629-3390

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

Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 33 Annerino Community Center Landmark Racquet & Health Club | (309) 685-8360 Bolingbrook Park District | (630) 739-0272 Peoria, IL | First and Third Friday each month Bolingbrook, IL | Sundays 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. 6 :00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | $5.00 Mondays & Thursdays 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. $2.00 Members and Non-Members Life Center Health and Fitness at the Bartlett Park District B.R. Ryall YMCA | (630) 858-0100 | Glen Ellyn, IL (630) 540-4848 | Bartlett, IL Wednesday 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Wednesdays 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Saturdays 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. FREE for YMCA Members | $8 Non-Members $4.00 Members | $6.00 Non-Members $9.00 Non-Residents Buehler YMCA | (847) 359-2400| Palatine, IL Thursdays 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Norris Rec Center | (630) 377-1405 | St. Charles, IL Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon Tuesday and Thursday 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. $15.00 One-Day Guest Pass Friday 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Courts Plus | Elmhurst Park District | (630) 833-5064 $5.00 Members & Non-Members Monday-Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Members $2.00 Monday-Friday | $3.00 Saturday Schaumburg Tennis Plus | (847) 884-0678 Schaumburg, IL Fitness Formula Clubs Old Town | (312) 640-1235 Wednesday: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 1235 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon Tuesdays 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sunday 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 Noon Saturdays 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon | $20 for guests $3.00 Members $10.00-12.00 Non-Members (based on residency) Forest View Racquet and Fitness Club (847) 640-2574 | Arlington Heights, IL West Cook YMCA | (708) 383-5200 | Oak Park, IL Thursday 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Wednesday 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. $2.00 Members | $5.00 Non-Members Thursday 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Heritage YMCA | (630) 420-6270 | Naperville, IL Free to YMCA Members | $9.00 Non-Members Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. $4.00 Members | $8.00 Non-Members

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

34 | www.illinoisracquetball.com | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association Lend Your SUPPORT 2017 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  These rates are in effect until December 31, 2017. the purpose of monetary gain but to generate enough funds to give  Deadlines are as follows: back quality, first-rate programs, tournaments and events we can  Articles/Releases/Ads Due 6/2/17 all be proud to participate in. Our  Issue Publication Date 6/16/17 volunteers who donate their time Ad Rates Full page $150/issue, Half page and/or money are greatly appreci-  ated as are those who advertise in $75/issue, Quarter page $50/issue. Other this ISRA eMagazine. For as little as sizes quoted on a case-by-case basis. $25 for a business card size ad, we can help get your name out there For any questions or submission: to let everyone know what you do; for $150, we can run your ad on a full page. Help Us Help You by Send articles/releases to getting your ad into the next issue Cheryl Kirk at [email protected] of ISRA Courtside! Send ads to Joe Silius at [email protected] Many thanks Joe Silius Advertising Editor

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

NAME______

ADDRESS______

CITY ______STATE/ZIP______Scan/Email to: TELEPHONE (Home) ______(Business)[email protected] E-MAIL______

BIRTHDATE______

Adult competitor...... $50.00______

Junior competitor (age 21 and under)...... $25.00______

All memberships are annual. Check the USAR website at www.usaracquetball.com for three-year and Lifetime membership rates.

Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 35