The 2009 Halloween 2009 ISRA Players Lend Your Support 20 From the President 2 Classic 6 of the Year 16 Attention ISRA Family News 3 Slam It For Susan 8 2010 Distinguished ISRA Members 20 Service Award 17 Illinois Deaf Racquetball USA Racquetball ISRA Golf Outing 4 Tournament 9 James B. Dvorak Award 18 Membership Application 20 3rd Annual Illinois 2009 US Open Racquetball 2009 ISRA Newsletter Vest-A-Dog Raquetball Championships 11 Advertising Rates 18 Racquetball Fundraiser 5 Challenge Retrospective View of the ISRA 2010 Tournament Courts 21 John LoMonaco History of Racquetball 14 Calendar 19 Memorial Grant 5 www.illinoisracquetball.com 1 ILLINOIS STATE From the RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT PRESIDENT Recently, several of us (Cheryl Kirk, Geoff method for Laurel Davis - Oak Brook Peters, Michelle Halverson and I) at- members to tended a Leadership Conference at the nominate VICE PRESIDENT Olympic Training Center in Colorado individuals. Geoff Peters - Chicago Springs. The conference has not been Listed be- held for the last couple of years, so it was low is some information regarding the SECRETARY good to see it reinstated. It’s a great way Hall of Fame. Marla Cusano - Lombard to find out what we are doing well as a state and where we have gaps in our OBJECTIVE TREASURER programs and service to our members. The objective of the ISRA Hall of Fame Michelle Halverson - Lombard It is also a great place to get ideas. is to recognize and honor those indi- ZONE VICE PRESIDENTS viduals who have demonstrated out- Steve Angelo - Alton (South) Illinois has always done a great job when standing achievement in many areas Pam Schubach - Peoria (Central) compared to the other states – generally of the sport. Those areas include, but Kevin Brylski - Lake Villa (North) performing at a Top 5 sort of level. This are not limited to, playing ability, Doug Halverson - Lombard (West) year, however, we found we have slipped sportsmanship, leadership and devel- a bit in how we are perceived because opment. The award is based upon GOVERNING BOARD we do not currently have a formal, active years of consistent excellence in one Patrice Calvi - New Lenox referee certification program. A formal ref- or more of these areas. Only two indi- Rich Clay - Libertyville eree program would provide members viduals shall be inducted in a calendar Mike Davern - Naperville easy access to referee clinics and provide year. TJ Ferro - Naperville Pam Grace - Wheaton opportunities to take the certification tests. Rick Seaberg - North Aurora This is something that we previously had CRITERIA FOR NOMINATION Joe Silius - Mokena but has fallen by the wayside. Therefore, The person must have been involved Tom Utterback - Orland Park we are hoping to get a program reinstated in Racquetball on a State, Regional or Lynne Weisbart - Lake Forest soon and have some potential candidates National level for a minimum of ten identified to head up that effort. years from the time they either be- AUXILIARY BOARD came a USAR or ISRA member and Larry Boyer - Mt. Zion Here in Illinois we have reached the point must have maintained their member- Keith Brown - West Chicago where all tournament directors are now ship during the ten years. Minimum Dan Flood - Sugar Grove using the R2Sports system to manage age for induction is 35 years as of the Jeff Grace - Wheaton tournaments. It makes all of the work date of induction at the ISRA State Paul Jepsen - Hinsdale connected to running a tournament so Singles Tournament. Accomplish- Joann Kempthorne - East Peoria Cheryl Kirk - Naperville much easier to handle. One of the addi- ments that would make an individual Kit Lawson - Naperville tional discussions we had in Colorado eligible for nomination include suc- Jim Maroon - Peoria Springs was the ability to use the soft- cessful amateur performance at the Dave Milazzo - Gurnee ware for leagues. R2 has now been set State, Regional and National levels; Liz Molitor - Glen Ellyn up for clubs to use for regular leagues. teaching, coaching or innovations; Mike Vicary - Metamora Leagues can be sanctioned and matches promotion of the game; administra- Lynn Yeazell - Naperville included for ranking points. tion/representation for the sport; and working for the good of racquetball. ISRA NEWSLETTER STAFF As a state, we realized that we are behind Cheryl Kirk - Editor in promoting and populating our ISRA Full criteria and nomination proce- Geoff Peters - Associate Editor Hall of Fame. We inducted two members dures can be found on Joe Silius - Advertising Editor Kit Lawson - Photo Editor in the last year (Diane DeArmas and TJ www.illinoisracquetball.com. Please Ferro), but there are many more deserv- review these and consider nominating The ISRA Newsletter is published ing folks out there. So, we have estab- a deserving individual. Hall of Fame quarterly, and is the official publication of lished procedures for defining candidates members will be inducted during the the Illinois State Racquetball Association for the Hall of Fame as well as creating a Annual Awards ceremony each year. (ISRA). All rights reserved. Copyright 2009. Reproduction in whole or in part The new tournament season is upon of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the us. ISRA State Singles and Doubles ISRA is strictly prohibited. Letters to the On the Cover... will be held at Glass Court in 2010. In Editor, photographs, and articles or editorial At the IVAD tournament, 2011, we will be heading south to contributions should be sent to Dave Negrete and junior player Peoria for the State Doubles tourna- [email protected]. Tristan Bush provide pictorial com- ment. Plan to be there – a road trip is mentary on the future of racquetball! always fun! Typesetting by: TypaGraphics — Laurel

2 www.illinoisracquetball.com ISRA Family News Editor’s Note: A warm thank you to the ‘80’s and ‘90’s, recently passed Dolores Lamberson for her assis- away at 72 years old. Bill, also known tance with this issue! as “The Buzzard,” started playing rac- quetball in 1978 at the age of 42 and by Four Attend USAR the early 1980’s, he was starting to Leadership Conference place in the state and regional master’s tournaments. By the 1990’s, he was winning singles and doubles events, taking first place in the 55+ State Singles four years in a row. Dave Milazzo remembers, “Bill was a humble and good man who played a lot of ISRA John Thorson, Joe Silius events in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s. I always (with Hayley), and TJ Ferro enjoyed playing and talking with him.” arrive for The Walk Bill’s wife, children and stepchildren re- lung cancer each year. Nearly member him as someone who loved to $60,000 was raised through the ef- tell jokes and riddles. In addition to rac- forts of many individuals and teams. quetball, he also played golf and tennis. They have fond memories of watching Barbara Curran organized a team of Bill at tournaments and were amazed to walkers, and Jim Wehrli arranged for meet some of the Chicago Bears at a the trolley. They named the group Revie Sorey tournament. The family “Trolley for TJ” in honor of TJ Ferro, will plant a tree at Glass Court in who is currently fighting the battle. memory of Bill. Dan Jaskier, owner of It was a beautiful Saturday as the Glass Court, remarked, “Bill was a long- walkers met at LA Fitness and time member who played in many tour- naments and also taught lessons, clin- In September, Illinois was well repre- ics, and donated a lot of his free time.” sented at the USA Racquetball Lead- ership Conference in Colorado May Bill rest in peace alongside his son Springs at the US Olympic Training Bill, Jr. who passed away in the mid ‘80’s. Center. Twenty-two states attended to collaborate with USA Racquet- ball on present and future initia- Trolley for TJ tives. On the first weekend in November, a team of supporters represented rac- Above, L to R: Geoff Peters, Laurel quetball in a fun walk for cancer as they Davis, Michelle Halverson and rolled into Naperville in style. The Cheryl Kirk bask in the glow of the Lungevity Foundation held its 7th annual Will and Ellie Haak walked Olympic Torch. Lung Cancer Walk and Rally dedicated to support Papa TJ to those who are fighting lung cancer and to the150,000+ people who die of boarded the trolley, bells ringing, to Remembering Bill Schram ride downtown and make an en- In early trance as a team. A very special Septem- thank you goes to Annette Wehrli ber, we Kennedy (aka Trolley Chick) of lost a Naperville Trolley & Tours, Ltd. long-time (www.napervilletrolley.com) for her member hospitality. Other sponsors in- of our rac- cluded Prudential (Phil Curran), quetball Marriott (Mary Metcalf), LA Fitness family. Naperville (Dominic Serpe), and William R. Trader Joe’s Naperville. “Buzz” Schram, Trolley for TJ team members in- continued on next page who was very active in racquetball in

www.illinoisracquetball.com 3 ISRA Golf Outing to enjoy all of our out- Ron Calloway and Rob Lee. The door activities. But we women’s foursome winning Low beat the odds on hold- Net was Laurel Davis, Nancy ing the ISRA Golf Outing Amaro, Connie Arvia, and Barb this year with a pretty Utterback. Men’s Closest to the Pin nice day and a decent was won by Ron Calloway (who turnout of all-around also traveled the farthest) and good golfers. The rain Women’s Closest to the Pin was held off and everyone claimed by Nancy Amaro. Men’s finished their rounds Longest Drive went to Dan Flood with plenty of time left to at- tend the ban- quet that fol- lowed. Den- nis Negrete and Janet Christie were on hand to Duffers Andy Pitock, Tom Barr, ensure a suc- Lynn Yeazell and Glen Bero cessful outing and were able Fox Run Golf Course to join us on the course. Elk Grove Village The food was fantastic, and August 29, 2009 all golfers received a nice souvenir for their participa- It seems like only yesterday that we tion. were out playing golf a couple times a week, some more often than that. The men’s foursome that Winning Women — Laurel Davis, Barb Utterback, Nancy Amaro and Connie Arvia This summer was too short and won Low Net consisted of there weren’t enough rain-free days Doug Halverson, Dan Flood, and Women’s Longest Drive to Barb Utterback.

Although the turnout was fewer continued from page 3 ISRA Family News than in past years, everyone had a cluded Barbara Curran, TJ Ferro, good time and many expressed in- Marty Haak, Jim Wehrli, Mike terest in having future outings. The Mahon, Andy Bonanno, Vicky ISRA will certainly attempt to make Bonanno, Cheryl Kirk, Kit Lawson, that happen in 2010! Dan Musgrove, Lynda Fuller, Laura Brennan, Dave Haak, Sue Haak, Ellie Special thanks go out to our corpo- Haak, Will Haak, Phil Curran, John rate sponsors: Cheryl Kirk and Kit Curran, Sean Curran, Owen Curran, Lawson (C. Kirk Consulting), Tom Geoff Peters, Deb Peters, Joe Silius, Barr (Platinum Restoration – see ad Marla Cusano, Kerry Spix, John this issue), Golf Clubs Fore Less Thorson, Dennis Sieron, Judy (www.golfclubsforeless.com) and Sands, Mary Metcalf, Norreen Ektelon. I also could not have ac- DeYoung, Terri Ingals, Laura Felde, complished this without help from Jim Wehrli (with Wesley), our ISRA President, Laurel Davis, Deb and Geoff Peters get Krissie Hassels, Laurel Davis, and ready to board the Trolley John Burke. Pups were there, too and ISRA Treasurer, Michelle — Toby Curran, Hayley Kirk-Lawson, Halverson. We all worked hard in a and Wesley Wehrli contributed twelve paws in total. Some folks couldn’t short amount of time to put to- make it to the Walk but donated to the team – thank you. Here’s to TWO gether a fun time for all our “rac- Trolleys for TJ next year! quetball” golfers! — Marla Cusano

4 www.illinoisracquetball.com 3rd Annual Illinois Vest-A-Dog Racquetball Fundraiser

Mark Coleman, Paul Shafar, WPRO #3 Cheryl Moses Elias, Aaron Pace, Kristen Bellows and Paul Shafar Gudinas, Rick Seaberg, WPRO #5 Kristen Bellows, finish their doubles match Tristan Bush and Cheryl Kirk October 2-4, 2009 ; Tournament Director — Rick Seaberg

Men’s B (6): Jim Bush; Jim Thurber; Dave Wielgus, John Provan RESULTS Men’s C (6): Tom Barr; Gary Stone; Dale Willenbrink, Bill Galloway Division/# entered: First; Second; Men’s Open/A Doubles (4): Dave Negrete/ Semifinals George Pappas; Alok Mehta/Scott Fauque; Men’s Open (6): Cary Slade; Juan Martinez Aaron Pace/Moses Elias III; Alok Mehta, Dean Hamiti (3rd), Mark Coleman/Matt Rowland (4th) Men’s A (8): Jim Thurber; Rick Seaberg; Men’s B Doubles (3): Jose Alberto Acosta/ Aaron Pace, Jake Ryan Ranseri Salgado; Douglas Stein/Paul Shafar; Battle of the TD’s! Jim Thurber Dale Willenbrink/Dave Wielgus (3rd) and Rick Seaberg John LoMonaco Memorial Grant

Reminder: For players who have never been to National Singles in Hous- ton, check out the most recent USA Racquetball eNewsletter. An all-ex- penses paid trip (up to $2,000) to the USAR National Singles Champion- ships in Houston, Texas, May 26-31, 2010 has been anonymously do- nated by a friend of John LoMonaco of West Hills, California. Mr. LoMonaco, an avid racquetball player, passed away on May 5, 2009 at the age of 57.

The recipient of the John LoMonaco Memorial Grant may be male or fe- male and must be at least 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen. He/she will submit an application and write an essay of 500 words or less express- ing why he/she wants to attend National Singles next May.

Full details and the application form can be found at usaracquetball.com. The deadline for submissions is December 31, 2009, with the recipient announced on or before February 28, 2010.

www.illinoisracquetball.com 5 The 2009 Halloween Classic

October 29-November 1, 2009 before they’re both regularly compet- Forest View Racquet Club ing in that division. The Men’s B crown Arlington Heights was claimed by Antonio Vasquez as he Tournament Director – beat Shane O’Connell in a tough 11-7 RESULTS Dave Negrete tie breaker. Both players are very quick Division/# entered: First; Second; and needed to play four matches to get Semifinals The 2009 Halloween Classic was to the final. The Men’s C division was a Men’s Pro/Open (10): Juan held at Forest View Racquet Club, battle of LA Fitness Naperville competi- Martinez III; Alok Mehta; Dave Halloween weekend and a great tors as Dan Musgrove won an 11-10 Negrete, Dean Hamiti time was had by all. Although the tiebreaker to take the first place win Men’s A (11): Scott Fauque; turnout was low, the competition over Brian Lien. The Men’s D was a Josh Cohen; John Richier, Pete was great. The tournament was an round robin victory for Alcides Schmeichel IRT satellite and the pro division Gutierrez. This tournament will be on Men’s B (15): Antonio Vasquez; was taken by Juan Martinez III. the calendar again next year and hope- Shane O’Connell; Dan Juan defeated Alok Mehta in a hard- fully will regain the following of years Musgrove, John Bertholomey, Jr. fought final. It was Juan’s first IRT past. A special thanks to Diane Bunker Men’s C (10): Dan Musgrove; professional win. Scott Fauque took for her help during the weekend. Brian Lien; Tony Giarraffa, the Men’s A title in a come-from-be- Jonathan Hennek hind victory over Josh Cohen. Both Check the ISRA calendar for upcoming Men’s D (4): Alcides Gutierrez; players displayed Open level rac- events at Forest View Racquet Club Jay Mooncotch; Joe Davern quetball skills and it won’t be long — Dave Negrete (3rd)

6 www.illinoisracquetball.com www.illinoisracquetball.com 7 SLAM IT for SUSAN

The Lattof YMCA began Breast Cancer Awareness Month by host- ing the Third Annual Slam it for Su- san. There were over 60 partici- pants who turned out to play in this event and for their donations re- ceived lots of pink goodies: pink socks, pink water bottles, pink Illinois Women Gather for the Cure in Memory of Susan Mertes headbands, pink keychains and Race for the Cure shirts. and Nancy Kronenfeld checked in all items. Also, a huge thanks goes to It was a night for remembering Su- the players and endeavored to make Rick Colletti for donating awesome san Mertes and all the other sure everyone got in lots of playing pizza from his restaurant, Colletti’s. women who have, and have not, time or, if a court wasn’t available, made survived their fight against breast sure they had plenty to eat! Dennis When the night was over, $2,400 cancer. Challenge courts were set Negrete strung racquets, giving back a had been raised with $1,600 do- up for every level of racquetball en- generous donation to Susan G. Komen nated to Susan G. Komen for the thusiast with three set aside for for the Cure from what he collected that Cure and $800 donated to the Lattof women only. Wilson Sporting evening. Chris Evon was there repre- YMCA in Susan Mertes’ memory. Goods donated Pink Hope Balls for senting Wilson and her new personal We are so grateful for the support the event, and that was the ball be- training business. Thanks to Wilson we received from everyone this ing slammed around all evening. Sporting Goods, Gearbox, Susan G. year and we hope you’ll come on Komen for the Cure, Pam Grace, Geoff out next year for the 4th Annual Janet Leet, Art Michaely, Margaret Peters, Dave Kronenfeld and Dennis “Slam it for Susan!” Hoff, Dave Kronenfeld, Ray Markus Negrete for providing silent auction — Nancy Kronenfeld

Janet Leet dons her boxing gloves Larry Stein to son Doug: to intimidate Joan Vande Kieft! “Hey, they let men play this tournament, too!”

8 www.illinoisracquetball.com Illinois Deaf Racquetball Tournament Sponsored by West Suburban Association for the Deaf The Glass Court Swim & Fitness, Lombard October 17, 2009

How many of us in “mainstream” Illinois racquetball are aware of this brotherhood and sisterhood known across the country as the National Racquetball Association of the Deaf? In fact, Illinois resident Jim Fleming (along with Co-Chair Steve Horwich) is preparing to act as host to the NRAD’s 25th Anniversary Tournament scheduled for May 14-16, 2010 at Schaumburg Ten- nis Plus (Woodfield) and Tournament organizers and sponsors Forest View prepare for a great day of racquetball Racquet & Fitness Club (Arlington Heights). This Chicagoland loca- tion is fitting since the very first NRAD tournament took place here in 1984 Jim Jones traveled from Kansas City at the Charley Club for the event! in Palatine.

Following a committee meeting in the morning, players took to the courts to compete in the three divisions. The love of the game was evi- dent as fingers flew and scores were declared via hand signals on the courts. Below are the winners and run- ners-up, which conveniently serve as captions (left to right, notice the fingers) Event for the three pictures! A Division Results —Cheryl Kirk A 1st: Steve Turcsany, IL 2nd: Ron Tkachuk, WI 3rd: Jim Fleming, IL

B 1st: Jim Jones, KS 2nd: Rita Marchuk, IN 3rd: Mike Kartheiser, IL

C 1st: Claude Swoverland, WI 2nd: Gustavo Diaz, IL 3rd: Donna Rose Kartheiser, IL B Division C Division

www.illinoisracquetball.com 9 10 www.illinoisracquetball.com 2009 US Open Racquetball CHAMPIONSHIPS The Racquet Club, Memphis, TN October 21-25, 2009 Tournament Directors – Doug Ganim and Jim Hiser

Pro Results Men’s Pro Singles Kane Waselenchuk def. Jack Huczek, 10, 1, 3 Semifinalists: Jason Mannino, Ben Croft

Womens’ Pro Singles Rhonda Rajsich def. Paola Longoria (1), 8, 3, (2), 7 Semifinalists: Kerri Wachtel, Cheryl Gudinas

Men’s 40+ (Classic Professional Rac- quetball Tour – CPRT) Woody Clouse def. Ruben Gonzalez 1, (7), 7, 8 Ladies’ Night: Jackie Paraiso (USAR Hall of Fame), Lola Markus, Mildred Semifinalists: Doug Ganim, Brad Gwinn, Shannon Wright (USAR Hall of Fame) and Nidia Funes McCunniff

Team Illinois at the US Open Juan Herrera (Aurora) – MPro Men: 14 Herrera, Lola Markus, Kathy Ruzycki, Leo Klimaitis (Barrington Hills) – Women: 6 Silver (1): John O’Donnell, Jr. M55+A Semifinalists – Bronze (7): Ben Croft, Juan Martinez (Aurora) – M45+A Team Illinois Medal Count — 13 Don Davis, Geoff Goldblatt, Cheryl Juan Martinez III (Naperville) – MA Gold (5): Krystal Csuk, Chris Evon/ Gudinas, Greg Hasty, Juan Martinez/ Dave Milazzo (Gurnee) – M50+** Scott Cullins, Juan Herrera/Andres Juan Martinez III, Dave Milazzo Keith Minor (Channahon) – M40+**, M45+ Team Illinois John O’Donnell, Jr. (Champaign) – Divisions M75+** (** denotes Top Geoff Peters (Chicago) – M50+ Finishers – Cary Slade (Naperville) – MPro, ME, Quarterfinals or M40+** better) Women’s Singles Men’s Singles Krystal Csuk (DeKalb) – WPro/ Ben Croft (Lake Women’s Open** Bluff) – MPro** Cheryl Gudinas (Naperville) – Mike Davern WPro** (Naperville) – Lola Markus – W75+** M45+, M50+ Kathy Ruzycki – W55A** Don Davis (Peo- ria) – M70+** Men’s Doubles Geoff Goldblatt Juan Herrera/Andres Herrera (COL) – (Chicago) – MOD** MPro, MO, Juan Martinez/Juan Martinez III – M24-** MAD** Greg Hasty (Peoria) – M60+** Juan X 2 = 2 MAD Bronze Medals! continued on next page

www.illinoisracquetball.com 11 2009 US Open Racquetball CHAMPIONSHIPS continued from previous page

Women’s Doubles Cheryl Kirk (Naperville)/Kathy Ruzycki – WAD

Mixed Doubles Chris Evon (Wheeling)/Scott Cullins (GA) – MX40** Cheryl Kirk (Naperville)/Jeff Elder (Washington, DC) – MX40

Team Illinois Cheerleaders Bringing their enthusiasm to Mem- phis were Keith Brown, Terri Gra- ham, Pat and Bill Gudinas, Kit Lawson, Shelly Milazzo, Adrian Montes de Oca, Dave Negrete, George Pappas, Wil Rounsaville, Len Ruzycki, and Stacy Dickshes. Thanks to each of you for making the trip…it’s great to have the sup- port!

— Cheryl Kirk Court-side at the Pro Finals: Leo Klimaitis and George Pappas

Cary Slade and Mike Davern — Knock it off, you guys, you weren’t even in the same division!

Keith Minor prepares for a match Shelly Milazzo made the trip this year to Gold medalists Krystal Csuk support bronze medalist/hubby Dave and Juan Herrera

12 www.illinoisracquetball.com 2009 US Open Racquetball CHAMPIONSHIPS continued from previous page

Geoff Goldblatt and Stacy Dickshes at Len and Kathy Ruzycki gussied up for the Party Party with the Pros

History is made as 4-time US Open winner Sudsy Monchik prepares to present this year’s trophy to 5-time winner Kane Waselenchuk

www.illinoisracquetball.com 13 Retrospective View of the History of Racquetball by Philip Dziuk Editor’s Note: I caught up with Phil est) referee and take his place. Be- Dziuk in Champaign/Urbana at the cause of political and financial con- NMRA International Championship siderations involved, the game in July. At my invitation, Phil gra- turned around 180 degrees and the ciously provided this account of his (former) potential winners could not memories of racquetball that go score another point The game was right back to the very beginning! over before the potential winners Enjoy… ck (aka eventual losers) knew what happened. In 1969 I had been playing paddleball for several years in the Most of the courts had been de- very small courts in the basement signed for handball and were in of Huff Gym on the University of Illi- YMCAs or private clubs. Equipment nois campus. The courts were has improved tremendously over about 20 feet long and 12 feet wide the years. Early balls broke at the and the ceiling was about 8 feet slightest provocation. Bounce var- high. The ball was a tennis ball ied and there were balls that could with the fuzz removed and the be pumped up. Some were quite paddle was about 15 inches long sized court and some players so we heavy and inflicted a very nasty and 8 inches wide. I noticed in the would drive up there about once a bruise if you happened to stop it in Sunday paper that there was to be week and play. Several persons in the flight. Racquets were of plastic and a tournament of racquetball to be Chicago area and St. Louis and Madi- aluminum and were really dispos- played in St. Louis at the Jewish son began developing interest and ar- able. Center. One of my fellow ranging tournaments. Soon the game paddleball players and I decided to with some local modifications was be- Tournaments were arranged by in- enter to see what it was like. We ing played throughout the USA. The terested groups. Everyone was had never played on a regulation handball association took racquetball thrown into the same pot without court or seen any other players or under its wing and news of racquetball regard for age or experience or skill. games. The courts seemed gigan- and handball were published in one Tournaments were single elimina- tic. To prepare for this new experi- magazine. Some of the persons in- tion, so one might enter, play a ence we had bought some cheap volved in handball were the first officers match, be put in the consolation and tennis racquets and cut off the of the racquetball group. Chuck Leve then be a spectator or go home. handles. We paid our entry fee, was the editor of the racquetball sec- Games were to 21 points and the about $10, and entered. In that first tion. match was 2 out of 3. You could tournament, every player had been play a lot of racquetball in a three- playing with different rules and dif- Courts were being built in the ‘70’s and day tournament. Trophies were ferent balls and different racquets. ‘80’s, and it appeared that money could large and showy. Playing strategies Some reported that a tournament be made in connection with racquet- and skills were very basic — hit the had been played earlier in Milwau- ball. As a consequence, this attracted ball to the front wall by skill brute kee. those who were interested in promot- force or by chance. Rules have not ing racquetball but also those who change significantly but have only Our first opponents were two thought they might make money by been fine-tuned to adjust to chang- young fellows who knew what they some means. The outcome of games ing circumstances. Some players were doing and had played before was often the subject of considerable screened the ball or deliberately (we had not). We got a few points wagers, particularly in tournaments. It took the ball in the back. and learned some pointers. Joe was disconcerting to learn that a con- Sobek has been credited with in- siderable sum had been bet on you and In general, racquetball has devel- venting the game earlier by modify- you lost. oped into a reasonably gentle game ing handball rules. Former paddle considering the close proximity and players such as Charlie Brumfield The money sometimes influenced the contact in a confined area. The and Bud Muehleisen dominated the bias of the referees in officiated Masters tournaments have evolved game and the tournament. matches. In one instance of which I am into a no referee/call your own familiar, a doubles match was not going game. We returned home and licked our the way the potential losers wanted it to wounds. At the nearby Chanute Air go. One of these signaled to a friend in I remember a time when Sam Force Base there was a standard- the gallery to remove the young (hon- continued on next page

14 www.illinoisracquetball.com Retrospective View of the HISTORY OF RACQUETBALL continued from previous page Caiaza and Gene Grapes invited about ten teams to Phil D is a retired professor. The initials Ph.D. fit the Newcastle, Pennsylvania to play doubles for three days. name. He received his Ph.D. in 1955, which is before Luke St. Onge was the referee. The housing, meals and most students were born. He has advised many under- court costs were covered by a raffle on the last day at a graduate and graduate students, served on NIH and community banquet. Tournament winners required spe- USDA study sections and on editorial review boards, cial baggage handling because the trophy was so huge. helped organize many conferences and has been a par- ticipant in many conferences. For this he has received One tournament was memorable for an incident related to awards. Dr. Dziuk also is an accomplished racquetball the limousine that always picked up the players from the player. He has won many medals in competitions. airport. Two players from Dallas arrived at the airport and looked for the limousine while prominently displaying their racquets and equipment bags. After a long wait, they fi- nally called and asked about the limousine, only to find out that they had arrived one week too early.

There are a thousand stories and anecdotes of players and games. I have personally played in thousands of games on a friendly competitive basis against and with thousands of fellow players. I play for the fun of it, but I have more fun when I win. Sometimes I have more fun than at other times. In a period of over 40 years, I have set out to win against the opponent as a person in only two instances. In one case, the fellow was the host at his club. I went to go into the hospitality room and he told me I couldn’t go in because he didn’t know me. He viewed me as a threat to his dominance in the tournament. He was slightly overweight and as it turned out, we ended up play- ing for the championship. I felt he should “pay” for his poor manners, so I did not kill the ball, I only re- Protect your home or business with turned it over and over and over until he was unwill- ing to even make a motion toward the ball. a Honeywell Security System

A second individual was a very rough player and I Only $99.00 for a New Basic System noticed he was running into his opponents, crowd- Monitoring around a $1 a day. ing and generally making it a physically punishing game. At one point as we were playing, I passed Already have a security system? We can lower your him and a few seconds later he threw a body block monthly costs. Call for information. into me that threw me to the floor, knocking the wind out of me; he claimed a hinder. A little later, I You will discover that the monthly cost of protecting your home passed him again, but this time I stepped aside at and family will be lower than any other monthly expense. the last second and he missed me and ran into the PLUS wall full tilt. His head wound required many stitches. You will receive a discount on your homeowner’s insurance and Guaranteed Peace of Mind. I watched a match in which one of the players con- tested every point and every shot. At the end of the WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? match, the complainer stated that the last point DON’T DELAY. SEE ME TODAY. would have to be played over again. His opponent smiled and said, “We will have to play it in the locker I WILL DONATE $50.00 IN YOUR NAME TO ISRA, room, because that is where I will be.” These and a HELPING OUR GREAT SPORT “RACQUETBALL” few other bad experiences are the exception rather FOR ANY SECURITY SYSTEM INSTALLED OR FOR the rule. I have shaken the hands of thousands of ANY TAKEOVERS DUE TO THIS AD. opponents and partners after each game and match. There are few other sports that can claim this de- gree of civility.

From the web site Phree Philosophy http:// www.life.illinois.edu/repro.copy/news/ Call Kathy Ruzycki (630) 310-0970 Phree.html#The%20Professor: Illinois License State License # 127-001307

www.illinoisracquetball.com 15 2009 ISRA Players of the Year Vote for your favorite male and/or (1988); Cheryl Gudinas, Rich Clay Khamis (2002); Carolyn Watkins, female Player of the Year and Most (1989); Pat Tarzon, Bill Lyman (1990); Adrian Beltramino (2003); Geoff Improved Player using the form Laurel Davis, Ron Johnson (1991); Lola Goldblatt (2004 & 2005); Richard below. Please include comments Markus, Bill Lyman (1992); Cheryl DeArmas (2006); Trevor Snyders regarding your selection(s) using Gudinas, Andy Pitock (1993); Cheryl (2007); Frank Milazzo (2008). the following criteria: Gudinas, Greg Hasty (1994); Cheryl Gudinas, Horace Miller (1995); Dawn Act Now: Nominations must be 1. Accomplishments Gates, John Negrete (1996); Krystal received by January 15, 2010! 2. Number of years played Csuk, John O’Donnell, Jr. (1997); Mary Submit your nominations to: Illi- 3. Sportsmanship Crawford, Greg Hasty, Sr. (1998); Terri nois State Racquetball Association, 4. Improvement Graham, Cary Slade (1999); Cheryl 1163 S. Grace St., Lombard, IL 5. Contribution to the sport Gudinas, Bill Lyman (2000); Nancy 60148; or email your nomination to of racquetball Kronenfeld, Bill Lyman (2001); Liz Marla Cusano at marcusano@ Molitor, Ben Croft (2002); Liz Molitor, comcast.net. Your nomination(s) Nominees must be USAR/ISRA Dave Milazzo (2003); Krystal Czuk, Dave should include your name, address, members and may play at any Milazzo (2004); Liz Molitor, Keith Minor day and evening phone numbers, level. Winners will be chosen by (2005); Liz Molitor, Keith Minor (2006); the name of the nominee(s), and the ISRA Governing Board and will Pat Taylor; Julie Vincent (2007); TJ the reasons why that person(s) be honored at the ISRA State Ferro, Ellen Somberg (2008). should receive the award, including Singles Championships a list of achievements. Note: The on February 27, 2010. Most Improved Player Award – more detailed your nomination (in- past recipients: Robert Gates, Jr. cluding tournament results), the Players of the Year — past recipi- (1998); Ben Croft (1999); Diane Bunker better chance your nominee(s) will ents: Chris Evon, Marshall Waldo (2000); Ubaldo Melo (2001); Angel have!

2009 ISRA Players of the Year & Most Improved Player NOMINATION FORM

Male Nominee’s Name ______

Female Nominee’s Name ______

Most Improved Player’s Name ______

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

______

______

______

______

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

Phone (day) ______Phone (night) ______

Signature ______Date ______

Please return by January 15, 2010 to:

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

or email nomination to: [email protected].

16 www.illinoisracquetball.com 2010 Distinguished Service Award Nominations are being accepted Gay Kenna (1981); Jim Harper (1982); Jim Act Now: Nominations must be for the 2010 ISRA Distinguished Cartwright (1983); Alan Shetzer (1984); received by January 15, 2010! Service Award. Criteria for consid- Clyde Senters (1985); Diane Gabrisko Submit your nominations to: Illi- eration include commitment to the (1986); Geoff Peters (1986); Bill Feigen nois State Racquetball Association, sport of racquetball; quality of ser- (1987); Alvin Barasch (1988); Judy Young 1163 S. Grace St., Lombard, IL vice; and accomplishments ben- (1989); Bill Roberts (1990); Al 60148; or email your nomination to efiting the sport and its players. Danielwicz(1991); Bill Piggott (1992); Rich Marla Cusano at marcusano@ Any ISRA member may make Clay (1993); Dave Negrete (1994); Lori comcast.net. Your nomination(s) nominations. The winner, chosen Kaiser (1995); Brian Stuertz (1996); Diane should include your name, address, by the ISRA Governing Board, will DeArmas (1997); T.J. Ferro (1998); Laurel day and evening phone numbers, be honored at the ISRA State Davis (1999); Rich Clay (2000); Mike the name of the nominee(s), and Singles on February 27, 2010. Davern (2001); Pam Grace (2002); Cheryl the reasons why that person(s) Kirk (2003); Patrice Calvi (2004); Geoff Pe- should receive the award, including Distinguished Service Award – past ters (2005); Doug Halverson (2006); Laurel a list of achievements. Note: The recipients: Tom Street (1978); Bob Davis (2007); Michelle Halverson (2008); more detailed your nomination (in- Troyer (1979); Art Michaely (1980); Cheryl Kirk (2009). cluding tournament results), the better chance your nominee(s) will have!

2010 ISRA Distinguished Service Award NOMINATION FORM

Nominee’s Name ______

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

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

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

Phone (day) ______Phone (night) ______

Signature ______Date ______

Please return by January 15, 2010 to:

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

or email nomination to: [email protected].

www.illinoisracquetball.com 17 James B. Dvorak Award Mr. James B. Dvorak was an indi- munity service and scholastic achieve- Past winners include Kevin vidual who supported racquetball ment. The $500 scholarship is intended Schultz, Jake Sutton, Trevor and especially loved to watch to be used to supplement the cost of Snyders, Geoff Goldblatt, Vinny young people play. Through the the award recipient’s education. Carvallo, Jeremy Dixon and Noor generosity of the Dvorak family, a Michael. scholarship is awarded annually in The 2009/2010 winner will be an- Mr. Dvorak’s memory to a deserv- nounced at the ISRA Annual Awards To request an application, please ing junior player (18 years of age Ceremony at the ISRA State Singles email Junior Team Illinois (JTI) and under) who exhibits high stan- Championships on February 27,2010. President Barry Dixon at dards in the areas of racquetball Entries will be accepted through bdixon@holophane. com. Re- participation, sportsmanship, com- January 15, 2010. member, you must apply to be considered!

2009 ISRA Newsletter Advertising Rates

GUIDELINES: • The ISRA Board of Directors has established a formal policy of not allowing advertise- ments to include product pricing. • All ads are assumed to be camera ready. They can be accepted electronically in .tif, .jpg or .pdf formats. • These rates are in effect until December 31, 2010. • Deadlines are as follows:

• Issue Publication Date: 2/5/10 • Articles/Releases/Ads Due: 1/15/10

• Ad Rates: Full page: $150/issue Half page: $75/issue Quarter page: $50/issue Other sizes quoted on a case-by-case basis.

• For any questions or submission:

Send articles/releases to Cheryl Kirk at [email protected] Send ads to Joe Silius at [email protected]

18 www.illinoisracquetball.com 2009-2010 Tournament CALENDARCALENDAR For updates or edits to the ISRA Tournament Calendar, please contact Geoff Peters at (773) 251-4413 or at [email protected]

th st November 19th – 22nd January 22nd – 24th March 17th – 20th May 26 – 31 rd The Turkey Shoot Open, $$ ISRA State Doubles NMRA National 43 USA Racquetball IRT Satellite Championships Championships National Singles The Glass Court Swim and The Glass Court Swim & Tucson Racquet & Fitness Club, Championships Fitness Lombard Fitness, Lombard Tucson, AZ The Downtown YMCA Doug Halverson Laurel Davis; (630) 476-6896 Steve Cohen; (714) 767-4622 Houston, TX (630) 629-3390 Enter online at Enter online at www.nmra.info Heather Fender Enter online at www.illinoisracquetball.com (719) 635-5396 www.illinoisracquetball.com JR March 18th – 21st Enter online at The Shamrock Shootout, $$ www.usaracquetball.com December 5th February 10th – 14th The Glass Court Swim and Pro Kennex Ladies One Day 43rd Annual USA Racquetball Fitness Lombard June 2010 TBD th Forest View Racquet Club National Doubles Doug Halverson; (630) 629-3390 38 National Junior Olympic Arlington Heights Championships Enter online at Championships Jim Thurber Arizona State University, www.illinoisracquetball.com Location TBD (847) 640-2574 Tempe, AZ Heather Fender Enter online at Heather Fender; (719) 635-5396 March 27th (719) 635-5396 www.illinoisracquetball.com Enter online at One Day Singles Shootout Enter online at www.usaracquetball.com (MO/A and B/C) www.usaracquetball.com December 12th Forest View Racquet Club JR One Day Doubles Shootout February 12th – 14th Arlington Heights Forest View Racquet Club 2010 St. Valentine’s Day Jim Thurber; (847) 640-2574 June 25th – 26th Arlington Heights Massacre Enter online at 6th Annual Jim Thurber IRT Satellite www.illinoisracquetball.com Racquet for the Cure (847) 640-2574 Forest View Racquet Club Landmark Health Enter online at Arlington Heights April 7th – 10th and Fitness, Peoria www.illinoisracquetball.com Jim Thurber; (847) 640-2574 38th National Collegiate (Women’s Division plus Enter online at Championships Men’s/Mixed Doubles) December 14th – 20th www.illinoisracquetball.com Springfield, MO John Snarr; (309) 685-8360 21st IRF World Heather Fender; (719) 635-5396 Enter online at Junior Championships February 25th – 28th Enter online at www.illinoisracquetball.com Dominican Republic ISRA State Singles www.usaracquetball.com Heather Fender Championships July 2010 TBD (719) 635-5396 The Glass Court Swim & April 16th – 18th NMRA International JR Fitness, Lombard USA Racquetball Regional Championships Cheryl Kirk; (630) 215-4242 Championships Weekend Location TBD January 14th – 17th Enter online at Various Sites Nationwide Steve Cohen; (714) 767-4622 WS/MRA National www.illinoisracquetball.com View: www.usaracquetball.org Enter online at Championships JR JR www.nmra.info Gaithersburg, MD rd th Contact: Brenda Loube at March 3rd – 7th Dates TBD July 23 – 25 (Tentative) th [email protected] 23rd Wilson National High Sixth Annual IRT 17 Annual Summerfest Enter online at School Championships Motorola Pro Nationals Open, $$ http://www.wsmra.com Portland, OR Location TBD The Glass Court Swim and Heather Fender; (719) 635-5396 Dave Negrete; (630) 430-1478 Fitness, Lombard Enter online at Enter online at Doug Halverson www.usaracquetball.com www.usaracquetball.com (630) 629-3390 JR Enter online at www.illinoisracquetball.com

JR - Includes Junior Divisions $ - Prize Money in Open Divisions $$ - Prize Money in Multiple Divisions

All tournaments listed are sanctioned by USA Racquetball

www.illinoisracquetball.com 19 Lend Your Attention SUPPORT ISRA MEMBERS! The ISRA Newsletter has transitioned to an electronic format. As you Your membership in the ISRA know, it is presently available on www.illinoisracquetball.com. We may, has helped make our organi- however, move to an email (members only) format in the near future. zation second to none. Please take the opportunity now to update your USA Racquetball mem- Though we strive to make im- bership profile, most especially supplying your current email address so provements to build and grow you don’t miss any issues of this cutting edge publication! the sport for future success, we sometimes struggle to Please follow the steps below to update your profile: keep our heads above water as an organization. Our focus 1. Log into www.usra.org is not for the purpose of mon- 2. Select Membership Login in the upper left hand box 3. Enter your six-digit USAR membership number and password* etary gain but to generate 4. Update the information in the profile enough funds to give back 5. Click on Edit Contact Info quality, first-rate programs, 6. Log out tournaments and events we can all be proud to participate Now, wasn’t that easy? in. Our volunteers who donate their time and/or money are *If you don’t know or have misplaced your membership number and/or greatly appreciated as are password, contact Heather Izzett at [email protected]. those who advertise in this ISRA Newsletter. For as little Thanks for taking the time…and be sure to visit as $25 for a business card size www.illinoisracquetball.com for tournament schedule revisions and com- ad, we can help get your petition results. name out there to let every- one know what you do; for $150, we can run your ad on a full page. Help Us Help You by getting your ad into the next ISRA newsletter.

Many thanks, Joe Silius, Advertising Editor

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

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

Tournament ______Representative ______

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

20 www.illinoisracquetball.com Racquetball CHALLENGE COURTS

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

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

www.illinoisracquetball.com 21