• ISRA Board Election Results • Movin' on up 2016-17 • Events: Local/Regional/ National/International

MID-YEAR 2016 | VOL 34 NO 2

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ILLINOIS STATE RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION

• ISRA Board Election Results • Movin’ On Up 2016-17 • Events: Local/Regional/ National/International

Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 1 “All the Pro’s on the IRT know that the Pro Penn HD ball is second to none. With today’s “I love the Pro Penn Green ball. The fast crisp lightweight racquets this is the only ball to action off my racquet helped me win GOLD play with. Its lightweight design and softer Medals at the 2011 Pan American Games and feel offers players of all levels the most 2012 World Championships. No other brand comfortable experience on the court, even compares to Penn!” with shots exploding over 180 mph!” Paola Longoria Rocky Carson

2 | www.illinoisracquetball.compennracquet.com | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association ILLINOIS STATE ISRA COURTSIDE RACQUETBALL Table of ASSOCIATION CONTENTS MID YEAR 2016 | VOL 34 NO 2 PRESIDENT Laurel Davis - Oak Brook From The President...... 4 VICE PRESIDENT Geoff Peters - Chicago Board Member & Officer Election Held...... 5

SECRETARY Movin’ On Up – 2016-2017 Season...... 5 Marla Cusano - Glen Ellyn

TREASURER Killshot Kid’s Corner...... 6 Michelle Halverson - Lombard 2016 USA Racquetball Regionals - Illinois ...... 7 ZONE VICE PRESIDENTS Bill Roberts - Chicago (North) Doug Halverson - Lombard (West) USA Racquetball National Singles Championships...... 10 Samuel Gomez - Peoria (Central) John O’Donnell, Jr. - Champaign (South) 2016 Summerfest Open...... 12 GOVERNING BOARD Todd Burris - Streamwood New R2 Sports App Now Available...... 13 Mike Davern - Naperville Jonelle Dubois - Naperville Pam Grace - Wheaton Windy City 3 Wall Brawl...... 14 Cheryl Kirk - Naperville John Puccio - Naperville XVIII IRF Racquetball World Championship...... 16 Dolores Lamberson - LaGrange Rick Seaberg - North Aurora Joe Silius - Mokena 32nd IRF World Senior Racquetball Championships...... 18

AUXILIARY BOARD ISRA Calendar...... 20 Marian Bala - Indian Head Park Jeff Grace - Wheaton Paul Jepsen - Hinsdale Challenge Courts...... 21 Kit Lawson - Naperville Lisa Mayer - Naperville Advertising Rates/Deadlines...... 22 Dave Milazzo - Gurnee Liz Molitor - Glen Ellyn Vickie Onesti - Elmhurst USAR Membership Application...... 22 Barbara Vagedes - Carol Stream Mike Vicary - Metamora

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 May 28, 2016: For his service as Athletic Racquetball Association (ISRA). All rights reserved. Copyright 2016. Trainer for the US Team, Brent Huff Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, received the Joe Sobek Outstanding photograph or illustration without written permission from the ISRA is strictly prohibited. Contribution Award in Denver at Letters to the Editor, photographs, and articles National Singles. 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

As you all know, one of the best parts about playing racquetball is the people you meet and the friendships you make. A group of Illinois women have played golf and renewed their racquetball friendships for every one of the last 17 summers! Not everybody still plays racquetball. Not everybody still even lives here. But the friendships we started in racquetball bring us back every year. We started with two foursomes (8 players) and expanded to three foursomes after a couple of years. This year’s group included the following racquetball players: Nancy Amaro, Connie Arvia, Laurel Davis, Cindy DeVoss, Connie Morong, Dorothy Noto, Catherine Tojaga and Barb Utterback. See if you can pick them out in the picture below.

Other racquetballers who have played over the years include Marla Cusano, Julie Carter, Kim Gregoire, Terry Hiller, and Mary White. As we embark upon a new season, friendships, exercise, and competition are all good reasons for getting to the court. The ISRA Tournament Schedule is set. Pull the schedule from this eMagazine and put it on your refrigerator door now! Please note that the dates of our state tournaments have changed for this season. Cheryl Kirk and I will serve as tournament directors for the 28th Annual WSMRA (Women’s Senior Masters Racquetball Association) National tournament in January 2017. Illinois players have always been great supporters of this tournament. Let’s keep that record going!! USA Racquetball is being reinvigorated and will be providing enhanced support to state organizations. New staff members have been added to the office. They are bringing energy and ideas to help us grow the game and programs. There are many new updates to R2 Sports, including electronic score cards that can be used on iPads or smart phones (see p. 13 of this issue). So put away the golf clubs, dust off the racquets, and we will see you on the courts!

4 | www.illinoisracquetball.com | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association ISRA Board Member & Officer Election Held The Annual Meeting of the ISRA Board of Directors was held In officer elections, the results were: Geoff Peters is Vice on Tuesday, June 7, 2016. As with all ISRA meetings, this President and Michelle Halverson was re-elected Treasurer. meeting was open to the membership. ISRA Board Elections Bill Roberts will assume the North Zone VP position vacated were held, with the following results. by Geoff Peters. Board positions are staggered two-year terms. This year, there The ISRA continues to welcome volunteers who would like to were nine open seats. The following individuals were re-nomi- join the Auxiliary Board and become more involved in sup- nated to the Governing Board by the Nominating Committee: porting racquetball on the state level. Todd Burris, Jonelle Dubois, Doug Halverson, Michelle Halverson, Cheryl Kirk, Geoff Peters, John O’Donnell, Jr., and Joe Silius. Ad- Any member who would like to lend time and talent in ditionally, John Puccio was elected to the Board. support of Illinois racquetball should contact Laurel Davis ([email protected]) or any ISRA Board member. Bill Roberts was appointed by the Board to a one-year term to fill a recent vacancy. Signed, Per ISRA Bylaws (posted on www.illinoisracquetball.com), The ISRA Nominating Committee the above slate was accepted automatically since there were Marla Cusano (Chair), Samuel Gomez, and Dolores Lamberson no opposing nominations. All Board member appointments were effective July 1, 2016.

Movin’ On Up – 2016-2017 Season Racquetball success prepares players for greater challenges. Men’s C These individuals/teams won at least one full-draw division Stephen Lindstrom, Turkey Shoot during the 2015-2016 season and recently received “The Letter” (suitable for framing) from ISRA Eligibility Chair Eduardo Acosta, ISRA State Singles Dolores Lamberson, notifying them of their new eligibility. Jesus Lopez, Shamrock Shootout Congratulations, and good luck to all in the coming year! Tim Klein, USAR Regionals Men’s Open Alcides Gutierrez, Summerfest Women’s Open Jeremy Dixon, Turkey Shoot, ISRA State Singles Susan Mueller, ISRA State Singles Danny Ortega, USAR Regionals Women’s A Men’s A Emily Fauser, Petition Adam Mills, Summerfest Men’s Open Doubles Michael Fornero, Fall Brawl Danny Ortega / Frank Wrobel, Turkey Shoot Levester Dean, Turkey Shoot James Camasto / James Zidek, ISRA State Doubles Anthony Cosmano, ISRA State Singles Ravi Kishore Yenduri, Shamrock Shootout Women’s Open Doubles John Puccio, Petition Cari Mory / Rebecca Bowman, US Open

Men’s B Mixed Open Doubles Carlos Ibarra, Summerfest Matt Beals / Laurel Harper, Turkey Shoot Carl Carman, ISRA State Singles Chris Liljestrand / Julianne Valentino, ISRA State Doubles Brad Simon, Shamrock Shootout Brent Huff / Rebecca Bowman, National Doubles Brett Chidester, USAR Regionals

Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 5 KILLSHOT Kid’s Corner USAR Junior Olympic Championships Junior Team Illinois (JTI) Begins a New Season Jeremy Dixon of Downers Grove and Nathan Yaklovich of Under the leadership of Andy Pitock, Marian Bala, and Mascoutah represented Illinois in the USAR Junior Olympic Carolyn Vazquez, JTI will get underway at Glass Court on Championships at Life Time Fitness in Fridley, Minnesota, October 16th. A registration meeting will be held that day at June 22nd-26th. 9:00 am along with Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced testing to place players into initial levels. The coaching staff Nathan played in three divisions -- Boys 14 & Under Singles, has some fresh new ideas encompassing instruction, practice, Mixed 14 & Under with Bella Bertarelli (Missouri), and Boys 14 and competition as part of the program. Parents are welcome & Under Doubles with Kaptain McAllister (Colorado). Nathan to volunteer their assistance! Please write to Cheryl Kirk at and Kaptain won the silver medal in their doubles division. [email protected] to receive a JTI flyer with all the details Jeremy claimed a bronze medal in the Boys 18 & Under for the 2016-17 season. Singles Blue Division, and he and partner Gavin Usher (Oregon) took the bronze in the Boys 18 & Under Doubles. Although Jeremy is now attending Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio, this was not his last hurrah in Juniors. Besides planning to compete at the US Open and at Intercollegiates this coming season, he is still eligible for one more year in Juniors. The rule states that calendar year eligibility is based upon a player’s age as of January 1st. Jeremy doesn’t turn 19 until June 2017, so look for him to go for the Gold at one more Junior Olympics!

Jeremy met racquetball legend Dr. Bud Muehleisen!

Below: JTI 2016 State Singles Medal Winners

Marian Bala, Jeremy Dixon, and Barry Dixon

The USA Racquetball Regional Racquetball Championships saw 82 players converge on Glass Court in Lombard seeking regional titles. Beautiful weather punctuated this last event of the 2015-16 season. Players (73 men and 9 women) hailed from 45 cities in six states (Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin). Twenty-four players competed in one division, 44 in two, and 14 intrepid souls played in three divisions. The tournament was played on a Saturday/Sunday schedule requiring many back- to-back matches, particularly for those in round robin divisions. Thank you to all of our players and volunteers for helping the tournament to stay on time both days! A special thank you goes out once again to Tony Cosmano who supported the event with delicious meals from Anthony’s Pizza. In addition, Dave Milazzo and Mitchell’s Ice Cream allowed players to avail themselves of the best premium ice cream in Chicagoland at the Mitchell’s Ice Cream umbrella cart in the Glass Court lounge. This was particularly well received by our junior players and certain tournament staff members – you know who you are! Each player received a fleece pullover ordered from Lynn and Kevin Yeazell at Response Graphics, while champions and medalists received Olympic-style medals consistent with all of the other Regional Cham- pionships held around the country. Thank you to Dan Jaskier, the entire Glass Court staff, the ISRA Board, and our volunteers - especially Cheryl Kirk, Doug Halverson, Michelle Halverson, Marian Bala, Laurel Davis, Marla Cusano, Michael Fornero, Eric Mathews, Susan Mueller, John Puccio, Jim Wehrli - and all the other volunteers who stepped up to make this a great tournament with which to end the season! – Geoff Peters

Top Left: Geoff Peters congratulates double medalist Jeff O’Hern

Above: Men’s 65+B gold medalist Ernesto Tan

Left: Women’s A Doubles medalists Susan Mueller, Emily Fauser, Stephanie Bankes, and Cheryl Kirk continued on page 8

USAR REGIONALS | RESULTS continued from page 8 Division(# entered): First; Second; Semifinal Men’s Open (7): Alok Mehta; John Thorson; Eric Mathews, John Puccio John PuccioMen’s AA (3): Carlos Reyes; Tom Neal; Jeremy Dixon Men’s A (16): Danny Ortega; John Dowell (MO): Jerry Kee, Pierce Johnston (WI) Men’s B (8): Roberto Rivas; Jeff O’Hern; Roberto Dunaway- Torres, Allen Bell Men’s C (18): Brett Chidester; Ernesto Reyes; Robert Dreger, Eugen Gheorghiu Men’s D (14): Tim Klein; Anthony Giacalone; Miguel Angel Perez, Tom Trecker Men’s 45+/50+/55+ (4): John Thorson; Tom Neal; Eric Battaglia (3rd) Men’s 45+ (2): John Thorson; Eric Battaglia Men’s 50+ (1): John Moscato Men’s 55+A gold medalist Bernie Bustos Men’s 55+ (1): Tom Neal Men’s 60+/65+ (5): James Jones; Ray Redelman; Platt Hill Men’s 50+A/55+A/60+A: Bernie Bustos; Geoff Peters; (3rd) Thomas Zielecki (3rd) Men’s 60+ (3): James Jones; Ray Redelman; Derrick Men’s 50+A (1): Thomas Zielecki Johnson (3rd) Men’s 55+A (1): Bernie Bustos Men’s 65+ (2): Platt Hill; James Caristi (IN) Men’s 60+A (1): Geoffrey Peters Men’s 25+A/30+A/25+B (4): Ravi Yenduri; Gallagher Garcia; Men’s 50+B/55+B (4): Roberto Rivas; Eugen Gheorghiu; Jeff Carl Carman (3rd) O’Hern (3rd) Men’s 25+A (1): Gallagher Garcia Men’s 50+B (2): Roberto Rivas; Eugen Gheorghiu Men’s 25+B (2): Carl Carman; Josue Del Rio Men’s 30+A (1): Ravi Yenduri continued on page 9

Mixed Open Champs Lynn Yeazell and Geoff Goldblatt Men’s 60+ Winner James Jones

USAR REGIONALS | RESULTS continued from page 8

Mixed Open/A Doubles (7): Geoff Goldblatt/Lynn Yeazell; Andy Pitock/Cheryl Kirk; Robert Dreger/ Susan Mueller, Pierce Johnson (WI)/Stephanie Bankes (WI)

Junior Boys 18-/16- (4): Jeremy Dixon; John Dowell (MO); Yash Maini (WI) (3rd) Junior Boys 18- (2): Jeremy Dixon; Zach Burnett (IN) Junior Boys 16- (2): John Dowell (MO); Yash Maini (WI) Junior Boys 10-/8- (3): Krish Maini (WI); Santiago Sanchez; Devin Mehta (3rd) Junior Boys 10- (2): Krish Maini (WI); Santiago Sanchez Junior Boys 8- (1): Devin Mehta

Women’s A Division -- Amy Anderson, Gisela Gomez, and Vickie Onesti

Men’s 55+B (2): Jeff O’Hern; Jeff Simonis (MI) Men’s 45+C/55+C/65+B (7): Hector Herrera; Carlos Canessa; Ray Meisner, Ernesto Tan Men’s 65+B (2): Ernesto Tan; Ray Meisner

Men’s Open/A/B Doubles (9): Jeremy Dixon/John Dowell (MO); James Camasto/James Zidek; Pierce Johnston (WI)/ Ravi Yenduri, Carlos Reyes (WI)/Yash Maini (WI) Men’s 40+ Doubles (5): Andy Pitock/Eric Jensen; Eric Battaglia/John Puccio; John Moscato/Sanjay Gurav (3rd)

Women’s Open/Elite (3): Stephanie Bankes (WI); Susan Mueller; Emily Fauser (3rd) Women’s Open (1): Emily Fauser Women’s Elite (2): Stephanie Bankes (WI); Susan Mueller Women’s A (4): Gisela Gomez; Amy Anderson; Vickie Onesti (3rd)

Women’s Open/A Doubles (3): Cheryl Kirk/Stephanie Bankes (WI); Emily Fauser/Susan Mueller; Gisela Gomez/Vickie Onesti (3rd)

Men’s D silver medalist Anthony Giacalone

Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 9 LOCAL | REGIONAL | NATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL | EVENTS USA Racquetball National Singles Championships presented by Penn Highlands Ranch Recreation Center at Northridge Highlands Ranch, CO May 25-29, 2016 Tournament Director: Peggine Tellez

US Team Qualifier Results Women’s Team, Rhonda Rajsich def. Michelle Key, 15-7, 15-7 Cheryl Gudinas def. Janel Tisinger, 4-15, 15-12, 11-2 for third

Men’s Team, Rocky Carson def. Jose DIaz, 15-10, 15-2 Double FFT 3rd -- Chris Crowther/Jake Bredenbeck

Stats 267 players (218 men, 49 women) 31 states 63 divisions

Right: Eric Mathews, Gold Medalist in Men’s 25+ Elite!

Below: Team Illinois Represents in Denver: Jason Thoerner, Laurel Davis, Keith Minor, Ray Meisner, Cheryl Kirk

USA Racquetball National Singles Championship continued from page 10

Hall of Fame/Annual Awards Team Illinois Results Doug Ganim was inducted into the USA Racquetball Hall of Cheryl Gudinas, Women’s US Team Qualifying, 3rd Fame with an inspiring introduction by Jim Leone. James Jones, Men’s 60+, QF Male and Female Athletes of the Year -- Cheryl Kirk, Mixed Centurion A (Geoff Peters), 3rd; Women’s Rocky Carson (CA)/Rhonda Rajsich (AZ) 60+A, 1st; Women’s Elite Doubles (Marcia Richards, CO), 4th Eric Mathews, Men’s 25/30+ Elite, 1st; Men’s Elite, QF Bud Muehleisen Age Group -- Mark Baron (VA) Ray Meisner, Men’s 60+B, 4th; Men’s 65+, QF Peggy Steding Age Group -- Cindy Tilbury (CA) Keith Minor, Men’s 45+, semifinals; Men’s 50+, 2nd Presidential Award -- Bob Frazier (AL) Geoff Peters, Men’s 60+, Men’s 60+A, Mixed Centurion A (Cheryl Kirk), 3rd John Halverson Fair Play -- David “Bobby” Horn (CA)

Joe Sobek Contribution Award -- View all draws and results at: http://www.r2sports.com/ Brent Huff (IL)/Jody Nance (CA) tourney/viewResults.asp?TID=14388 John LoMonaco Grant Recipient -- Linda Reeves (OR)

Below: USA Racquetball 2016 Annual Award Winners -- Cindy Tilbury, Brent Huff, Rocky Carson, Rhonda Rajsich, Mark Baron, and Bob Frazier (not pictured: Jody Nance and David Horn)

Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 11 LOCAL | REGIONAL | NATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL | EVENTS 2016 Summerfest Open Glass Court Swim & Fitness, Lombard Many thanks to these July 29-31, 2016 volunteers who helped Tournament Directors: Doug and Michelle Halverson make Summerfest a great success: Marian They came from five states to compete in this annual event Bala, Todd Burris, Laurel that we used to label “a lazy little summer tournament.” Par- Davis, Jonelle Dubois, ticipants from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, and New York Michael Fornero, Jeff battled it out in 18 self-refereed divisions (men’s and women’s Grace, Pam Grace, singles and doubles with mixed doubles as well). Participants Cheryl Kirk, Tim Klein, numbered 98 this year (79 men and 19 women). Dolores Lamberson, Eric Mathews, Susan Mueller, Geoff Peters, Andy Pitock, John Puccio, Matt Reeser, and Rick Mike Snarr cruised over from Peoria to take the Men’s Open Seaberg. title in a nail biter of a final vs. Eric Mathews, 15-14, 9-15, 11-10. It was standing room only for that one! Don’t feel too Next up at Glass Court -- the Fall Brawl in late October badly for Eric...the recent national champion in the Men’s 25+ followed by the Turkey Shoot Open the weekend before Elite took first with partner Geoff Goldblatt in the Men’s Open Thanksgiving. Be there or be talked about! Doubles. Diane Bunker won Women’s Singles and partnered with Karin McCauley to capture the Women’s Doubles title as Results below...check out the draws at: http://www.r2sports. well. Shane Jackson and Kelly Gremley were the Mixed Open com/tourney/viewResults.asp?TID=17469 Doubles champs. -- Cheryl Kirk Sincere gratitude goes to Anthony’s Pizza and Kirsten’s Danish Bakery for the scrumptious meals we all so enjoy at Glass Court events. These folks make a huge difference to the viability of Glass and ISRA tournaments as well as to the experience of the players. We can never thank you enough for your support!

Men’s Open Doubles Champs Eric Mathews and Geoff Goldblatt Vickie Onesti and Gisela Gomez -- Women’s Doubles Consolation Winners

SUMMERFEST | RESULTS continued from page 12 Division(# entered): First; Second; Semifinal Men’s A/40+ Doubles (9): Keith Mecklenburg/Dan Jaskier; Men’s Open (8): Mike Snarr; Eric Mathews; Josh Paul (IA), Justin Reichter (IA)/Jorge Gonzalez (IA); Jose Alberto Acosta/Joe Tom Neal DeArmas, Doug Halverson/Tony Giacalone Men’s AA: Arun Baskaran Men’s B/C Doubles (4): Anand Agarwal/Calvin Price; Ranferi Salgado/Porfirio Villalobos; Chad Klees (IA)/Richard Marsh (IA) Men’s A (14): Arun Baskaran; Justin Reichter (IA); Matt (3rd) Reeser, Adam Mills Men’s Century Doubles (4): Tim Dern/Cedric Bell; Andy Pitock/ Men’s B (10): Ranferi Salgado; Todd Burris; Rick Seaberg, Eric Jensen; Jose Alberto Acosta/Joe DeArmas (3rd) Brad Simon Men’s C (17): Eugen Gheorghiu; Tim Klein; Eduardo Acosta, Alexis Khazzam Women’s Singles (5): Diane Bunker; Karin McCauley; Kim Reimschisel (IN) (3rd) Men’s D (8): Daniel Barrera; Miguel Angel Perez; Bilal Muhammad, Selam Totonchi Women’s Doubles (6): Karin McCauley/Diane Bunker; Laurel Davis/Lynn Yeazell; Emily Fauser/Susan Mueller, Joy DeShazer/ Men’s 30+/45+/50+ (4): Adam Mills; John Puccio; Matt Dolores Lamberson Reeser (3rd) Women’s Doubles Consolation (2): Gisela Gomez/Vickie Onesti; Men’s 45+ Intermediate (4): Calvin Price; Alexis Khazzam; Carolyn Watkins-Vazquez/Amy Anderson Jason (3rd) Men’s 55+ (4): Ray Redelman; Bruce Young; Bernie Bustos (3rd) Mixed Open/40+ Doubles (4): Kelly Gremley/Shane Jackson; Geoff Goldblatt/Lynn Yeazell; Andy Pitock/Cheryl Kirk (3rd) Men’s 60+/65+ (9): Joe Vallender; Ray Redelman; Jeff Mixed A-C Doubles (7): Jonelle Dubois/John Puccio; Kim Grace, Hector Herrera Reimschisel (IN)/Matt Beals (IN); Vickie Onesti/Glen Bero, Gisela Men’s Open Doubles (6): Geoff Goldblatt/Eric Mathews; Gomez/Jerry Kee Shane Jackson/Tom Neal; Danny Ortega/Alcides Gutierrez, Lem Rowans/Mike Snarr NEW R2 SPORTS APP NOW AVAILABLE This sports world we live in just got better: R2 Sports has launched the brand new R2 Sports App, now available for both Android and iPhones! The new mobile application will take you closer than ever to the all the action of the sports and events that you are interested in. This is your chance to enter, follow, and be up-to-date on all ISRA and USA Racquetball events! The app was developed for players competing in an event using the R2 Sports tournament software, providing instant access to tournament data. It is also designed to help fans, friends, and parents receive live updates when they are not able to attend.

Imagine being able to select your favorite players, events, and divisions, then having live information brought to you instead of you having to go find it on the website. Get notifications when a game is starting, receive live scores when the referee is using the R2 live scoring app, and receive final game results. All this while being able to share, like, and post comments. Enter tournaments, interact with other players, and chat with fans. Watch live streaming from right within the app when made available by the Tournament Director. If you can’t be there in person, it’s the next best thing! Available now on both the Apple iPhone through the iTunes store, as well on Android via the Google Play store, it is a free download.

Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 13 LOCAL | REGIONAL | NATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL | EVENTS Windy City 3 Rainbow Beach, Chicago August 6, 2016 Tournament Directors: Joey Logan and Howard Williams This inaugural Windy City 3 Wall Brawl event was a huge RESULTS success. Coordinated by Joey Logan (Illinois Outdoor Rac- quetball Director) and Howard Williams (Tournament Host), Division(# entered): First; Second; Semifinal this was the first tournament held at Rainbow Beach in the Outdoor Pro/Open (3): Andrew Price/Greg Lewerenz (MI); last 25 years. Geoff Goldblatt/Oscar Madrigal; Joey Logan/Tony Domelle (IN) (3rd) Racquetball players numbering 36 from Michigan, Indiana, A Doubles (8): Kelvin Hatcher (MI)/Brandon Foster (MI); Florida, and Illinois came out to play. The event consisted of a Alcides Gutierrez/Danny Ortega; Luis Romero (MI)/Darryl meet and greet; men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles divisions; Hunter (MI), Scott Boswell (MI)/Frank Ball and grilled food, music, and an introduction of racquetball to neighborhood kids. Centurion 100+ Doubles (6): David Lilly/Frank Ball; Howard Williams/Keith Avery; Horace Miller/Scott Boswell (MI), Windy City 3 Wall Brawl donated backpacks filled with school Melvin Miller/James Camasto supplies to the kids who came to participate. Mixed Open/A Doubles (3): Greg Lewerenz (MI)/Kelly McKenzie (MI); Kevin Yeazell/Lynn Yeazell; Tony Domelle (IN)/ Plan to come out to the 2017 Windy City 3 Wall Brawl outdoor Kelly Gremley (IN) (3rd) event -- dates to be announced soon! Mixed A/B Doubles (7): Luis Romero (MI)/Lorna Rose (MI); -- Joey Logan Brandon Foster (MI)/Carolyn Vazquez; Kelvin Hatcher (MI)/ Latanya Jones (MI), Melvin Miller/Carrie Howard

continued on page 15

Tournament Director Joey Logan congratulates A Doubles runners-up Alcides Gutierrez and Danny Ortega

Windy City 3 Wall Brawl continued from page 14

Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 15 LOCAL | REGIONAL | NATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL | EVENTS XVIII IRF RACQUETBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CALI, COLOMBIA July 16-23, 2016 by Cheryl Kirk The IRF World Championship is held every other year and determines World Champions in both singles and doubles. Players from 20 countries (4 continents) competed in Cali. Countries represented were Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, England, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Puerto Rico, United States, and Venezuela. Club Cañasgordas Comfenalco Cali was the competition venue. Boasting eight courts total, six were concrete with glass back walls, another (the streaming court) had a glass right side and back wall, and another stadium court had glass on both sides as well as the back wall. The club was open air, so the occasional (very large) butterfly, et al., joined the players on the courts. The competition began with a qualifying round robin/pool play format, Saturday-Monday, followed by a main draw (seeding based on each player’s performance over the first three days) with Olympic format dropdown divisions. All participants, regard- less of where they finished, received points that were put toward their overall country total. The U.S. Team consisted of four-time defending champion Rocky Carson (California), Chris Crowther (California), Rhonda Rajsich (Arizona), and Michelle Key (Arizona), all playing singles, plus doubles teams Jake Bredenbeck (Minnesota)/Jose Diaz (California) and Aimee Ruiz (New Jersey)/Janel Tisinger (California). The Head Coach and Assistant Coach also hailed from California -- Dave Ellis and Debbie Tisinger-Moore -- and Team Illinois players Brent Huff (Athletic Trainer) and Cheryl Kirk (Team Leader) were on hand to support Team USA as well. Meetings and Ceremonies On Friday, after the Coaches meeting where rules and logistics were discussed and the draws were distributed, the Opening Cer- emonies took place at Unicentro Mall across from the hotel. Country delegations made the walk together and queued up in the mall awaiting the announcement of each country proceed into the atrium where hundreds were witnessing the proceedings. Populating the head table were Tim Doyle (E-Force), Cheryl Kirk (IRF), Juan Manuel Gutiérrez (Colombian Rac- quetball Federation), Sr. Mauricio Rivas (local dignitary), Luke St. Onge (IRF), and Fernando Ivan Cabal (Cali Local Organizing Committee). After short speeches of welcome and congratulations were delivered, the athletes’ and referees’ oaths were taken, Colombian children danced the salsa for the entertainment of the crowd.

continued on page 17

When Jake shoots, everyone jumps!

XVIII IRF Racquetball World Championship continued from page 16

IRF World Congress Every two years at the IRF World Cham- pionship, delegates from the countries in attendance meet to approve minutes, hear reports, receive updates, elect Board members, discuss rule changes, etc. One rule change in particular was the vote to go to two serves vs. one serve for all players in all IRF divisions. This is consistent with the IRT, WRT, LPRT, NMRA, WSMRA, not to mention USA Racquetball. This and a few other rule changes went into effect September 1, 2016. Elected to four-year seats on the Board of Directors were Osvaldo Maggi Sriram Ravindran, Alok Mehta, and Rocky Carson (Argentina), Marcelo Gomez (Costa Rica), Cheryl Kirk (USA), and Juan Manuel Gutiérrez (Colombia). In a short IRF Board meeting after the World Congress adjourned, Osvaldo Maggi was re- U.S. Men’s, Women’s, and Overall Team Results elected as President, Marcelo Gomez Rocky Carson -- Gold -- Men’s Singles is Executive Vice President, Cheryl Kirk Aimee Ruiz/Janel Tisinger -- Gold -- Women’s Doubles continues as Secretary, and the Carlos Jake Bredenbeck/Jose Diaz -- Silver -- Men’s Doubles Ruiz was subsequently appointed to the Rhonda Rajsich -- Gold -- Women’s Singles Blue Treasurer position. Michelle Key -- Gold -- Women’s Singles Red

Americans in Colombia U.S. Men’s Team -- 1st place There were a few players at Worlds U.S. Women’s Team -- 2nd place Overall Team -- 2nd place who reside in the United States but play for their home countries. Team Final Positions Illinois players Alok Mehta and Sriram Men’s Team -- USA; Mexico; Bolivia; Canada Ravindran qualified for and represented Women’s Team -- Mexico; USA; Guatemala; Canada India. Overall Team -- Mexico; USA; Bolivia; Canada

Team USA at IRF Worlds, L to R, Debbie Tisinger-Moore, Cheryl Kirk, Dave Ellis, Rocky Carson, Janel Tisinger, Jose Diaz, Jake Bredenbeck, Rhonda Rajsich, Brent Huff, Michelle Key, Aimee Ruiz (not pictured - Chris Crowther)

Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 17 LOCAL | REGIONAL | NATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL | EVENTS 32nd IRF World Senior Racquetball Championships Midtown Sports & Wellness - Albuquerque, NM Much gratitude goes to the WSRC Council members who August 30-September 3, 2016 have produced this fine experience 32 years in a row: Tournament Director: Gary Mazaroff Paula Sperling (President), Joe Gellman (Vice President), Seven Team Illinois members closed out August and headed Carol Gellman (Secretary), Sandy Schauer (Treasurer), Gary into September enjoying the fine weather in Albuquerque. Mazaroff (Executive Director), Bob Anderson, Felicia A. Duran, This splendidly presented event features an excellent lunch Luke St. Onge, Edwina Waddington, Jane Bentley, and Ralph every day, silent auction, awards banquet, shuttle between Waddington. clubs, hospitality room, door prizes, and more. The event is self-officiated; three games are played to 11 Team Illinois Results points with 3 bonus points for games won and 7 for the match win. The formats are robins and pool play with Eugene Coyle, Men’s 45+ -- Gold the latter moving into playoffs. Twenty-six divisions were Cheryl Kirk, Women’s 50+ Doubles (Marie Gomar, Guatemala) competed in addition to 10 single elimination playoff -- Gold, Mixed 60+ Doubles (Salvatore Perconti, FL) -- Bronze divisions that were created from pool play results. Leo Klimaitis, Men’s 65+, Men’s 65+ (Joe Smith, OK) -- Bronze Medals are broken out by age groups and also by playoff wins. Per IRF practice, there are no playoffs for third and Lola Markus, Women’s 75+ Doubles (Mildred Gwinn, NC) -- fourth; instead, bronze medals are awarded to 3rd and 4th Gold, Mixed 85+ Doubles (Ralph Waddington, NM) -- Gold place. John Mason, Men’s 55+ Twenty-two states and 11 countries were represented. The countries were Bolivia, Canada, Colombia, Guatemala, India, Dave Negrete, Men’s 55+ -- Bronze Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Nigeria, and the United States. Joe Quirke (representing Ireland), Men’s 70+ -- Silver Stats -- 179 players (140 men, 39 women) ranging in age from Check out draws and results at: http://www.r2sports.com/ 35-94. tourney/viewResults.asp?TID=16723 -- Cheryl Kirk

John Mason and Eugene Coyle celebrate Mixed 70+ vs. Mixed 85+ Eugene’s Men’s 45+ win! Joe Gellman, Mildred Gwinn, Lola Markus, and Ralph Waddington

THE FUTURE IS

ROCKY CARSON IT MIGHT AS WELL BE THE FIRST RACQUET YOU’VE EVER TOUCHED. 12-TIME NATIONAL INDOOR CHAMPION THAT’S HOW REVOLUTIONARY GRAPHENE XT MAKES THE NEW RADICAL. 14-TIME NATIONAL OUTDOOR CHAMPION DOMINATE THE COMPETITION WITH THE AWESOME POWER OF THE

NEW RADICAL SERIES FROM HEAD.

.COMFacebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 19 2016-2017 Tournament

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

October 5-9, 2016 February 8-12, 2017 March 30-April 2, 2017 22nd UnitedHealthcare US OPEN USAR National Doubles ISRA State Singles Championships Life Time Fitness Championships Glass Court Swim & Fitness Minnneapolis, MN Sun Devil Fitness Complex Lombard, IL USA Racquetball Arizona State University Cheryl Kirk (630) 215-4242 (719) 635-5396 Tempe, AZ www.usaracquetball.com April 21-23, 2017 October 15, 2016 USAR Midwest Regional Illini Open February 24-26, 2017 Championships University of Illinois at Urbana ISRA State Doubles Championships Glass Court Swim & Fitness Urbana, IL Glass Court Swim & Fitness Lombard, IL Tim Klein (847) 848-7683 Lombard, IL Geoff Peters (773) 251-4413 Laurel Davis (630) 476-6896 October 27-30, 2016 May 24-28, 2017 Fall Brawl/IRT Tier 3 Event March 1-5, 2017 USAR National Singles Glass Court Swim & Fitness USAR High School Championships Championships Lombard, IL Vetta Racquet Sports - Concord Sun Devil Fitness Complex Jeff Grace/Joey Logan St. Louis, MO Arizona State University (630) 772-0244 www.usaracquetball.com Tempe, AZ www.usaracquetball.com November 17-20, 2016 March 3-5, 2017 (tentative) Turkey Shoot Open/IRT Event Bob Schwab Memorial Tournament June 21-25, 2017 Glass Court Swim & Fitness Landmark Health & Racquet Club USAR Junior Olympic Lombard, IL Peoria, IL Championships Dan Jaskier (630) 629-3390 John Snarr (309) 685-8360 In-Shape Sports Stockton, CA December 8-10, 2016 March 16-19, 2017 www.usaracquetball.com NMRA 2016 Doubles Only Shamrock Shootout/IRT Pro Stop Championship (40+) Glass Court Swim & Fitness July 28-30, 2017 Recreation ATL Lombard, IL Summerfest Open Lilburn, GA Dan Jaskier (630) 629-3390 Glass Court Swim & Fitness Chris Poucher (770) 231-0883 Lombard, IL March 29-April 1, 2017 Doug Halverson (630) 629-3390 January 13-15, 2017 USAR Intercollegiate 28th Annual Women’s Senior Championships Masters Championships Los Caballeros Glass Court Swim & Fitness Fountain Valley, CA Lombard, IL www.usaracquetball.com Cheryl Kirk (630) 215-4242

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.

20 | www.illinoisracquetball.com | Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association 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 | Glenn 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]

Facebook: Illinois State Racquetball Association | www.illinoisracquetball.com | 21 Lend Your SUPPORT 2016 ISRA eMagazine 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, 2016. 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 12/2/16 all be proud to participate in. Our  Issue Publication Date 12/16/16 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 ISRA Cheryl Kirk at [email protected] eMagazine. Send ads to Joe Silius at [email protected] Many thanks Joe Silius Advertising Editor

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

NAME______

ADDRESS______

CITY ______STATE/ZIP______Send to: TELEPHONE (Home) ______(Business)______

ISRA E-MAIL______603 E. Wilson Ave. Lombard, IL 60148 BIRTHDATE______

Member Sport U.S. Olympic Adult competitor...... $50.00______Committee Junior competitor (age 21 and under)...... $25.00______

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

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