AT H L E T I C S
MAC’s Marcus Becomes Two-Time Racquetball Hall of Famer The Multnomah Athletic Club is very excited to announce that Hank Marcus was formally inducted to the USA Racquetball Hall of Fame (HOF) in Minneapolis during the USA National Racquetball Tournament in October. The USA Racquetball HOF recognizes and honors athletes and contributors who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in competition and/or in the development, leadership, and advancement of the sport. Marcus was recognized by USA Racquetball not only for his time as a professional player, but for his lifetime dedication and contributions to the sport. During his career, he has created and organized countless indoor and outdoor competitions, contributed to assisting veterans and injured service members, and pioneered racquetball’s commitment to the generous support of Fibromyalgia research. The HOF induction was attended by the current top-ranked male player, Kane Waselenchuk, and racquetball legends such as Sudsy Monchik, Cliff Swain, and Dave Peck. Many friends, family, and even a few MAC members were in attendance at this prestigious event.
It is important to note that Marcus is actually a two-time hall of famer, having also been inducted into the World Outdoor Racquetball (WOR) HOF in 2018. He founded WOR, which has continued to grow throughout the world and is co-founder of the Military Racquetball Federation (MRF). Other former titles include executive director of WOR and president of the Oregon Racquetball Association. He created the Tournament of Champions, now known as the John A. Pelham Memorial Tournament of Champions, a premier International
Dan Whitley with Hank Marcus. Racquetball Tour (IRT) professional stop held at MAC and benefitting the Live Like John Foundation.
Dan Whitley, general manager of Vetta Sports in St. Louis was honored to introduce Hank at the HOF event. “No one in the history of our sport has specialized in supporting so many unique groups of players on both the national and local level. Hank Marcus was an excellent junior player, pro player, clinician/ instructor, tournament director, and club pro but aspired to do even more! He was the creator of the IRT, WOR, MRF, and an innovator with Ektelon and now Head/Penn. Hank does everything for everyone. Recognition might not be Hank’s thing, but his efforts are what have given so many of us our “thing” in racquetball!”
Marcus is energetic, engaged, and responsive to the needs of MAC’s members with encouragement for all level of players, from those training for the Junior Olympics to a Golden Master. Athletic Director Valerie Cleary said, “In my brief time at the MAC, there is already one thing I know as true: Hank Marcus is truly an MVP all-around. It came as no surprise to learn of his induction in the USA Racquetball Hall of Fame. The dedication, leadership, and passion I have seen him apply to his role as the Committee Support Coordinator has no doubt originated from his amazing career as the MAC Racquetball Head Coach and his international contributions to the sport.”
MAC members Georgette Blomquist (back row, third from the right) and Jennifer Briglia (front row, second from right) traveled to Corvallis to participate in a women’s one-day racquetball doubles tournament at the end of November. They placed second in the bracket play. Racquetball is making a great comeback at MAC with fall intramural season wrapping up and winter season starting soon. Contact Hank Marcus with questions or interest in how to get started playing: hmarcus@themac.com
58 | The Wınged M |
JANUARY 2022
