CRA Rollout, Fall 2011

CRA Rollout, Fall 2011

Read the CRA Rollout Online at ColoradoRacquetball.com

The Colorado Racquetball Association Quarterly ENews

Fall 2011

CRA STATE DOUBLES ON DECK Last year, the State Doubles drew 125 players in 23 divisions of play, crowning a half-dozen of the state's best players in the Open divisions.

David Guentert paired with the phenomenal young southpaw, Adam Manilla, to earn the Men's Open title ... Kathy Bender and Janelle Williams were successful in their first Women's Open bid as a team ... and Debbie Beldring and Earl Haskins claimed the Mixed Open victory.

With records going back as far as 1982, the CRA has enjoyed a rich history of doubles competition - and a very exciting recent decade. In the last ten years, two-time champs among the men included Guentert (05,10), Gary West (07,08), John Rhodes (04,05), and Woody Clouse (03,04). Among the women, 4x winner Mary Keenan topped the list with titles in 04,06,08,09, followed by Marcia Richards (02,03,05) and 2x titlists Jo Shattuck (02,05), Linda Mojer (04,06) and Barb Mehegan (07,09).

Among Mixed Open records, only two teams succeeded in winning gold in both their regular divisions and mixed play. In 2005, Marcia Richards and John Rhodes each took home double gold after winning their respective women's and men's rounds, then teaming up for the mixed.

Mary Keenan and Tony Feldstein did the same the following year.

So who will it be this year? Check the 2010 results to see which defending champs will claim their top seed in this year's lineup - then get your entry in early to $AVE!

In this issue: • Celebrate State Doubles • Dueling Doubles Preview • Club Update • Upcoming Events • Board News • Junior Corner • Know your Rules • From the President • From the Editor • National News Past Event Results: • Rocky Mtn State Games • Peerless Tires Shootout • DAC Opening Shots • Killer Open NEW at State Doubles ... a Century Plus division will be offered for teams whose partners' combined ages total 100 or more ... !

CRA Rollout, Fall 2011

EVENT PREVIEW: Racquet for the Cure Dueling Doubles - October 22-23 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the RFTC Dueling Doubles is an all-doubles event and preview fundraiser with no Friday play. Plan ahead for Men’s doubles to start and finish on Saturday, Mixed Doubles to start Saturday and finish on Sunday morning, and Women’s Doubles to be played on Sunday. Times are Saturday 8am-6pm and Sunday 8am-8pm.

This two-day event will be hosted by the Littleton Family YMCA, 11 West Dry Creek - as a lead in to the 13th Annual Racquet for the Cure Tournament at Highlands Ranch, February 3-4, 2012.

CLUB UPDATE: Bill Fearing joins Highlands Ranch After making a full recovery from a heart attack suffered at State Singles last March, Bill Fearing couldn't be happier about his new position as the racquetball pro at Highlands Ranch. The former founding President of the Orange County Racquetball Association, he has over thirty years of industry expertise, along with plenty of good on-court stories to share!

A former national doubles champion, state singles titlist and instructor for over twenty years, Bill also helped design and operate three of the largest racquetball health clubs in Orange County, California. In his latest role, Bill will work closely with the Highlands Ranch community to improve HCRA racquetball programs by teaching juniors, adult, and women’s clinics, overseeing all shuttles and leagues, plus offering private, semi-private, and group lessons in the state's largest tournament facility.

CRA SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS ENTRY DOWNLOADS & REGISTRATION • RFTC Dueling Doubles • RacquetBOO at Big House (Lynmar) • CRA State Doubles CRA on Facebook

CRA Rollout, Fall 2011

THE BOARD REPORT | by Sarah Warhaftig It’s hard to believe that another year of racquetball has begun, but with a fast approaching season and two tournaments already under our belts, the CRA is jam-packed rolling into the fall.

HATE TO REFEREE ... ?

You're not alone, since many players dread being called to the table for that duty. But the CRA may have found the winning ticket to ease your pain!

The Peerless Tire Shootout Series enjoyed a successful launch at Highlands Ranch, and the first-ever week-long tournament at the DAC included a finals party tied in with the club's Back to the DAC event downtown. Bruce Burkland's traditional Killer Open followed closely in October, ahead of the Dueling Doubles at Littleton YMCA. And with the re-opening of Big House Sports (formerly Lynmar) we return to old stomping grounds for a Halloween themed tournament.

Have your pens and calendars ready, start filling up those dates and be sure to check out the full calendar on the CRA website.

A new incentive program will issue raffle tickets to referrees for each match they call. As matches get tougher in semifinal and final matches, "bonus" tickets will be added to increase your chances to win! At the end of the tournament weekend, referees will be eligible to win some great drawing prizes.

Don't know how to call a game? The CRA Board's own Head Referee, Dave Stone, will continue to offer referee programs throughout the season at clubs (as well as during scheduled tournament play), that are designed to educate and empower the referee whenever they pick up the court microphone, or take to the rafters.

Still hate the thought of reffing? The CRA values the time referees give to matches and has developed an incentive program that will leave lucky referees walking away with gifts and prizes. Check out the sidebar for details on an exciting new program designed to make it MUCH more fun!

The CRA continues to improve tournaments, develop volunteer program directors and challenge everyone to continue to support the growth of the game. We look forward to seeing many of you on the courts during this upcoming season.

CRA JUNIOR FOCUS | TEAM COLORADO Launched One of the CRA's most pressing goals this year is growth in our junior programs, to ensure that the sport continues on with a younger generation. With help from former board member Deb Beldring, a newly revamped Team Colorado initiative has been formed, that will provide both High School and junior level programs across Denver.

The program is scheduled to begin on October 24 at many facilities, and we need your help bringing juniors to the courts. The High School league will run ladders, offer instruction and host monthly interscholastic meets. Younger players will also have opportunities for weekly instruction with monthly shootouts, tournaments and play dates. Check out the website to download signup forms and to choose the best facility for your junior player.

The High School Racquetball program has two tracks depending on the level of commitment by participants. Teams of four players (multiple teams can come from one school), will practice, get instruction, cross train, participate in referee training, and receive a league t-shirt. These teams will compete and scrimmage other high schools.

High School club teams will play in ladders and shuttles, and in a league that's designed for players who are just starting out and wanting to form a club at their school. They'll learn basic rules, get t-shirts and awards - and can

CRA Rollout, Fall 2011

upgrade and form teams to compete when they feel ready.

used individually to buy equipment or attend events.

The High School program is matched with a grant program that invites college club players to mentor and help coach the juniors, then allows the undergrad to be reimbursed for their time, with funds to support the college club team or

Thanks go to Deb Beldring for spearheading this initiative and to our healthy list of volunteer coaches - we appreciate everyone's time and considerable effort!

KNOW YOUR RULES ! by Dave Stone As an avid fan of all racquet sports, I watched the 2011 US Open Tennis Championship, and marvelled at the number of calls that were made correctly. Granted, they have several line judges, a chair umpire, and a “spot shot” instant replay system to decide appeals. But the chair umpires are especially confident and knowledgeable, as illustrated by the disputed hindrance call against Serena in the women’s finals. Despite the pressure of the moment, the chair umpire made a correct call on a rarely enforced rule that parallels a penalty hinder call in racquetball. Not only was Serena unacquainted with the rule, the long-time tennis commentators were unfamiliar, relying instead on confirmation from the head official.

Given that racquetball matches are typically officiated by only one individual, this incident begs the question, “How well do racquetball players know the rules?” [ full article ] FROM THE PRESIDENT | by Marcia Richards ... Get the Game into You ...

Grant Hill the basketball player said, “You don’t get into the game as much as the game gets into you.” I think this is true for many racquetball players. Thirty years ago the game became a part of me and I was hooked instantly. I know that for most people (whenever they get a chance to play!) they have fun, get a great workout, and - like most of us - begin to crave the next time we hit the court. Then why is it so hard for us to build grass roots programs?

I have been on racquetball boards for many years and the issues of grass roots and the lack of women in the game is as real today as it was 20-25 years ago. What seems to be the missing link? Unlike tennis, you can start playing right away; but, also unlike tennis, we do not have enough instructors, teachers, and programmers. Facility management is just not willing to pay someone to do the work.

So ... without paid staff to run programs, teach, and promote our sport, then maybe WE need to volunteer our services and fill some of the gaps. If we all pitch in and spread out the time needed - among all the players at your club - then I know, together we can do it!

As mentioned earlier in the newsletter, the CRA is getting ready to launch a new Junior Racquetball Program that provides opportunities for young people to be introduced to and participate in the sport through sanctioned events and activities. At the highest level, "Team

FROM THE EDITOR Whenever the subject of hospitality comes up at a CRA board meeting, a chill goes up my spine. As a player, it's nice to grab something at the venue - especially since I tend to feel trapped when I get a good parking space. But I'm there to play, not dine, so anything edible is fine by me.

But - on the flip side - if I had to actually prepare meals for 100or-so ravenous players (3x a day for a full weekend?!), I'd never raise my hand for that duty. And I mean ... never. Nor would I want to even think of how much it would cost for catering ...!

It's frightening to even think about hosting a small, 12person dinner party (or BBQ) in your own home - much less

CRA Rollout, Fall 2011

Colorado" will continue to develop and support participants who travel to national high school competitions, junior worlds ... and has produced our own national champions, like Adam and Erica Manilla, Nick Riffle, and many more!

For up-and-coming younger players, programs are still being developed and both Dan Davis and Sarah Warhaftig are working with 12 and under players. If you'd like to to volunteer even one hour of your time working with any of these groups please email Deb Beldring at the Denver Athletic Club.

feed a small army on a shoestring, without a kitchen!

So that's why I can't say enough nice things about April Settell, who's been volunteering (repeatedly!) to coordinate hospitality at major CRA events for years. I just don't know how she does it, and all I can say is ... OMG ... thank you!! — Linda Mojer

NATIONAL NEWS | by Larry Haemmerle The 16th Annual U.S. Open Racquetball Championships have concluded, after hosting over 690 players, including 17 of our own Colorado competitors. Each year this premier event features one of the very best opportunities to experience top level play that racquetball has to offer, with the showcase matches being held on the USA Racquetball portable court. This marvel of engineering is carried piece by piece into the Target Center facility and assembled (by Colorado Springs' own Eddie Meredith) to create an unparalleled viewing experience. This year, Kane Waselenchuk set a record that will be hard to surpass, by winning his 7th U.S. Open title.

At the same time, Colorado’s Woody Clouse also set a new record by not losing a game and winning his third straight CPRT U.S. Open title. I watched each of Woody’s matches in last year’s event and by repeating that same focus and determination, he's brought the title back to Colorado once again.

This is also the first national event to use the new doubles ranking and seeding system that has long been in development. I met with the system’s designer at the U.S. Open and learned that some of the system has already been populated, based upon historical data.

More matches will be added as they are played and further testing will be conducted. He shared the system concept and it seems to be plausible, with individual doubles rankings for every player. The overall concept is somewhat complex, but please feel free to ask me for more details the next time you see me. Hopefully, the system will be successful and rolled out to the rest of the country in the near future.

On a personal note, I was unanimously re-elected as the Vice President of USA Racquetball. The overwhelming support I received from the racquetball community this past week at the U.S. Open was truly humbling. As always, I'll continue to work hard at the State and National levels.

The current economic situation that we have all been experiencing hasn’t left racquetball untouched. Memberships are down nationwide and the financial situation has been difficult during the leaner summer months. In fact, the USA Racquetball administrative offices have been closed on Fridays for a number of weeks in an effort to control costs. Hopefully, the excitement of a new season of racquetball will overcome the negative effects of our down economy and memberships will quickly rebound. As for our own “home turf”, we are well positioned in Colorado to provide a great upcoming racquetball season and are already discussing how we can improve our events. We look forward to seeing all of you on the courts!

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