CRA Rollout, Summer 2012

CRA Rollout, Summer 2012

Read the CRA Rollout Online at ColoradoRacquetball.com

The Colorado Racquetball Association Quarterly ENews

Summer 2012

PETERSON AFB WINS PEPSI CUP

by Richard Romero [ CRA Best Sportsmanship Winner ] The 27th Annual Pepsi Cup Winner is The Peterson Air Force Base Racquetball Team. But “Peterson AFB Racquetball Team” is a misnomer.

While they play mainly at Peterson, the 2012 team is comprised of members from Peterson AFB, Fort Carson, Downtown YMCA (aka Pike’s Peak YMCA), the Air Force Academy, Schriever AFB, Big House Sports (aka Lynmar), and Buckley AFB. How does a diverse band of players form a team? What common thread binds and bonds them? Part of the answer lies in the team being affiliated in one way or another with military service and having a love for the game of racquetball. It is easy to make that connection. In racquetball and in the military you learn to serve. Both involve exercising and training. And finally, each player or service member can be an individual but two or more can unite to form a team.

The Peterson AFB Team owes their win to two main factors. Number one is the family, friends, and fellow players who supported their tireless hours for the love of the game. Second, the winning team acknowledges that all of the other Pepsi Cup teams challenged and pushed Peterson with their passion for this sport. Each of these factors empowered and inspired the Peterson AFB Team toward achieving their goal.

In this issue: • New Pepsi Cup Winners • 2012-13 Season Calendar • Club & Tourney Update • Upcoming Events • Board News • Junior Corner • Know your Rules • From the President • From the Editor • National News Past Event Results: • Mile High Pro Am • Regional / State • Cinco de Mayo • Pepsi Cup View the PEPSI CUP TEAM PHOTO and read more about the roster players >>

While the Pepsi Cup will be with the Peterson Team for a year, they acknowledge that - for 26 years - other teams were tested, persisted among their peers, and crossed the field of battle like gladiators in the arena. The other teams gave a “thumbs up” to the way the gladiators met the challenge to be victorious. And the gladiators responded with respect for the challengers who played with integrity and dignity. [ more ]

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CRA Rollout, Summer 2012

NEW SEASON CALENDAR RELEASED The 2012-13 CRA calendar features sanctioned local event dates throughout the season, plus national event info for those who take their games on the road. Download a PDF of the new season calendar to post at your club, and fold one up to slip into your bag.

Note to Tournament Directors! Remember that you'll need to complete the sanctioning process in order to have your events listed on the official calendar page. Once that's done, and your tournament is set up on R2 Sports, you'll be able to begin promoting your event and taking online registrations.

CLUB & TOURNEY UPDATE World Senior Master Championship ... Just down the road a bit - in Albuquerque over Labor Day weekend "veteran" players (35-90) can enjoy great socializing, full ROI (in hospitality alone!), and plenty of world-class play against opponents from 18+ countries. Played in round robin formats for all divisions, you call your own games, with most matches scheduled back to back so you are not stuck at the club all day and you never have to referee. Locate the entry form on the IRF Facebook page and register online by the August 1 entry deadline.

Good Sport ... After being honored for her great on-court attitude, Lucy Jirik wrote: I wanted to drop a note to thank you, the board and CRA players for the sportsmanship award. I am awed, honored and humbled by receiving the award. It just makes me remember that competing furiously, playing fair and have fun is what makes Racquetball and the people playing it the greatest.

Denver Athletic Club News: In June, Ralph Graham was awarded the DAC Master Male Athlete of the Year award, sharing the limelight with Colorado Professional Athlete of the year Von Miller of the Denver Broncos and Lifetime Achievement Athlete Dave Logan. Ralph was recognized for a number of sports, but primarily racquetball. Elsewhere, coming up ... ●

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July 9-25 and July 30-August 15: Junior Racquetball Summer Camp, open to kids aged 8-12 and 13-16, from 11a-Noon on Mondays/Wednesdays. Cost is $25/mbrs and $50/non-mbrs.

July 10 and each Tuesday for the rest of the summer: Adam Manilla and Debbie Beldring will offer Skills, Drills, and Strategies sessions on Tuesdays at 6p. Free to members; $10/non-mbrs.

July 16: Summer leagues are $20 for members and $50/non-mbrs for 7-8 weeks of play - a great deal, including the best league wrap-up party, with enormous pizzas and plenty of beer!

August 11: Hot August Night Racquetball Blast – one-day shootout, with singles and doubles roundrobins, plus food and beverages. $10/event for members, $20/event for non-mbrs.

August 16-20: Elite Racquetball Camp with Coach Jim Winterton, top WPRO Rhonda Rajsich, and former WPRO and sports psychologist Jo Shattuck. This is for serious game improvements!

August 21 and onwards: The DAC courts will be undergoing improvements, with court resurfacing likely, along with glass/surface work to alleviate “disappearing” balls.

March 21-24, 2013: The second annual Mile High Racquetball Pro/Am will be an IRT tier 1 pro stop and a great sponsorship opportunity, promoting to players, as well as ~2000 DAC members.

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CRA Rollout, Summer 2012 ●

For more information, please contact Debbie Beldring at 720-931-6812.

Highlands Ranch ... announced Summer/Fall Leagues and they fill up quickly. All registration deadlines are 72 hours before the beginning of each league, with online registration for HRCA members available at www. hrcaonline.org or call 303-471-8950. HRCA mbr cost is $55; $63 for non-mbrs. Sign up now for: ● ● ● ● ●

July 30 - October 1: Monday Night "A" League - 7-8PM | Activity # 721721-AN July 31 - October 2: Tuesday Night "B" League - 7-8PM | Activity # 721721-BN August 1 - October 3 : Wednesday Night "B/C" League - 7-8PM | Activity # 721721-CN August 2 - October 4: Thursday Night "C" League - 7-8PM | Activity # 721721 DN For more information, please contact Bill Fearing at 949-510-2989.

CRA SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS ENTRY DOWNLOADS & REGISTRATION • Rocky Mountain State Games • International Racquetball Federation World Senior Master Championships • United Healthcare US OPEN CRA on Facebook

THE BOARD REPORT | by Sarah Warhaftig Congratulations to the winners of the 2012 CRA Annual Player Awards, after elections were conducted on site at State Singles: Best Club Facility: Denver Athletic Club Best Tournament Director: Deb Beldring Most Improved Junior : Erika Manilla Most Improved / Female: Emily Stanton Most Improved / Male: Parker Bremner Best Sportsmanship / Female: Lucy Jirik Best Sportsmanship / Male: Richard Romero Fond Farewell ... I want to thank everyone in the Colorado racquetball community for their love and support of me and my passion to play racquetball.

In March, I was offered a great career opportunity in San Francisco, accepted the position, and as a result, I'll be moving there in August. I feel very fortunate to have begun my career here, and after a few moves elsewhere, I was thrilled to return to those roots in 2010.

VOTE MUCH ... ? Separate online voting was conducted to elect four CRA board members to three-year terms, including: Ralph Graham, Larry Haemmerle, Deven Naik and Joe Williams.

Special thanks to outgoing director Mark Sikorski, who vacated a board seat in the current cycle, after many years of service to CRA.

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CRA Rollout, Summer 2012

In 2003 I started playing at Lynmar in Colorado Springs, and was steered in the right direction to play competitively. I really came to love this sport (some days more than others) but ultimately, it became part of me, and I feel that Colorado is home to my true racquetball family.

So I'd like to thank a few people who have supported me both on and off the court. Linda Mojer took my very first phone call to the USRA office, answered my questions about how to become a competitive player and pointed me in the direction of some great people. Most importantly, she's given me a balanced view on competition and on life. Lori Inskeep helped me keep the fun in competition, by constantly reminding me that it's just a game and to always smile on the court!

No matter what you like to do – it’s a good bet that CRA offers plenty of opportunities to show off your skills. So shall we sign you up? We’d love to have you on the team to help the sport continue to thrive throughout Colorado in 2012!

Just contact any board member to volunteer!

My "real" family is spread all over the country, but I feel as though the Manilla's have become a second family to me here in Colorado. I value the time I've spent with Victor, Nancy, Adam and Erika on the court and around the dinner table. Thank you for you valuable conversation and boundless generosity!

I've also had some great training partners who have pushed me to improve: Deb Beldring, Erika Manilla, and Kevin Holmes have all taken time to play, practice and drill with me - providing plenty of challenge and sharing their devotion to the game at the same time.

Marcia Richards has become one of my most important mentors, by sharing her expertise in my career development, my personal life, and of course, in racquetball. She's helped me see positives in each of these endeavors, and I value her wisdom greatly.

Being a competitive person by nature (maybe that's obvious?), when I picked up this game, I knew I wanted to improve quickly. I was very blessed to have a phenomenal coach in Jo Shattuck >>, who took time away from her own training and career to help me elevate my game.

Anyone who has ever had the privilege of working with Jo knows that her expertise and knowledge of the game is among the best in the country! She's a top-notch coach, a great person, and above all else, an amazing friend. Thank you!

Editor's Note: We'll all miss Sarah's smiling face at tournament desks this season - as she begins her new career venture in California. Since her departure also leaves an opening on the Board of Directors - where we'll need someone to serve as the Secretary (and Treasurer?) - we're seeking a replacement right away. If those duties are in your skillset, contact Marcia Richards to discuss options. Good luck Sarah!

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CRA Rollout, Summer 2012

CRA JUNIOR FOCUS | Colorado Players Bring Home National Titles The 39th National Junior Olympic Championships followed closely on the heels of National Singles, at the Meridian Sports Club in Fullerton, California in late June - where Colorado fielded a seven-player roster of outstanding youngsters.

Led by veteran junior competitors Adam and Erika Manilla (pictured at left; photo courtesy John Foust), the group included Zach Pellowski, Will Metherd, Daniel Ullrich, Fausto Santana, and Nick Riffel - who represented our state extremely well.

The medal count included three gold medals for Adam (16- singles and doubles, 18- mixed doubles) and two for Erika (14- singles and doubles), along with respectable finishes by Will Metherd (16- qtrs), Zach Pellowski (16- & 18- round of 16), Nick Riffel (18- dbls & 18- mixed dbls, third), Fausto Santana (14- & 16- round of 16) and Daniel Ullrich (18- mixed dbls conso/third). View all the results and match details >> ALSO ... Please share any junior programs you have running with Marcia Richards, so CRA can coordinate them. If you are interested in a high school program, now is the time to start planning. We'll run another High School League this winter, starting in January, and are looking for more schools and facilities to get started in November with organizing and training.

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CRA Rollout, Summer 2012

KNOW YOUR RULES ! by Dave Stone In this column, I'd like to share the following "Pooh, Pooh" article, authored by Gary Mazaroff, long-time Director of the American Professional Racquetball Organization (AmPRO), which illustrates the danger in modifying the rules of racquetball based on personal preference and/or interpretation. I frequently hear statements from club players like, “we don’t play by that rule.” I urge all racquetball players to seriously consider the importance of knowing and upholding the official rules of the game. The next generation of players will learn the rules based on what is modeled by the seasoned players. Know, and play by ALL the rules - all the time.

Gary reminds us that: At one time players could only bounce the ball up to three times in the service zone before serving the ball, go shirtless or shoeless, and serve hundreds of screens consecutively without any penalty. These infractions are no longer tolerated according to the current rules of the game. Rules changes have evolved for decades and we ought to be aware of them. [ full article ]

FROM THE PRESIDENT | by Marcia Richards ... Think "Iceberg" for a Solid Base ...

What are the incentives that keep you coming back to the game ... keep you interested in competitive events ... keep you motivated?

For me it is consistent competition on given days or weekends. I love the workout you get from a competitive match, whether it's in a league, a pickup match, a ladies day, or national competition. I also appreciate the lifelong friendships I've made, and the camaraderie of a regular group of players whose games I respect, and whose company I enjoy - on and off the court.

Could this be what makes the Pepsi Cup such a lasting event after 27 years?

The team concept sets it apart since, for most adults, our team sport days of softball, basketball or volleyball are long gone. But recalling how it feels to be a part of something bigger is compelling - and for those who never played a team sport, this experience is pretty darn close. Pepsi Cup draws groups together to work toward a common goal. Over the years this tournament has adapted to the changing parameters of facilities with fewer courts and shorter hours. But it still takes a team of players to earn the trophy. The stronger the base that makes up the team, the more its players will rise to the top.

Picture an iceberg. The bulk of its power lies below the surface. Ninety percent is below the tip that's seen above the waterline. This years’ Pepsi Cup was the largest event in Colorado this season, and the biggest turnout in many years. It was a huge undertaking for the tournament staff at both facilities. Nowadays we can't schedule matches late into the night to fit them all in. Despite more restrictions than ever before - but with the help of many volunteers and understanding on the part of the participants - we get through.

FROM THE EDITOR Each spring, the CRA begins working with tournament directors to preview 18 months of playing options - and this season calendar is a good example of cooperative effort.

In each month of 2012-13 you'll be able to compete in a sanctioned event, run by an experienced TD like Brent Anderson, Dan Beaudry, Debbie Beldring, Bruce Burkland, Bill Fearing or Eddie Meredith. Their willingness to do the hard work of organizing and hosting tournaments is what builds a strong competitive season for players like you.

As a team, the entire CRA Board also volunteers for long hours and tough duty in supporting State Singles & Doubles, Regionals, Racquet for the Cure and Pepsi Cup. From processing entries, reviewing rankings for seeding, constructing fair draws and scheduling court time ... to figuring out how to feed 100+

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CRA Rollout, Summer 2012

The CRA works much like the iceberg. Most of the work goes unseen by the players. Each year we add new board members, whose first eye-opener is realizing just how much time and effort goes into hosting an event ... ANY event. So when you see new faces (like Ralph Graham and Joe Williams) at the check-in desk, be sure to let them know how much you appreciate what they do for you. Then you can keep coming back - and so will they - and maybe you'll even consider volunteering ... just one time!

players a couple of times a day, over an entire weekend serving as a TD is nobody's idea of a picnic.

By any standard,TD's deserve your thanks - each and every time you check in for a match this coming season! - Linda Mojer

NATIONAL NEWS | by Larry Haemmerle The 2012 National Singles are now history. Following the event each year, our USA National Team is named and this year will be attending the World Championships in the Dominican Republic. Of particular note is the qualification of Cheryl Gudinas for her 20th National Team spot. The remainder of the women's team is comprised of Rhonda Rajsich (who will be competing in both singles and doubles) and Kim Waselenchuk.

The men's team being fielded is Rocky Carson, Jose Rojas, Jansen Allen, and Colorado's own Tony Carson. The team will be coached by Dave Ellis. Fundraising for expenses is a key component in sending our team to represent our country. I would encourage everyone to visit the USA Racquetball website and consider donating to our National Team. Every dollar counts and is sincerely appreciated by the players!

The final event of the season was the National Junior Olympics in Fullerton, California at the same site as the National Singles. Colorado was well represented and, as of this writing, our seven-member roster of players have already moved through the draws and made us all proud!

I hope everyone has a great summer and will be well prepared for the fall. The first National event of the season is also the largest - the United Healthcare US Open. It will be held in Minneapolis and will feature many of the best amateurs in the world as well as the IRT, WPRO, and CPRT. Colorado's own Woody Clouse will be seeking his unprecedented fourth straight US Open title. If you've never attended one of these premiere events, this is truly one of the best. Hope to see all of you on the courts! [ Following the annual meeting held at National Singles, Larry Haemmerle was tapped to lead USA Racquetball as President of its Board of Directors. Congrats! ] Copyright Š Colorado Racquetball Association | With Substance, Inc. If you wish to cancel your subscription to this newsletter, manage your USAR preferences here

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