CRA Rollout, Winter 2013

CRA Rollout, Winter2013

Read the CRA Rollout Online at ColoradoRacquetball.com

The Colorado Racquetball Association Quarterly ENews

Winter 2013

RACQUET FOR THE CURE XIV: February 8-9 Play with a purpose on the weekend after SuperBowl Complications last year - on both the weather and national fronts didn't keep the 13th annual Racquet for the Cure event from pulling off another successful fundraiser for the Denver Affiliate of Komen for the Cure.

Organizers plan to do it again this year ... if you'll get ready for another concentrated day-and-a-half of major fun and celebration, coming right up in a few weeks!

Founded in 2000, Denver’s original Racquet for the Cure now celebrates fourteen consecutive years of giving, education and competition - along with a combined total donation of over $80,000 to the cause of defeating breast cancer in our lifetimes.

We kick off with a special Mixed Doubles Benefit Fundraiser on Friday, followed by Women’s division play all day on Saturday at the Highlands Ranch Recreation Center. At the same time, a Men’s one-day Shootout is played on Saturday at a nearby venue. ENTER Today >> Colorado's own Shirley Parsons was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer in the months since the last RFTC - and is already back on the courts, winning as usual!

In this issue: • Racquet for the Cure • Mile High Pro-Am • Club & Tourney Update NEW DATE for State Singles February 28 - March 3 • Upcoming Events • Board News • Know your Rules • From the President • From the Editor • National News Past Event Results: • State Doubles • Killer Open • Colorado Madness • Blizzard Bash

CRA Rollout, Winter2013

Her personal account of triumph is inspirational, and we'll help celebrate her remarkable recovery next month!

Want to help? RFTC welcomes sponsorship funds to help offset the cost of hosting an event that has become well-known for top-notch hospitality, event souvenirs and prizes - along with special fundraising offers. With help from corporate and individual sponsors, we are able to treat our entrants and guests to a first-rate event, to which they respond – in turn – with pink-ribbon charitable donations. Find out more about how to sponsor or donate >>

CLUB & TOURNEY UPDATE | STATE SINGLES at APEX ... February 28 - March 3 The CRA State Singles will be played at the Apex Racquetball & Fitness Center in Arvada at the end of February, marking the 40th Singles Championships in Colorado racquetball history. That's right ...

Colorado players have been competing to name the best player in the state since 1974, when a handful of divisions were played, reflecting the competitive arena of the times.

Look for these 2012 skill champions to defend: Open: Adam Manilla & Sarah Warhaftig* Elite: Jason Korn & Erika Manilla A: Matt Simpson & Sandy Ranch B: Tim Hall & Emily Stanton C: Steven Helling [ see full results ]

In age division play, these defending champs should be on hand to claim top seed positions: Jason Korn (M25 +), Mike O'Brien (M30+), Ray Cordero (M45+), Rico Southee (M50+), Kyle Kamalu (M55+), Geoffrey Drissel (M60+), Gordon Levy (M65+), Bill Copeland (M70) ... Chantal Anderson (W25+ runner up to Warhaftig*), Debbie Beldring (W45+). *relocated out of state :(

CRA Rollout, Winter2013

MILE HIGH PRO AM | March 21-24 The Denver Athletic Club will host the second annual Mile High Pro-Am in March, featuring a Tier 1 stop for the men's pro International Racquetball Tour. Denver area players and fans are excited to host an official tour stop on the circuit, which will showcase the best racquetball players in the world as they compete for $17,500 in prize money in the IRT Pro Singles Division.

In addition, the Mile High Pro-Am offers both men's and women's singles and doubles divisions, fully sanctioned by USAR/CRA. This IS NOT a PRO ONLY event; all participants must have current USAR/CRA memberships to participate in the amateur divisions - and you can enter today >> Want to get closer than courtside ... ? On Thursday, March 21, event sponsors will be invited to take part in the PRO/ AM Sponsor Doubles Challenge/VIP Reception from 6:308:30p. For this special event, 8 of the Top IRT pros will be paired with 8 selected tournament sponsors and supporters for a spirited playoff. If you're interested in participating in the Pro/Am doubles, please contact Debbie Beldring or donate online.

CRA SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS ENTRY DOWNLOADS & REGISTRATION • Racquet for the Cure | enter online • CRA State Singles - Feb 28 - March 3 • 2013 Mile High Pro-Am - March 21-24 • Rocky Mountain Regional in April CRA on Facebook

THE BOARD REPORT The CRA Board of Directors is made up of 12 eager-beaver volunteers who have committed to "promoting involvement and awareness through the support of Colorado Racquetball" ... which means trying to make the state's tournament play be the best that it can, given extremely limited resources. From data entry, draw prep and grilling burgers ... to accounting, marketing and herding cats ... a successful board requires a wide range of skillsets.

FOUR DECADES OF COLORADO RACQUETBALL ... The earliest records named two champions in 1974 - when the first CRA State Singles Championships was played in the A Division: Don Edwards & Nancy Gerou.

Once elected, board members serve three-year terms, and are then browbeat severely until they agree to seek re-election. If and when they escape (er ... rotate off), added seats are made available for new blood.

This year, we have one escapee (Sarah Warhaftig, who has fled the state rather than run), and one veteran who may be nearing the end of her

Official recordbooks remain spotty, so if you have any old news clippings, trophies or other memorabilia that might

CRA Rollout, Winter2013

therapy / community service obligation / rope.

Kindly enough, one former board member - Ben Kincses - has stepped forward to fill out the remainder of Sarah's term, which ends this spring. If you, as players, are kind to him as he test-drives a couple of tournament desks over the coming weeks, we may be able to convince him to also reclaim a seat on the board.

At the end of each of her terms, Linda Mojer is often willing to consider relinquishing her seat to anyone who can fill a particular need in the lineup. Sarah served as the board secretary, a content contributor and drawmaster; Linda manages the CRA website, produces the Rollout, knows how to sew and can sometimes fix the wireless router.

help fill in the holes, please let us know!

No matter what you like to do – it’s a good bet that CRA offers a way to show off your skills. So shall we sign you up? It's an easy way to help the sport continue to thrive throughout Colorado in the New Year!

Just contact any board member to volunteer!

So what's your skillset - and how can you apply your talents to service on the CRA Board of Directors? If you're interested, it's easy to get started by volunteering - which will get some practice under your belt and prep you for 2014, when six terms come to a close. We'd truly welcome your expertise!

KNOW YOUR RULES ! Safety First

by Dave Stone The sport of racquetball has inherent hazards due to multiple bodies in a limited space and a ball travelling at high velocity. How many players are struck with a ball or racquet during each tournament? My son received eight stitches after being struck with a racquet in the mouth. Additionally, there are court hazards that can wreak havoc on the body … ask Alvaro Beltran what a wet spot on the floor will do for your knees.

In this article I will discuss the equipment necessary to ensure safety, and the application of rules designed to promote safe play. Read the full article >>

FROM THE PRESIDENT | by Marcia Richards ... Ways to Kick-Start your New Year...

What are you going to do now to make sure you have your best year ever playing racquetball? What one thing will make the difference in actually achieving your goals rather than chalking them up to yet another dissapointing season? Here are just a few things to think about, to get you started.

Expand your game with new experiences ...

Each month, commit to doing something new and notice how it affects your game. Try aerobic exercise for 30 minutes, listen to only positive music, get eight hours of sleep, drink 10 glasses of water, take a nap, or listen to a motivational CD on the way to work.

FROM THE EDITOR Since it's the new year (and everyone with a resolution is hitting the health clubs) it's likely that you're seeing plenty of new faces on the court.

That's good for the sport, to be sure, but what truly bugs me is just what Dave talks about in this issue's safety article. Why on earth would anyone risk losing an eye playing racquetball with street glasses (wire rimmed, no less?!!)?

CRA Rollout, Winter2013

Start a practice plan ... If you’ve been toying with the idea of getting better for a while, it’s time to do something about it. Write down your ideas and start working on a plan. Find a mentor ... Get someone to help you with your game, show you the ropes and take your game to the next level.

Give back ... You can’t delight everybody all the time but you can do something extraordinary for someone. Find a facility or program, grab a relative or friend and do something remarkable by exposing them to a game that has given you so much! Donate your time to help start a kids program or start an introductory racquetball clinic for new members.

Step out of the box. If you only play local events your game will stagnate. Traveling to "mix it up" with different players can give you new insight on what might be missing from your game. If you play the same few players every week - or only compete in tournaments or leagues now and then - try stepping out to play in other regions or even head out to a neighboring state for a fresh experience. National Masters is in Tucson >>

So here's the upshot: what your optometrist told you about the strength & safety of those polycarbonate lenses doesn't matter. It's the FRAME that has to absorb ball impact! The only thing wireframes are good for on court - is to make a lovely eye-kabob.

I don't want to be the one to blind you with a mis-hit ... since I'm pretty sure that would make me quit the game altogether.

So it just doesn't seem fair that we should both have to pay for your mistake. Think it over! Linda Mojer

NATIONAL NEWS | by Larry Haemmerle I recently attended the Junior World Championships held in Canoga Park, California. If you haven't attended any of the premier Junior events, you should try to add one to your schedule. As someone who's coached Juniors at major events in the past, I always enjoy seeing our youth on the courts.

Colorado was well represented at Junior Worlds by parents, coaches, spectators and volunteers - but most notably by premier players Adam and Erika Manilla. Each of them trained very hard and their level of play and sportsmanship was exemplary. Adam competed in the 16 and under singles and doubles, while Erika - who had graduated from the Esprit divisions and was playing on the full National Team for her first time - played in the 14 and under singles and doubles.

In his singles semifinal, Adam was running away with the first game when he seriously aggravated a previous soccer injury. Despite a prolonged delay while Adam attempted to recover, at no time did his opponent or his coach complain. When Adam did try to continue, it was obvious he was only going to be able to hop on one foot, in the hope of getting to the end of the first game and receiving additional treatment. Throughout the effort, his opponent showed no pleasure in serving out points and his supporters suppressed any cheering. When Adam and our coaches realized he couldn't continue, his opponent was both gracious and saddened by the turn of events.

CRA Rollout, Winter2013

It was a very difficult experience for Adam's parents, Victor and Nancy, as well as the rest of us, but everyone knew it was in his best interest. Based on his play in the previous matches, I felt he would have been heavily favored to win the Gold in both singles and doubles; however, he had to settle for double Bronze. I have no doubt he'll be back - even more determined - next year. [ photo: courtesy John Foust ] Erika's rookie showing as a full National Team member was incredible to watch. This young lady has developed into a world class competitor and you could tell she was very hungry to bring home the medals. She kept all of us on the edge of our seats by routinely battling back from deficits to win matches (in tiebreakers as often as not, it seemed!). The effort eventually caught up with her, and she also earned a double Bronze finish.

However, she probably should have received a Gold medal as the most spirited spectator, since her team spirit was only matched by the volume of her cheering. Even though Avril and I were downstairs in the venue, we could hear her cheering all the way from the upper level. Well done, Erika - we're confident you will be a force to be reckoned with in the future!

The 2013 National Junior Olympics will be held in Des Moines, Iowa. I highly recommend attending the event and cheering for all who attempt to qualify for the Junior National Team. USA took the Silver medal at the 2012 World Junior Championships and will be working toward the Gold in 2013 ... so let's support our Colorado Juniors in their part of this important quest!

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