Tournament Trail Juniors RFTC Results Rankings CRA Board
SPRING 2006 EDITION www.ColoradoRacquetball.com
Denver Pro Players
Bridging the Gap
C
by Marcia Richards
CRA stands for the Colorado Racquetball Association, but as I look toward a third term as president, I think it means: Commitment to Renew the Alliance. All volunteer organizations are only as strong as their membership, and I can honestly say that the current CRA board is the most committed group I have worked with in my 30 years of involvement in this sport. I'm surrounded by strong people who can each do something that I would never be able to do alone. Before State Singles each year, we seek nominations for board members and conduct an election to keep or add to the group. Every year our membership lets this process come and go without much attention. I can only hope that this means our player base likes what they see, and that a "no vote" is a vote of confidence in what we've been doing. At the same time, people want to help out and we (hopefully) act on those urges when they occur, by giving people a chance to do the things that need to be done. Right now there is something each and every player can do to give back - by acting as a liaison for someone that doesn't know what it's like to play this sport we all love so much. It's a way to build on last year's theme of "working together" as we shift into this season's focus of "bridging the gap." The CRA is an organization that guides competitive player events, but the reality is that our work is much broader. In my role, I represent the interests of all players -- from young and old, to recreational and cross trainers -- as I try to build stepping stones that create interest and possibility. I want them to play now, or later in life; I want them to join a league, or enter a tournament. Our membership can achieve those same goals by introducing a co-worker, relative, or friend, to the benefits of this sport. Tell them how it's so easy to learn! Leave your old Rollouts or extra Racquetball magazines at your doctor or dentist's office for someone outside our community to pick up to read. You may be content with what the board is doing, but it's your dedication that can spark an interest and develop a rapport outside our current family of players. Wouldn't it be great to know that your club is so busy you always have to call and reserve a court, and that you can count on a variety of players from which to pick for your workouts each week? To see teenagers learning the game, to see parents and children playing as a family affair (like the Sikorskis can, and do!)? How about seeing courts reopen, instead of seeing them turned into storage areas for bikes and workout equipment? Help your club keep racquetball alive by jumpstarting programs and supporting your community of players - old and new. We need your Commitment to Renewing our Alliances with players and facilities. Give me a call if you want to be a part of this "CRA".
Jo Shattuck and Derek Robinson
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by Cindy Tilbury
ot every city is lucky enough to have a racquetball player who plays the pro tour, but the Denver metro area has TWO — Jo Shattuck and Derek Robinson. There are a few more who have played in past years and even a few more who have entered a pro tournament or two. Jo and Derek actually make a living off of our sport, so we wanted to put them in the spotlight in this edition of the Rollout.
Jo Shattuck is the top woman player in Colorado by a rather wide margin, which is remarkable because Jo did not have athletic role models Pros Jo Shattuck growing up. and Angela Grisar Her family was not sports-oriented or athletic, but she used it as an escape from all the usual scary childhood traumas. She started running in grade school; cross-country and track (mostly distance). She never did win anything beyond local events, but the need to compete against her self grew stronger. At age 15, she ran the Montreal marathon in 5 hours, 26 minutes 13 seconds. That isn't fast by any means, but the event taught her the process of dreaming of a continued on page 2...
Photo courtesy of Bruce Burkland
PRESIDENTS CORNER —
Denver Pro Players Jo Shattuck and Derek Robinson continued from Page 1...
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Photo courtesy of Bruce Burkland
goal, making a plan, training and then just doing it. She had bad asthma as a kid, so competitive running became difficult. Her mom signed her up for a racquetball league at 17 years old at the local club. She had never played before and she lost every match, not scoring more than 3 points per game. But she loved it. Six months later, she went off to college at Louisiana Tech, in northern Louisiana. She continued to play at the university recreation center. "I remember, the exact specific moment that I decided I wanted to be good. I was on the court practicing. I hit a forehand and realized that I really loved this game, and I enjoyed the feeling I got from excelling at something… I didn't even know there were Jo Shattuck instructing Goodsen players tournaments. I asked some of the guys who played if there were any racquetball "contests.' They told me about the amateur tournament circuit. So at 17 years old, I drove two hours to my first tournament all by myself. I entered as a women's C player. I brought my one glove, and my one racquet, my $12 K-Mart special-no bag. I won that division." Within 12 months of that tournament, she entered her first women's Open division. Jo currently trains and competes full-time on the WPRO Tour. She conducts clinics and camps all over the US, and does private one-on-one coaching through her company, Racquetball Academy - Campus Earth. In addition, she is ranked Number One in Colorado, and Number Eleven on the Women's Pro Tour. She is also the racquetball pro for both the Denver Athletic Club and Cherry Creek Athletic Club. You can visit her there and play one of her many tournaments. She can also be reached via her website www.racquetballacademy.com, or by phone at 303.949.7785. Here are two of her favorite quotes: "The difference between being Good or being Great is not a big one… It's a thousand little ones." And… "The only thing better than winning is coaching". -----You may not know Derek Robinson well, because In recent years as he was playing IRT pro stops he couldn't spend too much time in Denver. He just retired from playing all of the pro stops of the IRT Tour at the Motorola Pro Nationals in Chicago in April after a tenyear pro career. Derek has many amateur successes, as well, including six World Championships, four National Championships and four Collegiate Championships. Of course, his proudest moment was the first time he ever beat his dad at the game. Derek even met his wife through racquetball; he grew up in the Seattle area but was in Denver playing a pro stop at the Lakewood Athletic Club. His son and daughter are avid racquetball players in the state, taking a few lessons from Dad, but his wife and brother-in-law were accomplished during their junior Colorado racquetball years. Mother-in-law Marianne Alonzi runs racquetball programs at Lakewood clubs and contributes to the Rollout regularly. Although Derek will occasionally play IRT events, his real job is promoting racquetball for Wilson. "Wilson has given me the opportunity to share my knowledge of the game to thousands of people. Now we can share it on DVD to even more. The Big D Roadshow DVD will be available April 1, 2006 by emailing me at bigdracquetball@yahoo.com." While trying to find a good player for a future doubles tournament, I asked Derek who he prefers to pair up with. He told me that he had won two World titles and one National title with Todd O'Neil. "You dont mess with a good thing. Mixed— my wife of course!" Looks like we will be opponents and not partners in the future. When Derek is not out promoting racquetball and Wilson products, he enjoys golf and fishing. Derek Robinson in action.
LockerRoomTALK
by Dr. Splat
❏ Willie Tilton, who was a Colorado State Racquetball Player until "legally" October, and Woody Clouse have been selected to be a part of the U.S. Team representing the U.S. in Guatemala in April. They also made it to the round of 16s at the U.S Open. Congratulations Willie and Woody! ❏ The CRA recently recognized Harry Byerly for his outstanding tournament desk efforts at State Doubles and he recently pitched in again at the Racquet For The Cure tournament. It is volunteers like Harry Byerly, Rich Owens, Alan Bielgard and Board Member volunteers that keep the tournaments running so smoothly, and the CRA deeply values their help. ❏ The Colorado Athletic Club Aurora closed its doors on December 1, 2005, but we are all hoping it will open again soon under new management/ownership. Meanwhile, Aurora-based players are wandering from court-to-court looking for a home-away-from-home. John Foust, who was the program director at CACA, is currently at the CAC Monaco. Junior player practices are split between CAC Monaco and Heartwood Athletic Club on Saturdays. ❏ Jo Shattuck has added another set of duties to her already-busy schedule. She will coordinate racquetball programs at the Cherry Creek Athletic Club, as well as her regular Denver Athletic Club responsibilities. The Cherry Creek club has a rich history of 1970s/80s pro stop craziness; it will be nice to see some action over there again. ❏ Todd Good is our representative racquetball player in Iraq. He left for Iraq just after the summer outdoor tournament. His son, Chris, is one of our junior players and they played at CACA up until December 2005. Dan Davis sends him a boxes of used racquetballs for the big and little kids to play with over there. Check with Dan to see if he needs more used balls to send to Todd Good.
Seven Year Itch
H
For Ladies Only
by Jean Gallagher and Linda Mojer
L
eading into its 7th year, Denver's annual Racquet for the Cure benefit tournament went nationwide to attract the attention and support of players who - in turn - hosted companion fundraisers from coast to coast. The result was an incredible year of successful benefit events for the cure, and developments that promise to make the coming months even more exciting.
adies, do you want to play some racquetball with other ladies? For the past several months, lady racquetball players of all ages and abilities from the Denver metro area and Colorado Springs have been meeting once a month at various Front Range clubs to play on either a Saturday or Sunday morning. We have organized and open play for two to three hours and a potluck afterwards. The food is as good, if not better, than the racquetball!!!
At this year's founding event, the Denver Athletic Club venue hosted a satellite WPRO pro stop, which drew six top tour athletes to a grueling competition in the mile high city, and included a full schedule of promotional and fundraising events for the pros. They headlined clinics, gave exhibitions, donated equipment, time and effort - then dropped everything to pair up with Colorado's top male players for a spirited round of mixed doubles. Oh, and they played singles, too.
J. Fouts Sports/Photography
In their formal tour playoff, WPRO No.2 Rhonda Rajsich advanced into the final with a win over Kristin Walsh in four games, while No.3 Cheryl Gudinas took her semifinal win over Angela Grisar in a tough five. Top honors went to Rajsich after she outlasted Gudinas in their straight game final on Saturday afternoon. Earlier, DAC pro and No.11 ranked Johanna Shattuck had joined No.19 Vivian Gomez in filling out the opening round, along with local challengers Cindy Tilbury and Marcia Richards.
The Racquetball.com Pro-Am Mixed Doubles fundraiser invited local men's Open players to make a $100 donation to be paired with a pro player. Of the total division entry money, half was set aside for the grand prize and the other half earmarked for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Early on Superbowl Sunday, Travis Parrill and Chile's Angela Grisar took a tough win over John Rhodes and top Mexican southpaw Rhonda Rajsich dies to get Cheryl Gudinas’ shot Vivian Gomez for the cash and glory. Thanks go out to the guys for making this new division successful, plus so entertaining to watch. And a special thanks to Angela Grisar, who declined her winnings in order to donate them to the weekend's fundraising effort. Keeping with its "women's only" tradition on Saturday, ladies of all skill levels teamed up to challenge each other for the top spots in singles and doubles. Some showed up just for doubles, some just for singles, and some stretched it out with both. Packed into their playing schedules, they found time to watch the pro rounds, visit the sponsor and demo tables, take in a quick massage by Peg Snyder and gorge themselves on a fabulous lunch sponsored by nearby Littleton's Bear Rock Café.
Also, mark your calendars now! The 2007 Ladies Senior Masters Racquetball Championships will be held in Orlando at the Orlando Fitness Center on January 25 through 28. Linda Mojer would like to bring a large contingent of 35+ Colorado ladies to the club, because her dad is the manager! Mike Mojer and Jean Trimble are the tournament hosts/directors.
TIDBITSTIDBITS
J. Fouts Sports/Photography
continued on page 4...
Pro Rhonda Rajsich and the gang
If you would like more information or to be placed on the email list, please send an email to Tamera Schlegel at imtedious@msn.com. We've had a tremendous turnout for these events. Feel free to check it out and bring a friend. This is not a tournament, but an opportunity to get out and play, have fun and meet new people. Let's keep ladies' racquetball alive in Colorado!
More details will be available soon.
Among the many event souvenirs, each of the women received a complimentary pink grip, donated by Python Racquetball, which were put on at no charge by Travis and Scott Parrill of The Racquet, who also had pink strings available and offered a pink ribbon stencil for a special finishing touch.
Jean Gallagher and some of her many volunteers
by Tamera Schlegel
Racquetball is on television again. Wednesday nights on The Tennis Channel, you can watch the 2005 US Open Racquetball Tournament matches. Check your local listings. Not everyone gets The Tennis Channel, so you may want to tape it to share. Be sure you let The Tennis Channel know how much you appreciate them airing the top pro event of the year! Want to watch the pros play in person? Besides the Lynmar Classic in Colorado Springs, you can travel to any of the IRT Tour tournaments and play in the associated amateur events. Check the schedule of dates/cities at www.irt-tour.com!
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Seven Year Itch continued from Page 3...
J. Fouts Sports/Photography
At the end of the day, we all retired to the DAC's Grand Ballroom for an evening of camaraderie, guest speakers, silent auctions, prize awards and celebrations. Each of the evening's guest speakers were breast cancer survivors, who touched the crowd with stories about how their lives had changed after being diagnosed. Committee members shared more happy news, from how much the events have raised nationwide to date … to inspirational recollections of how the Komen Foundation was established in Peoria. From the audience, the DAC's CEO Mixed Pro Dubs Jo Shattuck/Dan Alonzi Andre van Hall and USAR Executive Director vs Cheryl Gudinas/Travis Parrill Jim Hiser were on hand to lend their support to the tournament's good work.
There is also a photo show from State Singles available on the CRA's website. Check it out at www.coloradoracquetball.com!!
J. Fouts Sports/Photography
To celebrate the day's team events, the procession of winners kicked off with Lindita Winters cruising the prize table to stumble on an Ektelon signature pink racquet that had been hidden among the dozens of items offered by sponsors and supporters. Door prizes were awarded to the playing couple that had been married the longest (Jessie and Enrique Carbajal), the player who traveled the farthest (Angela Grisar from Chile!) and the highest point earner for their team (Sara Sikorski, one of the four players in the family who had taken part). And finally, a spelling bee for those who thought they could spell Rajsich without any help, which went to Jo Shattuck, after no one in the crowd could get it quite right.
Harry Byerly, Special CRA Volunteer
MORE LockerRoomTALK
by Dr. Splat
❏ John Foust took some great photographs during the Racquet For The Cure tournament for the CRA. Maybe you would like to have some for yourself-they are available online at the following internet site: http://jwfoust.digitaleventsonline.com/gallery/?cat=17674 In addition, not only does John have hundreds of historical racquetball photographs, but he will also be taking future photos for our organization. If you don't see the photo you need, contact John Foust via the above website or www.jwfoust.com.
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J. Fouts Sports/Photography
Director Jean Gallagher has no time to watch Mixed Pro
www.RacquetForTheCure.com
❏ The outdoor racquetball season is just around the corner. Watch the CRA website (www.coloradoracquetball.com) for some summer tournaments where you can work on both your game and your tan in the same afternoon. ❏ Hey! The CRA is always looking for help in the form of volunteers. If you would like to contribute and want to figure out where you fit in the organization, please give the CRA a call.
All in all, the Denver founding event was a great success, raising the committee's personal best of $8,000 for the weekend, and reaching a cumulative total of $28,300 since its startup in 2000. Added to the $28,500 raised by the four recent events held in Peoria, Omaha, Cincinnati, and Petaluma, California, racquetball players have raised over $56,000 to fund breast cancer research and aid. Give yourselves a hand!
The RFTC Committee would like to thank all of the sponsors that helped make this event a success, and we invite you to view and acknowledge them by visiting www.racquetforthecure.com. On the site you'll be able to find a full sponsor list, a national calendar and event reports, plus a running archive of all the Denver results over the years, and a link to exclusive event photos by John Foust. Enjoy it online, and enjoy it in person Jeff Meyer at a Racquet for the Cure event near you!
❏ Dena Morrissey from Durango broke her arm in an automobile accident she had on the way to the Racquet For The Cure tournament. She returned to Durango for the surgery. We wish her well and are just glad it wasn't worse.
I
by Marcia Richards
would like to recognize a volunteer who has put in many hours behind the CRA tournament desk helping run our events. This man gives back to us in many manhours because he enjoys staying close to events, watching players, and just plain old likes to.
Harry Byerly was a member of the LAC tournament committee and with the LAC closing it's doors, Harry misses seeing the players. His community of friends or "like family" get together at major tournaments now and this is one way Harry keeps in touch. The CRA board recognizes him for giving us the opportunity to play our own tournaments, for without his help, we would have to do it! When Harry returns from a trip, he will receive a small token put together not only from the CRA, but also the DAC, for he gives his time to all of us when available. Harry, thank you for staying in our racquetball family.
Bridging the Gap RESULTS continued... Division Winner Third
2nd Place Fourth
MA
CRA 2004 Tournament Results For all results of all divisions, including the professional divisions, please visit our website at www.coloradoracquetball.com.
Durango Championships
Durango Sports Club
February 17-19, 2006 / Durango, CO Division MO MOD XOD ME MA MAD WA MB XBD MC MCD WC MD MN Boys12 Boys10 Girls14 Girls10
Winner 2nd Place Third Evan Ussery Robert Lee David Solomon M. Hidalgo / E. Ussery D. Solomon / F. Johnson A. Rogers / B. Burgess R. Puleo / G. Mazaroff Andrew Clarke Peter Clarke Marco Hidalgo Bruce Burgess Peter Clarke Rick Kefauver G. Keys / B. Burgess R. Anaya / R. Bennett Amy Rogers Patty Greene Rita Puleo Robert Anaya David Miley Tim Westemeier S. Brooks / A. Blaakman F. Pawlowski / P. Thieman Sean Brooks Alicia Blaakman John Simpson A. Blaakman / S. Brooks H. Kaye / J. Kaye Rachel Kefauver Sandy Schauer Susanne Blue Justin Kaye Herbert Kaye Jack Clarke Chris Engle Dena Morrissey (LH) Graydon Clarke Jack Clarke Graydon Clarke Alex Duran Toni Duran
Racquet for the Cure February 3-4, 2006 / Denver, CO Division WPRO XPROD WO WOAD XOD WA XAD WB WBD XBD WC WD
Winner Rhonda Rajsich T. Parrill / A. Grisar Jo Shattuck V. Brown / M. Richer B. Burgess / B. Mehegan Shirley Parsons M. Gaspar / G. Kellums Susan Bertelsen L. Marks / D. Winter C. Bullock / D. Winter Sara Sikorski Lindita Winters
2nd Place Cheryl Gudinas V. Gomez / J. Rhodes Vivian Gomez L. Inskeep / J. Carbajal T. Parrill / C. Tilbury Barb Mehegan B. Evans / R. Sargent Gyda Torbet M. Sikorski / S. Wilmes K. Holmes / M. Small Elena Malbacias Nancy Lopez
Bridging the Gap
Fourth Fred Johnson
Raaj Mohan Rodney Bennett Janet Wells Mike Duran Bob Anderson Rozanna Clah Allen Bivens Alex Duran
Denver Athletic Club Tournament Director: Jean Gallagher Third Angela Grisar E. Meredith / R. Rajsich Marcia Richards C. Johnson / C. Tilbury L. Beckwith / A. Schramm Chris Johnson V. Browne / L. Mullens Diane Wilkison H. Corwin / K. Spinks M. Sikorski / M. Sikorski Carolyn Campbell Nikki Lincoln
Fourth Kristen Walsh K. Walsh / L. Beckwith Shari Coplen E. Meredith / K. Spinks Maylen Gaspar S. Parsons / S. Nelson Sherry Wilmes L. Gilcrease / S. Poling G. Lopez / S. Poling Terri Watson Robin Sikorski
January 5-8, 2006 / Littleton, CO
Littleton YMCA Tournament Director: Marcia Richards
Division MO MOD WOD XOD
Third Fourth Lee Beckwith Matthew Christensen C. Thomerson / B. Thompson B. Mehegan / A. Schramm J. Gallagher / M. Gaspar T. Parrill / M. Richards
Winner 2nd Place Tony Feldstein Travis Parrill J. Rhodes / M. Vrabel E. Metherd / M. Winters M. Keenan / L. Mojer M. Richards / T. Robinson L. Beckwith / A. Schramm B. Burgess / B. Mehegan
Byron Thompson Greg Kellums Bruce Evans John Hulick WA Chris Johnson Maylen Gaspar Shirley Parsons Jean Gallagher B. Burgess / G. Kellums MAD L. Mullen / C. Powers P. Klatt / L. Quitter E. Kidneigh / D. Sueltz WAD V. Brown / M. Gaspar P. Allen / C. Johnson L. Inskeep / L. Jirik XAD V. Brown / L. Mullen L. Mojer / K. Sylvester L. Inskeep / G. Keys L. Jirik / J. Stewart MB Kevin Holmes Mike Smalley Sammy Payne Scott Randolph M. Sikorski / M. Sikorski XBD J. Irland / S. Sikorski G. Brunetti / A. Rodriguez WB/D Michelle Sikorski Ginny Brunetti Sara Sikorski MBD G. Keys / S. Payne B. Meyer / K. Strahley J. Irlando / M. Sikorski D. Popovich / M. Smalley MC Bob Meyer John Irlando Kevin Strahley Michael Hommel MD Adam Manilla Scott Kilpatrick Jason Zemlicka M35 John Beldy Simon Payne Matthew Christensen Alan Bielgard M45 Victor Gomez Mike Winters Earl Haskins Ed Kidneigh W45 Marcia Richards Mary Keenan Shirley Parsons M55 Ken Sylvester Paul Klatt Dan Sueltz Cody Hoeckelberg All Boys Adam Manilla Matt McAdam Michael Osborne B12/14/16 Adam Manilla Michael Osborne Blue Isaac Spear B12/14/16 Cody Hoeckelberg Matt McAdam Green William Metherd
More RESULTS on next page...
J. Foust Sports Your Ektelon Only Racquetball Source 303.699.8644 Email: jwfoust@aol.com Racquetball • Photography • Business Links
www.jwfoust.com
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Lynmar Halloween Classic Lynmar Racquet Club October 28-30, 2005 Tournament Director: Eddie Meredith
CRA 2004 Tournament Results continued... Racquetball Addicts Anonymous December 8-11, 2005 / Denver, CO Division MO MOD WO MED MA WA WAD XAD MB MBD WBD WBC MC MD WD M30/40 M50
Winner Mitch Williams A. Herrera / M. Williams Jo Shattuck G. Mellott / E. Wasser Gary Mellott Maylen Gaspar M. Gaspar / K. Spinks M. Gaspar / B. Burgess Larry Quitter Z. Bilem / B. Manning S. Coltrin / D. Roybal Michelle Sikorski David Radke Cesar Sanchez Nancy Berryhill Kim Wilkins Michael Winters
2nd Place Third Fourth Woody Clouse John Rhodes Anthony Herrera W. Clouse / J. Rhodes M. Hamilton / R. Sanchez L. Beckwith / M. Cole Marcia Richards Vivian Gomez Tina Hagen B. Burgess / G. Kellums J. Wilkins / K. Wilkins E. Kidneigh / B. Klass Thomas Braun Byron Thompson Malcolm Hamilton Chris Johnson Shirley Parsons Jean Gallagher C. Johnson / R. Sargent S. Parsons / J. Gallagher J. Gallagher / B. Thompson A. Beilgard / C. Johnson E. Kidneigh / K. Spinks John Archambeau Mark Sikorski Victor Manilla J. Irlando / M. Sikorski D. Popovich / M. Smalley T. Lenahan / D. Radke N. Berryhill / D. Ogrentz Shelley Coltrin Ginny Brunetti Tina Hagen (Wrong Hand) Cesar Sanchez John Archambeau Zach Casebolt Adam Manilla Scott Kilpatrick Dylan Levin-Ruxin Donna Ogrentz Linda Bateman Lindita Winters Ray Cornell Bruce Evans Victor Manilla Mike Cole Stan McGinnis Stace Tackenberry
Colorado State Doubles December 1-4, 2005 / Littleton, CO Division Winner MOD D. Guentert / J. Rhodes WOD M. Richards / J. Shattuck XOD J. Rhodes / M. Richards MAD V. Gomez / M. Vrabel WAD M. Gaspar / J. Gallagher XAD V. Browne / L. Mullen MBD Z. Bilem / K. Severson XBCD N. Cole / S. Payne MCD B. Klass / B. Tway M253035D D. Guentert / S. Payne M40D K. Schumann / G. West M45D K. Schumann / G. West W45D M. Keenan / L. Mojer M50D P.Katz / R. Sorenson M5560D C. George / B. Klass
November 11-13, 2005 / Durango, CO
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Winner Matthew Christensen J. Robbins / E. Eng Gary Mellott Shirley Parsons Mike McCrery Kimberly Walker M. Smalley / D. Klein
Littleton YMCA Tournament Director: Marcia Richards
2nd Place Third A. Herrera / T. Parrill L. Beckwith / R. Sorenson D. Baranek / J. Carbajal M. Keenan / L. Mojer T. Parrill / J. Shattuck L. Beckwith / A. Schramm T. Braun / C. Shaffer G. Kellums / C. Thomerson C. Johnson / R. Sargent M. Sikorski / S. Sikorski J. Gallagher / B. Thompson A. Beilgard / C. Johnson K. Lewallen / R. Owens C.Bullock / R. Frank M. Sikorski / M. Sikorski R. Frank / L. Gilcrease J. Irlando / M.Sikorski D. Morris / J. Roberts C. Thomerson / B. Thompson T. Braun / C. Shaffer V. Gomez / M. Vrabel L. Beckwith / P. Katz T. Dutcher / B. Evans J. Garcia / S. Garcia J. Carbajal / A.Settell P. Allen / C. Johnson B. Burgess / D.Letsche L. Mullen / C. Power G. Keys / S. Payne G. Drissel / J. Foust
November Madness Division MO MO/AD MA WA MB WB MBD
Denver Athletic Club Tournament Director: Jo Shattuck
2nd Place Dave Guentert V. Gomez / M. Vrabel Earl Haskins Robin Sargent Jerry Siravo Michelle Sikorski R. Cline / D. Ortiz
Fourth D. Battershell / S. Payne B. Mehegan / A. Schramm D. Baranek / T. Perez B. Burgess / D. Letsche P. Amdahl / M. Gaspar R. Cornell / B. Garner N. Berryhill / Britt M. Barrows / L. Macro S. Kith / D.e Klein A. Beilgard / J. Hulick
J. Foust / M. Winters D. Davis / D. Funk
North Jeffco Rec Center Tournament Director: Brent Anderson WBD
L. Inskeep / T.Morgan Chapin W. Giddings / K. Walker Division Winner 2nd Place MC Rick Cline Tom Riser WC Ginny Brunetti Whitney Giddings D. Radke Jr. / T. Lenahan J. Korn / B. Hall MCD MD Adam Manilla Jeff Meyer
Div. Winner / Semi MO Mitch Williams Tony Feldstein MOD G. De Los Rios / J. De Los Rios T. Feldstein / A. Herrera WO Jo Shattuck Tina Hagen WOD M. Richards / A. Schramm C. Johnson / R. Sargent XOD M. Christensen / J. Shattuck T. Hagen / R. Heiser MA J. Striedieck E. Wasser MAD B. Burgess / D. Letsche E. Meredith / Vince S. WA Chris Johnson Robin Sargent XAD V. Browne / L. Mullen J. Russo / B. Sims MB Sammy Payne Kevin Hernandez MC David Radke Jr Drew Popovich WC Sara Sikorski Robin Sikorski M35 Charles Stanley Byron Thompson
2nd Place / Semi Charlie Pratt John Rhodes D. Beaudry / N. Guinta T. Parrill / S. Thayer Jesi Fuller Marcia Richards M. Gaspar / T. Schlegel K. Spinks / S. Lin B. Burgess / A. Schramm E. Meredith / K. Spinks V. Striedieck Ken Sexton L. Mullen / C. Powers P. Boyle / R. Kosak Maylen Gaspar Hannah Oliver C.Powers / T. Schlegel B. Garner / S. Lin Bill Selke Jim Carothers Dennis Ortiz John Irlando Kelli Kimmel Ray Cordero
Killer Open Goodsen Rec Center / October 13-16, 2005 Tournament Director: Bruce Burkland Division Winner 2nd Place Third Fourth MO Lee Beckwith Dave Guentert Craig Thomerson Matthew Christensen MOD G. Kellums / M. Vrabel P. Katz / R. Sorenson T. Braun / V. Gomez C. Thomerson / B. Thompson MA John Mattson Bruce Evans Jerry Bonger Byron Thompson XAD H. Corwin / B. Evans D. Winter / J. Stewart C. Johnson / A. McPeak G. Drissel / R. Sargent MB Craig Shabby Mark Scaggs Miles Venzara Andrew Rodriguez WB Leslie Gilcrease Dianne Winter Holly Corwin Ginny Brunetti MC Adam Manilla Doug Osborne Jeff Fletcher Jeff Meyer MCC Brian Gardner David Radke David Howell Ray Gardner M50 Geoff Drissell Rick Sorensen Paul Katz Miles Vanzara
RAA Update
T
by Jo Shattuck
he Third Annual RAA (raah) Tournament was the best one so far. The RAA was born after the unfortunate closing of the Lakewood Athletic Club (LAC) in Lakewood Colorado in 2001. For thirteen years, LAC hosted a pro/am tournament in December. It was one of the biggest racquetball events in Colorado. When that club closed its doors, players had no significant tournaments to play from Thanksgiving to New Year's. Players were jones-ing for a tournament (much like any kind of addict does for a 'fix') The RAA Face is the tournament logo. It shows the feeling of not getting a racquetball fix. Players can join the "RAA" (Racquetball Addicts Anonymous) and have their name printed on the official tournament shirt, declaring themselves as a racquetball addict. (As everyone knows, the first step is admitting you have a problem.) So the first Racquetball Addicts Anonymous Tournament was created by Jo Shattuck, and held in 2002 at the Denver Athletic Club. in downtown Denver.
This year's 100+ RAA entrants were treated to lots of extras. Players could get pregame stretching from DAC Strength and Conditioning Specialist Eric Evans, (who works with pro and semi-pro athletes.) After the match, DAC massage therapist, Gigi Bruner, was available for full table massages. Players were treated to complimentary Mi Ranchitos Tortilla Chips, Linditas' Salsas, and Hardtail Beer all weekend. Between matches, players could watch videos of previous US Open Championships on a TV monitor. Also featured was a taping of the Montel Williams Show that featured local Colorado player Lindita Winters and her hugely successful company, Lindita's Salsas. Free sports nutrition samples from Advocare were available from Eric Bescheinen. There was also a silent auction with product from tournament sponsors; Wilson, Advocare, www.linditassalsas.com, Colorado Racquet Sport and www.Racquetballacademy.com. On Saturday, players were treated to a Big D Roadshow by former IRT Pro Derek Robinson. Big D took 30 players into the court for his signature clinic. It was capped off by a lob serve contest, where the winner got a brand new Wilson Racquet. Later that day, the tournament sponsor "The Racquet" (who does stringing services), presented the Hard Hitter Contest. They gave away discounted services to participants in the contest. Players paid a $5 entry fee to participate. All the proceeds went directly to the Colorado Racquetball Association Bridging the Gap Program, (a development initiative). Hard Hitter Contest winners were local player Ben Johnson, and WPRO pro Jo Shattuck. Sunday offered more than the finals. The Vivian Gomez and Jo Shattuck men's open finals featured current #16th ranked IRT Pro Mitch Williams, beating recent Round of 16 finisher at the US Open, Woody Clouse. The Women's Open finals showed #11th ranked WPRO Pro Jo Shattuck winning over local player and CRA President, Marcia Richards. But there was more‌. Cindy Tilbury, a local player and Rollout Editor, organized another free clinic for an entire elite level girls softball team. This team came from all over the region to learn about the benefits of using racquetball for cross training. The team watched the Women's Open finals. Then Marica Richards, Cindy Tilbury and Jo Shattuck taught the girls the basics, before letting them loose on the courts. If you are a racquetball addict, put this tournament on your calendar for next December. See www.racquetballacademy.com or www.coloradoracquetball.com for complete results.
USRA —
State Rankings Colorado WOMEN Rank Player City 1 Jo Shattuck Denver 2 Tina Hagen CO Springs 3 Marcia Richards Littleton 4 Cindy Tilbury Denver 5 Micky Richer Ft. Collins 6 Mary Keenan CO Springs 7 Janelle Williams Highlands Ranch 8 Kathryn Bender CO Springs 9 Barbara Mehegan CO Springs 10 Christine Meyer Arvada 11 Maylen Gaspar CO Springs 12 Shirley Parsons Rangely 13 Linda Mojer CO Springs 14 Jean Gallagher Littleton 15 Dena Morrissey Durango 16 Lori Wickstrom Parker 17 Lori Inskeep Littleton 18 Gaye Faulkner Littleton 19 Ann Schramm CO Springs 20 April Settell Aurora 21 Nicole Hamilton Ft. Collins 22 Petra Allen CO Springs 23 Marie Haverland CO Springs 24 Pamela Frantz Denver 25 Carol Zimlinghaus Littleton
Colorado MEN Rank Player City 1 Mitch Williams Pueblo 2 Derek Robinson Littleton 3 Gilberto De Los Rios Pueblo 4 Woody Clouse Highlands Ranch 5 Tony Boscia Lakewood 6 Andres Jimenez Pueblo West 7 Nicholas Giunta Pueblo 8 John Vohland CO Springs 9 Mike McClintock Louisville 10 John Rhodes CO Springs 11 Tony Feldstein Monument 12 Mathew Christensen Lakewood 13 David Guentert Aurora 14 Mike Cole Thornton 15 Noel Delporte Lakewood 16 Michael Eitzel Denver 17 Charles (Eddie) Meredith IV CO Springs 18 Dan Beaudry Pueblo 19 Jim Hiser CO Springs 20 Charles Stanley CO Springs 23 Anthony Herrera Grand Junction 24 Brannon Hertel Lakewood 25 Simon Payne Centennial
7
Lakewood Racquetball Update
more
by Marianne Alonzi
TIDBITSTIDBITS As the Rollout editor, I'd like to thank Bruce Burkland on behalf of the CRA for all of his past photographs of on-court action and tournament winners. So sorry for the credit oversight, Bruce.
High School Update Marcia Richards coordinated a racquetball PE class for the students at Colorado Academy. The class was held at Carmody Racquetball Center and Highline Y from mid-November to mid-February. Students learned basics of the game and some of the kids have been competing in local tournaments.
Mullen High School also runs a "Life Sports Class" in racquetball at Carmody Racquetball Center. There was an overwhelming response to the class. The students learned the basics of singles and doubles and ended the session with a small mini tournament.
Need a lesson and don't know with whom to work? A CRA board member can help you find someone to match your level and style.
Carmody Center Carmody Racquetball Center has undergone a total makeover. For the first time in 20 years, the courts have been repaired and repainted. The lobby area of the center has been completely updated and looks awesome. The 30-year-old landscaping in the front of the center has been updated, as well. Plans are in the works for fixing the men's showers. The winter session of leagues will be ending mid March. Carmody will host an open Racquetball Tournament March 30-April 2. Spring leagues are forming and will start mid-April. The following leagues will be offered and they are open to everyone: Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays Saturdays
Exciting news! Jo Shattuck of the Denver Athletic Club has started a University Touring League racquetball program to provide more competition for our collegiate players. If you have a club or group of players at your college, give Jo a call and ask her for details.
More exciting news! All softball teams are invited to contact the CRA board to get a free racquetball lesson for their team members. We have been working with a few girls' teams and they are looking for some competition. We supply the equipment and instructors, of course.
Women's O/A, Women's A & Men's B/C Women's B, Men's B, High School League Women's C, Women's D/Novice, Men's C Men's 50+, Drop-In Doubles Nite Junior Coed League
The ever-popular Racquetball Blasts are held every other month at Carmody, with singles on Mondays and doubles on Tuesdays. Blasts are scheduled for February, April, June, August, October and December.
In addition to this Rollout newsletter, CRA/USRA members get a subscription to Racquetball magazine. Share it when you're done with it!
Also, Carmody will hold a Junior Court Sport Camp this summer, where the kids will learn racquetball, pickle ball, dodge ball, basketball and wallyball and handball. Call Marianne for details.
Things we're working on as your CRA board: Getting racquetball matches on Denver's CET5 television station, getting more women out to play, and getting some ranking information available until the USRA has theirs ready. If you can help us reach our goals, please contact us.
Ken Caryl Ranch Tucked in a corner off of C-470 and Ken Caryl Avenue is a two-court facility that has blossomed into a popular racquetball community. Winter leagues will be ending midMarch, with Spring leagues offered for the following: Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays Saturdays
Men's A league Women's drop-in shuttle at 12 noon Men's B league Men's C league Women's morning drop-in shuttle Junior Coed League Drop-in shuttle/challenge courts Singles 8:30AM Doubles 10AM
For information on leagues at these clubs, contact Marianne Alonzi at 720.963.5360 or at maralo@lakewood.org.
Thanks to Marcia for another job well done!
8
Photo courtesy of Marianne Alonzi
Also, Marcia Richards took time out of her busy schedule to conduct a "Rules Clinic" at the league-end awards party at Ken Caryl Ranch. It was very informational and the players really enjoyed the evening. After the session, Marcia and the guys headed down to the courts for some singles and doubles play. It was a great evening! Pictured l-r: Jeff Brauch, Scott Milne, Marcia Richards, Owen Lockerbie, John Conn and Steve Begej
The new racquets are out and available. See your local Wilson, Head, E-Force, Ektelon and Pro Kennex representatives and sponsored players to try them out and find where to buy them. A CRA board member can help you find a demo night or person to contact.
JUNIORS —
17th IRF World Junior Racquetball Championships
W
Touring Squad Racquetball Meet Held at the Denver Athletic Club by Jo Shattuck
T
by Dan Davis
he second University Touring Squad Racquetball Meet took place on Saturday, January 21st, at The Denver Athletic Club. Students from Denver University (DU), the Air Force Academy Cadets ( AFA, Colorado Springs), University of Colorado (UCCSColorado Springs) and Colorado University Boulder (CU), competed in a statewide university vs. university racquetball competition. There were 23 players from four different schools, competing in four different divisions.
e are always very proud of all of our Colorado juniors. Just before Christmas, there were seven Colorado juniors who went to Juarez, Mexico to participate in the 17th IRF World Junior Racquetball Championships.
Anthony Herrera was co-captain of the World Cup Team for the USA, playing in the 18 & under boy's doubles. In his last year of eligibility, he and his partner won 3rd in the world in that division. All of our juniors won medals; some played and won in 3 divisions--a total of 16 medals for the 7 kids. Here are our juniors and their accomplishments:
Erika Manilla - 1st, Gold Division, Girl's 6mb, 3rd, Gold Division, Girl's 8mb (World Champion in 6 and Under Multi Bounce and 3rd in the world in girls 8 and under multi bounce)
Touring Squad Rosters: Air Force Academy-Colorado Springs 1-2's Adam Gray, 3-4's Tim Killham, Stan Montoya, 5-6's Bryan Blackburn, Sid Maru Colorado University Boulder 1-2's Jeremy Robbins, Chris Meyer, Ed Eng,34's Jeff Jungk, Sam Jones,5-6's Gerry Siravo, Kieran Flannigan, Tom Herman, 7-8's Derek Johnson, Cassie Shattock, Tina Chung Denver University- Denver 1-2's Brian Atinson, Kevin Fixler, 3-4's Justin Rose 7-8's Ben Kinces, Brian Corell University of Colorado- Colorado Springs 5-6's Shantel, 7-8's Dave
Elizabeth Vargas - 2nd in the world, Gold Division, Girl's 8, 3rd in the world, Gold Division, Girl's 10 Doubles, 2nd, Red Division, Girl's 10 Singles Matt McAdam - 3rd in the world, Gold Division, Boy's 8, 3rd in the world , Gold Division, Mixed 10 Doubles, 3rd, Blue Division, Boy's 10 Doubles Adam Manilla - 3rd in the world, Gold Division, Boy's 10 Doubles, 2nd in the world, Gold Division, Mixed 10 Doubles, 1st, Blue Division, Boy's 10 Singles Chris Good - 3rd, White Division, Boy's 14 Singles (Friendship Cup), 3rd, Red Division, Boy's 14 Doubles (Friendship Cup)
A huge thanks to our great staff of coaches: Dawn Baranek, Enrique and Jesse Carbajal, Adam Katz, Jo Shattuck, Derek Robinson, Seth Goldfogel, and Gary Hutton.
Meet Results: Div 1-2's- 1st Chris Meyer (CU), 2nd Jeremy Robbins (CU) , 3rd Ed Eng (CU), 4th Kevin Fixler/Brian Atkinson AFA ), Div 3-4's- 1st Sam Jones (CU), 2nd Tim Killham (AFA), 3rd Stan Montoya (AFA) Div 5-6's- Tom Herman, (CU) Sid Maru (AFA), Byran Blackburn (AFA) Div 7-8's- Cassie Shattuck (CU), Ben Kinces (DU),
IRF World Championship Opening Ceremonies
The University Touring Squad League is run by the Colorado Racquetball Association as part of its Bridging the Gap Program, (which also includes a Scholastic League for school kids aged 18 and under). There are 5 university teams in the University league. Meets are scheduled every 6-8 weeks all over the state. Teams can be formed with as few as 2 players, at any university/college or two year school. A registration fee of $25 and a signature from a faculty member at the institution is all that's needed to join the Touring Squad League. All teams also receive a free instructional clinic by top women's pro player, Jo Shattuck. University Racquetball teams compete against each other under the NCAA each year at the Collegiate Nationals tournament, run by the USAR (United States Racquetball Association - the national governing body). To form a team, contact Jo Shattuck at 303.949.7785 or Marcia Richards at 303.738.9797 or go to www.coloradoracquetball.com.
Kevin Hernandez - 3rd, Gold Division, Boy's 16 Doubles (Friendship Cup), 2nd, White Division, Boy's 16 Singles (Friendship Cup)
Photo courtesy of Dan Davis
Thanks to everyone who helped with monetary contributions.
9
Tournament Trail...
(end of 2005/06 Season)
Dates
Tournament
Club
Mar 23-26
March Madness
Highlands Ranch Rec
Contact Mike Shellman 303.471.8934
Mar 29-Apr 1 US Intercollegiates
ASU Tempe AZ
USRA 719.635.5396
Apr 20-23
CO State Singles
Highlands Ranch Rec
Apr 20-23
US Regionals
Various
Apr 20-23
Motorola IRT Pro Nat.
Schaumburg IL
Dave Negrete 630.430.1478
May 4-7
Cinco de Mayo
Pueblo Club
Deb Beaudry 719.561.3488
May 11-13
YMCA Members & Friends YMCA Pikes Peak CO
May 24-29
US National Singles
YMCA Houston TX
Jun 8-11
21st Pepsi Cup
tba
Jun 21-25
US JR Olympics
East Lansing MI
Jul 1-2
CO State Games
Lynmar CO Springs
Jul 26-29
NMRA
Northwest Minneapolis MN Dennis Ring 763.535.3571
TBA
Al Fresco Open
Rangeview HS Outside
Marcia Richards 303.738.9797 USRA 719.635.5396
Adam Younger 719.473.9622 USRA 719.635.5396 John Foust 303.696.9313 USRA 719.635.5396 Eddie Meredith 719.491.4703 Dave Guentert 303.669.9527
USA Racquetball 1685 West Uintah / Colorado Springs, CO 80904-2921 719-635-5396/FAX 719-635-0685
Articles, Advertising & Letters: ROLLOUT ATTN: Cindy Tilbury, Editor 3131 East Alameda, #205 Denver, CO 80209 303.888.4461
USRA/CRA • 1685 West Uintah Colorado Springs, CO 80904-2921
CRA Board of Directors Officers Marcia Richards, President marcia@coloradoracquetball.com 303.738.9797
Bruce Burgess, Vice President bruce@coloradoracquetball.com
April Settell, Secretary april@coloradoracquetball.com
Jean Gallagher, Treasurer jean@coloradoracquetball.com
Board Members Dan Davis dan@coloradoracquetball.com Kathy Martinez kathy@coloradoracquetball.com Linda Mojer linda@coloradoracquetball.com Steve Nelson steven@coloradoracquetball.com Travis Parrill travis@coloradoracquetball.com Tamera Schlegel tamera@coloradoracquetball.com Byron Thompson byron@coloradoracquetball.com Cindy Tilbury cindy@coloradoracquetball.com
SUPPORTING COLORADO COLORADO RACQUETBALL RACQUETBALL SUPPORTING