CRA Rollout, Summer 2008 by With Substance, Inc.

Tournament Trail Ladies+ Intercollegiate Results CRA Board

SUMMER 2008 EDITION www.ColoradoRacquetball.com

PRESIDENT’S CORNER —

Creating Fun Environments to Fill Our Courts

by Marcia Richards, CRA President

Depending on how much time and effort you can afford to give back to your players, putting together a tournament can be as demanding as a full-time job. But it’s the extras that set you apart from other events, and – with court numbers shrinking over the past 7 years -- many of us have been forced to re-think how we do things. Facilities are smaller, and weekends keep getting shorter, as players routinely ask for “no Thursday” play, and hesitate to choose a tournament over family time. The special demands of that type of scheduling are enough to drive any Tournament Director to distraction! Since 2000, we’ve seen the closures of Lakewood Athletic Club, Family Fitness, Colorado Athletic Club Aurora (CACA) and Heartwood Athletic Club. At the same time, Littleton Family YMCA and the Denver Athletic Club each turned two courts over to fitness, Club USA shut down their two courts, and many other facility managers continue to struggle with the question of what to do with their courts. If you look to the facilities that are flourishing, you’ll notice that all of them have a paid staffer who makes sure that leagues, shuttles, and lessons contribute to the club’s overall success. Without that type of attention, too often the question “Do you have racquetball here?” is answered by pointing and “ ... yep, right over there!” In contrast, how often is the question “Do you have aerobics and spin bikes ...” answered the same way? Those activities aren’t left un-supervised and un-structured (without someone to show you how to do aerobics or spin), so why is racquetball? For all of us who do not want our sport to die a slow death, what can we do? If your facility needs a shot in the arm – where racquetball is concerned -- here are some interesting alternatives. The future is in the player’s hands. You can make a difference and I hope you’ll give some of these ideas a try -- remembering that participation depends on how well you promote! Leagues & Shuttles: • Flex League; players are responsible for setting up a day to play because they cannot commit to one day • League played once a week on the same day • Combo League; players meet on a set day with some flex players mixed in Continued on page 2...

LOCKER ROOM TALK —

By Dr. Splatz

ales from the good side...

► Does anyone know Trudy Underwood? You should. She recently won the Minoru Community Volunteer Award for April. In other words she gives a lot of personal time to others. Her link to you? An avid racquetball player until a knee injury took her down. Nice to see someone giving racquetball a good name. ► Condolences to Jean Gallagher. Her mother recently passed away due to a car accident while on a work-related visit to India. Jean may have moved to Illinois, but she’s still a well-respected member of our Colorado Racquetball community. Our hearts go out to you. ► In 1990, which female racquetball player was recognized by the Colorado Women’s Sports as the racquetball athlete of the year? See the answer on page 4. A. Diane Adams B. Lydia Emerick C. Tina Alonzi D. Stacy Sour ► Golfers / Racquetball players unite. July 24th, Saddle Rock Golf Course, 3rd Annual Charity Golf tournament to Neighborhood Ministries. They work with inner-city kids in northeast Denver. Last year, Jurgen Denk was part of the winning team. John Foust was a member of the second place team, while Bruce Burgess, Greg Keys and Zoubir Bilem took third. It’s a competitive charity event. Contact John Foust at JWFoust@aol.com for tournament information. Continued on page 2...

More LOCKER ROOM TALK —

President’s Corner... continued from page 1 • Specialty Shuttles; designed for juniors, women only, or a certain level of players • Change Partner Doubles; players switch partners 3 to 4 times, or all four on each court play 1 or 2 games with each other as their partner; the next week, a different group of four plays • Travel League; a group of four (a team) goes to other clubs and plays home and away matches; doubles, singles, or both Try one- or two-day events that specialize: • Open and A only; Women or Men only • Blocks of time for Doubles and Singles so players can plan ahead • Mothers-Daughters, Fathers-Sons, Holiday themes • Round Robin, shuttles (everyone plays everyone, but timed so matches all end at the same time and rotation is orderly) Tournament Formats:

► In the early- to mid-1980s, Harold Lujan was one of the top Men’s Open racquetball champions in the state. A two-time Men’s Open champ. The first-ever tennis pro at the CAC / Monaco. Tournament director for some legendary tournaments out of the Storm Meadows Athletic Club in Steamboat. Outstanding athlete and person. Tremendous artist. Harold has resurfaced and is looking to get back in to playing. This after overcoming some serious health issues. Win, lose, or draw, it’s great to have him back in the fold. ► Celebrity alert!!!!! Remember Roy Horn? You know, Roy, as in Siegfried & Roy. He’s still recuperating from being mauled by a tiger in 2003. Works out daily, and the workout includes the periodic racquetball game. Now you see it, now you don’t. ► Celebrity alert part II. You used to see him, now you don’t. Former Bronco punter, and bad boy, Todd Sauerbrun was, or still is, an avid racquetball player. According to an article in the Denver Post, he’s a Men’s Open player and has “played the best in the world”. A Chicago resident in the offseason, he participated in a number of tournaments in an area known for big and tough draws. To his credit, he followed up by saying, “I can play with anybody, but I’m not going to beat them”. Hey, that sounds like me. ► While we’re at it. In 1990, Marge Adelman was recognized as Sportswoman of the Year in the Running / Distance category—you know, those nuts, excuse me, those very fit individuals who run the endurance races on Continued on page 4...

Single Elimination Advantages Disadvantages - Format is easy to understand - Each entrant is guaranteed only one game - It accommodates a large number of entries - Accurate seeding is crucial - It requires few games - It does not maximize usage of lots of courts - It requires few courts - 8 players, takes 8 matches with 3rd place Best Use: Playoffs at end of season Double Elimination Advantages Disadvantages - Each entrant is guaranteed two games - Number of games is not equal, some - players play more - An entrant that loses once can still • win the tournament - It takes many rounds to complete - Seeding is crucial, or a top seed - 8 players, takes 14 to 15 matches • will drop down - per division - It requires few courts - It does not maximize usage of lots of courts - It is a good measurement of abilities Best Use: When time and playing areas are limited and when standings are important

Round Robin Advantages Disadvantages - All players play each other - It requires lots of games - Seeding is not crucial - Some games will be lopsided - No one is eliminated - 8 players, takes 28 matches - It requires lots of court time unless timed - It is a true measurement of abilities Best Use: For leagues and for true standings Round Robin Split Advantages Disadvantages - It requires less court time than full round robins - Proper seeding is important - Allows for playoffs between top players - 8 players, two pools will take 12 to 14 - in each RR - with third place Best Use: When time and playing areas are limited and not enough players for a full draw

Multi-Level Advantages Disadvantages - Everyone plays the same amount of games - First round loser will rank in the bottom half - Similarities in abilities gets closer with each round - Accurate seeding is crucial - Takes less time than the double elimination - To limit the time, limit the levels to only four or have - Uses lots of playing areas - two pools (if more than 8) and have a playoff Best Use: Junior Nationals, classes, recreational, eliminating is undesirable and competition is just for fun

The CRA would like to share as many ideas with you as possible. If you attended an event that you enjoyed and would like to share, please email the CRA and we will post it on our website. All of these will be added to the site to help you keep your courts hopping!

Not For LADIES Only

by Cindy Tilbury

any of you ladies know that, in the past three months or so, we have had the greatest Ladies Days! A couple of times, even, we ran out of courts! I hope you all keep attending our special monthly get-togethers because we have a wonderful group of lady players—both experienced players and beginners. I will try to find clubs that have more courts so we don’t have anyone sitting out, unless they want to. And keep bringing your friends. We love it when we have 25 ladies show up!

Our goals for having these events are to take time to make the lady and girl players feel special (since it is a very Carmody Ladies Day special pastime), and to provide a way for beginner players to get some phone numbers of women to play. An ulterior goal is to get more women playing tournaments, but we know everyone can’t share that bug. Experienced players usually don’t have trouble finding players to play, but we remember what it was like when you desperately wanted to get out and play, but there was no one at your level. We all have great ideas to share, so please continue to pick our brains on how to “get in the game” more. On another topic, I’ve noticed how strong our tournament Women’s B divisions are lately! That is really good for our sport in Colorado. If the C’s and B’s are really strong, it allows women to really work on their game skills before they win State B Singles and are forced to move up to A’s and then Open. Of course, we don’t want to allow anyone to sandbag in a division, but forcing players to move up too quickly can scare them away from the sport, and we DO NOT want that! It seems that it is an exciting time in women’s Colorado racquetball. Marcia Richards and Debbie Beldring are forming a traveling league for Advanced (Open/High A) ladies. The format is not yet set, but, if you are interested in playing some serious singles or doubles every week or every month, please contact Marcia or Debbie. Their email addresses are listed on the back page of the Rollout. Not-so-advanced lady players! If you are interested in getting into some traveling leagues, too, let me know and I can certainly check into getting that going for you. I would love to hear from you on what time/day and in what part of the state you would like to play. Even a monthly event would be a nice addition to our Ladies Days. Think about it. Moms, do you have kids that might want to try a little racquetball? We have some great junior programs in place, and Dan Davis is the coordinator. Kids as little as 4 years old can hold a racquet and hit a ball, but usually the ones that are a little bit older have an easier time really playing the sport with rules. We would all like to encourage you to get your kids in to the Junior Fun Days and beginner lessons. It could be the start of some future mother/kid doubles teams!

Ladies Day at Highlands Ranch

Silver Sneakers and New Racquetball Recruits

Let me know if you have any ideas to promote racquetball to women. See you at the next Ladies Day at North Jeffco!

by Cindy Tilbury

hile working on a thesis program recently, 65+ player and junior coach, Dan Davis, recently devised a version of racquetball that can be used in YMCA Silver Sneaker programs. Perhaps you are familiar with the multi-bounce rule changes that accommodate the little players’ shortcomings. Dan’s new Wacquetball™ rules provide for the less mobile but more than eager senior club members’ special abilities. Wacquetball™ also appeals to young children just beginning and handicapped kids. Wacquetball™ rules allow two bounces, but the biggest change from the regular racquetball rules is his creation of a special three-inch foam ball (the official color is yet to be determined) that is a lot slower, quieter and easier on the arm than the standard racquetball and will not bounce all the way to the back wall, no matter how hard you hit it into the front wall. Dan’s senior group absolutely loves the game. Dan’s Wacquetball™ group was showcased on the local Denver news in April. It can be viewed at http://www. thedenverchannel.com/video/15717174/ index.html. This link can be found on the www.coloradoracquetball.com site, as well. This could be the perfect program for you to fill up the courts at your facility during the day, before the high school players and the after-work crowd. Players may eventually want to play with the standard ball and rules, and we welcome the new recruits, but the important thing is to get them on the court and moving at their ability level. For more information on how you can introduce Wacquetball™ to your senior players (and anyone, really), contact Dan Davis at dndvs1@msn.com.

Start a Wacquetball™ league today!

More LOCKER ROOM TALK — continued from page 2 trails through the mountains that last sometimes 24 hours. Little known fact: Marge started her athletic career as a women’s C racquetball shuttle player at the long-defunct Court Club Central at 3rd and Broadway. One thing led to another. ► Shoes and lose. After 33 years, Tom McAdam retired his pair of Bata brand shoes. The shoes will now be on display at the largest shoe museum in the world, located in Toronto. Tom played exclusively with those shoes since 1974. Truly a case of quantity, games, over quality. In related news, Odor Eaters is going out of business. ► Players from the past keep coming back. It’s like “Night of the Living Dead” Racquetball Players. Case in point – Eric Hansen at State Doubles. Eric, now living in the Gunnison area, was a top junior player in the mid 80’s, 1983 and 1985 Men’s Open State Doubles Champ with Doug Zirkle and Danny Alonzi. Took a game off of Gregg Peck at the Flatirons Pro Stop when Gregg Peck was a big Kaukauna. Left Colorado for Florida. Ended up getting a walk-on golf scholarship at the same school Fuzzy Zoeller attended (don’t ask, I forget). He’s back, he’s bad, he’ll be beating you soon. ► And we leave with two things. Here’s hoping whomever wins the Pepsi Cup does so in a manner that leaves all with a good taste in their mouth. The racquetball community is small in the big scheme of things. The last thing we need is bad blood, however created. We’re here to win AND have fun.

EDITOR’S CORNER —

New Portable Court Ready for Action

hey’ve been designing, manufacturing and assembling it for many months and it is finally ready for action at the USAR Regional and Motorola IRT Pro Nationals at the Schaumburg Tennis Plus club in April. It is the new Portable Court, created for the IRT and its commissioner, Dave Negrete, and financed in large part by two amazing USAR/NMRA members from Chicago, Pat Taylor and Leo Klimaitis. This is the biggest news in racquetball Non-Pro Doubles in the Portable Court since the introduction of the first “portable” court which debuted at the US Open in Memphis in 1996. Several improvements have been engineered into this court. The sides are all viewable plexiglass walls so it can be set up in a stadium with great seats on all sides. The USAR keeper of the court, Eddie Meredith of Colorado Springs, Colorado, reports that it is much easier to assemble and disassemble than the other portable court, and players notice the true bounce and bright lighting. After the Motorola IRT Pro Nationals tournament, it will be used to introduce to the sport of racquetball people who will never venture into a racquetball club to watch a match. I was very fortunate to “test drive” the court before it was shipped back to Chicago in early April. Eddie Meredith invited local players to try out the court after it was assembled. Eddie and I played about five games on the court and it was quite a thrill for me—I felt like a pro. I found it a little difficult to see along the glass and in the back corners, but that is true for me with all glass walls. The front white dots make it easy to see the ball and gauge distance while allowing great spectating. I hope you get a chance to play or hit on the court soon, too. The biggest news about the court that was announced in Chicago by Dan Aderhold of Motorola/Verizon was that the court will be shipped to Denver next. The really exciting part about that is that it will be erected outdoors on the 16th Street Mall, near ESPNZone restaurant, in the September timeframe. The pro players will all be here for a Grand Slam tournament, and non-players will be able to see what an exciting sport we have here. Eddie Meredith wanted to ask all of the Colorado players if they know anyone with some extra warehouse space to store the court until September. It takes about one semitruckload of space. Please contact Eddie, if you do.

Answer: 1990 Racquetball Sportswoman of the Year. C. Tina Alonzi (now Mrs. Derek Robinson).

Ray Cornell at Portable Court

by Cindy Tilbury

If you know a sponsor and a fabulous venue in which to showcase racquetball by having the portable court set up in your part of Colorado, contact Dave Negrete of the IRT. negretz@comcast.net.

MILESTONE

for Denver Racquet for the Cure Tournament

Photo courtesy of Linda Mojer, RFTC Chairperson

JUNIORS —

January Junior Benefit Tournament by Dan Davis

hanks to all who played in, donated to and did both, for the CRA Benefit Tournament. This annual tournament earned over $1,000 in entries and donations, which will be used to pay entry fees and expenses for national and world tournaments.

On February 21, Racquet for the Cure committee members flanked Komen for the Cure / Denver staffers during the presentation of this year’s “big check.” The Denver RFTC enjoyed its second-largest fundraising year in 2008, and reached the $40,000 dollar mark in overall contributions since the benefit event was founded in 2000. L-R: RFTC Lori Inskeep and Marcia Richards, Komen Director of Development Gina Berg, Director of Grantmaking Jill Adams, Director of Finance Julie Zaveral, RFTC Jo Shattuck and Linda Mojer. Find out more about the project and its sponsors at RacquetfortheCure.com.

Scholarship Awarded to Kevin Hernandez

by Linda Mojer, CRA Vice President

he CRA Board of Directors is proud to announce that Kevin Hernandez was recently selected to receive the 2008 CRA Scholarship Award, after submitting an application earlier in the year, and outlining his plans to begin college at CSU/Pueblo in the fall. A member of the CRA Junior Team, Kevin has represented the state at National events, and offers an occasional clinic to players at the Fort Carson and Peterson AFB facilities in Colorado Springs. His goal is to become one of the top pros on tour and considers racquetball to be “the greatest sport ever created!”

Two of our juniors went to the 19th IRF Junior World Tournament in Cochabamba, Bolivia, in December. The United States players had a good tournament and placed second to Mexico. I heard that about 60% of players, coaches and parents got sick from the water and a couple of players even had to go to the hospital. The official results from the fundraiser weekend are listed in the Results section of the Rollout. Thanks again for your help and support for our sport.

Tidbits Kevin Hernandez outdoor.

Hernandez plays or practices 15 to 25 hours a week, and has developed a quiet temperament and precision on the court. With his father (Miguel) deployed to Iraq, it’s one of several activities—along with running and tennis—that keep him occupied. “Racquetball has helped me, with my father being deployed for the last couple of years” he said, “to become the man that I am.”

Miguel Hernandez.

The Colorado Juniors have represented our State extremely well in past years, placing in the top five states each of the last four years. Some states have over three times the number of kids that we take to these tournaments. To be able to move up in the national rankings, we are going to have to take more juniors to these tournaments.

► Two important special people who helped out at the State tournaments were the masseuse, Misty Dawn, and the racquet stringer, Phil Gaerlan. They did a fantastic job and we hope they will be back again next season. ► WPRO touring pro and instructor Jo Shattuck was recently in Japan to do some coaching. Ask her about her trip!

Congratulations to Kevin for his CRA scholarship award, along with all of our best wishes for his success in the fall, and beyond.

CLUB PROFILE —

Mountain Racquetball

INTERCOLLEGIATE —

Colorado Players Win at National Intercollegiates

by Michelle Sikorski

t was another Intercollegiate winner year for the Men’s team at Colorado State University at Pueblo. In this Kansas City event in March, Tony Carson won Men’s #1 Gold Singles and Men’s #1 Gold Doubles with his partner, Charlie Pratt. The Pueblo team is not new to sweeping the Men’s division, of course, as they always bring a strong team to this event. CSU Pueblo is always looking for young women for their team; contact Coach Krinsky if you are interested in attending and playing racquetball for Pueblo.

Wulf Recreation Center 5300 South Olive Road Evergreen, Colorado 80437 303.674.6441 If you’re looking for some racquetball in the foothills, the Evergreen Fitness Club is the place to go. Adjacent to the Evergreen High School, it is part of the Evergreen Parks and Recreation Department, and the racquetball complex was recently renamed Wulf Recreation Center, in honor of a long-time Parks & Rec Board Chairman. It has two racquetball courts. Recently, Marc Logan and the staff of Wulf Rec Center invited us all up to play in a tournament and we had a great time. We quickly noticed that it was a bit higher (7,500 feet) and bouncier than even Colorado Springs. Drop-in (challenge court) times are Monday/Wednesday from 5 to 7 PM and Saturday 10 AM to noon. Marc Logan personally extends an invitation for Colorado folks to come out and play. Other activities available at the club include swimming, weights, aerobics, volleyball, basketball, kid’s play area, and serious gymnastic instruction. It is possible to stop in and play without a membership by paying the guest fee, but do check to see if a court is available, as they keep them pretty full. Watch the www.coloradoracquetball.com site for their next shootout

The big news was the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs’ team. Congratulations go to the UCCS squad for placing second in both the women’s and overall Division II playoffs. The championships drew over 300 entrants from 46 Division I and II schools from around the nation. The UCCS team was led by Anthony Herrera who, in the middle of his rookie year on the pro tour, battled his way to the championship match in the Men’s #1 Gold division. Seeded #5, Anthony was defeated by top-seeded Tony Carson (CSU- Pueblo) in an amazing finals tiebreaker. Chantel Anderson reached the quarterfinals of the Women’s #1 Gold division, while Rachel Wolk (playing in a sanctioned tournament for the first time), took 4th in the Women’s #2 White Division, earning herself a medal. In the Men’s divisions, Justin Loa battled through several rounds in the #2 White bracket; David Vorwaller made the quarters of the #3 Red; and two freshmen - Aaron Grasso and David Smith – each took a fourth place medal finish in the #4 White and #5 White divisions, respectively. Combined, these players earned a total of 490 points to push the team into second place for all Division II schools. This was a first time for many of the players, so we have a lot to look forward to in the up and coming years! – Reported by Chantal Anderson (with special thanks to all the team supporters including coaches, Lynmar facilities, SGA, Daniel over at the Rec Center and Sabrina Wienholtz). According to Club President Ben Kincses, the DU Club Racquetball Team also did well - considering it was the first real tournament for 4 out of 6 of the squad players. Armando Vasquez placed third in the Red Bracket of Division I and Mason Hays took second place in the white bracket of Division 5. “The best part for me to hear about the trip was that all the guys want to go again next year,” said Kincses, “but they want to practice more and be better prepared. They were inspired by the level of play of many schools/players.” Editor’s Note: Tony Carson’ s victory and recent round-of-16s showing at the Chicago pro stop are even more amazing, considering his mother has been very sick. Our hearts go out to Tony and his family.

Tidbit

► At State Singles, the following coveted awards were awarded: Most Improved Female - Chantal Anderson Most Improved Male - Ben Kincses Most Improved Junior - Elizabeth Vargas Best Sportsmanship - Deanne Erskine Best Tournament Director - Jo Shattuck Best Club - Highlands Ranch First Tournament Entry - Eric John Nydam

STATE RANKINGS â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Top 20 Colorado USA Racquetball Rankings

CRA 2007-08 Tournament Results

For all results of all divisions, including the professional divisions, please visit our website at www.coloradoracquetball.com.

Colorado State Doubles November 30-December 2, 2007

Division Winner MO MA MB MC M30 M35 M40 M45 M50 M55 M60 M65 WO WA WB XO XA XA XB XC

2nd Place

Highlands Ranch Rec Center Tournament Director: Marcia Richards Third

Fourth

E. Hansen/G. West E. Waser/S. Payne L. Beckwith/M.Nigro E. Salehroa/K. Hernandez A. Beilgard/J. Hulick B. Thompson/C. Shaffer D. Letsche/R. Kyzar J. Garcia/V. Striedieck R. Owens/ . Kuss M. Sikorski/T. Sison R. Pullmann/D. Akos V. Manilla/A. Manilla M. Baratta/R. Sadowsky G. Bray/R. Witter M. Barrows/J. Barrows J. Gossick/J. Whittier E. Hansen/R. Hauck A. Marvi/K. Holmes J. Garcia/V. Striedieck C. Thomerson/S. Payne G. Davis/L. Beckwith M. Vrabel/V. Gomez B. Thompson/C. Shaffer D. Akos/R. Pullmann G. West/K. Schumann K. Cassidy/M. Russo M. Sikorski/T. Sison C. Powers/L. Mullen B.George/E. Kidneigh J. Hays/K. Schumann D. Letsche/R. Kyzar B. Klass/C. George P. Gaerlan/R. Green A. Heath/R. Hornbeck A. Johnson/S. Morris A. Heath/R. Hornbeck D. Bollig/G. Levy D. Davis/D. Funk C. Newcomb/J. Donohue B. Mehegan/D. Beldring L. Mojer/M. Keenan C. Tilbury/M. Richards K.Spinks/M. Gaspar L. Inskeep/M. Small M. Sikorski/C. Anderson B. Sims/S. Lin L. Jirik/S. Wilmes D. Wilkison/D. Winter J. Hamilton/N. Cordova D. Degitis/L. Marks S. Lin/S. Spinks M. Nigro/C. Tilbury E. Salehroa/M. Gaspar L. Beckwith/B. Mehegan M. Vrabel/M. Richards C. Cordero-Loza/D. Wilkison J. Gussick/C. Shattock M. Bessette/J. Hamilton R. Sikorski/S. Sikorski M. Hamilton/N. Hamilton K. Holmes/L. Inskeep J. Garcia/B. Sims E. Eng/M.e Sikorski C. Sanchez/D. Erskine D. Davis/L. Marks D. McPheeters/C. Anderson R. Cornell/S. Spinks J. Loa/S. Lynn R. Sikorski/S. Sikorski

as of April 2008 MEN CO US Name City 1 6 Mitch Williams Pueblo 2 7 Derek Robinson Littleton 3 21 Woody Clouse Highlands Ranch 4 52 Tony Carson Pueblo 5 109 Anthony Herrera Grand Junction 6 180 Todd Ormonde Pagos Springs 7 426 Dave Guentert Aurora 8 427 John Lee Rhodes CO Springs 9 430 Simon Payne Centennial 10 431 Eric Metherd Centennial 11 432 Tony Feldstein Monument 12 435 Ray Cordero Colorado Springs 13 436 Mathew Christensen Denver 14 437 Craig Thomerson Littleton 15 438 Lee Beckwith Boulder 16 439 Gary West Montrose 17 459 Richard Romero Castle Rock 18 460 Bruce Evans Westminster 19 461 Miguel Hernandez CO Springs 20 463 Byron Thompson Aurora WOMEN CO US Name City 1 15 Jo Shattuck Denver 2 48 Marcia Richards Littleton 3 50 Cindy Tilbury Denver 4 51 Kathy Bender Colorado Springs 5 53 Debbie Beldring Littleton 5 91 Hagen, Tina Colorado Springs 6 86 Maylen Gaspar CO Springs 7 89 Tina Hagen Colorado Springs 8 100 Janelle Williams Highlands Ranch 9 107 Lori Inskeep Littleton 10 144 Mary Keenan Colorado Springs 11 177 Shirley Parsons Rangely 12 184 Gaye Faulkner Littleton 13 204 Linda Mojer Colorado Springs 14 205 Cara Pellowski Palisade 15 206 Maria Small Littleton 16 207 Christine Meyer-Johnson Arvada 17 209 Michelle Sikorski Black Forest 18 211 Nicole Cordova Greeley 19 212 April Settell Lakewood 20 213 Carol Zimlinghaus Littleton

Clockwise from top left: Kevin Holmes & Lori Inskeep; Deanna Erskin & Cesar Sanchez; Eric Hansen & Gary West; Maria Small & Lori Inskeep; Randy Kyzar & Dave Letsche and Cindy Tilbury & Marcia Richards

Tidbits

► John Foust is current collecting nominee names for future Colorado Hall of Fame consideration. If you have been playing racquetball in Colorado for many years, John wants to hear your thoughts about worthy players and contributors—especially if the nominee is YOU! ► Do your shoelaces always come untied? I haven’t had that problem since Marcia Richards showed me a great trick. Before you pull the last loop tight, loop it around one more time and then pull it tight. Your laces will stay tied and, unlike doubletied shoelaces, you can untie them like always, just by pulling on one lace. Try it. ► I’ve recommended using a pedometer in past newsletters. During our March Utah tournament, I played in two events and had six matches per day (three singles and three doubles). My pedometer consistently counted 18,000 steps—almost twice the 10,000 steps suggested by health experts. By contrast, walking a recent nine holes of golf only netted me 4,500 steps and bowling three games was about 2,500 step. I also learned that when a pedometer is dropped into the toilet, it will eventually dry out and start working again, but it’s never the same. ► We are really lucky to have Dave Guentert’s wife, Erna, running our tournament desks at the last two Colorado State tournaments. Erna is doing a fantastic job and she keeps the tournaments running on time. It makes it so much easier for our tournament director and the other CRA board members who are playing in the tournament, when Erna is holding down the fort. Thanks a million, Erna. ► Many more volunteers and volunteer CRA board members put in hundreds of hours to bring the Colorado State tournaments to you. Let them know if you appreciate their efforts. Of course, State Singles and State Doubles are only two of the great tournaments available to you during the season. Tournament directors and workers, the CRA salutes you!

Colorado State Singles March 13-16, 2008

Division J10- G10- J12- G12- J14- M24- M30+ M35+ M40+ M45+ M50+ M55+ M60+ M65+ MO MA MB MC MD WO WA WB W50/55+

Winner 2nd Place Third William Metherd Elizabeth Vargas Erika Manilla Erika Manilla Adam Manilla Zach Pellowski William Metherd Elizabeth Vargas Nick Riffel Matt McAdam Rachel Smith Jason Korn Marc Bessette Tim Smith Kevin Holmes Mike Winters Brian Bollig Dave Guentert Cory Filkins Lewis Kirkegaard Lee Beckwith Eric Metherd Bobby Rodriguez Jeff Wichers Gary West Ali Marvi Michael Winters Ted Dutcher Jeff Check Paul Klatt Sammy Payne Ed Kidneigh Gordon Levy Charlie Beram Bob Klass Dan Davis Dennis Bollig Ed Andrews Anthony Herrera Dave Guentert Lee Beckwith Ted Dutcher Lewis Kirkegaard Vince Striedieck Ted Sison Tom Riser Jason Korn Nick Riffel Shawn Cramer Michael O’Neal David Brey Daniel Archambeau Justin Loa Tina Hagen Debbie Beldring Cindy Tilbury Shirley Parsons Lori Inskeep April Settell Nicole Cordova Chantel Anderson Deanne Erskine Cindy Tilbury Marcia Richards Shirley Parsons

Durango Championships February 22-24, 2008

Division MO MA MB MC MD MN WO WA WB MOD MAD MBD XOD XCD

Highlands Ranch Rec Center Tournament Director: Marcia Richards

Winner Ken Cheshire David Gould Chris Smith David Gould Adam Krzeminski Adam Krzeminski Patty Greene Amandine Gaillard Dana Richardson T. Ormonde/B. Hujus B. Hujus/T. Ormonde M. Baca/D. Morrissey G. Mazaroff/D. Morrissey T. Rocco/J. Wells

Matt McAdam Daniel Archambeau Kevin Hernandez Chuck Meredith Ray Cordero Ray Cordero Richard Romero Ed Kidneigh Philip Gaerlan Stanley McGinnis Gary West John Garcia Victor Manilla David Aldrich Dylan Inskeep Marcia Richards Michelle Sikorski Connie Vargas April Settell

Durango Sports Club Tournament Director: Gary Mazaroff

2nd Place Third Fourth Rick Kefauver Todd Ormonde Bill Hendrix Dena Morrissey A. J. Reyes Adrian Leyva Mike Morales Mark Winles Bob Anderson Adam Krzeminski Tony Rocco Tony Rocco Brandon Stagner Jayd Cheshire Steven Jennings Brandon Gross Jayd Cheshire Rozana Lopez Mari Baca Janet Wells Rachel Kefauver Pat Thieman Suzanne Blue D’Ette Wiggins Kathy Gross Sandy Schauer G. Mazaroff/K. Cheshire J. Trecker/R. Kefauver C. Smith/B. Hart M. Morales/M. Bryan T. Rocco/C. Grotefend D’E. Wiggins/D. Richardson K. Cheshire/P. Greene J. Trecker/R. Lopez C. Grotefend/K. Gross B. Anderson/S. Schauer

Racquet For The Cure January 31-February 2, 2008

Division MO MD WO WA WB WC WD WOD WAD XOD XAD XBD

Fourth Cameron Holt

Denver Athletic Club Tournament Director: Jo Shattuck

Winner 2nd Place Third Fourth Dave Guentert Kevin Holmes Craig Thomerson Walter Meza Paul Britton Patrick Kramer Dylan Inskeep Debbie Beldring Tina Hagen Cindy Tilbury Mary Keenan Shirley Parsons Holly Szablewski Lori Inskeep Maylen Gaspar Michelle Sikorski Sherry Wilmes Chantel Anderson Gini Brunetti Cindy Carlson Julie Weise Laura Van Arsdale Andrea Bailey Annie Wiese Erica Manilla Timmie Cunningham Linda Winters M. Richards/D. Erardi T. Hagen/A. Byers D. Beldring/L. Mojer B. Mehegan/D. Morrissey S. Parsons/C. Anderson A. Settell/D. Wilkison D. Winter/L. Inskeep M. Sikorski/D. Degitis A. Grisar/J. Shattuck B. Mehegan/G. Kellums D. Beldring/L. Beckwith B. Evans/D.Erardi K. Holmes/L. Inskeep E. Nydam/L. Hill J. McManomon/D. Erskine S. Nelson/L. Covault K. Walker/L. Trignani C. Crodero-Loza/D. Wilkison D. Davis/L. Marks W. Giddings/B. Hall

Junior Benefit

January 4-6, 2008 Division WOD MOD XOD MBD XBD MCD

Winner Marcia Richards / Lori Inskeep Greg Kellums / Mike Vrabel Danny Alonzi / Deb Beldring Cesar Sanchez / Lou Trignani Carlos Cordero-Loza / Nicole Cordova Mike Regan / Steve Wells

Second Cindy Tilbury / Tamera Schlegel Alan Bielgard / John Hulick Greg Kellums / Barb Mehegan Marc Schnittker / Dan Smigiel Brian Hall / Summer Arledge

Racquetball Addicts Anonymous December 12-14, 2007

Division MO MA MB MC/D M30/40 M50 MO Dubs MA Dubs MB Dubs WA WA Dubs XO Dubs

Winner Woody Clouse Ted Dutcher David Klein Ed Post Billy Ward Mike Winters W. Clouse/W. Clouse D. Letsche/M. Vrabel B. Tway/S. Guzman Shirley Parsons N. Cordova/S. Parsons B. Croft/K.Spinks

2nd Place Dave Guentert David Radke Doug Picard Marc Stander Kevin holmes Ted Dutcher E. Waser/D. Guentert D. Radke/R. Owens D. Morris/J. Roberts Lena Edmunds K. Spinks/S. Spinks B. Ward/L. Edmunds

Fall Classic

October 18-21, 2007

Division MO MA MB MC MD WO WA WB WC MO Dubs MA Dubs MB Dubs MC Dubs WO Dubs WA Dubs XO Dubs XA Dubs J18-

Littleton YMCA Tournament Director: Dan Davis

Denver Athletic Club Tournament Director: Jo Shattuck

Third Fourth John Lee Rhodes Lee Beckwith Cesar Sanchez David Klein Steven Guzman Drew McPheeters Wayne Kirmer David Beebe Anton Roberts Vincent Rigatti Miles Venzara Doug Picard L. Beckwith/R. Shovlain J. Shattuck/E. Metherd M. Russo/D. Popovich D. McPheeters/R. Cornell M. Stander/R. Stutheit Michelle Sikorski Nicole Cordova M. Sikorski/T. Watson J. Shattuck/M. Winters D. Beldring/L. Beckwith

Downtown Colorado Springs YMCA Tournament Director: Mike Sikorski

Winner 2nd Place Third Fourth Eduardo Salehroa David Guentert Alok Mehta John Lee Rhodes Kevin Holmes Ken Sylvester Adrian Won Larry Mullen Mike Skibinski Ray Cornell Drew McPheeters Bence Kincses Steve Roberts Roberto Cordova Matt McAdam Tom Rogers Dale Hart Eric Barber Alison Santiago Daniel Archambeau Marcia Richards Kathy Bender Debbie Beldring Cindy Tilbury Lori Inskeep Michelle Sikorski Lucy Jirik Nicole Cordova Nicole Cordova Chantel Anderson Laura VanArsdale Sarah Spinks Sara Sikorski Peggy Hartmann Sarah Spinks Sheena Lynn E. Salehroa/K. Hernandez C. Meredith/R. Romero M. Hernandez / R. Kosak E.Meredith / J. Lee Rhodes D. Letsche/G. Kellums A.Won/J. Garcia P. Boyle/R. Kosak J. McManamon/M. Sikorski M. Skibinski/S. Roberts D. McPheeters/T. Rice R. Green/P. Gaerlan P.Amdahl/R. Cornell J. Gossick/J. Whittier T. Rogers/A. Santiago K. Cross/C. Cordero-Loza J. Loa/R. Sikorski L. Inskeep/M. Richards B. Mehegan/D. Beldring C. Tilbury/L. Mojer B. Sims/S. Lin C. Anderson/M. Sikorski K. Spinks/L.Jirik D. Beldring/E. Meredith B. Mehegan/G. Kellums C. Tilbury/A. Mehta M. Richards/K. Holmes B. Sims/J. Garcia L.Inskeep/L. Mullen L. Mojer/T. Dees M. Sikorski/E. Eng Matt McAdam Daniel Archambeau Dylan Inskeep David Smith

Private Coaching: What’s it Like?

by Jo Shattuck, WPRO #11

RacquetballAcademy.com Ever consider getting a little private coaching? Here are my notes on an anonymous student. Maybe you could raise your game by taking a little analysis time, too. During the first assessment, I saw he had the basic elements of the strokes. His weight was balanced, he produced a level flat swing, and he showed efficient movement and sequence of hips and shoulders. Continued at http://www.racquetballacademy.com/ privatecoaching.html ‘Then during the game assessment, I saw that his ‘at the ball’ skills were strong. (When it was his ‘turn’ to hit the ball, he did many things well.) However, his skills ‘away from the ball’ (whenever he was not hitting) could be substantially improved. Continued at http://www.racquetballacademy.com/ privatecoaching.html Go to www.racquetballacademy.com for the entire session notes of an actual student in a private coaching session with me.

Left to right: CRA Board members Deb Beldring, Lori Inskeep and Mike Smalley; Deb Beldring & Tina Hagen on the court; and Crowd watching last State matches.

Tidbits

► Pepsi Cup teams are now forming for the June tournament at Highlands Ranch Rec Center. This is the only club team tournament in the State (other state’s clubs are welcome to form a team, of course) and there was some real drama last year as the team championship went down to the wire. Even if you cannot field a complete team, John Foust invites you to play and represent your club. Contact John at jwfoust@aol.com for a team packet. ► The CRA has a few old tournament souvenir items for sale. Examples include travel dop kit bags, hoodie sweatshirts, jackets, and picnic blankets. Look on the www.coloradoracquetball. com website for pictures and details on how to get a bargain. ► Ben Kinces told me recently that the University Touring Squad meets just finished up before the National Intercollegiates tournament. It was another successful year, and Ben and coordinator Jo Shattuck hope to have even more college teams next season. Greeley and Fort Collins--Get your teams together and email Jo Shattuck at joshattuck@hotmail.com! Currently participating schools include: Colorado State University - CO Springs Colorado State University - Fort Collins Colorado State University - Pueblo Auraria Campus - Denver Colorado University - Boulder Denver University - DU Denver Johnson and Wales (culinary school) US Air Force Academy – CO Springs ► Linda Mojer and Mark and Michelle Sikorski recently put together a small brochure that explains the advantages of becoming a CRA/USAR member. If you need some for your club bulletin board, please email a CRA board member to have them sent to you. If you have questions on CRA membership, contact us! ► Volunteer of the year (in my opinion) has to be April Settell. She tirelessly buys, cooks and puts out all of the food for the state tournament players, even though she is not as involved in racquetball as she used to be. Take a few moments to thank April when you see her at the next tournament.

Colorado Players Win 2007/2008 Medals in Out of Town Tournaments USAR National Doubles / September 2007 / Phoenix, AZ

Division M US Team Dubs M US Team Dubs MO Dubs WC Dubs XB Dubs

Place 1st Quarters 1st 4th Quarters

Player Mitch Williams / Ben Croft (IL) Anthony Carson / Charlie Pratt (OR) Anthony Carson / Charlie Pratt (OR) Kwi Spinks / Sarah Spinks Kwi Spinks / Ben Mosteller (AZ)

US Open / November 2007 / Memphis, TN MPro Quarters Mitch Williams M24- Quarters Jose Ramos M25A Semi Malcolm Hamilton M35 Dubs 16s Malcolm Hamilton / Rod Van Dyke (FL) M35A 1st Ray Cordero M35A Semi Malcolm Hamilton M40 2nd Woody Clouse M60 1st Jim Hiser MO 16s Anthony Carson MO 16s Anthony Herrera IRF World Juniors / Decembe 2007 / Cochabamba, Bolivia B12 16s Adam Manilla B12 Dubs Gold Semis Adam Manilla / Sean Cooperrider (FL) G10 Quarters Erika Manilla G10 Dubs Gold 4th Erika Manilla / Jordan Cooperrider (FL) WSMRA Championships / January 2008 / Overland Park, KS W40 2nd Debbie Beldring W45 Semi Cindy Tilbury W50 Quarter Marcia Richards W55 2nd Shirley Parsons California Open / January 2008 / Canoga Park, CA ME Quarter Tony Jammal USAR National Doubles / February 2008 / Phoenix, AZ M US Team 2nd Mitch Williams / Jason Thoerner (IL) M US Team 3rd Woody Clouse / Ben Croft (IL) M55 Dubs 4th Jim Hiser / Ed Remen (NC) W50 Dubs 4th Marcia Richards / Denny Erardi (CA) USAR Regionals / April 2008 / Overland Park, KS M40/45A 4th Byron Thompson M50/55A 1st John McManoman USAR Intercollegiates / March 2008 / Overland Park, KS Division Place M#1 Dubs 1st M#1 Gold 1st M#1 Gold 2nd M#1 Red 3rd M#1 Red Quarter M#2 Blue Quarter M#2 Dubs 2nd M#2 White Quarter M#3 Blue Quarter M#3 Dubs Quarter M#3 Dubs Quarter M#3 Gold 1st M#3 White Quarter M#4 Gold 1st M#4 Red 4th M#4 Red Quarter

Player Tony Carson/Charlie Pratt Tony Carson Anthony Herrera Armando Vasquez John Whittier Bence Kinces Tony Jammal/Jose Ramos Gordon Randall Andrew Long Bryan Corell/Mason Hays Charles Joyce/Yosuke Shimizu Jose Ramos David Vorwaller Tony Jammal Sid Maru Braz Kendall

Division Place M#4 White 4th M#5 Gold Quarter M#5 Red 3rd M#5 Red Quarter M#5 White 4th M#6 Red Quarter W#1 Blue Quarter W#1 Dubs Quarter W#1 Gold Quarter W#2 Blue 2nd W#2 Gold Quarter W#2 White 4th MB 2nd MC 1st MC 4th

Player Aaron Grasso Yosuke Shimizu Christopher Allen David Smith David Smith Bryan Corell Cassie Shattock Cassie Shattock / Connie Vargas Chantel Anderson Connie Vargas Connie Vargas Rachel Wolk Andrew Long Sid Maru Christopher Allen

Out of Town Tournament Medal Winners... continued from page 10

Articles, Advertising & Letters:

IRF Pan American Games / March 2008 / San Jose, Costa Rica Division Place Player MO Dubs 2nd Woody Clouse / Jon Goth (MN)

ROLLOUT

ATTN: Cindy Tilbury, Editor 3131 East Alameda, #205 Denver, CO 80209 303.888.4461

NMRA National Championships / March 2008 / Orem/Provo, Utah M70 Dubs 3rd Ken Pattison / Leon Stanley (AL) M75 Dubs 6th Ken Pattison / Cap Hiles (FL) M80 2nd Dick Kincade M80 4th Mike Martin M80 Dubs 1st Dick Kincade / John Prigmore (KS) M80 Dubs 4th Mike Martin / Philip Dziuk (IL) W45 2nd Cindy Tilbury W50 2nd Marcia Richards W50 Dubs 1st Cindy Tilbury / Marcia Richards W55 1st Shirley Parsons X55 Dubs 2nd Shirley Parsons / Roger Barber (WY)

ROLLOUT Newsletter

Behind-the-Scenesby Cindy Tilbury

CPRT Concord Classic / April 2008 / Concord, CA M40 (CPRT) 2nd Woody Clouse XE Dubs 3rd Jennifer Meyers / Harold Jagoda (CA)

Around the Wall Ball Ceiling Rally Drill

Hit the ball into the sidewall at a 45-degree angle and the ball will return to the same side. Hit a ceiling ball or another Around the World ball.

by Marcia Richards

Hitting the ball into the sidewall at a 45-degree angle will make the ball travel around three walls. This type of hit is usually hit high like a ceiling ball. It can be used to return an opponents ceiling ball.

If hit correctly it will travel back to the same side you started from and will stay high. The answer to a good around the wall ball (AW ball) is to hit another aw ball or ceiling ball. Use this to change the angle of a normal ceiling rally DRILLS: 1. Bounce ball high and hit it into the sidewall creating the AW ball. 2. Hit a ceiling ball and answer it with the AW ball. 3. Hit a ceiling ball then the AW ball then back to a ceiling ball. 4. Don’t forget to do both the forehand and backhand Some of the more advanced players will cut this ball off. Especially players who like to stay in the front part of the court and cut everything off…Have fun with this drill. It is great for loosing up the arm during your warm up period.

arin Poswilko has been an undying supporter of Colorado Racquetball for over 16 years and about 50 editions, but you probably have never met her. She is the hardworking person who lays out the CRA Rollout each edition. I send her the articles, results and photos, and she makes it gorgeous and easy to read. I asked her for her thoughts on this important task, and she told me, “I have watched the newsletter grow and change with technology. In the early days, it was manual layout and web press checks at 10pm. New software and fancier copiers helped us save time and money in production...and now of course, we have the web —yahoo!” “It was John Foust who first recruited me. We had been working together at a start-up health magazine —an adventure to say the least. ” “The best part for me is to have met so many people and players throughout the years, if only vicariously. Jurgen, John, Jean, Cindy — I can name on one hand (up to two) the key people who have kept the CRA rolling through the years. You are all passionate and dedicated and have such a love for life. Most are actively involved in the game, your communities and are definitely an entrepreneurial group! I know it has been a while, though, when posting results for key players I remember from their multi-bounce days!” “It has been a journey I would not have missed. I continue to be grateful for the opportunity to stay in touch and contribute (even from afar) to a family I have watched grow, win, lose, rejoice, cry —and always support each other.” We are truly lucky to have Karin working with us on the newsletter! Feel free to let her know how much you appreciate all her hard work by contacting her at BirgitteDs@ comcast.net or www.BirgitteDesigns.com.

CRA Board of Directors OFFICERS

Marcia Richards, President marcia@coloradoracquetball.com 303.738.9797 Linda Mojer, Vice President linda@coloradoracquetball.com April Settell, Secretary april@coloradoracquetball.com Lori Inskeep, Treasurer lori@coloradoracquetball.com Board Members Debbie Beldring debbie@coloradoracquetball.com Dan Davis dan@coloradoracquetball.com David Howell david@coloradoracquetball.com Steve Nelson steve@coloradoracquetball.com Drew Popovich drew@coloradoracquetball.com Mike Smalley mike@coloradoracquetball.com Cindy Tilbury cindy@coloradoracquetball.com

TOURNAMENT TRAIL Dates

May 21-26 Jun 5-8 Jun 10-14 Jun 18-22 Jun 25-29 Jul 14-18 Aug 1-3 Aug 1-10 Aug 26-30 Sep 11-14 Oct 22-26 Dec Jan 2009

Tournament

1685 West Uintah Colorado Springs, CO 80904-2921 719-635-5396 / FAX 719-635-0685

USAR/CRA • 1685 West Uintah Colorado Springs, CO 80904-2921

City

Contact

USAR National Singles Houston, TX USAR, 719.635.5396 Pepsi Cup Club Championships Highlands Ranch, CO John Foust, 720.987.6302 IRF World Senior Doubles San Luis Potosi, MX USAR, 719.635.5396 Rocky Mountain Senior Games Greeley, CO NSGA, www.nsga.com Junior Olympics Concord, CA USAR, 719.635.5396 West Allis, WI Tom Curran, 513.490.7472 NMRA International Champs. State Games of the West Colorado Springs, CO Eddie Meredith, 719.491.4703 IRF World Championships Kingscourt, IR USAR, 719.635.5396 IRF World Seniors Albuquerque, NM USAR, 719.635.5396 Motorola World RB Champ Downtown Denver, CO Jo Shattuck, 303.949.7785 Choice Hotels US Open Memphis, TN USAR, 719.635.5396 World Junior Championships TBA USAR, 719.635.5396 Women’s Senior/Master Champs. Canoga Park, CA Kendra Tutsch, kdtutsch@wisc.edu

Linda Mojer

USA Racquetball

[2008/2009 Season]

David Howell

Drew Popovich

Cindy Tilbury