http://www.floridaracquetball.net/ is taking racquetball to the next level

It is with great pleasure that I would like to announce the brand new floridaracquetball.net website. The site is probably the best racquetball website ever put together in a long time. It has pretty much everything that you need to know about racquetball at all levels. For the beginners it has information on clinics, leagues and for the racquetball athletes it has ranking information and tournaments schedule. One of my favorite features is the players results. One can actually see the history for all the tournaments played. It provides which place the player achieved and the points obtained for the rankings. It is a really useful and interesting feature.
The site has tons of good stuff. It has a forum, it has articles, cool pictures, ranking information, tournament schedules for indoor and also outdoor. It has great information from recent tournaments in Florida and even has a special page dedicated for women and the junior players.
It covers every player regardless the skill level or age.
I strongly suggest that you take your time to check this site out. I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed.
Congratulations and Thanks to Randy for contributing to our sport with this very illustrative and informative website.

US OPEN Racquetball Championships--October 20-24, 2010--Minneapolis, MN

The 2010 15th US OPEN Racquetball Championships will be held October 20-24, 2010 in Minneapolis, MN at the Life Time Fitness-Target Center and the St. Louis Park Center. The event will feature all of the top men's players of the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), the women's players of the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization, (WPRO) and the Classic Pro Racquetball Tour (CPRT). The US OPEN is racquetball's original and largest "Grand Slam" event and the most prestigous tournament of the season.
The event will also offer amateur divisions for men and women and attracts players from all across the world. Last year, nearly 70 US OPEN champions were crowned and awarded the one-of-a-kind US OPEN gold medal that weighs nearly 2 pounds.

In the Men's IRT Professional division, World No. 1 Kane Waselenchuk, defending US OPEN champion made history last year by capturing his fifth US OPEN Championship and became the winningest man in US OPEN history. Leading the women for the WPRO is world No. 1 Paola Longoria who will be challenged by No. 2 Rhonda Rajsich, defending US OPEN champion and holder of three US OPEN Championships. The Classis Pro Racquetball Tour (CPRT) will also feature world No. 1 Cliff Swain who will be challenged by No. 2 Woody Clouse, defending US OPEN champion.
The entry deadline for all amateur players is Wednesday, October 6, 2010.

World 3-Wall Ball Championships Conclude

The World Outdoor Racquetball and the World Players of Handball converged on the Stratosphere Hotel, September 23-26, 2010 for the first-ever 2010 World 3-Wall Ball Championships in Las Vegas, NV. The parking lot on the world-famous Las Vegas Boulevard was transformed with the construction of 9 outdoor courts to host the richest outdoor event in the history of combined handball and racquetball. This was the first time that professional outdoor racquetball and professional outdoor handball have shared the same stage. Along with the professional divisions offering over $35,000 in cash prize money; amateur divisions for men, women, and junior players were offered in both racquetball and handball singles, doubles and mixed doubles.

The men’s pro racquetball singles division was won by Rocky Carson as he defeated Alvaro Beltran in the finals and Rhonda Rajsich defeated Jackie Paraiso in the women’s final. The men's pro handball singles division was won by David Chapman as he defeated Luis Moreno in the finals.

IRF 22nd World Juniors Championships 2010

Opening ceremonies for the 22nd IRF World Junior Championships will take place on Sunday, November 14, followed by a full week of competition - from November 15-20 - which is one month earlier than previous years. The Spectrum Club in Los Angeles, California will host the pre-Thanksgiving week event and the event webpage has been updated with details.

Host Hotel Reservations OPEN ... The Hilton Woodland Hills has activated its online reservation page for players and families planning to attend the World Juniors.

for more info go to:

http://www.internationalracquetball.com/events10/10irf_jrs1.htm

Upcoming Events in Europe

Upcoming Events

Hamburg Open 2010
Oct29th - Oct31st
Location : Hamburg, Germany
Contact : MMesecke@racquetball.de
http://www.hamburgopen.racquetball.de


Lakenheath Halloween Tournament
Oct30th - Oct30th
Location : Lakenheath, England
Contact : lorraine.botwright@lakenheath.af.mil This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Belgian Open 2010
Nov19th - Nov21st
Location : Brussels, Belgium
Contact : erik.meyer@skynet.be

European Championships 2011 granted to Bad Tölz, Germany

The European Racquetball Federation (ERF) has granted the 2011 European Championships to Bad Tölz, Germany. It will be the third time after 1990 and 1999 that Bad Tölz will host an ERF event. The date for the EURO 2011 has been provisionally set for the first week of August. Bad Tölz is a town in Bavaria, Germany. The city sits on the Isar River, 670 metres above sea level. Bad Tölz is known for its spas, historic medieval town, and spectacular views of the alps. It is appr. 50 km south of Munich.

ERF President Erik Meyer (Belgium) thanked the German Racquetball Federation and the local officials in Bad Tölz for their willigness to host the Europeans 2011: "Bad Tölz is a wonderful venue for our major event. We have had great events in the past and in 2011 we expect nothing different", Meyer said.

Players from 10 nations are expected to compete in Bad Tölz next year. The EURO 2011 consists of three major competitions: With the Open Individual and National Team Competition for Men and Women and the Senior Competitions in various divisions (30-85 years) as well as the Junior Championships (12-18 years), the three courts in Bad Tölz will be filled with many matches in just one week. A free day right in the middle of action will make sure that all players and delegates enjoy the great Bavarian hospitality with trips to Munich or Salzburg (Austria).

More information will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead.

Annual Halloween Tournament in Lakenheath, England

The annual Lakenheath Halloween Tournament is taking place on Saturday October 30th iat the Royal Air Force Station in Lakenheath, England. For those who haven't played for ages or just want to experience another great competition, get along and enjoy the game again!

Contact Lorraine Bowright at the Center on 01638 523607 or email her at lorraine.botwright@lakenheath.af.mil This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to get more information on this event.

Local Cleveland Residents Reap Senior Olympics Gold

Four local residents will be among those competing in June 2011 in the National Senior Olympics.

The four — Nicholas “Doc” Newton, Sharon Gallaher, Terry Gallaher and Joel Sherlin — all took gold medals in their categories during the 2010 Tennessee Senior Olympics. To qualify for national competition, an individual must finish in the top three of the division.

Newton, 77, came away with a gold medals in the 50-yard freestyle, a gold in the 50-yard backstroke and set a new state record in the 50-yard backstroke in competition in Brentwood.

In the competition in Franklin, Sharon Gallaher took a silver in women’s singles racquetball, a gold in mixed doubles racquetball, a gold in women’s 3 on 3 basketball and a bronze in women’s singles pickelball.

Terry Gallahar took gold in the men’s singles racquetball, men’s doubles racquetball, mixed doubles racquetball and bronze medals in men’s singles pickelball and men’s basketball freethrows.

Sherlin took gold in men’s doubles racquetball and men’s singles racquetball.

Five years ago, Terry Gallaher had total knee replacements. He began to play racquetball after nine months in rehabilitation.

“I have to give credit to the Lord for blessing me,” Terry Gallaher said. “I really didn’t know if I would be able to play again after surgery. My surgeon was Dr. Timothy Ballard.”

He said, “I try to play at least five days a week, but really playing with my three grandchildren is the greatest benefit of the new knees.”

Newton said, “I beat my time by 2.5 seconds and set a new state record.

“It was fun. I love competing. Joining the Y and getting back to swimming has been wonderful for me,” Newton said.

He joined the Cleveland Family YMCA about seven months ago at the urging of his sons.

He noted he had been building up his strength in the Wellness Center and working with John McCormick, the lifeguard, on his strokes.

“We are very proud of Doc Newton,” Lee McChesney, Cleveland Family YMCA executive director, noted. “This is what the Y is all about. We help people meet their fitness goals while also providing a social network for making lasting friendships. Doc Newton is an inspiration to all of us and shows us daily how hard work and determination can be fun and rewarding.”

“I work out at the Y every day. I ride the bike for 35 minutes and burn 200 calories, and then I swim 1,500 yards,” Newton said.

“I have found the Y to be a good place to meet interesting people and get back in shape and fit. This is a good program,” he said.

Newton said one of the great things about competing in the Senior Olympics was the support of the family and friends and the personal accomplishment of competing.

“My sons, Michael David, Nicholas James and Christian Arthur, have really been pushing me and encouraging me. They have been very supportive,” Newton said

Live Racquetball from Las vegas

LIVE From the parking
lot of the Stratosphere Hotel
and Casino!

We Are excited to announce the launch of www.wornetwork.com, a division of hopewell productions and the Irt network. Come check out all the great Outdoor action live this weekend from las vegas.

Monthly Subscriptions $9.99
Season Pass (12 month subscription) $99

2010 Sportplex-Mobile Racquetball Championships‏

Hi, Folks..................Come to Mobile, and you're less than an hour away from great beaches and great gambling.......and less than 5 minutes away from some of the best food in the South. This will be Mobile's inaugural Gulf States Racquetball Association's tournament, so come help get us on the map. Call Ben Howell at 251-490-7122 for ANY additional info. See you soon!
TOURNAMENT LOCATION(S)
Sportplex
6363 Picadilly Square
Mobile, Alabama 36695



Event Description:
Mobile's first Gulf States Racquetball Association Tournament

Entry Deadlines:
Please enter Online
Mail entries must be postmarked no later than Wednesday 10/6/2010. Please mail entries to 2917 Quail Creek Run Mobile, AL 36695. Make check payable to: BenHowell, III. Phone entries will be accepted through Wednesday 10/6/2010 no later than 8:00 PM by calling 251-490-7122.
Online entries must be made by Wednesday 10/6/2010 by 8:00 PM. (Central Time)
Late online entries will be accepted up until Thursday 10/7/2010 by 12:30 PM (Central Time) for an additional fee of: $10 .

Starting Times:
Please check start times online. Start times for first round match(s) will be available after 8:00 PM Thursday 10/7/2010. Call 251-490-7122 if you don't have internet access. Play starts at 6:00 PM on Friday 10/8/2010.
Time Zone: Central Time (CST)



Tournament Director(s):
Ben Howell, III reserve(s) the right to combine or cancel any division due to insufficient entries.



Ball: Pro Penn

Age Requirement
For age division competition, participants must meet the proper age requirement as of the first day of the event.


Refunds:
Full Refund if notified by 8pm, October 6, 2010

Great Technology on Our Frames

The advancements in technology are all around us. To be able to live in our current time period is a privilege since we can have access to the advancements like, blackberries, iPod, iPads, Iphones, x box, flat screens with incredible resolution and etc... However the same advancements are also present in materials. Fine fibers similar to carbon fiber and fiber glass that have better physic mechanical properties which makes a lighter and more flexible final material are also part of are current time period. Due to these new materials the racquets are getting lighter and have better flexibility control. The racquet will distort less during impact allowing a bigger sweet spot and better control thru the swing. The advancements come also on filling the micro voids in the molecular structure of these fibers. The material, special nano-sized silicone oxide crystals having been used to fill the micro-voids. Filling the micro voids with silicon crystals prevent the fibers from moving around at the molecular level.

The result to you as a player is that the head of the racquet is more stable; it has much less flex and distortion when you hit the ball. This gives you more control, a bigger sweet spot, and a clean crisp feel when you strike the ball.

In addition, the racquets last longer. All carbon fiber racquets - from all manufacturers - last only so long before the fibers wear out and the racquet looses it's feel. For hard players this can be a season, for average players it can be several years; but they do wear out.

Is no surprise that every year the racquets get significantly better than the racquets from previous years. One can really feel more power and more control every time a new model is released. It is really a incredible technology and great advancement in such a short period of time. Basically now in about a year you can already get a much better frame than the year before. It is really great to have access to this advancement. The materials and the technology on frame distribution and design are definitely helping taking racquet sports to the next level.

LA Fitness Tempe Location Gets a Dramatic Transformation

LA Fitness is pleased to announce the expansion and renovation of their Tempe, AZ facility. Entering through the freshly remodeled reception/lobby area, new and returning members can expect to see 16,000 additional square feet of club space and a variety of upgrades throughout the club, including a new Kids Klub-babysitting area, additional racquetball courts, a new juice bar, fresh carpet, redesigned graphics, larger updated locker rooms with new lockers, a larger aerobics room, a new cycling studio (filled with new state-of-the-art bikes), new dumbbells and weight benches, new TV's, and modern furniture.

Don't Argue any calls with this Guy

An 89-year-old retired educator and school principal forgot he had a loaded gun in his gym bag when he walked into the Port Orange YMCA carrying it, he said Friday.

Port Orange police arrested Frank Sganga, a longtime Volusia County math teacher and founder of the now-defunct Frank Sganga Charter School in New Smyrna Beach, after his wife called police to report him Thursday morning.

"I was a little concerned about her getting it," Sganga said Friday, explaining why he was toting the gun in his bag. "I said, 'Where the hell do I hide that thing?' So I put the gun in the racquetball bag and covered it with a towel and shirts."

Then, he said, he forgot all about it.

Sganga, who lives in New Smyrna Beach but drives to play racquetball in Port Orange three days a week, was worried about an argument he and his wife, May Sganga, had earlier this week when he hid the gun. She was "extremely angry," he said.

Officers interrupted his racquetball match Thursday morning to inspect the gym bag. After they found the gun, Sganga was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, a felony, and taken to the Volusia County Branch Jail. He posted $1,000 bail Thursday night.

Police said the gun was a silver .38-special Taurus revolver with four live rounds and one blank, which Sganga said he usually kept in a dresser drawer to protect his home.

May Sganga, 59, was taken to a victim's advocate's office and then to a shelter, according to the police report.

On Friday, however, Frank Sganga, said his truck was missing after his wife of seven months loaded all her belongings into it and disappeared. He was considering reporting the truck stolen.

Sganga's last visit to the jail was in 2007 when he and then-wife Jeanmarie Sganga were charged with aggravated battery after police found them both injured at his house on Sunset Drive. The pair, police said, were arguing over credit-card statements when Frank began smashing vases with his racquet and a wrestling match ensued.

He went to anger management classes as a condition of a deferred prosecution agreement in that case, according to court records. His wife's charges were dropped.

Thursday's arrest embarrassed the longtime educator and writer -- "they cuffed me and carried me through the damn lobby, and it was embarrassing as hell" -- but he said he was glad not to spend the night in the jail as he did in 2007.

"I understood where they were coming from, because people do blow away other people," he said of the arrest. "It was no place for a gun to be, I know that. It was inadvertent. I just didn't know it was there.

"I'll go before a judge, and I'll just explain the story like I explained it to you, and hope he understands that it was a pure, inadvertent ... I shouldn't have had the gun in the bag. I won't mind community service -- I just don't want to be fined and jailed."

Is Racquetball really dying ?

In south Florida doesn't seem to be case. From Kendall to wellington we have a 67 mile stretch south to north on the coast and about another 10 miles east west. On that strip we have just in La Fitness clubs about 72 courts which gives us more than one court per mile. On that same strip we have several private courts, we have courts at the 24 Hour fitness centers, some courts at the YMCA,UM, FIU and JCC. If we make a safe assumption on the remaining courts besides the dominating LA fitness we could assume maybe another 20 on the strip. The total so far would be 92 courts in our 67 mile by 10 mile strip. Now keep in mind that I am only talking about indoor courts. If we add outdoor to this equation the number can easily double since on that strip we have several locations with outdoor courts. Just show up to one of the outdoor events down here and you will see how many people are there.

Now one may argue that the courts are just taking space. Well I can safely say that I have been to most of these locations and different times and I can tell you that during pick hours at the gym all the courts are always full including the challenge court. Of course if you go to the gym in a sunny weekend day in Florida at 1 pm you might not find anyone playing but you won't find anyone at the basketball either.

My point is that I don't see the sport dying where I am. I keep hearing the same thing over and over but it just doesn't add up. It might not be what was 20 years ago but is definitely not dying.

Now in tournaments the numbers may not be so great. In tournaments is very rare to see a new face but that goes back to the fact that we have 5 million players nation wide and only 14,000 USRA members. That is just a horrible percentage and does not help the sport. We do our best to get more people involved but the fact that the places where our sport is present is treated as a recreational sport and not also as a competition sport, will not attract new comers to the tournaments. We can't host tournaments at La Fitness and there is no Pros teaching lessons in a daily basis. On the place that we have the great majority of courts and people we don't have a racquetball program. The only program are the leagues which maybe out of 20 new players, you might have 2 or 3 that might want to try tournaments. Not to mention that in La Fitness, kids can't play at all.
I believe that the problem is not the fact that the sport is dying or that we need to get more people to play. I believe we have to change the culture of the sport inside La Fitness. Weather we like it or not La Fitness is the market for racquetball. Their facilities have a monster number of members and several people using the courts. There is no better exposure to racquetball right now than the courts at La Fitness. Thousands of people coming in and out everyday, watching the rallies during their work out time outs. Obviously not a easy task since La Fitness belongs to a 14 billion dollar private equity group that only cares about the numbers. To convince someone inside the corporation to implement a racquetball program, including lessons, junior team and competition will be very difficult. I believe that is where racquetball struggles. If we can ever make it over that hump, things will become extremely different very fast. Places to play and the people who play are there but we just can't connect the dots to make it work.

In the mean time we continue to do what we can to advertise the sport, instruct people and take information anywhere we can. Once someone tries, the sport will sell itself.

New club making racquet at Boise State University

If you’ve been to the Student Recreation Center here on campus then you’ve probably seen those sweaty beasts in their glass cages down at the end of the basketball courts. The ones with the goofy safety glasses and wear more arm bands than Allen Iverson. These gentlemen (and ladies) are racquetball players, and if you think their sport is lame or for old professors you just might want to give it a try.

When I saw racquetball on the club sports list I was immediately intrigued. I don’t know of a sport that I’ve actually been around more, yet I know so little about. My first step was to find someone with some background and knowledge for the sport who would be willing to fill me in and give me some pointers. So I decided to head for the source, racquetball club president and founder Sean Campbell.

After sitting down with Sean I learned that his passion for racquetball came by accident.

“I didn’t know what it was, I didn’t even know what to call it,” Campbell recalled after seeing the courts down at the Rec. “After looking through all the KIN-ACT classes, the only opening left was for racquetball.”

And so his story began. He fell in love with the game and was constantly looking for new and better competition. This is what sparked his idea to get involved and start up a new club.

The last attempt to start up a racquetball club back in 2001 fell flat on its face with only four members joining. The club’s resurgence is mainly attributed to Sean’s open door policy, “We want to get a network of players that can get together, practice, and have fun, no matter their skill level.”

“I want to bring racquetball back, it’s not as popular as it once was,” Campbell said.

This dip in popularity can be traced back to the changes (mainly the increase in racquet size) that occurred with the game in the late 1990s.

“When they raised the speed of the game the eye injuries increased, and the popularity went down,” said Joe Fuson, club coach and racquetball enthusiast. But with the advances in light-weight, high impact eye protection, many old injuries are being avoided.

“We had two world champions for 10 years running out of Spokane and Boise. Boise used to be a Mecca of racquetball in the ’90s,” Fuson said.

I challenged Campbell and club secretary Jesse Beumeler to a friendly game (bad idea on my part). After going over a few rules and guidelines, it was time for the moment of truth. The first thing that I noticed when stepping into court is that this is a very loud sport. The next thing I discovered after getting hit in the back of the head with the ball, was that the game tends to move rather fast. We played a rotating three man game to 21 points, and I learned why you shouldn’t challenge the club president and secretary.

Final score 21-19-1 — I had the one point.

Thanks for taking it easy guys

James Johnson new AERA President

The 2010-2011 Racquetball season is starting soon in Europe and along with that, the Ameriacan European Racquetball Association (AERA) welcomes it’s new President James "JJ" Johnson and Vice President Sean Troyer. The AERA is the official racquetball represenation of the US Forces stationed in Europe.

“I promise that as the President that I will represent the American European Racquetball Association with dignity and pride at all times. You can count on your voices to be heard. I will always operate in a manner that AERA matters are always first and foremost and not for personal gains”, Johnson says.

The European Racquetball Federation send his best wishes to the new AERA-President and is looking forward to a continuing cooperation between the AERA and the ERF.

More info on the AERA at www.racquetball-aera.com.

Congratulations James.

Congratulations Team USA

The USA has won the men's and women's team competitions at the 15th IRF World Championships in Seoul, South Korea. Both the American men and women swept Team Canada to successfully defend the titles they won in Ireland two years ago. They were also the overall winners. The USA has won every women's team competition at Worlds and this is their 9th men's title and 14th overall title. Canada is the only other country to have won the team titles.

Rocky Carson and Rhonda Rajsich (both USA) successfully defended their World Singles titles they won in Ireland two years ago. Mexico's Paola Longoria and Samantha Salas won the Ladies Doubles gold medalby defeating defending champions Aimee Ruiz and Jackie Paraiso (USA), 13-15, 15-13, 11-4, becoming only the second non-US team to win gold in women's doubles.

From Europe only Ireland sent a team to ths years' World Championships.


Men's Singles Final
Rocky Carson (USA) d. Jack Huczek (USA), 15-13, 15-14

Women's Singles Final
Rhonda Rajsich (USA) d. Nancy Enriquez (Mexico), 15-8, 15-11

Men's Doubles Final
Ben Croft & Mitch Williams (USA) d. Tim Landeryou & Mike Green (Canada), 15-2, 15-13

Women's Doubles Finals
Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas Solis (Mexico) d. Amy Ruiz & Jacqueline Paraiso (USA), 13-15, 15-13, 11-4

European Racquetball Day

September 25th 2010 is European Racquetball Day! Activities will be held in many European clubs to promote the great sport of Racquetball, to attract new players to the sport and to show the advantages of playing Racquetball to others. ERF member countries and clubs in , France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands have confirmed their participation in the "ERD 2010". Check with the National Federations as to which club will have promotional acticvities.

The ERD2010 is also a roll call to all players who have stopped playing racquetball: Come back and re-join this great sport, help to grow it and be part of some activities again that are being held in a club nearby. We need your experience and ideas as well. Give something back to the sport that has given you so much in the past!! The ERD2010 is the perfect chance to start playing again.

Interesting Facts about Kane

Kane Waselenchuk (born November 9, 1981) is a professional racquetball player from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Waselenchuk finished the 2009-10 season as the #1 player on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), going undefeated over the course of the season, which was a first for a men's professional racquetball player. It was the fifth time Waselenchuk finished the IRT season at #1.

Waselenchuk has won 40 IRT tournaments through the 2009-10 season, and done that in only 80 tournament appearances for a remarkable tournament winning rate of 50%.

Waselenchuk won his first IRT tournament in the 2001-02 season, which was his first year on the IRT full time. That year he finished #4 in the IRT rankings, was #2 the following year, and then #1 at season's end in three consecutive seasons from 2003-04 to 2005-06.

Waselenchuk has won five US Open Racquetball Championships, pro racquetball's most prestigious event, which is more than any other player (Sudsy Monchik is second with four US Open titles). He won it from 2003 to 2005 and in 2008 and 2009.[2]

2009-2010
Waselenchuk won nine of the ten IRT events in the 2009-10 season - defeating Jack Huczek in six finals and Rocky Carson in two and Ben Croft in another. He won 102 games and lost only 3, and did not face a tie-breaking 5th game in any match. The only tournament Waselenchuk didn't win was one he missed due to illness. In October, he won his 5th {{US Open Racquetball ChampionshipsUS Open]] title setting a new mark for most US Open titles by a man, passing Sudsy Monchik's 4 titles, and did not lose a game in winning the title.[1]

2008-2009
Waselenchuk went 49-1, with the only loss to Alvaro Beltran in the semi-finals of the California Open in January 2009. He regained the US Open title - his fourth, although did lose some games on the road to the final, including two in a tie-breaker win over Beltran. Waselenchuk finishes as the #1 IRT player for the fourth time, although he did miss three events

Interesting Facts About Paola

Paola Longoria (born July 20, 1989) is a Mexican racquetball player. She's the first Mexican woman to attain the #1 ranking on the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour, doing so at the end of the 2008-09 season and at the end of 2009-2010 season as well. Longoria's style is characterized by a semi-western grip of the racquet, which is unusual for racquetball; Longoria is the only pro player using this grip style.

Longoria won her first WPRO event in 2007. Then in the 2008-09 season, she won 4 of the 9 WPRO tour events, including the US Open Racquetball Championships in 2008[1], and is the first Mexican - woman or man - to win that event. She was second in four other events, and this strong record led to her #1 ranking at season's end.

Longoria is current World Champion in women's doubles winning the title with Samantha Salas Solis. They beat Americans Aimee Ruiz and Jackie Paraiso in the final to become the first Mexican women to win a World Championship in singles or doubles.

Longoria won the Pan American Championships in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

Longoria won the gold medal at the 2009 World Games, defeating Rhonda Rajsich in the final.

Also, Longoria won eight consecutive International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Junior Championships from 2001 to 2008, winning twice in each age category from 12 and under, 14 and under, 16 and under, and 18 and under

Longoria gets 2nd at World's Professional Championships

The mexican Paola Longoria was proclaimed the runner up at the world professional championship of Racquetbol, disputed in Cali, Colombia, after losing in four sets to the american Rhonda Rajsich.

Longoria began the final match of the Colombian tournament with the right foot after winning the first game, however failed to keep pace, and ended up losing against the American.

The mexican athetle, who occupies the first position in the world ranking WPRO, lost to Rhonda with the scores of 7-11, 11-7, 13-11, 11-7.

This is Paola Longoria's second defeat at the hands of the American, who also eliminated the Mexican in the semi-finals of the world championships, held in Seoul, South Korea.

The next chalenge for Paola, current champion of the Texas Open, is the US open, in Minnesota from 20 to 24 October.

It should be noted that the Professional World Championship of Racquetbol, corresponded to the second WPRO event of the season, and the first Grand Slam of the season.

Congratulations to Paola and Rhonda for making to the finals.

Live Longer Playing Racquetball

At first glance, Victor Asher doesn't look his age. His son, Larry, says the Boynton Beach resident gets this response all the time from people inside the Green Cay Village development.
But what amazes everyone about Asher is what he's still able to do, whether it's playing racquetball, going bowling, working out in the gym or climbing 16 steps in his townhouse.
He even can still drive at night on all the major highways.
Nicknamed "Vic Ash," Asher's staying strong and active at 98 years young. He was born in June, 1912.
"I've played tennis and golf, but I love racquetball the best," said Asher. "It's a very nice game, especially with partners. It's too much running around for me in singles."

Live Longer Playing Racquetball

A 90-year-old man playing shuffle board is understandably an accomplishment.
One who is still golfing or bowling is very much a noteworthy feat.
But to be playing racquetball at the age of 90 like Springfielder Gene Richardson. Well, that’s special.
He just this past week entered his 10th decade on this earth. And even he sometimes finds it hard to fathom he can still play.
“It’s hard to believe, really,” he admitted. But playing racquetball three times a week at the Springfield Family Y and exercising daily when he doesn’t has kept the spring in his step.
“It seems like I’m having problems finding people to play,” he said with a laugh. But it wasn’t with conceit. But lack of players for fear of being embarrassed by an old man is a fact that he’s had to deal with.
Age is relative for a man as active as “Rich,” as most friends know him.
“I played tennis for about 30 years and then the sun started getting to me and I had skin cancer,” said Richardson. “I would like to think I’ve been playing racquetball for around 30 years, too.”
The reason he still plays is simple.
“The exercise,” he said. “Especially when you get up in my age, you can’t just sit down and wait. Plus it’s a fun game and kind of addicting.
“The days I don’t play racquetball, I’ll do three miles on the treadmill,” he continued. “I’ll do a mile, mile and a half in the morning, then another mile or mile and a half.”
He does so because he likes the results.
“I’ve never had a problem with eating or gaining weight,” he said. “I’ve been 150 pounds my whole life, maybe 155 pounds at the most.”
Richardson stays realistic, though.
“I’m sure I have slowed down some from where I was 30 years ago, but I don’t have trouble running,” he said. “There’s a lot of guys that I can’t beat.”
And some who he still can.
“I’m competitive,” he said. “I don’t like to get beat.”
But not at the expense of relationships.
“I just can’t imagine all the friends I’ve gained playing racquetball,” he said.
The physical and social benefits have paid off handsomely.
“I’m sure that’s what keeps me going,” he said. “I didn’t start out making it that long, but I’m sure that has helped.”
He does have one vice, though: chocolate candy. But as active as he is, that sweet tooth never seems to cause a problem.
“He’s a good inspiration for folks around here,” said Springfield Y acting director Joe Moorman. “Hey, you’ve got to keep moving. If you retire and sit around and watch TV and eat munchies all the time, you’re not going to live very long.
“It’s the key to longevity: Keep moving and keep living.”

Claudine started on the right foot in Pro Racquetball Tour

The Dominican Claudine Garcia was optimistic for her participation in the second pro stop of the Pro Racquetball Tour which began Wednesday and ends on 20th of this month in Cali , Colombia.

The triple silver medalist in the last Central American and Caribbean Games in Mayaguez , Puerto Rico , said that she will be competing in the professional category , who will be the top 10 competitors in the world and racquetball area of South America. Also playing in the Open as a way to continue its program of preparation.

"My goal at the Pro Tour is seeking a better ranking for the U.S. Open and also serves as a training and warmup to prepare for the 2011 Pan American Games , " Garcia said prior to his departure to Colombia.

After being absent from the Pro Racquetball Tour since 2002 , athlete quisqueyana returns to competition for the second time this year. Last August, from 27 to 29 , Claudine attended the first pro stop that took place in Dallas , Texas, where she earned two victories and one defeat.

Today, Garcia, who started in 25th position at the first stop , is in the place 32 in the World Ranking and intention , as stated , is to go slowly gaining ground .

"No competing on the Pro Tour since 2002, but since I started playing more intensely since January and I'm feeling more confident and my level has been rising slowly , "said Garcia, who added: " At this pro stop in Cali will not be the same players who were in Texas , now they have a lot of participation of athletes from South America, mainly due to the proximity of the venue. "

"Claudine Garcia is our most complete player and I think that little by little, as she takes part in these events, she will continue to rise in each of their events , climbing positions in the Pro Tour , "said Rafael Fernandez.

good luck Claudine and play hard.

Minneapolis to host racquetball championships

The U.S. Open Racquetball Championships is moving to Minneapolis after 14 years in Memphis, Tenn.

The U.S. Open Racquetball Championships will bring together 800 professional and amateur racquetball players from around the world to compete in the five-day tournament to be held Oct. 20-24, according to U.S. Open Racquetball Championships. Matches will be held at the Life Time Fitness club inside Target Center in downtown Minneapolis, as well as the Life Time Fitness in St. Louis Park and the Life Time Minneapolis Athletic Club in Minneapolis.

The event is expected to draw about 3,000 spectators creating more than $4 million in economic impact for the Minneapolis area.

In its 15th year, the Open Championship decided to relocate to Minneapolis after outgrowing its previously announced venue in Memphis, Tenn.

World Professional Racquetball Championship -- Cali 2010

Kane and Ben Croft are playing in the finals today at 5 pm. Kane bit Andy in the semis and Ben bit Shane. Several other big names in the Pro Tour attended the evnt that is taking place in Cali Colombia.

On the Womens Pro draw Cheryl is playing Rhonda on the semis and Paola is playing Samanta Solis.

You can see all the draws on the link below.

http://www.r2sports.com/tourney/divisions/listAllDivs.asp?TID=7373&sortBy=defaultOrder

Racquetball News from Kim Roy

$20 discount if register by TODAY 09/17/10

Regional Doubles
Richey Racquet Club -Port Richey, FL
October 1-3
Register Online: http://www.r2sports.com/tourney.asp?TID=7248

Contact Kim Roy: kimberly_roy@hotmail.com or 603-491-1494
ALL the the IRT professional racquetball players will be back in FLORIDA in 2011...
for the BIGGEST tournament in FLORIDA!!!!

IRT Florida Spring Break ProAm
~~~Tier 1 IRT Event~~~
March 10-13, 2011


Support Professional Racquetball
Thank you for your generosity in bringing the IRT Professionals to Florida each year! This upcoming season, the IRT is planning to be back to Florida March 10-13, 2011. With your support, we can make this happen again this year.

Thank you very much!


Checks should be made out to: International Racquetball Tour
And mail check to: Kim Roy -PO Box 24434 - Tampa, FL 33623

Adult Racquetball Leagues
Harbour Island Athletic Club
Tampa, FL

Mondays
8-10pm- B/C/D
Tuesdays
8-10pm- Open/A
Mark your calendars for the AWESOME...
IRT Satellite Pro Stop 2010
October 29-31, 2010
CA$H CA$H CA$H CA$H CA$H CA$H CA$H
Call/Email Kim Roy 603-491-1494 or kimberly_roy@hotmail.com to register!!
Junior Racquetball Clinics
Harbour Island Athletic Club -
Tampa, FL

Tuesdays-5-6pm or 6-7pm


Email Kim Roy at kimberly_roy@hotmail.com
or call/text 603-491-1494

ENTRY DEADLINE - 2010 Atlanta Open‏

Reminder - the entry deadline for the 2010 Atlanta Open is this Sunday 9/17 at 9PM EST!
Dates: Friday, September 24 thru Sunday, September 26

Place: Recreation ATL, 754 Beaver Ruin Road, Lilburn, GA 770-676-0435

Entries: We accept ONLINE entries only. Participants limited to 2 events.

Entry Fees: REDUCED ENTRY FEES! $40 first event, $20 second event. Juniors - $20 first event!

Entry Deadline: Sunday, September 19th at 9PM EST. Additional $5 Early Entry Discount for entries before September 1st!!!

Entry Requirements: Must be a current USA Racquetball member.

Divisions: Men's, Women's, and Juniors events, Singles and Doubles. More details on divisions available during the registration process.

Referees: All match winners are required to referee one match or forfeit. Referees will be paid $5 for each additional match after the first required match.

Official Ball: Ektelon Classic (Black)

Hospitality: Food, drink, and a tournament shirt will be provided for all participants.

If you have questions about this event, please contact Will Costanza at grpatournaments@earthlink.net or Jason Chan at maysatl@gmail.com.

Please join GRPA on Facebook by searching for "Georgia Racquetball"!

New Racquetball Courts at Sacramento State

It's a 151,000 square foot facility, combining the student health center with fitness rooms, basketball courts, racquetball courts, an indoor track, and a 42-foot-tall climbing wall.

"The final tally was $71 million in construction costs," said Leslie Davis of the California State University at Sacramento. "Not a state fee went into it. It was all student fee generated."

The idea for the facility came from a study the university undertook in 2003 to determine what students would like to see in terms of recreation, health and fitness. At a daylong opening celebration Thursday, students seemed pleased with how it all turned out.

"I like it a lot," said senior Clayton Bena. "The climbing wall is pretty cool."

"I thought it was really nice," said junior Allison Rodriguez. "I know I'm going to be using it a lot."

The Well is open to all current students, faculty and staff as well as recent alumni who paid the fee, but graduated before the building's completion.

Junior Classes in CA

A news season of junior racquetball begins Sept. 11 at the Petaluma Valley Athletic Club.


Classes are every Saturday, with beginners from 11 a.m. until noon and intermediate/advanced players from noon to 2 p.m. The age range is 6 to18.

Instruction is offered by AMPRO-certified instructors Brian Dixon and Orlando Mayo. The beginner class is assisted by Nidia Funes and junior- tournament players Sawyer Lloyd, Luke Sewall and others.

Players learn rules, how to play, safety and good sportsmanship. Players have utilized the skills learned to further their racquetball playing, or just to help with basic life skills.

Recently Lloyd won two silver medals and a gold at the Junior National Racquetball Championships, and will be representing USA at the World Championships.

During the middle of the session, a junior-only tournament will take place at PVAC on Oct. 16. This will include PVAC players,as well as players from outside clubs.

signup forms are available at PVAC, 85 Corona Road. For more information, contact Dixon at Bri@Jupe.com or call 766-9105.

Alejandro Herrera wins Florida Open

Results:

Alejandro Herrera wins the Open's
Scott Michetti wins the A's
Ernesto Diaz wins the B's
Justin Cooklin wins the C's
Tom Tomasi wins the D's

Congratulations to all the winners.

Southaven father and son duo Bob Lampley and Eric Lampley took home honors in Memphis TN

The Olive Branch Family YMCA is proud to announce its members' success at the recent Court House of Blues racquetball tournament.

Father and son duo Bob Lampley and Eric Lampley of Southaven took home honors in their divisions at the tournament.

Bob and his partner, David Gross, won first place in the B Doubles division.

Eric and his partner, John Peck, won first place in the Open Doubles division.

The Lampleys have been playing racquetball for years and have competed in many local tournaments.

Additionally, Bob has provided clinics for YMCA members so that he can pass on his passion for the game to others who would like to learn.

Bob and Eric can be seen at the Olive Branch YMCA many days a week practicing their skills on the court.

Darlene Cunningham is the community outreach and development director for the Olive Branch Family YMCA.