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Sunday, October 17, 2010

Florida Schedule

2010 FL IRT HALLOWEEN CASH
Date:10/29/2010 - 10/31/2010

Location: Lifestyle Family Fitness. Bradenton, FL

USAR-IP CERTIFICATION CLINIC TOM TRAVERS
Date:10/30/2010 - 10/31/2010

Location: TBA. PEMBROKE PINES, FL

2010 WOR Pro Kennex United States Outdoor Racquetball Championships
Date:11/12/2010 - 11/14/2010

Location: South County Regional Park. Boca Raton, FL

2010 SARASOTA FALL TOURNAMENT
Date:11/19/2010 - 11/21/2010

Location: Sarasota Ymca. Sarasota, FL

2010 Marty Hogan Super Series Event
Date:12/3/2010 - 12/5/2010

Location: Richey Racquet. , FL

2010 Florida Senior Games
Date:12/11/2010 - 12/12/2010

Location: Naples Fitness Center. Naples, FL

2011 FL HARBOUR ISLAND OPEN
Date:1/7/2011 - 1/9/2011

Location: . TAMPA, FL

2011 Orange & Blue Shootout
Date:1/14/2011 - 1/16/2011

Location: University of Florida, Southwest Recreation Center. Gainesville, FL

2010 Florida State Singles
Date:1/28/2011 - 1/30/2011

Location: Bath And Racquet. , FL

2011 IRT FLORIDA SPRING BREAK PRO AM TOURNAMENT
Date:3/10/2011 - 3/13/2011

Location: Harbour Island Athletic Club And Spa. Tampa, FL

2011 FL SPRING TRAINING
Date:4/1/2011 - 4/3/2011

Location: . TAMPA, FL

2011 FL JUNIOR REGIONALS
Date:6/3/2011 - 6/5/2011

Location: . TAMPA, FL

2011 FL IRT SUMMER CASH
Date:7/29/2011 - 7/31/2011

Location: . UNKNOWN, FL

for more info go to http://floridaracquetball.com/

2010 FL IRT HALLOWEEN CASH

Contact the tourney director:kimberly_roy@hotmail.com
603-491-1494

TOURNAMENT LOCATION(S)
Lifestyle Family Fitness
7385 52nd Place East
Bradenton, Florida 34203

Event Description:
IRT Satellite Pro Stop

Entry Deadlines:
Please enter Online

Online entries must be made by Friday 10/22/2010 by 11:00 PM. (Central Time)
Late online entries will be accepted up until Monday 10/25/2010 by 11:00 PM (Central Time) for an additional fee of: $20 .

Starting Times:
Please check start times online. Start times for first round match(s) will be available after 11:00 PM Wednesday 10/27/2010. Call 603-491-1494 if you don't have internet access. Play starts at 11:00 AM on Friday 10/29/2010.
Time Zone: Eastern Time (EST)

Tournament Director(s):
Kim Roy reserve(s) the right to combine or cancel any division due to insufficient entries.

Ball: ProPenn HD (purple)

Sanctioning:
USAR, IRT and FRA sanctioned event.

Consolation Match(s):
No consolation matches.

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

Ref:
Winners will be required to referee the next match.

Refunds:
No refund policy.

Hit the ball to yourself in racquetball


Downers Grove, IL — DO IT
Racquetball is one of the few sports where a second person isn’t needed with the wall as your opponent.

Play to beat others or play for fun and exercise by one’s self by hitting the wall in a game of racquetball. The game has the motions of tennis, between the running around and forceful swings, but another player isn’t required. They are required if you’re playing a game in a league.

Joann Able, customer service manager for Sunset Racquetball and Fitness Center in Geneva, says a racquetball game can be played with two or four players and that scoring is based on the best of three games, each game being played to 15 points.

The facility harbors two racquetball courts, which are 40 feet by 20 feet by 20 feet closed-in rooms, and has racquetball lessons and leagues year round. They even have a wallyball league.

“Wallyball is basically volleyball played on a racquetball court,” Able says. “The difference being that the court walls can be used (in the game).”

WHAT YOU NEED
As probably realized, a person needs a racquet and ball to play racquetball. Both items can be rented at the Sunset Racquetball and Fitness Center. Able says goggles are recommended for safety, but they’re not required. Goggles can also be rented at the site.

For wallyball, a wallyball net and ball is needed, she says.

WHERE
Reservations should be made in advance to play on Sunset Racquetball’s courts. To reserve a court time, call (630) 232-7867.

Glass Court Swim and Fitness Club in Lombard has eight racquetball and wallyball courts and offers free racquetball clinics every third Thursday of the month to adults. Glass Court is hosting The 19th Annual Turkey Shoot Open racquetball tournament on Nov. 18-21.

Racquetball and wallyball play is also available at Pleasant Dale Park District’s Chalet in Willow Springs.

Henshaw nationally ranked

MORGANTOWN - George "Duke" Henshaw was not only an outstanding defensive tackle for West Virginia University from 1967-69 but an excellent coach for Bobby Bowden in Morgantown from 1970-75.

That triggered a 38-year coaching career for the 6-foot-1, 220-pound native of Midlothian, Va.

But did you know that Henshaw, now retired from coaching, also is nationally-ranked as a racquetball player?

That's right. He is listed as seventh for his ranking group. He admittedly has a lot of fun playing in national tournaments.

Henshaw, now working for a recruiting firm, was in Morgantown last Saturday for the WVU Sports Hall of Fame Ceremony. He is a member of the shrine's 2006 class.

"I've always enjoyed coming back to WVU," he said. "I get more opportunities to do that now. I'm 62 years old and I love my work."

Henshaw has played racquetball with his friend Paul Lewis every time he has come to Morgantown.

Lewis works in animal science at WVU.

"He absolutely is a fabulous guy," Henshaw continued. "I think he's the best racquetball player around here of any age."

Are you tuned in, Don Nehlen?

The rankings are done by the National Racquetball Association. Henshaw said, "I may not be as good as my ranking, but the bottom line is I have a lot of fun playing racquetball."

Henshaw now resides in Dustin, Fla. His son Mike was a defensive back for WVU from 2001-04.

Players gearing up for West Michigan Open Pro Am Racquetball Championships


Brandon Cortese has strung together an impressive list of accomplishments during his racquetball career.

Cortese, 28, of Grand Rapids, is a two-time Michigan Male Player of the Year and twice has won Michigan State Singles Open and Michigan State Doubles Open championships.

We asked him to discuss his most memorable moment, though, and one might be surprised by what he has to say.

He puts a loss at the top of his list.

"I had an opportunity to play Cliff Swain in the West Michigan Open two years ago, and that was a dream of mine because he is the greatest of all time," Cortese said. "It was a racquetball dream of mine to be on the same court with him. It was the happiest I've ever been to lose a match."

The West Michigan Open Pro Am Racquetball Championships returns to Michigan Athletic Club this weekend. Swain, a member of the USA Racquetball Hall of Fame who has finished the year ranked No. 1 a record six times, is scheduled to compete.

Cortese said it would be great to square off against Swain again.

Cortese, a Michigan State graduate, serves as the club professional at the MAC, East Hills and Orchard Hills athletic clubs.


THE TOURNAMENT
What: West Michigan Open Pro Am Racquetball Championships

Where: Michigan Athletic Club, 2500 Burton SE, Grand Rapids

When: Quarterfinals begin noon Saturday, followed by semifinals at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Finals are noon Sunday.

Admission: Free; donations may be made to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.
He participates in a number of national events each year but said this weekend's tournament is among his favorites.

"For me, I just always have enjoyed the sport and I love when the people come out and cheer and have a good time," Cortese said. "When you hear the people outside clapping, that is one of the best feelings. The fan involvement is one of the top things for me."

Players will compete for a share of a $3,000 purse. Proceeds will benefit Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.

Cortese said a talented field also makes it special. He pointed to Shane Vanderson of Tampa, Fla., as a player to watch.

Vanderson, who is ranked No. 7 on the International Racquetball Tour, said the tournament will serve as an ideal tune-up for the Oct. 20-24 U.S. Open Racquetball Championships in Minneapolis.

"I haven't been happy with my results so far this year, so I will be looking to turn things around," said Vanderson, 29, a seven-year professional. "I have to work on my forehand. That is the key, along with being nice and consistent."

Andrew Price of Saginaw also is looking forward to returning to the MAC. He turned pro a year ago.

"The first tournament I ever played at was at the MAC," Price said. "I was 11 years old, and I turned pro last year in Grand Rapids."

Message from WOR

Pro Kennex United States

Outdoor Racquetball Championships

THE BIGGEST & BADDEST TOURNEY

ON THE EAST COAST

$6500 in Cash Prizes

PLUS

Hundreds in

Racquetball Warehouse Gift Certificates


November 12 - 14, 2010

We are only 1 month away from the BIGGEST & BADDEST

Outdoor Racquetball Tournament on the East Coast!!!!!

If you missed the California Nationals or the Las Vegas 3-Wall Ball Championships,

you won't want to miss this!!!!


Many divisions to enter:

Singles / Doubles / Mixed Doubles / Juniors / 40+ / Centurians

for more info contact:

vic@worldoutdoorracquetball.com

Message from IRF

Dear All,



Just wanted to keep you informed that the IRF 22nd Junior World championships will be held November 15 to the 20th at the Spectrum Club, Los Angeles, California, USA



Opening ceremonies are scheduled for November 14th and all are invited.



We are looking at 20 plus countries to compete from age 6 to age 18 in both boys and girls divisions.



We are most happy to inform you that we are very close to the launch of our totally new web site which will give a total new look to the IRF and Worldwide Racquetball.



For the time being the IRF web site contains all of the information regarding the Junior Worlds.



Regards,



Luke St Onge



Sec General--IRF

Message from IRF

Dear All,



Just wanted to keep you informed that the IRF 22nd Junior World championships will be held November 15 to the 20th at the Spectrum Club, Los Angeles, California, USA



Opening ceremonies are scheduled for November 14th and all are invited.



We are looking at 20 plus countries to compete from age 6 to age 18 in both boys and girls divisions.



We are most happy to inform you that we are very close to the launch of our totally new web site which will give a total new look to the IRF and Worldwide Racquetball.



For the time being the IRF web site contains all of the information regarding the Junior Worlds.



Regards,



Luke St Onge



Sec General--IRF

Monday, October 4, 2010

News from Ireland


Fermoy`s Noel O`Callaghan and Rossmore`s Aisling Hickey were the winners of the Open Singles at the 1st Youghal Open held in Youghal & Fermoy Co Cork. O`Callaghan defeated local player Keith Gallogley in the Men`s final while Hickey defeated Majella Haverty(Castlebar) in the Womens Final. In the other singles finals, Eoin Kearns (Touraneena) won the Intermediate while Steven Quiin (Rossmore) was the Novice Final winner. The Mens Doubles was won by Noel O`Callaghan and Liam Hughes defeateing Touraneena`s Conor Skehan & Eoin Kearn. Aisling Hickey and Ciara Corcoran won the Women`s Doubles
RAI AGM
The Racquetball Association of Ireland held its Annual General Meeting recently in the Mullingar Park Hotel. The committee for the coming season is as follows - President Jimmy Gannon; Vice President Michael Haverty; Secretary Gary Lynch; Treasurer Shane Laverty, Womens Officer Eithne Skehan; Junior Officer Christy Slattery; Development Officer Frank Quinn; Chidrens Office Olicer Moran, Assistant Secretary Adam Neary; Drugs Liasion Officer John Comerford. The Tournament Secretay position remains vacant.
More News
ERF News
Hamburg Open
The first event on the European Racquetball Tour is the Hamburg Open on October 29-31,
Venue: Sport Department Barsbütteler Straße 43 22043 Hamburg
Entry Fee: 30 Euros incl. shirt, 20 Euros for Juniors
Divisions: Mens Open/A Mens B, Mens D/Novice Ladies Open/A Doubles Open Seniors 35+ Veterans 50+ Juniors 17U
Starting Times: Friday at 7.00 pm Saturday and Sunday at 09.00 am
Official Ball: Ektelon Classic black
Entry Deadline: Wednesday, 27th October, 5.00 om
Link Hamburg Open
Grants for competing in ERT Events
Grants of up to €100 are now available to assist players with the cost of traveling to overseas competitions on the European Racquetball Tour. The number of grants is limited and will be awarded based on the following conditions on a first come first served basis.Players must be affiliated to the RAI or a member of an affiliated club. The event must be a non Ireland ERT event. Players should apply in writing (post or email) to Gary Lynch or Jimmy Gannon prior to booking their travel. Grants will only be paid after the event on confirmation that the player competed. All grades of player may apply. The decision to award a grant and the amount of any grant are at the sole discretion of the RAI.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

3 Racquet Technology Expands Branding Opportunities For Competitive Players

Players For Competitive Players are choosing 3 Racquet Technology for Racquetball branding opportunities. 3 Racquet Technology offers Racquetball branding opportunities that players demand. The company is the leader in Racquet graphics because the team is focused on quality and service first. Racquetball branding opportunities mean Players get an exciting graphics for sponsors on racquets. Players come to 3 Racquet Technology, a smart choice for Racquetball branding opportunities. Racquetball, Tennis and Squash have a colorful future with the new RacquetSkinz that allow teams, clubs and sponsors to take their brand to the court. Today, players are looking for more from the company they choose as their source for Racquet branding opportunities and graphics. 3 Racquet Technology has earned its reputation for racquet designs. For additional information players are invited to visit the company web site at http://www.racquetskinz.com.

RacquetSkinz announces more designs to choose from and the ability to develop custom designs. Players and teams can make a real statement with every swing. 3 Racquet Technology expands Racquet Skin Design. Players are back in control of the statement they make with their racquets. Now organizations can brand Racquetball, Tennis and Squash racquets for greater exposure. Available in dozens of styles, colors and themes, RacquetSkinz is the ultimate racquet mod. RacquetSkinz offers a colorful protective way to add graphics to Racquetball, Tennis and Squash racquets. Skin your racquet and get a graphic edge that protects. 3 Racquet Technology produces Racquetball Clubs for competitive players.

About 3 Racquet Technology
RacquetSkinz is the latest technology for racquet sports brought to you by 3 Racquet Technology. RacquetSkinz is a thin light weight material offering custom designs for you racquetball, squash and tennis racquet. Building from the latest technology, RacquetSkinz offers vibrant designs, feather light and tear resistant materials in a protective interchangeable designed skin. Your racquet is a blank canvas – now express yourself and create a perfect design. We start with a “racquet shell” manufactured to spec to perform with the same balance as the original. These shells are raw without paint, graphics, grip, string or tether. Your design is custom printed to your specification and applied to the racquet offering a five year fade resistance and water proof protective coating. Finally, you select your grip color, tether color, insert options and customized string to complete your racquet design. RacquetSkinz are manufactured in Grand Prairie, Texas by 3 Racquet Technology, LLC and distributed through the nationwide dealer channel. 3 Racquet Technology delivers Racquetball Clubs for competitive players.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Racquetball books


This is the best book for beginning players I've ever seen. Well-organized, well-written, with large, clear diagrams and photos. The fundamentals and strategies are all sound and clearly explained. Don't be misled by the picture of the book's cover on Amazon, which makes it look like a cheesy home-press photocopy job - the actual book has a full-color glossy cover and is professionally produced in every way. I'll be giving this book to every novice player I play against. Highly recommended.

Racquetball champ is also ambassador of good will to all


Lan Huynh, above, takes time between racquetball games to offer a treat to Reina Kostich, 9, and her little sister, Angelica Gonzalez, 5, at the Venice YMCA last week.
Lan Huynh plays in racquetball tournaments across the state and around the world.
At home, she holds court at the YMCA.
Her conversations are interrupted by a steady stream of hugs and kisses from friends of all ages. She carries plastic bags full of candy for children and tropical fruit and vegetables for adults.
"I'm like the mom for the whole world," she says, laughing. "I have something for everyone."
Huynh -- her name sounds like "Wing" -- is a 56-year-old native of Vietnam who speaks spirited English with a heavy accent. Her words are hard to understand, but most people are bowled over by her energy and enthusiasm.
She serves as a one-of-a-kind good will ambassador for the YMCA, racquetball and a general zest for life.
Jim Purdy, executive director of the Sarasota Y, calls Huynh "a joy to be around."
Robert Rietveld, her mixed doubles partner in Venice, admires her skill and tenacity on the court. Off the court, he has seen her work magic with all kinds of people.
"She is unbelievable," he says. "Probably the most caring and generous person I've ever seen."
Huynh and her family came to the United States following the Vietnam War. After studying accounting at college in Buffalo, N.Y. -- "Too cold," she says -- she settled near Seattle, where she met her husband.
They built careers, invested in real estate and raised two daughters.
Hyunh developed back problems after the birth of her second child. She gained weight and used a wheelchair for a while.

Racquetball and handball club lights up the courts at USU


Maria Castro, Jean Guzman and Lourdes Taveras play a game of racquetball in the HPER building. Racquetball and handball clubs are offered to students this year

Though not well known, both racquetball and handball clubs exist at Utah State University, offering students, experienced or not, to come and join in the sports.

Currently, both clubs are headed by students who are eager to promote the sports throughout the university. The presidents of both clubs said they were introduced to the sport as freshman and have developed an increased love for them over the years.

Becky Drebin, USU senior and president of the handball club, said classes are offered for both sports, and prior experience is not necessary.

"A lot of people come, they start playing, and they love it," Drebin said.

The racquetball team this year consists of 18 individuals, both male and female. They practice Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. Though there are not official coaches, master's student Doug Holt and institute teacher Curtis Jacobs assist with the racquetball club.

The handball club is new this year, and had sign-ups at Day on the Quad. Around 35 people expressed interest in playing the sport, though the official dates for the practices are still to be decided. Right now the club is focusing on fundraising to help pay for tournaments and nationals.

Herm Olsen, who teaches handball on campus, and Ron Bachman, who helps with the classes, work with the handball team. Also helpful in the success of the club are the "old guys," who Drebin said have played handball for years and are often seen on court at the HPER.

Obvious as it may sound, the main difference between handball and racquetball is that one uses a racket and one uses only the hands. A smaller, harder ball is used in handball, and is generally played to 21 points, while racquetball goes to 15. They are played on the same court and have very similar rules.

The ball can be played off of the walls and ceilings in both sports. The ball has to hit the front wall first for a serve to be valid. However, Drebin said the difference of hand versus racket does actually make a significant difference in how the sports are played.

"(With handball) you have to be faster, have to have more accuracy ... Rather than a big old racket you have only your hand and you have to use your less dominant hand," Drebin, who plays both sports said. Drebin now has increased skill with her left hand just from playing.

There are national tournaments for both of these sports. Last February, seven USU students competed in the national handball tournament, placing second overall in division two. For racquetball nationals, the team went to Springfield, Mo., last April 7-10 and took 12 students. Both clubs plan on attending this year as well.

Scott Warner, junior in physical therapy, has been on the racquetball team for two years, and is serving as president of the club this year. He said he has enjoyed his experience with the racquetball team.

Warner said the camaraderie and friendships make the team worth the time it takes.

"(It's about) not playing to be perfect, but playing to be part of a team," he said.

Warner said injury does occur in both sports, particularly to the ankles, knees, shoulders and elbows. He said he prefers singles over doubles because in doubles there is more chance for injury. Drebin said she broke blood vessels in the back of her leg, leaving two welts.

Drebin said last year she hurt her right elbow from racquetball, which forced her to use her left hand for a few weeks. She said she noticed significant improvement in her skill in her less dominant hand.

Warner is very optimistic about the season, with six returning team members, and two new players that collectively have 30 years of experience.

"It should be a good year, we have a lot of talent," he said.

Both clubs are offering opportunities for students not currently involved to come and experience the sport. The racquetball team plans to hold regular tournaments this year that are open to all students on campus. Notices will be posted in the HPER and the Fieldhouse. And for those who haven't yet experienced handball, students can stop by the courts Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays around 4 p.m.

UW Club Racquetball Team Opens Competition


Three University of Wyoming club racquetball team members competed in the first tournament of the season last weekend, with two placing in their respective divisions.

The first intercollegiate tournament of the fall season was held at Lynmar Racquet Club in Colorado Springs, Colo., and sponsored by the Colorado Racquetball Association. Participating teams were the United States Air Force Academy, University of Denver, University of Colorado-Boulder and UW.

Kevin Schilling, chemical engineering senior from Casper, had two wins in his four matches in the B division. Charles Torrance, astro physics freshman, Cheyenne, took third in D division with two wins and one loss. Nancy Davidson, elementary education/Environment and Natural Resources program sophomore from St. Louis, Mo., placed fourth in the same division with one victory in three matches.

"I was pleased with how we competed. It was Charles' and Nancy's first college tournament and I was happy to see everyone come away with some wins," says Lena Newlin, UW club racquetball coach/adviser. "They all gained great experience and are excited to keep improving and competing."

The team's next competition is Oct. 17, at the University of Colorado-Boulder. UW will host a tournament Nov. 14, at Half-Acre Gym.