Upcoming registration deadlines…

Date	Event
05/18/2012	NorCal Doubles Championships (Redding) Register by Monday, 5pm, 05/14/2012
05/19/2012	Solano Doubles Shootout Register by Tuesday, 10am, 05/15/2012 Late through Tuesday, 4pm
05/23/2012	National Singles Championships Register by Monday, 4pm, 05/14/2012 Late through Tuesday, 3pm
06/02/2012	Classic Shootout (Stockton) Register by Monday, 6pm, 05/28/2012 Late through Tuesday, 10am
06/16/2012	NorCal Junior Team Fundraiser Register by Tuesday, 3pm, 06/12/2012
07/18/2012	2012 National Masters Championships (North Carolina) Register by Sunday, 9pm, 07/01/2012

CSRA Annual Presidents’ Awards

(Apr 26, 2012) Each year the California State Racquetball Association Board of Directors awards several Presidents’ awards in a variety of categories. The BoDs nominates candidates and then votes to determine the winners. The awards are generally presented at the State Singles, however this year, the awards were made at several locations. All the presentations have been made and it time to reveal the awardees to the entire membership. Congratulations to all the recipients.

2012 Junior State Championships

(April 18, 2012) For many years the California Junior Racquetball championships has been played in either Northern or Southern California (mostly Northern) and in May. Due to the size of the state, when held in one part of the state, few players from the other part would attend and visa versa. The CSRA (California State Racquetball Association) Junior Committee decided this year to try something different. The tournament was divided into a Southern Championship and a Northern Championship played on the same day. Also, the tournament date was moved to January to avoid conflicts with other sports and school schedules. The result was two events with participation that more than doubled the previous years numbers. Winners are deemed co-champions and a playoff may take place at some point. For all new members to USAR, the CSRA paid the first years dues. We feel overall that this was a successful change and can see participation being even greater next year, helping to create a positive platform for the junior players and hopefully inspiring others to have Junior events…Below is a review of the events and some personal feedback from a couple players.

On Saturday January 21^st, the California State Junior Racquetball Championships took place in Northern and Southern California simultaneously.

In Northern California the tournament was played at Clubsport in Pleasanton and directed by Elaine Dexter along with her regular crew. In Southern California it was in held at the Spectrum Club, Canoga Park and was directed by Debbie Tisinger Moore and Randy Lam. The tournaments were filled with fun, many friends were made, and the tournaments pulled the junior racquetball community closer together.

The singles winners in Northern California included Brandon Fung, Sahil Thakur, Antonio Rojas, Daniel Rojas, Estefanie Perez, Nikhil Prasad, Kyle Duchscherer, Krish Thakur, and Jared Lee, and in doubles were Antonio Rojas, Julian Singh, Dina Gafarov and Luke Sewall.

In Southern California, the singles winners included Victoria Leon, Heejin Koo, Kristine Varon, Tommy Andraeos, Sebastian Fernandez, Luis Fernandez, Miguel Rodriguez, and Owen Ocampo. In doubles, the winners were Tommy Andraeos, Jaden Elkins, Sebastian Fernandez, Jacob Toussaint, Dane Elkins, Llewyn St. John, Nathanel Inbar, and Kristine Varon.

Southern California player review by Dane Elkins – The tournament was a great experience I had a lot of fun making new friends that also shared similar interests like playing racquetball. I connected with my friends better, including my doubles partner and all of my competitors. The best part of the tournament was knowing that we were competing against people who were just like us and we had a great time

Northern California player review by Ben Jenkel – The experience at tournaments is always fun, but once you move up an age group it’s a whole different experience. I moved up to 14 and under for doubles this year and met a lot of people. My partner, James D’Ambrogia, packs a punch but he’s only 9. When he would walk on the court our opponents would look pretty confused! We made good friends during the tournament. If you’re lucky you will find an opponent who you are equal with. My partner and I got second in doubles, and I’m happy about that. During singles I played in 12 and unders and there were some new people who I never played before. I placed fourth in singles so I’m happy. I made a lot of new friends that I am almost even with, so we had some pretty good games. I owe most of my good playing to my coach, Brian Dixon. He helped with what serves I should use and what shots are good for the game. He’s a great coach overall. Contributors to article – Brett Elkins, Brian Dixon, Elaine Dexter, Roger Lee, Randy Lam, Dane Elkins, Jaden Elkins, and Ben Jenkel

Winter Splat is BACK!

The Modesto Court Room (MCR) is excited to announce our upcoming Pro Winter Splat Tier 4 IRT Event January 27^th-29^th, 2012. This will be an IRT Satellite event featuring a Pro division. MCR offers 7 Racquetball Court for the Tournament.

Modesto Court Room is a full service Racquetball and Health Club servicing the Stanislaus County for almost 34 years. MCR takes great pride in the professional yet fun reputation it has in the community and is committed to offer a family friendly, non-intimidating atmosphere that specializes in fitness for all ages.

Visit our website at www.modestocourtroom.net, or register for this event at www.r2sports.com/tourney/home.asp?TID=9167

For additional information contact Denise Draper at 209-577-1060 or mcrfitnessinfo@gmail.com.

Women’s Racquetball Day @ Stockton, California

Article & Photo by Haoning Michelle Yang
(Nov 17, 2011) Almost every racquetball player knows John Ellis for his great racquetball skills and sincere passion and efforts in promoting racquetball in the community. Besides hosting monthly (if not weekly) racquetball events and tournaments across the valley and into the Bay Area of California, John has begun hosting FREE one day women’s racquetball clinics to help players obtain competitive skills and motivate more women to participate in racquetball events.

John hosted his first free one day women’s racquetball clinic on February 26, 2011, and it was a blast with more than 38 women participating in various drills followed by some fun doubles amoungst themselves and a few male players who volunteered at this event. Considering the experience of this first event, John enhanced the program plan and hosted another one day free clinic for women on July 23, 2011. During this July event, 26 women from 14 different cities in California attended with 13 Elite/Open male players along with Jody Nance (Women’s Open player) assisting John with coaching and mixed doubles play. Most of these 13 male players had volunteered during the February women’s clinic event. The list includes: Kevin Kringle, Steve Turner, Dave Gonzales, Jose Rojas, Dave Perry, Bobby Horn, Jesse Serna, John Parks, Adam Rowley, John Winings, Bill George and Dave Ellis. During these past two events, free lunch was provided to all the participants and volunteers. Pat Ellis, Carolina Diaz and Michelle Stone have been a great help with lunch preparation and free drinks.

As an enthusiastic female player, I have been very grateful of John’s free women’s clinics and have learned a lot from the drills and exercises. In addition, the networking and doubles matches that I was able to take part in during the event are invaluable to my racquetball passion. I know John has been going through some physical challenges and series of medical treatments over the past months. The pain and stress has not stopped his passion and kindness of continuing to invest in the racquetball community.

John has scheduled a third free women’s clinic for Sunday, November 27, 2011, with free lunch again to all the participants. I hope his sincere efforts and generous offers will touch the players and encourage more women to come play and compete in California sanctioned events.

A good racquetball player normally possesses good technical skills with decent sportsmanship. A great racquetball player demonstrates both outstanding technical skills and the genuine passion and care for the others in the racquetball community. John Ellis together with his parents Dave and Pat Ellis belong in this rare elite category, and for that I would definitely follow their leadership and join them in making our racquetball community a better place for everyone including myself.

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For tournament information:

• Event Flyer
• Event Registration (Free)

September 9^th—11^th • Spectrum Club • Canoga Park, CA

[Tournament Website]

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Spectrum Canoga Park was the recent site of the 2011 Ektelon CSRA State Doubles Championships. Debbie Tisinger-Moore and Randy Lam handled the tournament desk along with help from Janel Tisinger and Jack Hughes. The players swarmed the charity auction to benefit the CSRA general fund and the MRF Racquetball Rehabilitation Clinic. Terry Rogers and Merijean Kelley were skillful at guiding the silent auction process. Several manufacturers contributed bags and racquets and such which were in demand.

Pool Play and Round Robin formats insured that there was no shortage of matches to play.
You may view the winners and finalist & photos on the tournament website.

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Randy Lam has posted Event Photos to his shutterfly account.

CSRA Collegiate Fund Raiser Recap

(Aug 31, 2011) Our Thanks to the supporters Mike Lippit , Harold Jagoda & Dana Lund and players of the Collegiate Fundraiser- one-day Doubles Shootout at the beautiful Renaissance Club Sport in Walnut Creek, CA.

The proceeds from this event will benefit California's collegiate racquetball teams who compete in a conference circuit prior to Regional and National Collegiate Championships.

One day Double Shootout, Sat Aug 27, 2011, at the
beautiful Renaissance Club Sport, Walnut Creek, CA.

The proceeds from this event will benefit California's collegiate racquetball teams who compete in a conference circuit prior to Regional and National Collegiate Championships: http://www.WCRCRacquetball.org

Renaissance ClubSport - The premiere East Bay location for your off-site meetings, team building events and other business needs. This unique blend offers contemporary surroundings, four diamond hotel, 175 guestrooms, flexible meeting space, a state-of-the-art fitness facility and more all conveniently located directly across the street from the Pleasant Hill Bart Station.

The Hotel - Stylish guestrooms and luxurious suites come with oversized spa style baths, two-line speaker cordless phones, complimentary high-speed internet access, an MP3 player, an executive-sized desk, dry cleaning service, On Command¨ Video with a huge selection of the latest movies and lots of extras to make your stay with us enjoyable.

The Club - Overnight guests have complimentary access to the 85,000 sq. ft. fitness facility. This includes an indoor NBA regulated basketball court (1 full court and 2 half courts), 3 squash courts, 3 racquetball courts, bocce ball, Group Fitness programs, 3 outdoor swimming pools, 3 Jacuzzis, steam room and sauna.

Spa & Boutique - Feel rejuvenated at R Spa, a full service day spa offering a complete menu of massage
therapy, body treatments, facials and nail services.

Dining - c-blue Wet Bar & Bistro, with its contemporary exhibition-style kitchen, serves the freshest in regional California cuisine. Relax and unwind by the fire with a signature cocktail on our outdoor patio. For a more casual meal, our c-blue Deli has a wide selection of sandwiches, salads, energy shakes and health conscious snacks for you to choose from.

There will be bagels, munchies, and a discount price on beer!

2011 Ektelon USAR National Singles Championships Recap

(Jun 30, 2011) This year’s edition of the Singles Championships had a completely different feel. New location, portable court and the addition of Men’s Pro Division all combined to kick off the first of five years at the Meridian Sports Club in Fullerton, California. 500+ players this year – 700 next year?

We will never forget the impact of all the years this that event was held in Houston. Over time, it grew from just using the YMCA to needing 2 other venues to hold all the matches. – That’s Growth!! The history and the memories of our time in Houston will be cherished, even as we turn the page and grow into our new location and we look forward to creating new memories in these next few years – who knows, we could be hosting another 25 year anniversary right here in Fullerton!

Having the National Singles in Fullerton is unique in that there are very few facilities with this many courts that can house so many players in one location, but it seems it wasn’t big enough - So we had to build one more court. In case you weren’t able to make it this year, it has created quite a stir – you could see the glass court from the freeway.

Watching the glass court go up from scratch was inspiring. We put the call out for volunteers and we had an amazing turn out. These folks spent hours helping to build it, their enthusiasm was rousing and they had everything to do with how smooth the event ran this first time out of the gate. I can’t say “Thank You” enough!!

How did the California players fare? Thanks to Terry Rogers and Jack Hughes, here are the results – CONGRATULATIONS!! If there are any omissions or errors, please contact us at info@californiaracquetball.com

Event	Gold Medalist	Silver Medalist	Bronze Medalist
WO	Janel Tisinger
WE	Solanna Taragan	Christie Noller	Kris Kaskawal
WA	Rebecca Wilkinson	Rebecca Nielsen	Peggine Tellez
WD	Cindy Herzeg
W35	Melissa McElfresh
W35A	Rebecca Wilkinson
W35C		Cindy Herceg
W40		Christie Noller	Kris Kaskawal
W40A	Debralynn Kahikina
W40B	Betty Mota
W45	Laura Fenton		Jody Nance
W45A	Suzanna Fast	Diane Mueller	Peggine Tellez
W45B			Andrea Allmon
W50		Jody Nance	Kathy Gluvna-isett
W50A	Suzanna Fast	Vicky Birkmann
W50B	Julia Mouser
W60		Terry Rogers
W60A	CeCe Palaski
W60B	Margie Der
W65	Merijean Kelley	CeCe Palaski	Nidia Funes
W65A	Marquita Molina
W70		Marquita Molina
MTO		Jose Diaz
ME	Brandon Davis
MA	Bart Landsman	Enrique Loalza
MC	Ryan Moreno		Robert Rivas
MD			Anthony Santos
10 Under	Jaden Elkins	Cody Elkins
14 Under	Fausto Santana	Dane Elkins	Jaden Elkins
18 Under		O. Rion Ocampo	Rebecca Nielsen
M24A		Michael Nguyen
M24C	Ford Rainey
M30A			Joe Lara
M30B	Jon Lillemoe		Joe Rosales
M35	Mike Orr
MM40			Orlando Mayo
M40A		Steve Ivers
M40B		Jeffrey Dorrington	Durrell McAdoo
M40C	Craig Canoy
M45A	David Tedeschi
M45C	Steve Levine		Robert SpitsWamars
M50			Robert Siebert
M50A		Butch Fish
M50B			David Aquirre
M55A	Ricardo Balderas	John Guerrero
M60A	Dean Ritter	Mike Targon
M60B		Greg Kearney	Tony Vargas
M60C	Robert Rivas	Greg Young
M65		Mickey Bellah	Frederick Roe
M65C	Dave Shelburne	Bob Bacharach
M70		Steve Covey
M75	Jerry Holly
M80	Vance Lerner
M85	Bill Gencarella

California Junior Wins Scholarship

(June 20, 2011) Dane Elkins was awarded one of two IRT racquetball scholarships to the USOC training seminar in Colorado Springs. Dane completed the entire application himself. He is 12 years old and attends Paul Revere Middle School where he is in the highly-gifted program and has straight A's. Dane, who started playing when he was two, is the 2011 California State doubles champion in the 12 and under, the two time world outdoor champion 2011 for singles and doubles 10 and under, and took 2nd place in the Ektelon Nationals in Singles 14 and under (losing to his doubles partner Fuasto Santana Jr) and semifinalist in the 18 and Under at Ektelon Nationals. He is sponsored by Ektelon and is coached by Debbie Tisinger Moore.

Junior Nationals Coming

(May 25, 2011) The USAR Junior National Racquetball Championships will be held in Portland, Oregon this year June 22-26^th. Hope to see California Juniors once again make a great showing at the Nationals. This event determines which players will represent USA at the Junior World Championships. The top two singles finishers and top doubles team qualify for the national team. The World Cup consists of Boys and Girls age groups 14, 16, and 18. The Esprit Cup is made up of the 10’s and 12’s. The World Championships are usually held in November or December, giving national team members several months for training and fund raising for the trip. This year is unique with the Worlds happening in the Dominican Republic July, giving USA players only a month to prepare physically, mentally and monetarily…We are hoping people can help with the monetary part. Below are a couple ways that you can help to support the national Junior team in their trip to the Dominican Republic. . These have been provided by Terri Morse of USAR. For California players we will be looking at some one day shootout fund raisers. If you would like to host one or have thoughts on helping to fund the California players, please contact Brian Dixon (Bridix@Gmail.com or 707 766-9105)…

Per Terri Morse…

We have a junior team donation for the whole team but not specifically for the Dominican trip yet. The link is http://www.usaracquetballevents.com/cartProduct.asp?modelID=1001&cartID=28750&productGroupID=49&categoryID=136&brandID=102

If they want to do a specific donation for the Dominican Republic trip, they can call the office for a credit/debit (MasterCard and VISA only) card donation, send a check with a note regarding its allocation, or use the “Give Direct” option on our website (https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=74). Give Direct only sends checks to us monthly but there are no fees on MasterCard, VISA, or Discover. American Express has a small fee that is taken out of the donation but it allows donors to use whatever payment type they would like and has a note area to specify where they would like the funds allocated.

The Meridian Sports Club in Fullerton features 24 Racquetball Courts, and is hosting "The Ektelon Nationals" May 25-29, 2011!
There are 7 different skill division leagues held Monday night thru Thursday night. The club also has two jogging tracks, full court basketball court with basketball leagues held on Tuesday and Thursday. It features two swiming pools with a co-ed jacuzi and cold pool. Full facility locker rooms with steam room, sauna, jacuzi and towels are provided. The club has a 15,000 sq. ft. cardio and weight room along with three Group X Rooms holding a dozen different classes per day seven days per week. The Meridian Sports Club will be hosting for the next Five years the United States National Singles Championships along with an IRT Men's Pro Stop, May 25-30.

Team California T-Shirts !

Front (click for larger image)	Back (click for larger image)

Attending the National Singles tournament in Fullerton, CA May 25-30, 2011 or just an avid California racquetball player – show your support by purchasing a Team California shirt for $20 including shipping. Wear your shirt proudly at the Nationals as we attempt to reach a CSRA goal of at least one medal winner in every event!

To purchase your shirt please email racquetballplus@comcast.net and include your shirt size, name, mailing address, and a contact phone number. You will be contacted regarding payment.

March 18^th—20^th • Supreme Court Sunnvyale • Sunnyvale, CA

[Tournament Results][Photos]

Our thanks to Racquetball Warehouse for sponsoring the state championship and also to Gearbox, Pro-Kennex, Head, Ektelon, E-Force, and Wilson for their support of this event and state racquetball. Thanks also to Supreme Court and Dave Ralstin for hosting the tournament and overseeing the BBQ.

» Visit the Supreme Court I web site ...

One of the key factors in any club’s success is its general vibe. People want to feel good when they come into a club, want to know that management genuinely cares about their health and their experience once inside those doors. At Supreme Court 1 in Sunnyvale the positive vibe starts with its owner, Dave Ralstin. A dynamo of energy, he often works the front desk and greets his members by name. He plays handball, squash and racquetball, in fact won a gold medal this year in 55A’s at National Doubles in Phoenix.

Supreme is a funky 70’s era club with 7 racquetball courts (2 glass-backed) and 3 squash courts.
We have over 300 racquetball players and a great program to keep them busy, including leagues, challenge ladder, weekday challenge courts, clinics, want-a-game-board, pro shop and stringer. The court floors were recently refinished, and the lobby, halls and locker rooms were re-carpeted. New tables and chairs in the lobby make it comfortable to sit around and watch action on the 2 glass-backed courts while enjoying a cold one.
Did I mention that Supreme serves beer?

Dave and all of us on staff are proud to be hosting the CSRA 2011 State Singles Championships.
We look forward to the competition from players around the state.

At the 2011 National Doubles Championships our players took a total of ten gold medals, more than any club in the state and likely the country. So show up ready to play!

Here are the players who recently won at the 2011 National Doubles Championships:

	Dave Ralstin	Men’s 55+ A
	Kevin Loop	Men’s 55+ A, Men’s Centurion A
	Gil Cepeda	Men’s Elite, Mixed Elite
	Tom Lonardo	Men’s Elite
	Merijean Kelley	Women’s 65+, Mixed 65+
	Celia Vigil	Women’s Elite, Women’s 35+

Hope to see you there.
Gene Paré

2011 National Doubles in Tempe, AZ

(February 18, 2011) 353 players from 35 states descended on the ASU campus as they once again hosted the USAR National Doubles, the weather was perfect and the competition fierce. 92 of those players were from our home state of California, second only to the host state of Arizona (102). Players competed in 80 events and California players were awarded over 55 medals. A complete summary of the event can be found on the USAR website, http://www.usra.org/. We would like to recognize the medal winners, listed here, and congratulate all those who participated. While we try to be thorough in gathering the result information, we may have omitted someone. Please contact us at ca-racquetball@att.net to report an error

Women's	1st	2nd	3rd
Qualifier	Jackie Paraiso/Aimee Ruiz
Open	Celeste Pafford/Kris Kaskawal	Judy Hulen/Vivian Schneider
Elite	Celia Vigil/Melissa Mcelfresh	Judy Hulen/Vivian Schneider
A		Carla Francis/Heather Colon
30	Celeste Pafford/Beth Neff
35	Celia Vigil/Melissa Mcelfresh
40	Christie Noller/Suzanne Fast
45			Leslie Pawka/C.Alatorre-Martin
45A		Lori Soares/Vicky Birkmann
50	Debra Tisinger-moore/Malia Bailey	Elaine Dexter/Linda Moore
50A		Sandy Rios/Vicky Birkmann
55	Carla Francis/Elaine Dexter	Leslie Pawka/ C.Alatorre-Martin
55A	Cece Palaski/Marquita Molina
60	Merijean Kelley/Nancy Kronenfeld	Terry Rogers/Joanne Johnson
65	Merijean Kelley/Nidia Funes
70	Marquita Molina/Mildred Gwinn
Mixed	1st	2nd	3rd
Open	Jackie Pariaso/Tony Carson
Centurian O			Ken Stone/Linda Moore
Elite	Gil Cepeda/Kelani Bailey
A	Ian Norton/Lori Soares
B	Julia Mouser/Alex Baker
25	Janel Tisinger/Bryan Crosser
35	Celeste Pafford/Dale Valentine	Ken Angelocci/Melissa Mcelfresh	Christie Noller/David Daniels
40A	Dorcy Norton/Shane Pinkston
50/60A		Mike Alderson/Vicky Birkmann
55	Elaine Dexer/Dave Azuma	Jill Mitchell/Patrick Gibson
60			Terry Rogers/Barry Hendricks
65	Mike Pawka/Merijean Kelley		Nidia Funes/Price Thomas
70	Marquita Molina/Ron Adams
Men's	1st	2nd	3rd
Qualifier	Rocky Carson/Jack Huczek	Chris Crowther/Shane Vanderson	Jose Rojas/Andy Hawthorne
Centurian O		Sam Neer/Robert Siebert
Centurian A	Kevin Loop/Charles Hauser
Elite	Gil Cepeda/Tom Lonardo
A	Ken Courtney/Alex Baker	Steve Harris/Steve Saragosa
35A	James Clark/Kennedy Clarke		Fernando Pozo/Jose Luis Isalas
35	Brian Fredenberg/Tim Doyle
40B		Darrin McNally/Ty Kelly
45B	Ken Courtney/Alex Baker	Darrin McNally/Ty Kelly
55	Charles Hauser/Steve Dayrault
55A	Kevin Loop/Dave Ralstin
55B	Geg Kearney/Julian Delreal
65		Mike Pawka/Ed Remen
65B		Steve Lavorgna/Hank Estrada

WSMRA Nationals Recap

(January 27, 2011) The Women’s Senior/Masters Racquetball 22nd Annual National Championships were held January 14-16, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. Five California gals braved the cold and traveled to the mile high city to the age group tourney. Congratulations to the participants, Terry Rogers, 1st/60+, Merijean Kelley, 2nd/65+, Nidia Funes 3rd/65+, Marquita Molina, and Darcy Bunn. Next year the tournament moves to warm, sunny Florida!

US Open Bucket List

by Sarah Warhaftig, WPRO player and staff writer

(January 11, 2011) The US OPEN is arguably the World Series of Racquetball. The best players from all over the world come to compete and compare themselves amongst the sports best. The atmosphere feel is like no other tournament; it’s the most prestigious event for the best in the game. For many, the first time, is like a kid’s childhood dream of going to the major league park. Players are engulfed in the play and the excitement for competition, but this year for one player the US Open’s meaning went far beyond this.

Meet Garyn Scott from Fremont California, a lifelong racquetball player. Garyn grew up in Brooklyn and later moved to San Jose where he worked as a police sergeant for many years. A friend introduced Garyn a former handball player to the sport of racquetball. That day, Garyn became hooked to the sport and has been a competitive player ever since.

In 1991, Garyn started competing and traveled to tournaments in California, Arizona and Nevada. He remembers taking Fran Davis’s camp and went on to become AMPRO Certified in 1995. Today, Garyn is the head club pro for Club Sport in Fremont, California, where he has loved teaching and sharing his passion for the game. Since the first day he touched that racquet, Scott’s dream was to get to the US Open the pinnacle of the sport. Work, family and life have yet to allow him to attend, but this year was Scott’s year a trip to a new venue, the same US Open.

Garyn’s excitement and enthusiasm was noticeable as I met him near stadium court on Saturday afternoon. His expressions and demeanor were similar of that first trip to the ballpark, a childhood memory. If you looked through the draws though you would see his name absent. Last August, Scott was given a grim diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The doctor’s treatments as of the Open had run their course and nothing further was to be accomplished through those protocols. He was preparing for an experimental treatment at Stanford University to start subsequent to his return from Minneapolis. For many of us such words could crush and break any lasting spirits. Garyn’s spirits rose above this, and his lifelong dreams were not being stopped by these words. Garyn knows what lies ahead of him, undoubtedly a tough road, however his passion for this game and his support of the players would not hold him back from being in Minneapolis.

It’s no doubt that Scott loves the game, and his favorite player is Rhonda Rajsich. Scott’s dream was to play, and he got his wish. Saturday afternoon in between the mens’ and women's’ pro semi-finals Garyn teamed up with Rhonda Rajsich and played Ben Croft and Cristina Amaya on stadium court. Garyn’s dream of playing at the Open was coming true, he played and competed with some of the worlds best. Rhonda said, “This was probably the biggest honor I have ever received in my whole playing career. For a player wanting to play with me was better than any tournament win, it makes you step back and realize how precious life really is.”

I met up with Garyn right after his debut on stadium court and we got to chat about life. Gary’s immense passion for life and racquetball was evident. His doctors told him that he should remain in bed for the next few weeks. Garyn said, “Why would I lay in bed and let this cancer get me? It’s about living life and I am doing that everyday.” When asked why racquetball, he says “Its Life”. Racquetball to me is family, a small family but one with love and compassion. His most memorable match he said he worked the night shift until 7 am; his first match was 8 am. He was down in the first game 14-0 and came back to win 15-14. The second game same score down 14-0 and came back to win 15-14. Garyn summed up his whole week at the US Open as a dream come true. This dream came true with the effort of friend Denny Erardi. Denny contacted the WPRO, IRT and US Open Tournament staff to arrange a memorable week for Garyn. Denny planned on playing with Garyn at the California State Doubles Tournament, however at the time of the tournament Garyn wasn’t well enough to compete. Garyn’s son DJ stepped in for his father and he and Erardi made it all the way to the semi-finals before losing in the tiebreaker.

After spending only a short period of time with Garyn, it’s easy to reflect on a true meaning of happiness. As racquetball players and athletes, it’s so easy to get caught up in the competition and frustrations of performance. It’s people like Garyn who remind us that racquetball is a sport, life is a journey, reflect on what it is that truly makes you happy and remember that nothing is guaranteed.

Reproduced with permission from The Waves newsletter of the WPRO: http://www.wpro-tour.com/newsletter/wpro_newsletter_jan_2011.pdf.