Matt Koop and Tim Burke capturing 3rd Place at the GCSG 2010

The Grand Canyon games was another successful event!!   With over 70 people in attendance, the action was competitive and very cordial among the players.   Mike Lubbers was the double gold winner in the Men’s Open Singles and Doubles.  His partner, Shane Pinkston, both put on an attack on the top seed Charlie Stalder and Michael Franks (15-13, 15-13).  Lubbers finished off last year’s finalist, Damian Zamorano in a hard fought match.  Lubbers looked to have the more stamina between the two hard fighting warriors as he took the tie-breaker  and win the match on an ace, 11-5.   Steve Deason continues his dominance in the A division as he took out a up and coming player, Craig Beiferman.  Beirferman displayed amazing getting ability and hard fought rallies.  Tim King who lost first round in Men’s A, finished off a great tournament by taking the Men’s B division over Greg Gallese.  The two warriors fought it out and battled to the end, as Tim won the tiebreaker 11-10.  Garland Watson was the man who appears to have multiple sports down, but is now taking on racquetball as an extreme challenge.  Garland fought off two big time warriors, Paul Deal and Matthew Bond.  His finals opponent, Michael Whetten.  Neither one of them was just happy making it to the finals as again the two battled to the end going to a tie-breaker! The victorious one, Garland Watson, 11-9 tie-breaker.  John Bashshort Jr. probably one of the most improved players in the state in the last year, had a very successful tournament, winning the 30+ open/A division.  He also made it to the Semifinals of the Men’s Open singles,  only to lose to Reid Percivalle for 3rd place.   Reid who just got back from being deployed is back and playing the sport again, welcome back Reid and thank you for fighting for our country!!!  Reid who is a very strong player, plays at a very competitive level.  Look for Reid to be back at the up and coming tournaments.  When you see him be sure to say “thank you” and we are behind you Reid!!

Other notables….Steve Deason/Dan Dryden Men’s A Doubles Champion over John Reiss and Gary Wells.   Bobby Morales and Bruce Homsay winning Men’s B Doubles over Ed Pardo and Rick Anderson.  Jeff Laforcarde and Mike Brown winning Men’s C Doubles over the Colluci brothers.    Gary Wells and Nancy Green winning Mixed Open/A doubles in a close round robin tie-breaker.

Hope everyone that came out had a great time and hope to see everyone back at the Grand Canyon Winter Games (tentatively in the month of January).

To find out the results please click on the 2010 GRAND CANYON STATE GAMES.

Can’t enough of racquetball competition??  How about a good shootout to get yourself ready for the 2010-2011 Racquetball season?  Blow the dust off those racquet and get ready for some classic racquetball  in downtown Phoenix (City Square racquet and fitness), located on 3rd ave and south of Indian School Road.    Mark your calender for August 28th, 2010, as the top players in all divisions will be participating in the most competitive shootout of the year!   For more information on this, please contact Michael Franks.   Saturday will be the day for Singles and Sunday will be the day for Doubles.   Sign up online and pay at the tournament desk.

3^rd annual Racquet For a Cure Event September 17^th-19^th at Sports Club at City Square.  As always, we will have AWESOME food, prizes for 1^st- 3^rd place winners and a raffle full of great items! Please join us and let’s “HINDER” breast cancer together! Hope to see you all there!  Tournament directors will be Shannon Erting and Kim Waddell.

We’re getting closer to the Annual Southern Arizona Championships!! Prize money has been posted and we encourage you to enter as soon as you can! You can go to the entry form by clicking the link on this page under “UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS”  or click here to enter online.

LOCATION: Tucson Racquet & Fitness Club

Email questions to:    Renee Sitter

Tournament Director for this event will be Tom Cain and Renee Sitter .

Get your partner and get ready to bring your best game as Tucson, Arizona will be hosting it’s first ever State Doubles Championship.  That is correct the battle of State Doubles will take place at the Tucson Racquet Club.  If you and your partner has what it takes to win that state title, then we will be looking forward seeing you at the event.  Please keep checking back as we will be updating on this event very soon!   This is a sanction event and will be ran by the board members of RPAA.

Northern Arizona Champions June 25th – June 27th in Flagstaff, Arizona will be the place to be. Put yourself in the cool part of the state and be part of some great competition. Over $2,000 in prize money including raffle prizes. The way to obtain a raffle ticket is by refereeing a match. So the more you ref a match the better your chances at winning prizes. Prize money for Men’s Open Singles and Doubles, Men’s Elite, Men’s 45+, Mixed Open Doubles and Women’s Open Singles. There will be plenty of hospitality throughout the tournament so if you leave hungry then you weren’t at the tournament!! Be sure to check back to get the latest updates. This tournament will be cutoff at 120 participants. Once that number has been reached, the tournament will be closed, so be sure to enter early.

Hotel accommodations
Unfortunately, the Marriott  Springhill Suites deal has expired, thank you for those who took advantage of the smoking deal for $89 per night special.  Hopefully next year we can get more rooms at the same rate.  If you are still looking for a hotel in the area, be sure to check out Hotels.com.   With the Fat Tire’s Beer Festival going for this weekend, rooms will be hard to find, so be sure to get your room reservations in.

Marriott Spring hill Suites is offering 20 rooms per night at $89/night (Friday and Saturday). WOW!! A smoking deal!! Don’t wait to long because after June 12th, the special rate will then go to the normal rate ($149/night). The address of the hotel is 2455 South Beulah Boulevard Flagstaff, AZ 86001. To book your reservation for the hotel please call (928) 774-8042, be sure to mention the Racquetball Tournament event when making your reservation.

Raffle Prizes
The only way to get raffle tickets for the raffle prizes is to referee a match. This is a “WINNERS MUST REFEREE OR FORFEIT” event. Be sure to keep your a hold of your raffle ticket when collecting them. The more you referee the chances at winning prizes increase. List of raffle prizes will be up shortly. Trust me the prizes be given away are well worth getting a raffle ticket for!!!  We will be giving away prizes like a TV, Autographed Tennis racquet by one of the top pros in the world,  Gym Memberships, Teeth whitening, Aerial photos, $50 gift cards for notable areas in the valley, Gift cards for Restaurants in the northern Arizona area… the list of prizes continues!  We encourage volunteer referees, they will also receive a raffle ticket and be eligible for the raffle drawing!!

Tournament agenda
All participants!! Tournament will be starting on Friday at 2pm. The reason for the early start time is so everyone can enjoy the BBQ out on the poolside Friday night. The motto for this tournament… Enjoy the nice weather Flagstaff has to offer, socialize with new and old friends and play the best racquetball you can!  Remember this is not only a racquetball tournament but an event to have fun and socialize with everyone at the tournament.

Hospitality
Friday night: BBQ Party: Poolside at the East Club. Plenty of food and drinks!
Saturday Morning: Bagels, fruits and various breakfast items. (Both clubs)
Saturday Lunch: Speciality lunch prepared by our famous chef (Both clubs)
Saturday Dinner: Collins Irish Pub: Free Appetizers from 7pm -10pm with Happy Hour drink specials throughout the night (more info to come)
Sunday Morning: Bagels, Fruits and various breakfast items. (Both clubs)
Sunday Lunch:  Sandwich wraps, chips and Ice Cream with optional toppings

No exceptions:
All money prize events must play their FINALS in order to receive your prize money. Tournament is expected to end by 4pm on Sunday, so please plan accordingly.

More information or to enter online please click here

Any questions about this tournament, please contact Bobby Ferreira (602) 620-0149.

It is still not to late to enter!!  If you are into great competition and fun times, this is the event to be at!  Over 25 years this event has been celebrated in Houston, Texas.  Many of Champions have been crowned at this event.  Will you be the next? Come witness or be part of the prestige event of the year, 2010 National Singles!  Click on 2010 National Singles in Houton to get all the information on who is participating in this event.   All ages and divisions are available.  The Hyatt Regency is the choice of hotel for this event.  If  you haven’t been to this event, the Hyatt Regency is 4 blocks away from the event and is also where the meetings, parties, banquets, dancing and singing contests  are held at.   Be part of the legendary event as it comes to a close in Houston!  So sign up now before it is to late  (Saturday, May 15th is the deadline).  Hope to see you out there!

19 people from all over the state of Arizona competed in the CPRT Championships held in Las Vegas (April 29th – May 2nd).  For a complete listing of the people that attended and participated in the event click here.

As the CPRT qualifiers started their journey late Thursday evening, some of the fellow participants that entered were Jeff Bell (2010 State Champion), Louis Vogel (former Pro tour participant), Frank Taddonio (Men’s 60+ Masters Champion) and Bobby Ferreira (2010 Arizona 40+ state Champion).  Jeff Bell cruised into the round of 16s with a superior display in the qualifiers dishing out two donuts of the three games.  Louis Vogel also was victorious in his match with a former resident Scott Shermy.  Bobby Ferreira and Frank Taddonio had the late match and were facing off against each other.  Unfortunately Frank got the shorter end of the stick in the match but played very well and kept Bobby on his toes for the last two games nearly almost squeaking out each of the two last games.    Now the round of 16s were set… Jeff Bell vs. Cliff Swain, Louis Vogel vs. Mike Ray and Bobby Ferreira vs. Ruben Gonzales.  Jeff Bell came out firing out on on cylinders taking the first two game s off Cliff, only to leave Cliff dazed and confused.  While the experienced Cliff lifted his game to the next level, put Jeff on the edge of his seat.  The game went five and nearly the distance, from the looks of it, this almost became the biggest upset of the tournament, however,   Cliff won the fifth game 9-7.   Ruben Gonzales the legend of racquetball since 1970′s, played the era with Marty Hogan, Mike Yellen, Dave and Greg Peck, Sudsy Monchik, John Ellis, all the way to the latest era of players, Ruben has seen it all, but he didn’t see Bobby Ferreira coming in his rear view mirror.  Bobby came out with his guns firing playing with nothing to lose, as he took the first game by coming back from a 7-4 deficit to win 9-8.  The second game was all Bobby as he control the pace and shot selection winning 9-5.  Ruben struck back as he pulled up his sleeves to find the cannons that rocked the world for nearly 4 decades and took the next three games (9-4, 9-7 and 9-1).  Louis Vogel who  reunited with some of his old buddies from the pro tour back in the 90s met a long time foe, Mike Ray in the round of 16s.  While Mike Ray didn’t look himself from the start go, Louis looked like his old self from the past, consistently putting Mike on the defense and putting the balls down when needed.  Louis defeated Mike in three games 9-1, 9-3 and 9-2.  Louis found himself in the money round, but he wasn’t done yet!  His next opponent, Doug Ganim.  Again Louis came out firing like his old self splatting the ball, and shooting shots only pros know how to do it.  While the two split the first two games, Louis was not rattled by any stretch,  game three Louis constantly put pressure on Doug forcing him to retrieve and make low percentage shots.  Louis was on his way to his first CPRT Semifinals by wnning the next two games 9-4 and 9-6.  His next opponent, Woody Clouse.  Woody and Louis are no strangers on the court as they have battled before throughout the 90s.  While Woody the defending CPRT Champion was in full control of the match taking the first two games  9-6 and 9-0, Louis wasn’t about to give up.  serving for match for the next two games, Louis managed to beat out Woody 9-8 and 9-8.  In the 4th game after a controversy call that would of given Woody the match,  forced Louis to serve out the next two points (the last one being an Ace serve to the left side corner,simply amazing!).   While it may have appeared the momentum was leaning towards Louis, the defending Champion was not about to give up his title.  As he continued to punch drive serves to the right side and hard low z serves to the backhand side of Louis, taking the 5th game 9-2.  The end of a great run came to an end for Louis as he was able to display his skills that he once displayed back in the 90s.

Other notables from the tournament…

Pio Moniz and Jarred Imhausen won the Elite Doubles.  Damian Zamorano took the Men’s Elite Singles.   Robert Baker finishing 2nd in Men’s D.   Jason Conway taking Alvaro Beltran to the tiebreaker in Men’s Opens (Quarterfinals).   Rick Anderson and his Daughter Kelli finishing 3rd in Mixed B/C doubles.   Kelli Anderson wining Women’s C/D division.

Overall it was a great turnout for all of the Arizona racquetballers.  Good job and way to represent!

Do you like Outdoor racquetball?  Do you like being close to the beach and catching some great sunrays?  How about running around in your bikini?  Well you can do that in the month of July (8th – 11th) in Hunington Beach, California.  You can play racquetball, catch some good sun, walk and play in your bikini and eat some good food too!  It is called the “The Biggest Party in Racquetball”.   For more information on how to enter the tournament click here.

This tournament is for all levels of play.  If you have never entered an outdoor racquetball tournament, there is also a division for that.  So why not be a part of the biggest racquetball event outdoors.. If you are going to go, be sure to bring your beach attire!!

After a silent showing in 2009, the Lady Devils came back on fire in 2010 as they place their racquetball skills to finish 3^rd in the nation.  Congratulations Lady Devils.  The #1 seed for the women’s, Michelle Key finished with the silver medal after taking out the defending champion Sheryl Lotts in the semifinals. Izayadeth Aguayo in her first year with the team went in as the #2 seed.  She cruised the first two rounds only to discover Haily Miller from Oregon University in the quarterfinals as her stopping stone.  Ashley Jimenez, who was the Lady’s #3 seed (also a freshman for the team), also cruised her way into the quarterfinals only to be stopped by the #1 seed, Brittany Travers.  Ashley battled to a 11-5 loss in the tiebreaker.  Haydee Cruz,  3^rd year on the team, entered the tournament lean and fighting mean as she was on a mission this year.  As Haydee rushed through the draw without dropping a game, found her toughest match of the tournament in the semifinals, the #1 seed from Oregon State University, Teresa Wright.  The #5 seed, in only her second year on the team, Kristen Frisk was definitely on a mission after last years performance.  She was determine to prove she belonged on the team.  After this weekend, she not only proved her guts but also proved she can play hurt.  The courage she gave on the court not only motivated the team but proved why this team won the National Championship in 2007.  Kristen made it to the finals after  a very very exciting semifinals (11-10 tiebreaker).  Even though she made out of the tournament with a silver medal, I can rest assure you this girl has the fire to win it all next year.  Vian Gerwargis in her first year on the team, made some sound improvements throughout the year as she battled in her first two rounds of the tournament.  Even though she wasn’t as successful as she wanted to be, be sure this young Devil will be back next year!!  Lady Devils Doubles also made a great showing at the tournament, as Key/Aguayo fought their way to the semifinals only to give way to Lotts/Hawthrone.  Jimenez/Cruz also had the same path for the #2 seed doubles only to fall short in the semifinals.  Snelling/Gerwargis also proved they were no slouch for the #3 doubles as they battled all the way to the semifinals.

Men’s who finished 16^th had some great battles with some of the toughest men out there in the field.  Granted the team didn’t get deep into the tournament you have to give a big hand to the players who gave their dedication and efforts.  Kamran Masood who has been playing the best ball since being on the team faced one top freshman racquetballers of 2010, Taylor Knoth.  Kam battled to a 15-11 and 15-9 loss but earned some major respect from Taylor.  In the #2 seed, Will Bessette ran into a tough first round loss on to be placed in the White division and outright owned the rest of the tournament winning the gold in easy fashion.  Matt Barcellos, the #3 seed, entered the tournament more determine that he has ever been, lost the first round entering the Red division only to find out he can battle with the rest of this men.  Matt went on to the quarterfinals only to have continuous exchanges and battles with Ty Stolp.  Ty got the better of Matt, but be sure Matt will be back next year in pursuit to the next level.  Johnny Cheney who is in his 3^rd year with the team is now trying to take the game to the next step.  Johnny who has probably the most raw talent on the team and will beat most people on the court because of it.  Johnny faced a very tough crowd on this weekend as he lost his first round, but managed to win the next two in the Red division only to be taken out in a very close tiebreaker in the quarterfinals (11-10).  Johnny has one year left on the team, let’s hope he can take his given talents and push it to the next level.  Josh Malmskog enter his first year with the team as the #5 seed.  Josh has great movement and skills to be a bright future for the team.  With some great coaching by Darrin, Josh will be a solid player very soon.  Josh managed to go a couple of rounds before getting knocked out by Andrew Anthony in the round of 16s.  Matt Nahlik another first year player made a his debut as the #6 seed.  Going two rounds in the gold division he was stopped in the quarterfinals by the #1 seed,  Rishi Ghosh.  Masood/Bessette lost their first round in doubles but made a great showing in the consolation draw only to give way to Godwin/Ruiz.  Cheney/Barcellos also lost their first round of their doubles, but fought their way to the gold medal in the consolation draw! Good job guys!  Malmskog/Nahlik who ran into tough times in their first round managed to go into the consolation and work over a couple of teams only to fall short in the semifinals of the Consolation bracket.  Good job Sun Devils, let’s work harder and get them next year!

As you read above and the amount of years that surrounds these group of  Devil Racquetballers, you can see the experience is very low compare to most teams.  While these men and women put out their efforts on the court, most of the credit belongs to Darrin Schenck.  Darrin has given the ASU program a lot of time and dedication to everyone on this team.  Without Darrin’s effort none of this would have been possible.  While Darrin/ASU can not issue out racquetball scholarships like most schools, he does get each racquetballer that steps on the court the very best knowledge and information just like the ones that win the pro-tour and have become legends of the game.  If you ever get a chance to talk or run into Darrin, be sure to give a special handshake and say “Thank you” for your hard efforts.  Again neither Darrin nor the players get any money from the school, it is purely a hobby in which the whole entire team enjoys!!  Congratulations Sun Devils on a very successful year!

more information on the draws can be found by clicking on here