He's back!!!.....Jeff Bell captures his 6th Arizona State Singles title

For everyone that had a chance to come down and absorb the experience at ASU this past weekend, saw some excellent racquetball. For those who missed out, RPAA only hopes you can make it next year! We had an excellent venue, with sponsors like Honey Bears, Chipotle and Jason’s Deli. Ben Simons, the tournament director, had an awesome presentation on Saturday night that showed 14 (yes..14!!) years of Arizona Racquetball history from previous tournaments. If you missed the slideshow, we are trying our best to have that available at our our state events (Singles and Doubles). In case you missed the action, the Sun Devils team were in action as they are getting ready for their up and coming 2010 Intercollegiate tournament in Springfield, MO. The Lady Devils pretty much soaked up the Women’s B and C division with Ashley Jimenez being crowned for both divisions. It was no easy task for her as she had to escape victories from Gjienna Conway and Haydee Cruz. Kristen Frisk who is also part of the team placed 3rd in Womens Cs and 4th in Womens Bs. In Women’s As division Izayadeth Aguayo made a big impact this weekend by placing second. Her biggest victory came Saturday night over NMRA Bronze winner, Kerri Garcia. Good Job Lady Devils and Men Devils!! Wish you the very best at Intercollegiates!!

Other action was in the 45+ division. A big upset occurred, Tom Cain taking out Mike Lubbers (Silver medal finalist at the 2010 NMRA) in the tiebreaker 11-1. Tom Cain was unable to play his finals due to helping out with the IRF in Honduras, so Rocky Lemmert is claimed 45+ Arizona State Champion! In the Women’s Open finals between former state champion, Michelle Key against #2 World Ranked player, Rhonda Rajsich. What appeared to be a very close battle at the beginning of both games, Michelle gave it her best in hopes to capture another state title but the experience of Rhonda allowed her to win the match in two games. As the titles continue to accumulate for Rhonda, expect more to come in the near future. Congratulations to Lisa Bu as she claimed two titles, Women’s As and Women’s 45+. Good Job Lisa, looking forward seeing you next year to defend your titles! Other notables, Trevor Deason winning the 18 and under division, Corey Mason winning the Men’s As division, Oscar Avalos getting second place for Men’s Bs and Cs division only to lose to Chuck Gideon (Men’s B Champion) and David Lorenz (Men’s C Champion). Good job guys! There were also some women taking on the Men’s division, Arlene Sweeney, Rhonda Rajsich, Michelle Key and Nicole Passage. Good job Girls, awesome performance!!

Two exciting matches that occurred on Sunday was the first match of the day and the last match of the day on Court 1. The first match of the day was the Men’s 25/30+ Open Division finals between Pio Moniz and Damian Zamorano. What looked like a lopsided match at the beginnign,Damian was making excellent shots to both sides of the court and keeping Pio off-balance the entire first game. Damian looked completely dominate the first game taking it 15-8. The fire in Pio’s eyes was not dimming anytime soon as he fought a great second game. At one point it was locked up 14-14 with each of them serving for game 4 times each. Pio finally mustard up an Ace drive serve to the right corner that left Damian stunned, sending the match into a tie-breaker. Even though how much Pio has been training for this event, it looked like Damian’s skills were a little sharper for this morning as he stride to capture the Gold by winning the tie-breaker in dominate style 11-5. The last match on Court 1 was between 5 time state champion, Jeff Bell and current “back-to-back” state champion, Jason Conway. The first game started out very hot in favor for Jason Conway as Jeff Bell found some ways to get the matched locked up at 5-5. Only then the rally’s started to favor Jason, as they became longer and putting more pressure on Jeff Bell. Jeff found himself that he had not found himself all tournament long..on the defensive side of things. As Jeff was trying to adjust, Conway consistently applied pressure making Jeff dive from front to back in many of the rally’s. Conway ended game one with a fashionable cross-court shot that went right in the middle of Jeff’s legs (15-5). After game one results, more and more people started to fill in on the empty seats around the court, soon there was not an empty seat. It was an packed crowd. Everyone was witnessing history in the making. Who was going to win between Jeff and Jason. Game two pretty much started out like game 1, Conway continued to pour on the cross-court shots and forcing Jeff to take shots from a defensive position. At some point in the middle of the game, Jeff found his niche’. He found a weakness, or more a strength to use against Jason. Jeff started to use the Drive Z to the right-hand corner forcing Jason in weak returns giving opportunities for Jeff to control the second game. Soon the match was noticing a turn of events as Jeff became more the aggressor and Jason being put on the defensive side. As Jeff started his dominance Jason had no answers, as Jeff took game two 15-8. As the crowd anticipated for what they all came down to watch…a tie-breaker!! As the music continued to energize the crowd, you can see the two fearless warriors master-minding their next plan of attack. Tie breaker started, Bell starts right off where he ended game two, Drive Z to the right corner. Jason made some great shots from the back corner, in fact there were some flat rolls where it left Jeff in “awe”! Needlesstosay both warriors were definitely drenched in their sweat, can’t imagine the bruises they are suffering internally from all the diving. That didn’t matter as neither one of them backed down to their opponent. Jeff looked in control, so did Jason. Each of them exchanging sideouts. Soon about in the middle of the tie-breaker, the 5 time champion reached deep into his pockets and proved to everyone in the crowd why his is a Champion. Conway tried everything he could but you can see towards the end of the match, he wasn’t going to take out his opponent today as he rendered his two year era on being “Arizona’s Best” to Jeff Bell in a thrilling and exciting tie-breaker 11-6.  Jeff Bell is now the leader of all Arizona title-holders with an impressive 6 titles (95-97, 99, 01 and 10).

RPAA congratulations everyone who received awards at the 2010 State Champ. For those who participated in the event, I hope you had a great experience and hope to see you out at the next up and coming events. For those who had a great experience, please pass the word as we like to encourage everyone to come to these events, participate or support friend(s) and family members.

For more information this tournament, please click here.

Racquetball Frank serving our country!

Frank Taddonio (our own racquetball war hero) was one of 5 players to win the gold medal at this past weekend event in Tucson, Arizona. Frank Taddonio (M60+ and Mixed 50+), Susan Hendricks, (Mix 55+), Barry Hendricks (Mixed 60+) and Mary Lou Furaus/Jerry Northwood (Mixed 65+). 7 Silver medals went to 6 players from Arizona. Mike Lubbers (M50+), Barry Hendricks (MD60+), Roger Hostetler (MD70+), Paul Banales/Bob Warren (MD75+), Donna Backus (XD65+ and XD60+) and Susan Hendricks (WD50+). 10 Bronze medals were given to 9 players. Tom Cain (M45+), Roger Hostetler (M70+), Jerry Hines/Ron Butler (MD45+), Tom Rall (MD60+), Jerry Northwood (MD 70+), Gary Wells (XD55+ and MD60+), Kerri Garcia (WD45+) and Donna Backus (WD60/70). Congrats on the people that received medals and to those who participated in one of the most competitive tournaments that is hosted each year. The feedback that was received from some of the players. It is well worth the money spent. You get more racquetball action than you get in 3 tournaments combined.

If you are over the age of 45 and love racquetball, this is the event you do not want to miss. Hopefully Tucson will be the site again for next year’s NMRA.

To see the final results of the tournament, click here.

Don Thomas, A Legend of the racquetball world has left us but will always be with us spiritually. On March 9th, 2010, Don Thomas was struck by a heart-attack and never came out of it. Some of you that had the opportunity to meet or play with Don knew he was a “True Warrior” in the game which he knows best (Squash, Racquetball and Paddleball). Don Thomas was a class act on and off the court. He was an icon to some of the players that still play the game today. For those who had the chance to play with or against Don, knew he played the game with heart along with ice in his veins. Don played every point like it was his last.

There are no words to replace the thoughts and efforts this man gave to everyone that plays the game. Don Thomas will always be remembered as a “Class Act”, in addition he will always be remembered as a Legend to the game. Thanks Don for all the good memories you gave to us racquetball fans, you will always be in our heart!

March 12, 2010

A LETTER TO ALL THE MANY FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF DON THOMAS

Our beloved father, son, and brother, Don Thomas, passed away on March 9, 2010, his 53rd birthday. He spent the day with family and friends. He was in Phoenix with his daughter, Danielle, and his parents, Bob and Chris. His son, Matthew, came from California to surprise him on his birthday. Don’s last day was filled with the joy of family, and his last meal was his favorite, tacos made by his mother and daughter. He was playing his usual Tuesday night squash game with his friends at the home of Dave Foley. Those of you who know Don will not be surprised to learn that he won his final match. He died after playing his last game. He went out swinging a racquet and kicking ass, just the way he would have chosen.

Don graduated from Mesa High in 1975, where he starred in football, golf, and other sports. After he graduated, Don became a professional racquetball player. He ultimately achieved the rank of number 4 in the world during the peak of the sport, competing against other top pros like Marty Hogan, Charlie Brumfield, David Bledsoe and many others in tournaments all over the world. He graced the cover of National Racquetball magazine (and was named racquetball’s “coverboy”); was sponsored by Nike, Catalina, Leach, and the clothier Hart, Schaffner & Marx; and he played in the Tournament of Champions against other racquet-sport stars, including Bjorn Borg.

After retiring from sports, Don enjoyed a highly successful business career, founding an import/export company in his garage that ultimately grew to a worldwide business. He was most proud of his family. His children were the highlight of his life, and he experienced the most joy watching them succeed in the world and follow in his footsteps. He not only was a father, but a friend and mentor to his children, traveling all over the world with them to dive, water ski, and climb the world’s highest mountains.

Don loved life and lived to the fullest, and everyone who met him could never forget him. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

In Loving Memory,

Danielle, Matthew, Bob, Chris, and Tom

One last word from Don:

My family has had their say, now I have mine.

Starting with Siddle. We crashed six boats in our life together. All six crashes were his fault, despite the fact that I was driving in four of the “accidents.” Not only did I have to teach you how to play racquetball (and golf, and damn near everything else), I had to carry your sorry ass in too many doubles matches to count, and I had to clean up the wreckage behind you for thirty-two years. Not even I had enough charm to fix all your problems with girls.

Hey Elliot, you’re on your own on the golf course now. No more easy money while I pluck all the pigeons for you. (And you pigeons know who you are.)

Rachel, we’ve been together since the beginning of Second Nature Design, and I can’t believe you stayed with me through it all. You did what no other woman could do—stick with me for 20 years. Thank you for your time, your support, and your friendship to me and my children.

Big Frank, I’m going to rely on you to get the word out to everyone we touched in Second Nature Design. We had a whole lot of friends in the business, and too many good times to count. By the way, I did have a union card that day in Vegas when we were setting up the show.

To the Wolfes, Ghelfiis, Tutons, Grounds, Mad Mike and all the other sheep sitting around the poker table with me on Sundays—you can only skin a sheep once, but you can shear him over and over. Thanks for always coming back. Without your weekly donations, my children could not have gone to college.

Jay, not only did I save your life after you shot me in South America (because Siddle was going to kill you), I forgive you, even though I found three pellets buried under my scalp two months later. Siddle was wrong—he thought they bounced off.

To the “A” player (known as Two Thumbs) I beat in San Diego while playing with a milk carton, carrying a 6-foot Teddy bear, and hopping on one foot—I couldn’t have eaten without you that night. I hope you’re over the humiliation.

To Brumfield, the DT Right maneuver would not work today. I look forward to the rematch.

To all my squash buddies—Dave and Betsy, Ali, Jason, Will, Joe, Adam, Jay, Tina, and everyone else—it was a hell of a lot of fun. Dave, that last party was a killer. I hope the Tuesday nights continue, and I’ll stop in and watch you guys play. And if Dave ever wins, you’ll know I was there. Of all of you, I enjoyed playing with Tina the most, because at least the court smelled nice, and she let me win occasionally.

Let me apologize to my father, my mother, and my brother for introducing Siddle to them. Dad, I know you knocked all the dents out of that canoe, but it never sailed right again. That was Siddle’s fault. Tommy, sorry you had to be there to take Dad’s wrath while Siddle and I were running and hiding. Mom, thanks for making tacos for Charlie at 1 a.m.—you think he’s bad now, you should see him when he’s hungry.

In closing, I can’t wait until we’re all together again. I’ll keep a fire lit, food on the table, and ice cream in the fridge.

My children have formed a Facebook Page called “DON THOMAS.” You’re welcome to retaliate there, but I have already told Danielle and Matthew that you’re all congenital liars. I know they would appreciate photographs, stories, articles, and thoughts.

Come to Tucson and witness some of the greatest players from across the country participating in one of the greatest racquetball tournaments.  It is the National Masters Racquetball Association Championships and it will be held at the Tucson Racquet and Fitness Club.  Arizona is bringing the most of the participates to the event (47).    Tucson local favorites will be Rocky Lemmert, Tom Cain, while Phoenix will be bringing in some solid players as well (Bur Raby, Mike Lubbers , National Champion- Paul Banales, Ray Bierner).  Even Jerry Norwood a Northern Arizona player will be giving it his best at the 70+ division.  There are more to mention who will be participating from Arizona, for a list of people that will be attending this event, go to the following link .  Good luck to the players from Arizona that will be playing in this event!! Represent the state and make us proud!!  The tournament starts March 17th and ends on March 20th.   There will be plenty of racquetball to watch so if you get a chance to go down there, support your Arizona Racquetballers!!

The Racquetball Players Association of Arizona proudly presents the up and coming tournaments for the remainder of the year. To review we are starting out with a Doubles Shootout in Tucson, Arizona on January 30th at Tucson Racquet Club. Next on the list, February 10th through the 14th, USRA presents the 43rd Annual National Doubles in Tempe, Arizona at the SRC at ASU. For more updated tournaments please click on the Tournaments section and find out which tournament you see yourself playing and participating in!!

Come out to ASU this week starting February 10th through February 14th and watch some of the best Doubles Racquetball the nation has to offer. Over 300 participants from across the country are coming here to the valley to battle it out. Who will be our next National Champion? Will there be another thriller of a Men’s Qualifier Open Finals? Come support your local players!!! For anyone who would like to view the competition, it is free of charge and it conveniently located in the Tempe, Arizona (Arizona State Recreation Center). If you are unable to make it to the event and like to view the matches going on Court 1, go to www.racquetballonline.tv. You can follow the draws by clicking on here.