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Events and Happenings in the Racquetball World
The 1st Annual Curt Rettke Memorial Tournament is being held this weekend (May 5-7th) at the Crystal Gateway Sport & Health Club. All proceeds will go on Curt's behalf to the Leukemia Society. For more information click here or contact Karen Denu of Northern Virginia Racquetball.
To see the 2006 MWRA Singles Championship Special Report click here
Men's 2006 MWRA Singles Championship Scouting Report
Jamal Harris: The 5-time Maryland State champion looks to do what no other person in Maryland has ever accomplished. He is going for a record setting 6th state title. He has one of the best backhands on the East Coast and has been playing since he was a junior player. The stage is set for him to make state history at the Severna Park facility that seems to bring out some of his best racquetball wizardries. He is the odds-on favorite to four-peat, provided his focus, intensity and conditioning don’t become inhibiting factors.
Eric Blood: One of last year’s finalists who has the potential to win the whole thing. Although he opted not to play State Singles in 2004, Eric made his presence known in 2005. This year, he wants the number one slot, but he’ll have to go through either an eager Stephen Lee or an anxious Jason Colangelo in the semi-finals.
Stephen Lee: A natural athlete who has catapulted himself into the top three in Maryland in a very short time. His speed, court awareness, desire and adaptability make him a formidable opponent for anyone in the men’s Open draw. He is looking to add a state singles title to growing feathers on his racquetball cap that includes the 2006 state doubles crown.
Jason Colangelo: Playing some of his best racquetball in recent memory, Jason pushed Ruben Gonzalez to a tiebreaker just a few weeks ago in the Wintergreen tournament. Equally impressive, Jason won a tiebreaker against Jamal Harris in December. We expect big things from him this year, but first he must make it past his state singles rival (David White).
David White: One of last year’s semi-finalists, David is looking to show everyone that he can not only play with the big boys, but also beat the best of them. If his serve is on, this guy is tough to beat. It’s a safe bet that he’ll score at least 3 or 4 points each game just off aces. His legendary line drive serve can ante up 5-6 points on aces if you are either tired or playing against him for the first time.
Tim Simone: A very solid Open level player who is looking to catch somebody in the draw napping or who underestimates his ability. Tim has a well-rounded game and is in good condition. He made it to the quarterfinals in 2005 and has had notable wins on the road in other states. Tim will have to apply his past experiences to get that big win this weekend.
Steve Simpson: The winner of the Men’s Open division at the last TWS tournament in January. Steve finds himself in a really good position just prior to playing state singles. He has beaten younger opponents in his last two tournaments with cash on the line. Crafty and unique are fitting words that describe his game this season.
Jason Imhoff: Depending on his draw, this guy is a wildcard. Jason is new to the area – coming all the way from Iowa to make Maryland his new home. He is looking to make a name for himself in the Maryland racquetball world. Winning state singles is a sure fire way to make a name for himself in this racquetball-loving state. He’s a good sportsman on the court and we warmly welcome him to the area.
Craig Powell: You’ve got to give credit where credit is due. Craig can beat anyone in the draw on any given Sunday. You don’t want to underestimate Craig just because you haven’t seen him in a while. He is a former state champion and deserves all the respect associated with it. We may just have to check his gas tank in those big matches.
Joe Roth: There is a new Joe in town!! For those of you who didn’t know, this Joe is the forehand side of Maryland’s state doubles championship team. Although he is new to our area, you may find his name in a magazine or two from when he was a junior playing out of Pennsylvania. Look for a strong performance from Joe this weekend, but he definitely has his work cut out for him.
Chris Wilmoth: Chris made it to the Men’s Open division quarterfinals in 2005. His consistent performance as one of Ektelon’s top Maryland players and promoters should grant him a slot in the elite 8 in 2006 as well.
Steve Graham: As the team Head regional representative and Internet guru for the Maryland Washington Racquetball Association (MWRA), Steve will attempt to hold on to his elite eight status for 2006. Although a berth in the semi-finals is possible this year, it could happen if Steve puts forth some serious effort.
Jackson Burnette: I know it’s unoriginal…But you’ve just got to call him Action Jackson. This guy is all over the court! Jackson is lightning fast, has a good forehand and is maturing in the sport. We are just looking for some consistency in his tournament performance and that one big win. Whether it all will happen this weekend remains to be seen!
Jeff Nelson: Coming off of one of his best tournament performances in recent memory, Jeff defeated Marty Hammond, Jason Colangelo and Chris Wilmoth in two games each. Three solid wins over three strong opponents are nothing to sneer at! We are all curious as to which Jeff Nelson will show up for the state singles this weekend.
Mauricio Zelada: Mauricio is arguably one of the best junior talents on the East Coast. He has recently won several Men’s A tournaments in Maryland as well as Pennsylvania. Between Mauricio and Jeffery Flaesch, you are looking at the vibrant future of racquetball in MD.
Chris Cola: A solid Men’s Open level player who will prove to be a handful for whomever he plays in the first round. Chris has a variety of shots and a consistent drive serve. We can look for Chris to make a push for the Quarterfinals and possibly the semi finals.
Steve Papaminas: Another wildcard player with the talent to accomplish the unthinkable! This guy has the power and finesse to bang with the best of them!! Even though he doesn’t leave the Towson area much to play racquetball, you are better avised to bring your “A” game in order to handle this tough hombre! Steve was a Men’s Open finalist at the last TWS event in January.
Sandy Stevens: Get out your speed guns because this guy might be the hardest hitter in the draw! Playing for team Wilson, Sandy is bound to give someone a tough time. Standing over 6’ feet tall, it will be extremely hard to get the ball past him unless his opponent is playing well.
Ben Drumm: Ben is looking to make his presence known in the Men’s Open division this year. He is a strong player who plays out of the Bally’s in White Marsh. Not only is he in good shape, but also he has composure on the court and can’t wait to take on a big dog.
Hector Del Castillo: A clever player who is anxious for that big win. Hector has a clean stroke and will play hard to the last point.
Sean Walker: Sean is a super speedy Men’s Open level player who has successfully proven himself in the Men’s (A) division prior to moving up. For the last few seasons, Sean has been on the rise. However, due to injury in the off-season, we may not expect him to participate this weekend.
Season Opener September 24-25th
The Maryland Washington Racquetball Association is recognized as the premier host of racquetball events throughout the state. They have the combined experience and know how that is practically unmatched and recognized nationally. It is no surprise that they kicked the season off by hosting another successful racquetball weekend. The 2005/2006 opening weekend offered a glimpse of what to expect for this upcoming season, as well as a cash purse in every division.
We are happy to announce the new appointment of Bill Cooper and the re-appointment of Warren Riecke and Susan Flaesch to the Executive Committee of the MWRA. Congratulations to all of you! Your role on the racquetball executive committee is greatly appreciated and we look forward to any ideas that continue to promote the sport.
The introduction of a new game/season is celebrated in many ways. Baseball has a celebrity opening pitcher and the singing of our national anthem. Boxing has, “Let’s get ready to rumble.” But what about racquetball, what do they have to get racquetballers pumped? In racquetball, what gets you pumped before you even step on the court is the announcement of your starting time. It doesn’t matter if you have been playing racquetball for 20 years or 2 minutes. When you get that e-mail confirming you’ve been assigned an opponent and you both have a start time, you immediately start to feel that roller coaster drop in the pit of your stomach. All of the sudden you get flashbacks of close calls, seemingly unbeatable opponents and you recall how much energy it takes to win. All these things and more flash back to you in an instant. You start to feel the rush 3 days before you even get to the club.
The results from Region 3’s weekend Opener are just a click away. (http://www.tennisinformation.com/tourny/5/1/6/0/7/4/4/draws.asp#95)
Congratulations to all cash winners. We ask that you please forward us an e-mail with your updated scouting report numbers and highlights for the 2005/2006 season as it progresses to jharris@racquetball101.com.
2005 USA Racquetball Mid-Atlantic Regional Championships
April 15th marked the first time in over 10 years that Maryland
has hosted the Mid-Atlantic Regionals (one of six available qualifying
events for the National
Singles Championships). This event was hosted in Severna Park, MD
at the Severna Park Racquet and Fitness Club. It was an absolutely beautiful
spring weekend for sports and a promising debut for Maryland racquetball.
Congratulations, is in order to all participants who comprised the largest
racquetball drawing for Maryland, in recent memory. Featuring over two
hundred of the hottest racquetball players up and down the east coast
the opening rounds of play would begin as early as 9 a.m. Friday morning.
Kudos to MWRA’s
executive committee for handling such a large draw, doing an exceptional
job with the player seeding, their timely hospitality and providing all
the players with hot new dry-fit racquetball shirts.
With almost every big fish from every small pond in attendance, the tournament
results (http://www.tennisinformation.com/tourny/5/1/5/5/9/5/6/draws.asp)
from the weekend action would answer many regional questions. The competition
was extremely tight as evidenced by the large number of 11-10 tiebreakers.
All of this years players deserve recognition for their accomplishments.
Please visit Racquetball101.com’s Video section
for your copy of 2005’s Men’s and Women’s Open finals
on DVD. Also, be sure to add your own player profile when you visit the
Scouting Report featuring player pictures
and individual highlights from many top players across the country.
Racquetball101.com's Ben Wong and Jamal Harris win the
gold.
For your reading pleasure and racquetball insight Racquetball101.com has
also attached a bonus summary behind
each of this years winners.
2005 MWRA Singles Championships
If you were in attendance at the MWRA Maryland State singles racquetball championship, then you were part of one of the most action packed competitions in recent memory. Hosts Severna Park Racquetball & Fitness Club and the MWRA gave racquetball enthusiasts everything they could want and more. And if this years state singles event was a preview of the Mid-Atlantic regionals then we are in for some show this spring.
The March 2005 event produced the largest turnout in the last 5 years. All participants enjoyed the latest in tournament t-shirt apparel by Crew west, great food and on time game play. Be sure to take a look at racquetball101.com’s scouting report and videos page for sponsor discounts, updated player highlights and past champion profiles. Speaking of champions, each winner received an “executive pen plaque.” A unique memento which highlights their elite status as the best in the state. For a complete list of honorable mentions and winners go to: Tournament results
Big congratulations to this years champions. You have the title for a year so it’s officially 101% approved for you to take a week off before your next league match. Currently in post-production, Racquetball101.com will have exclusive copies of Maryland’s hottest most extreme Open Finals finish, in the last decade. This DVD is a racquetball lover’s must have!! Check our videos page in the next week.
Defending 04’ champion, Jamal Harris put on an unforgettable encore performance. He states, “It’s clear to me now, my role has been defined and after this match all can attest that they have seen Jamal at his best.” With explosive strokes, incredible rallies and edge of your seat action, it will make you want to order 2 videos.
Eric Blood, the experienced contender, who validated his right to challenge for the 2005 State Title, comes in as the house favorite, playing with supreme confidence after two big career wins just weeks ago over two multi-state champions at last months “Wintergreen Classic.” (See write-up below) He showed his mental toughness, shot making prowess and athletic agility again and again during the course of this match.
On the Women's side, Shannon Feaster and Yolanda Jordan demonstrated why they are the top players in the state. Not only did they exhibit control and great passing shots but both were also fearless when presented with the opportunity to put the ball away with a kill or splat from 30 feet back. Several times during the match the lead would change but in the end Feaster would prevail and win yet another singles title.