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Director’s Message
Shortly
after my return home from the July National Masters Tournament in
Wisconsin, I embarked on another ‘Racquetball Vacation’. This trip was
to the Republic of Ireland. First and foremost, for those yet to travel
there and for those that have the wherewithal to do so; including time,
energy, and some dinero, it should be on your priority list of places to
go. I have been fortunate over time to be able to piggyback travel
adventures with racquetball; as a player, coach, delegate, administrator,
or whatever! My job description in Ireland was to be part of the
tournament operations team.
Ireland (the Republic down south) is not part of the Kingdom.
That is more formally called, United Kingdom, which includes England,
Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. There seems to be some
inexplicable difference between the mentality of those who live in the
south. No less than it can be associated with Their genuine
hospitality and warmth for others. For the record, they measure
distance on the roads in meters or kilometers versus feet and miles, and
they pay tariffs in Euros as opposed to Pounds. Kudos to the European
Racquetball Federation for targeting Ireland as the host for these games.
Twenty-four countries participated in the 14th IRF World
Championships. It was a week long event held in the quaint Village of
Dun A Ri (Gaelic for Kingscourt). It is a place where all the locals
come together to drink, eat, socialize, and offer assistance in staging a
successful World Championship of Racquetball. There is more history in
this village with handball, the traditional Irish version played on a
wood court 30 feet wide by 60 feet long. During our stay an Exhibition
match of doubles included current World Champion, Paul Brady. The
‘Worlds’ included great athleticism and racquetball prowess by Rocky
Carson and Jack Huczek during the Individual Singles Final. I would be
remiss if Rhonda Rajsich’s incredible return to form were not mentioned.
She is the new female World Racquetball Champion.
In conclusion, our trip was one for a lifetime. Moments to include in
the upcoming book: Driving on roads narrower than a regulation
racquetball court. Driving on the right side of the vehicle and shifting
with the left hand while navigating down the left side of the road. I
will not forget the nine rain-drenched holes of golf at the Adair Manor,
site of the Irish Open; its punishing fairways and punishing green fees
of $200 (for nine holes, cart extra). And, what about navigating through
Castles like Cabra and Bunratty, and abandoning one of our vehicle’s
tires around the Ring of Kerry. Thank goodness for the Hungarian and
German friends who helped us change the tire! Finally, we cannot forget
the excitement when the airline lost our luggage in both directions; ida
y vuelta.
Following
are some news briefs to share with our readers since our last Message:
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The
World Junior Championships in Tempe, Arizona, will be held December
15-20, 2008.
Interested parties wishing to provide contributions to the Local
Organizing Committee can
write us through the AmPRO-IPRO site, or call (505)321-1110 to inquire. |
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The Pro
World Championships are being held in Denver, Colorado. The new
portable court
will
be erected downtown. |
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Team
USA took home all Individual and Team event awards at the 14th
IRF
World Racquetball Championships held in Kingscourt; Republic of Ireland
in August. |
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Korea
has been selected to host the 15th IRF World Championships
in 2010 in Seoul. Their
Federation will be erecting 8 championship courts for the event. |
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Many
Thanks to Mike Mesecke for operating the AmPRO-IPRO website for the
past two years.
Linda Mojer will be taking over the IRF website duties as of October 1st. |
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The
National Masters Racquetball Association will be hosting a ‘Doubles
Only’ tournament
for players 35 years and older, the first week in December. The
location is Denver, Colorado.
Their July tournament in Wisconsin drew almost 200 players. |
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IPRO-IRF will host another International Welcome Party at the US Open
Championships in
Memphis. It will be at the Racquet Club of Memphis at 9PM, Wednesday,
October 22nd. All
current AmPRO-IPRO members are welcome. |
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An
Instructor Certification Course will be held before the US Open; all
first time and return
candidates are encouraged to attend. The class will be on the 21st
and 22nd of October at the
Wellworkz Club. |
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The 3rd
IRF World Senior Doubles Championships were held in June in San Luis
Potosi, Mexico.
About 70 players from 4 countries participated at the beautiful La Loma
Club Potosina. The
leading candidate for hosting the 2009 event is Canada. |
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The 20th
IRF World Senior Racquetball Championships was held in Albuquerque, New
Mexico
Labor Day week. Almost 200 players participated representing 16
countries. |
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AmPRO-IPRO is on track to hold 25 courses in the USA and abroad during
calendar year 2008. |
Quote of
the month…..
“Next time I
will rent some legs”
Coco
Zachrisson
(Guatemala),
after playing 5 days at the
World Senior Racquetball Championships
Gary Mazaroff
Director
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