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Over 200
men and women players representing 10 of the 34 countries and US
Territories found their way to Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA for the
20th annual World Senior Racquetball Championships. The
organizing council, under the leadership of Executive Director Gary
Mazaroff and President Paula Sperling, continued the tradition of
providing outstanding hospitality and solid competition for all
participants and spectators. Countless volunteers generously gave
of their time and energy to ensure that the participants, whether
first timers or 20-year veterans enjoyed their week at the base of
the Sandia Mountain Range in the Land of Enchantment.
The tournament began
Monday evening with an all-player meeting at the host hotel. Paula
and Gary briefed the players on the unique tournament format, venue
access, and modifications to IRF or USRA rules. The meeting also
provided first time participants with an introduction to the
camaraderie and deep friendships that are integral to this special
event. The players were also challenged to help the Council meet
its goal of raising $20,000 to support the world-wide development
of racquetball including underwriting substantial portions of the
racquetball world championships.
Monday night provided
a walk down memory lane as players pulled out vintage racquets
including wood frames, old fashioned court attire, incredibly dead
balls and other throw-back ancillaries in a Retro-Doubles event
that raised several thousand dollars for the IRF. Participants
had numerous laughs and genuinely enjoyed themselves to the point
of requesting that this become a staple of the WSRC in the future.
Tuesday through Friday
provide preliminary round-robin competition for men and women
alike. Players squared off with their opponents over the 4-day
stretch in matches of three games to 11. The self-referee format
gave ample opportunity for players to display respect for each
other and the game through good sportsmanship in their matches.
Cumulative scores of points earned, games and matches won in these
preliminary rounds determined which players would move on to final
single-elimination play on Saturday.
With only 2 matches
per day on average, players enjoyed substantial free time to travel
to the surrounding area, encourage their fellow countrymen in
competition and make new friends at the various venues. The
tournament headquarters at the Albuquerque Marriott provided a
central place for players and spectators to eat lunch and scan the
extensive collection of silent auction items under the careful eye
of tournament volunteers. The silent auction, combined with the
Retro Doubles and other direct gifts, raised over $18,000 for the
IRF, adding to the previous total of over $330,000 raised for this
great organization and its goal of making racquetball a world-wide
sport that could find a place some day in the Olympics.
You can find the
summary of results from each of the divisions played adjacent to
this article. But what you won’t see in the scores and results are
the intangibles that magically happen throughout this event year
after year. Some highlights from your correspondent’s perspective
include Linda Covalt’s pre-event tour of the Southwest put together
by the tournament committee members. She enjoyed the scenic
surroundings the area has to offer and vowed to return. Make the
WSRC a vacation destination for yourself, friends and family. Or,
first-timer Frances Borunda who trained vigorously all year with
the encouragement of her coach and then joyfully celebrated with
her when the conditioning 9plus the free advice from a few
gracious spectators) paid off in medal round success. The look on
her face as she achieved more than she thought possible was
priceless. Or consider the play of another first-timer Benjamin (Benjie)
Doniego, who represented the Phillipines. He faced stiff
competition from Mr. Fierro of Mexico in the Men’s 40+
quarterfinals and played valiantly before losing 11-5, 11-10.
Benjie gave it his all with amazing dives, blasting serves and
tremendous hustle. After his match he scurried right out of the
club and resumed his dogged pursuit to hit every possible tourist
attraction in the area with friends. He left not only with the
memories of on the court challenges, but an appreciation for the
cultural history of the Southwest, a collection of new friends from
around the world and a better understanding of what a
player-focused tournament can be like. There really is no way to
accurately describe how hard the committee works to ensure that all
participants have a great time. And lastly, the story of veteran
Aaron Vederoff who unseated 5 time champion Don Alt from the top
spot of the 70+ group. In his third year at this event, Aaron did
not lose a match throughout but ultimately took second place to
Toby DeCesare on total points scored. Aaron has endeared himself
to many at the event with his wonderfully kind spirit and caring
demeanor co-existing with a warrior’s heart. He’ll be back. Will
you join him?
The tournament
concluded with a player’s banquet on Saturday evening at the
Marriott. Highlights of the evening were special awards granted to
many special people. The coveted Al Wetherill Memorial
Sportsmanship Award was presented to Lorraine Galloway for her
contributions to racquetball in the past year. She was so amazed
that it nearly left her speechless. She will proudly display this
traveling trophy for the coming year. Perhaps some day you or
someone you know may have their name etched on this beautiful cup.
Whether you are a
seasoned veteran or newly eligible to play in IRF events, this
tournament is definitely one to put on your calendar regardless of
your skill level. The format of competition spread over several
days provided ample opportunity to meet new people, relax in the
sunny southwest, and vacation with your family. Thanks to the hard
work of the entire World Seniors Council, you can be virtually
assured of a good time and great hospitality by spirited
competition. Planning is already underway for the 2005 event and
the beginning of another 20 years.
Thanks to the generous
support of Gold Patron Albuquerque Marriott and Silver Patrons
Head/Penn Racquet Sports and Sombra Cosmetics, Inc., the event was
a huge success.
Your obedient
correspondent,
Dave Stob |
