Welcome to the final LA Fitness Racquetball Shoot-out of 2011
by Rob Craig
As a reminder to everybody the shoot-outs are great events to meet new players, play at different clubs, and find out how well you are playing. The play is a higher intensity but the play is still fun and be prepared to play a lot of games as it is a round robin format. The next Shoot-out is Doubles to be played at the Chandler LA Fitness (Warner & Dobson) on January 28th, 2012. This would be a good rehearsal event for the teams playing in the National Doubles Tournament in February at ASU. See the flyers at your LA Fitness for skill level times.
Mens B
The “B” Skill level kicked off the day with 12 teams. Two divisions were created with six teams with round robin play beginning. Nick Kelly and Thomas Martinez lead Division 1 with a record of 4-1. Ted Brennan and Eric Brown headed up Division 2. An eight team playoff followed with Nick and Thomas beating Richard Cassalata and John Gunn to reach the finals. The other side of the bracket saw Brent Beers and Tim M beat Tony Forbes and Fred Lula in their semifinal match. Congratulations to the team of Nick and Thomas as they prevailed in the finals with 15-11 victory.
Mixed
Six teams were registered to play in a round robin format. One Division was created and divided into an Upper and Lower though all teams played each other. In the Upper division the team of Darold and Michelle Key rolled thru their matches to finish 5-0. with the teams of Jason Churchwad and Marianne Rowley following. In the Lower division the team of Nancy Green and Tony Forbes finished first followed by Viktoriya Weaver and Fred Lula.
Open/Elite/A
Ten teams made up two flights for the round robin play. Michelle and Danielle lead Division 1 with a record of 3-1. Flight 2 was lead by Mark Monje and Blake Martin with a record of 4-0. In the semi finals of the playoffs Michelle and Danielle Key held off Jason Churchwad and Brian Campbell to reach the finals. In the other semi finals Mark Monje and Blake Martin edged Patrick McCarthy and Ken Patterson to reach the other side of the final. In the finals Mark and Blake rolled to victory.
Mens C
Eight players made up the C Level. Round robin play with the teams playing two games to 11 with a tie breaker if needed. The Father and Son team Ken and Gavin Gardner made it thru the competition with a 3-0 record. They were followed by Zach Patterson and Spencer McCarthy, Burton Roger and Rob Easdon, and Ryan Patterson and Sumner Farnsworth.
We hope everyone will enjoy the holidays and a happy new year.
WPRO Commissioner
Women's Professional Racquetball Organization
Sports industry
July 11, 2011 ~ The Women’s Professional Racquetball Tour today announced that it has wrapped up its search for a new commissioner, and named Gigi Rock to replace outgoing Shannon Feaster in the tour’s top administrative post.
Known for her boldness, outspoken honesty, and no nonsense approach, Rock is President and Owner of Gigi Rock Productions, and will begin the day-to-day operations as Commissioner for the WPRO, effective July 11.
Although she’s not a racquetball player in her own right, Rock is a quick study, who promises a fresh, new business approach to the WPRO. "I’ve been in business for many years now and began my sports experience in golf. I would have never looked for a position like this but my entire career has lead me in this direction and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to build upon the success of the WPRO and help it develop into a world-class tour and business," Rock said in a statement. I have worked for clients from Super Bowls to Olympic events - and everything in between - and will be charged with furthering the WPRO's brand.
"We are confident that Gigi's proven marketing, brand management and sponsorship development skills will take the WPRO to the next level," said former commissioner Shannon Feaster, who led the tour for five seasons. "It is time for these athletes to get the recognition and compensation they deserve and for racquetball to be in the forefront of the sporting industry where it belongs."
About the WPRO
The Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) is the governing body of the highest-level professional female racquetball players in the world, currently comprised of elite athletes representing over a dozen countries including the United States, Mexico, Chile, Canada, Puerto Rico, Japan, Dominican Republic and Venezuela.
Cheryl Evans/The Arizona Republic
The Swinney's, Chris Leimbach and James Loo had their photo's on AZcentral
June 7 - Neal Swinney, 13, his father, Ray, 39, and mother, Arlene, 39, of Mesa compete in racquetball during the Grand Canyon State Games at the ASU Student Recreation Center in Tempe. His sister Halle, 9, is too young to compete in racquetball at the Grand Canyon Games but plays the sport.
June 7 - James Loo of Phoenix and Chris Leimbach of Chandler compete in doubles.