John LoMonaco passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at the age of 57. He collapsed in the locker room of the Spectrum Club in Canoga Park, just after winning his last game against Kevin Barlia. John played three or four times a week and had many wins to his credit, including several NMRA medals and a 55A championship in 2007 at the USAR National Singles in Houston. He lived in West Hills, California, near the club, and ran his own fire safety and inspection business.
In John’s memory, a friend who wishes to remain anonymous is donating an all expenses paid trip to the USAR National Singles Championships in Houston, Texas, May 26-31, 2010.
The recipient of the John LoMonaco Memorial Grant:
- May be male or female and must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must be a citizen of the United States.
- May not have previously competed in the USAR National Singles Championships.
- Will submit an application and write an essay no longer than 500 words expressing why he/she wants to attend and compete in the National Singles Championships next May.
- Will sign a USAR liability waiver as well as a release for use of his/her likeness in publications at USAR’s discretion.
- Will be given the opportunity to write an article describing his/her experiences as a first-time National Singles player for possible publication in the USAR eNewsletter or Racquetball magazine.
- Covered expenses will be: entry fee (two divisions), meals, five nights’ lodging at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Houston, coach airfare, ground transportation, and a pass to the VIP tent in the Players’ Village at the YMCA.
- The recipient will submit receipts to USA Racquetball for reimbursement not to exceed $2,000. Companion costs will be at the expense of the recipient or his/her companion.
The essay and application become the property of USA Racquetball and will not be returned. The Executive Committee of the USAR Board, along with the anonymous contributor, will make the final determination as to who will receive the grant.
The application form can be found on the USA Racquetball web site, www.usaracquetball.com. Send your completed form and essay to Cheryl Kirk at cherylkkirk@aol.com. The deadline for submissions is December 31, 2009, with the recipient announced on or before February 28, 2010.
Cheryl Kirk
USA Racquetball
• John LoMonaco Memorial Grant Application