USA Racquetball

The Official U.S. Racquetball Association Website

Sponsors

Ektelon has enjoyed the longest, most successful reign of dominance in the sport of racquetball. Ektelon's heritage includes the introduction of more revolutionary technologies and programs to the sport of racquetball than any other company. Click the logo for more info.

Pro Penn is the "Official Ball of the USAR and the USAR National Singles Racquetball Championships. This ball is the most widely used ball in US tournament play. The visibility, consistent speed, playability and durability make Pro Penn the choice of players who know "The Ball Matters" WORLDWIDE! Click the logo for more info.

E-Force has been developing the most powerful racquetball racquets with cutting edge technology. E-Force is responsible for some innovative and revolutionary technologies in their high performance equipment that has been unmatched in the sport. Click the logo for more info.

Gearbox is a new innovative manufacturer of high performance racquetball racquets and accessories. Gearbox was conceived to fulfill a vision of a racquetball only, design-driven brand. Click the logo for more info.

The Hyatt in downtown Houston is the "Official Hotel" of the USAR Ektelon National Singles Racquetball Championships. All racquetball players can relax, and rejuvenate during their stay through the Memorial Day weekend. Click the logo for more info.

Lunch will be served by Carrabba's Italian Grill all week. All of this in an effort to improve the hospitality for the tournament players. Carrabba's proprietor Keith Irvine said, "This gives people from all over the country a chance to sample the great tasting food that Carrabba's is known for." Click the logo for more info.

Media Contact

Contact USA Racquetball Media Manager, Leo Vasquez to submit news items. After opening rounds, (817) 791-4948 (media only).

Top Story

Houston..We Have A Champion

Kristen, Cheryl and Rocky
photo: doubledonut.com

Cheryl Gudinas-Holmes and Rocky Carson Win U.S. Team Championship Gold Medals

Once again the country's best racquetball players were at the Downtown YMCA, May 21-26 2008, in Houston, TX to compete in the 2008 Ektelon 41st USAR National Singles Raquetball Championships presented by Penn Racquet Sports. The “Finals” is the only national championship for singles competition in open, skill, age group divisions and the newly added National Military Championships. This will unite the men and women of the armed forces to compete for National titles.
On top of a full week’s worth of play in the largest event in racquetball, players also enjoy special activities all week long. Over 500 players will compete for the right to be named "National Champion" in 70+ divisions separated by age, skill, and age-skill.
In addition, semi-finalists in the Men's and Women's National Team Qualifier Divisions earn one year appointments to the U.S. National Team. This year in the finals of the Men's U.S. Team Qualifier division, Rocky Carson defeated Jack Huczek, 15-12, 9-15, 11-4. The Women's U.S. Team final ended with Cheryl Gudinas-Holmes defeating Kristen Bellows, 15-2, 15-5.
Click the links below for more information.

On-Line Drawsheets | Printable Entry Form | 2007 Final Results

Live Streaming Video

Visit www.racquetballonline.tv for live video streaming of the USA Racquetball National Singles Racquetball Championships

USA Racquetball's primetime coverage will also feature live video streaming of selected Men's and Women's U.S. Team Qualifying matches. Racquetballonline.tv will provide live streaming video along with play-by-play commentary and player interviews following each match. Check back for scheduled times.

Quick Facts

From: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (2800 Terminal Rd.)
To: Downtown YMCA (1600 Louisiana St.)
Distance: 21.7 mi Time: 24 mins. (approx.)

From: Houston Hobby Airport (7800 Airport Blvd.)
To: Downtown YMCA (1600 Louisiana St.)
Distance: 10.7 mi Time: 16 mins. (approx.)

From: Hyatt Regency (1200 Louisiana St.)
To: Downtown YMCA (1600 Louisians St.)
Distance: .3 mi Time: 1 mins. (approx.)

From: The Met (340 W. Dallas St.)
To: Downtown YMCA (1600 Louisiana St.)
Distance: .5 mi Time: 1 mins. (approx.)

From: Downtown YMCA (1600 Louisiana St.)
To: Houston Center Club (1100 Caroline St.)
Distance: .83 mi Time: 5 mins. (approx.)

Photo Gallery

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Did You Know?

• Racquetball was first called "paddle rackets" and developed by ProPenn logo Joe Sobek in 1949. Sobek would also go on to develop his own ball for the sport.

• By 1998, there were an estimated 10 million US players, and about 14 million players in over 90 countries around the world.

2007 Final Standings

Final Men's U.S. Team

1st Mitch Williams (Colo.)

2nd Shane Vanderson (Ohio)

3rd Rocky Carson (Cali.)

4th Jack Huczek (Mich)

Final Women's U.S. Team

1st Rhonda Rajsich (Ariz.)

2nd Cheryl Gudinas (Illi.)

3rd Liz Alvarado (Tex.)

4th Kerri Wachtel (Ohio)

Daily Newsletters

Download all the daily newsletters from the event. You must have Adobe Reader to view the newsletter. These will be available once the event begins. Download Adobe Reader by clicking here .

Day 1 - Thursday
Day 2 - Friday
Day 3 - Saturday
Day 3 - Sunday
Day 5 - Monday

Do you have an interesting story to be published in the daily newsletter? Contact Leo Vasquez before the event starts.

Racquetball Nation

What will you enjoy the most about the 2008 USA Racquetball National Singles?
Playing against the best players in the nation.
All the evening parties and the Grand Gala Banquet on Saturday night.
Seeing old friends and making new friends.

Submit Survey View Results

Player Information

Follow along ... Links to online drawsheets (when they become active) will be updated following each round, in all divisions. You will be re-directed to the R2 Sports Web-Site where you can see the results as they are posted following each match.

Reminder: Don't forget the event runs Wednesday through Monday. Division finals will take place on Monday (with the exception of the Mens and Womens U.S. Team Qualifying divisions, scheduled for Sunday). If your plan is to reach the finals make sure to plan your return flight for Memorial Day, Monday -- May 26.

Details:
venue: Downtown YMCA [Select Downtown from list]
venue: The Met
venue: The Houston Center Club
host city: Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau
host hotel: Houston Hyatt Regency
airports: Bush Intercontinental [IAH] & Hobby
map: Mapquest.com > Houston
local: Houston Racquetball
weather: Weather.com [Houston]

* The Met and The Houston Center Club are additional venues used for the event. The Met is adjacent to the Hyatt, in the One Allen Center. The Houston Center Club is south of the YMCA within walking distance. If your first round match is scheduled there, make sure to give yourself plenty of extra time to register at the YMCA before heading over to The Met or The Houston Center Club.