TEAM EKTELON NEWSLETTER

TEAM EKTELON NEWSLETTER
Team Ektelon Members Newsflash Series
Volume 2, Issue 2
New Season Update
Inside This Issue...
by Scott Winters, General Manager
Message From The Top
1
Team Ektelon
2
Ball Update
3
Pro Players
4
Junior Elite
5
International
6
CPRT
7
RacquetSkinz
8
MRF & WFRA
10
WOR
11
Women’s Council
12
Ektelon in Uniform
13
Ektelon Handball
14
Ektelon Mentorship
15
There is no doubt that Ektelon is off to a fast start to
the new 2010/11 season. We were proud to be able to
ship all player contract orders by the end of September which was a major improvement over last season.
However, we still aren’t completely satisfied with these results and I
can tell you that Mike Franks and Aimee Ruiz are already busy planning
for 2011.
The reviews on our new product line have been very positive. The
reaction to the new T-22 Mid’s has been great. We know that many of
you are extremely happy that the “Attack is Back!” The EXO3 Ignite has
also been a really nice upgrade to the EXO3 Black and Copper racquets
which were introduced last year. Both the EXO3 Attack and Ignite offer
customization benefits that Ektelon players are now accustomed to. If
you haven’t hit with your racquet of choice with the different combinations of Energy Bridges on the frame, contact your ERA to find out when
the next demo is scheduled in your area. Also, RacquetSkinz racquets
are gaining more popularity and they now have both of these racquets
in stock. Make sure to tell everyone about this unique opportunity and
check them out at www.RacquetSkinz.com.
I’m sure you have noticed that Aimee has been very busy building our new pro team. She has been able to
bring many of the games brightest new stars to the team compliments of Team Ektelon Junior Director John
Ellis, his father Dave and newly signed Team Ektelon Advisor, Jody Nance who has coached many of our “young
guns” including Jose Rojas. Thanks to Jody and John, Stockton, California continues to churn out an amazing
amount of young talent each year. I had a great time visiting with them this summer at one of John’s well-run
tournaments.
It’s been a busy summer for the entire team on the outdoor scene led by Team Ektelon Outdoor Director, Hank
Marcus. The WOR Championships in Huntington Beach just keeps getting better every year and the recently
held event in Las Vegas was one of the most historic events ever! Ektelon will continue to support WOR and
drive more outdoor programs in the future. We have some great plans for our next two big events coming up
at the US Open and Junior World Championships. Stay tuned!
Our next big program initiative is the new “Collegiate Blitz”. Our goal is to reach out to as many college racquetball players as possible during the rest of October and November. There are still an amazing amount of
courts and players on college campuses and it’s a great opportunity introduce Ektelon and more players to the
sport. This is a very important initiative to help grow the sport for the future.
On behalf of Ektelon, thank you for your support and I wish you all the best during the new 2010/2011
season!
Page 1
Team Ektelon
Team Ektelon Player Program
by Mike Franks, Team Ektelon
As another great season kicks off, we are looking forward to seeing many of our sponsored
players at the U.S. Open Racquetball Tournament. This year’s event will be held in Minneapolis, MN and we have some special hospitality planned for all members of Team Ektelon.
This is our opportunity to meet and greet many of you who will be at the event; and most
importantly, provide you an opportunity to meet with the Ektelon staff to provide us direct feedback. Darryl
Warren will be managing the Ektelon hospitality room so be sure to stop by and introduce yourself and register
to confirm your attendance at the event. Remember, you will receive Ektelon merit points for attending the
US Open tournament, and for competing in the event so be sure to log your points in the Team Ektelon Activity
History Management System on teamektelon.com.
This year at the National Singles Team Meeting in Houston, we announced several new changes to the contract
packages such as providing players more flexibility in choosing what they receive and making “team apparel”
optional for the “pay” sponsorships. If you have not ordered team apparel this season or simply need some
additional apparel, we will be closing out the remaining apparel inventory so be sure to check out the team
catalog for these special promotions. In 2011, we will be introducing a complete new Team Ektelon apparel
line including a new team warm-up.
The official start of the 2010-11 season was June 1 and the last date for accepting sponsorships and placing
equipment package orders is November 30. If you have not yet accepted your sponsorship offer, be sure to
make it a priority to do so. We are once again offering each region an additional allocation of “Personal”
Ektelon Demo Equipment bags. Each ERA will have the ability to place an order for an “Personal” Ektelon
Demo Equipment bag for players in their region who have submitted a request to purchase one of the available “Personal” demo bags. There are a limited number of “Personal” bags available and each player will
be responsible for the cost of the bag. This bag will not include all products and equipment but will include
“selected” high end and mid range priced racquets. Players who are approved to purchase a “Personal” bag
are limited to one (1) per season and the equipment included is NOT for resale. Contact your ERA or Team
Manager today to place your order for an Ektelon Personal Demo Bag.
Club Ektelon memberships continue to increase and many of you have already joined “the Club”. The primary goal of Club Ektelon is to keep the non-sponsored players who are loyal to the brand informed and to
throughout the year offer special incentives on products from Ektelon as well as dealers who have signed up
to participate in the program. There will also be monthly random drawings to award a Club Ektelon member a
free set of strings. Watch the newsroom on Ektelon.com for the names of the winners. Also, don’t forget that
if you have not updated your Club Ektelon player profile, be sure to do so and you will immediately receive
Club Ektelon reward points which can redeemed on EktelonGear.com for a free Club Ektelon luggage tag.
Your continued support and loyalty to the Ektelon brand is sincerely appreciated!
Page 2
Ektelon Ball Update
Ektelon continues to expand ball affiliations!
By Hank Marcus
The following associations have recently chosen Ektelon as their Official Ball & players worldwide claim Ektelon
as the best ball in the sport worldwide! Thank you to all our partners & welcome to our newest;
* Racquetball Canada
* Korea Racquetball Federation
* Georgia Racquetball Players Association
* Alberta Racquetball Association
* World Players of Handball
* 3 Wall Ball
* Rollout Racquetball
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WPRO (WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL RACQUETBALL ORGANIZATION) FIREBALL
WOR (WORLD OUTDOOR RACQUETBALL) FIREBALL
RC (RACQUETBALL CANADA) CLASSIC
NMRA (NATIONAL MASTERS RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION) CLASSIC
CPRT (CLASSIC PROFESSIONAL RACQUETBALL TOUR) CLASSIC
WFRA (WORLD FIREFIGHTERS RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION) FIREBALL
NPRA (NATIONAL POLICE RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION) PREMIUM SELECT
NRAD (NATIONAL RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF) FIREBALL
RFAR (RALLY FOR A REASON) CLASSIC & FIREBALL
WPH (WORLD PLAYERS OF HANDBALL) PREMIUM SELECT & FIREBALL
RA
-
N
NATIONAL:
ALL ASSO
CI
WPRO
INTERNATIONAL:
- MRF (MILITARY RACQUETBALL FEDERATION) CLASSIC
- KRF (KOREA RACQUETBALL FEDERATION) CLASSIC & FIREBALL
- AERA (AMERICAN EUROPEAN RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION) CLASSIC
- AMERA (AMERICAN MIDDLE EAST RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION) CLASSIC
- ERF (EUROPEAN RACQUETBALL FEDERATION) CLASSIC
STATES & PROVINCES:
- CSRA (CALIFORNIA STATE RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION) CLASSIC
- TXRA (TEXAS RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION) CLASSIC & PREMIUM SELECT
* Two largest in the sport
- CVRA (COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION) FIREBALL
- NCRA (NORTH CAROLINA RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION) FIREBALL & CLASSIC
- NJAR (NEW JERSEY RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION) CLASSIC & PREMIUM SELECT
- MRA (MONTANA RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION) PREMIUM SELECT & CLASSIC
- TRA (TENNESSEE RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION) CLASSIC
- KRA (KENTUCKY RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION) CLASSIC
- SCRPA (SOUTH CAROLINA RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION) CLASSIC
- ORA (RHODE ISLAND RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION) CLASSIC & PREMIUM SELECT
- SDRA (SOUTH DAKOTA RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION) CLASSIC
- GRPA (GEORGIA RACQUETBALL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION) CLASSIC & PREMIUM SELECT
- IRA (IOWA RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION) CLASSIC
- WRA (WASHINGTON RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION) CLASSIC
- PSRA (PENNSYLVANIA RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION) PREMIUM SELECT & CLASSIC
- ARA (ALBERTA RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION) CLASSIC
- ROLLOUT RACQUETBALL PREMIUM SELECT & CLASSIC
Page 3
Ektelon Pro Players
Pro Team Update
By Aimee Ruiz
Since I joined the Ektelon Staff in February there have been some changes regarding our Team Ektelon Professionals, but we have some exciting new pro signings that are sure to make the future
bright for Ektelon.
Over the summer Andy Hawthorne extended his contract for another two years. Currently Andy is
ranked #9 on the IRT and does a fantastic job of representing Ektelon in Ohio and every IRT event
while hosting the Ektelon display booth. Stockton phenom Jose Rojas will be playing the tour full time this season and
we look for him to move up from his #10 ranking. Expect a BIG announcement regarding Jose within the next few weeks!
Both Andy and Jose have had strong showings to start the season and we look for them to have continued success.
On the ladies side, the WPRO Pro Tour is jammed packed with Ektelon Pros. WPRO #1 Paola Longoria continues to have
success this season. Right before the season began, she won the Ladies Doubles Gold Medal at the IRF World Championships in Seoul, Korea. The following week she was in Texas capturing the first WPRO stop of the season. WPRO #2 Rhonda
Rajsich also won a Gold Medal at the World Championships in Ladies Singles and a month later, won the first Grand Slam
event of the season in Cali, Colombia. The way these two ladies are playing, expect them to be neck and neck on there
way to the season ending #1 Ranking!!
We at Ektelon are looking forward to seeing how the rest of the Team Ektelon Ladies Professional Staff finish out the
remainder of the season. The lineup includes: Jen Saunders #7, Jen made it to her first semi-finals of a WPRO Stop at the
Ektelon WPRO Texas Open, Keely Franks #10, Doreen Fowler #16, and Aubrey O’Brien #17. Aubrey will also be competing
in Los Angeles next month at the IRF Junior World Championships, where she is the favorite to win the singles and doubles
divisions in the Girls 18 & Under.
In addition to our Men’s and Women’s Pro we have created our “Next Generation” Pro Team. These individuals are either
still playing in juniors or in college, and are our next wave of Ektelon Professionals as they embark on the IRT Tour, We
would like to welcome these players to our Professional Staff: Jose Diaz, Nick Montalbano, Markie Rojas, David Horn, Jose
Serrano, and Alex Ackermann to our Team Ektelon Professional Staff. Good Luck Gents!!!!
Nick Montalbano
Jose Diaz & Amiee Ruiz
Page 4
Junior Elite Update
Ektelon Junior Elite - A Gateway To The Pros
By John Ellis
Ektelon’s Junior Elite Team has been on a tear for several years now. Since the signing of Jose Rojas in
2006, Ektelon’s popularity continues to grow amongst the junior contingent here in the United States.
Jose had one of the most decorated junior careers seen here in the U.S. and his partnership with Ektelon
has led him to the IRT while still working towards his college degree in business and marketing. Jose’s
progression is exactly the example that Team Ektelon Junior Elite players can set their sites on if they
continue to work hard on their games throughout their junior careers. The current line up of players on
the Junior Elite Team is stellar and we look forward to reporting on which players will become Junior World Champions this
coming November as the IRF Junior World Championships takes place in Canoga Park, CA.
Before listing the current members of the Ektelon Junior Elite Team, we must first recognize our junior players whose sponsorships reside with our professional or collegiate staffs. Leading the way is long time Team Ektelon junior player and current
National and World Champion, Aubrey O’Brien. Aubrey has had tremendous success throughout her junior career and has made
her way onto the WPRO and WOR events. Aubrey has one full year of junior racquetball left, plus this upcoming Junior Worlds,
which is hard to believe with the success she’s already had. Along with her success on court, Aubrey has been the model of
what Team Ektelon is all about, hosting many demos in the Greater Sacramento area, constantly playing with club players and
always updating her activities on her Team Ektelon site. Right there with Aubrey is her doubles partner Danielle Key. Danielle is
now a member of Team Ektelon’s Collegiate Team and will compete in her final junior tournament this November at the Junior
Worlds. Danielle will certainly be a threat to win the Girl’s 18 & Under Singles and Doubles with Aubrey. On the boy’s sides,
long time Team Ektelon player Jose Diaz is now a member of the professional staff as he begins to pursue his dreams of playing
the IRT full time. Jose has been a consistent junior player over the last five years and has had nice success on the outdoor court
as well. Jose is widely known as one of the most exciting players to watch in the sport of racquetball with his diving ability
and contagious personality. Joining Jose on the Ektelon Professional Staff are Nick Montalbano and new Team Ektelon player,
Markie Rojas. Nick has stepped up his game over the past three years and is now a threat to win any junior tournament he
enters. Nick’s progression has landed him a collegiate scholarship at Colorado St - Pueblo, where he’ll work towards a degree
while attending several IRT events per year. Keeping in theme, Nick has also shown that he has a knack for the outdoor game,
making the quarterfinals of the professional division in his first appearance at the WOR Championships. The signing of Markie
Rojas, younger brother of Jose, gives Ektelon a full sweep of Stockton’s top players. Markie has made his own name throughout
his career, winning at every age group of the United States Junior Nationals and even recently taking out his older brother in
the finals of a local Northern California Open tournament. Markie has remarkable talent and an attacking style that makes him
a lot of fun to watch. Markie will look to add the 2010 Junior World Championships Gold Medal this year but may just have to
go through his partner and good friend, Jose Diaz, to do so!! Switching over to the Collegiate Team with
one year of junior racquetball left are Dylan Reid and Jake Bredenbeck. Dylan and Jake continue their
excellent junior careers with at least one more junior event left in the 2011 Junior Nationals. Dylan
and Jake are in their first year of college and will certainly be threats to win at the 2011 Collegiate
Nationals.
Now on to our current Ektelon Junior Elite Team beginning with the returning members. Back are veterans Lily Berry, Adam Manilla, Sam Reid, Sawyer Lloyd and Erika Manilla. All five of these players have
been on the team for at least two years and have developed into very valued Team Ektelon members.
Adam Manilla, Sawyer Lloyd and Erika Manilla will be important members of the US Junior National
Team competing in Canoga Park for the Junior Worlds. Second year Junior Elite players returning are
Samantha Simmons, Justus Benson and Sam Bredenbeck. Rounding off our Junior Elite Team are new
members Devon Pimentelli, Chase Robison, Jonathan Lanford and Kaitlyn Simmons.
We look forward to some awesome results at the Junior Worlds from our Team Ektelon players. Ektelon will be well represented
with Promotions Manager, Aimee Ruiz, Junior Elite Team Manager, John Ellis and National Events Coordinator, Darryl Warren all
in attendance. The three will definitely look to host a large Team Ektelon meeting with our junior players, their parents and
the Southern California team. See you all in So Cal!!
Page 5
International Update
Ektelon’s International Progress
By John Ellis
International racquetball is on the incline in many areas of the world and Ektelon is right there with the development in the key
regions. The Ektelon line of racquetballs has opened doors to developing new partnerships with Team Ektelon players and sales in
areas that have been dormant for some time. It’s widely recognized throughout the world that along with Ektelon’s fantastic line
of racquets, gloves, bags, shoes and eyewear, Ektelon’s racquetballs are the best balls in the sport. Ektelon continues to grow it’s
business in several key areas such as Mexico, Korea, Bolivia, Europe and Canada. These five regions are the hotbeds of racquetball
outside of the United States and over the past several years Ektelon has positioned itself nicely to be heavily involved with all five
regions.
Outside of the Unites States, racquetball is most popular in our neighboring country of Mexico. Mexico has an extremely impressive
infrastructure and continues to develop top quality racquetball players throughout the country. Of course, we know this already as
we have Mexico’s most well known player in top ranked WPRO Champion, Paola Longoria. Many Mexican cities have more courts per
city than some of the larger cities here in the US. These courts consistently stay filled as the Mexican Junior Program is top notch,
most likely the best in the world. Ektelon has recently begun to sponsor some of Mexico’s most important players and instructors
under the guidance of Team Ektelon’s Mexican Team Leader, David Leon. These players include, Carlos Oviedo, Victoria Leon, Alejandro Morales, Carlos Ramirez, Carolina Luque, Victor Garay, Rafael Fernandez, Luis Fernandez, Sebastian Fernandez, Jaime Martell
and Victor Camacho. Currently Ektelon is enjoying great momentum in the cities of Tijuana, San Luis Potosi, Chihuahua, Guatalajara
and soon, Monterrey.
Fresh off of hosting the 2010 IRF World Championships, Korea has become the new “it” country in racquetball and Ektelon is definitely
on board. Ektelon Racquetballs are now the “Official Ball of the Korean Racquetball Federation (KRF)” and we look forward to a long
partnership with Korea and their growing racquetball community. In addition to the ball deal, Ektelon has created a Team Ektelon
Korea led by top Korean player, Sang Su Lee. Mr. Lee will hold the position of Ektelon Team Leader, managing our sponsored players
in the Asian Region while being the perfect representative for Ektelon in Korea. Other members of Team Ektelon Asia are Yun Mi Bae,
Mi Ok An, Ji-Tae Kim and Sung Ha Shin. We’re thrilled to be partners with the KRF!!
Next to Mexico, Bolivia has the largest number of racquetball players in Latin America and Ektelon has had a major presence there for
years thanks to Ektelon Distributors and Team Leaders, Agitato Sports. Agitato is led by Daniel Antezana out of Cochabamba, Bolivia,
a city with 100+ courts inside it’s city limits. Daniel has his finger on the pulse of racquetball throughout the country’s other heavily
populated racquetball cities such as La Paz, Santa Cruz and Sucre to name a few. Ektelon has been able to establish the strongest
team of players throughout the country, boasting Junior World Champions Yasmine Sabja and Carlitos Keller, along with many other
Bolivian National Champions. At 19 and 17 years of age respectfully, Yasmine and Carlitos are also the best players in Bolivia. The
world of racquetball will certainly have an opportunity to be introduced to both players at this year’s upcoming US Open. Look for
Yazmine and Carlitos to test the top players in the world as they make their first trip over to the United States for professional racquetball.
Ektelon’s presence in Europe is centered around another Official Ball Deal with the European Racquetball Association (ERA). Ektelon
enters its second full season as the Official Ball of ERA sanctioned events with a renewed interest in our Team Ektelon players. For
the first time in many years, Team Ektelon players residing in Europe will be managed by a European Team Leader in Mike Mesecke
of Hamburg, Germany. Mike has been and continues to be an important leader with the ERF and will add to his Team Ektelon player
role by taking on this leadership position with Ektelon.
Last but certainly not least, Ektelon is proud and excited to once again partner with Racquetball Canada as their Official Ball through
the 2013 season. Ektelon General Manager, Scott Winters, summed it up best by saying, “Ektelon was the official ball sponsor of
Racquetball Canada for many years and it's great to be able to renew our partnership with them. We recognize Racquetball Canada
as one of the leading organizations in the sport and we are excited to join forces to add new energy to the official ball sponsorship.
Our ability to earn this prestigious sponsorship back is attributed to the great quality and performance of our racquetball's and the
support from our Team Ektelon players in Canada, especially Canadian National Champion Jen Saunders and long time Team Ektelon
player Vincent Gagnon.”
We wish all of our Team Ektelon International Players a fantastic 2010/2011 racquetball season. Ektelon will continue to be aggressive
in our pursuit of supporting our sport throughout the world!!
Page 6
CPRT Update
Team Ektelon’s Craig Lane Makes it 2 in a Row
By Steve Lerner
Team Ektelon’s Craig Lane again paired with Cliff Swain and followed their WOR Championships title with a win at the first World 3 Wall Ball Championships. The top seeded
team cruised into the finals without losing a game before the East Coast‘s top team of
Robert Sostre (Team Ektelon) and his partner shocked them 15-7 in game 1. Game 2 was
a strong reversal by Lane & Swain with a 15-3 win before a long tiebreaker that went
back and forth before ultimately being settled by the CPRT Champions 11-10. Lane is making his mark on CPRT
Tour since turning 40 last April as he has taken advantage of the two Outdoor events, winning both
While this was a non-ranking event for the CPRT, it was certainly historic as the CPRT was proud to be part of
this first-of-a-kind event and the CPRT Doubles being one of the featured divisions with the “prime time” final
on Saturday night at the Stratosphere in Las Vegas.
The 2010 World 3 Wall Ball Championships not only showcased this great CPRT Pro Doubles Draw but also was
an event that featured countless Team Ektelon pro and amateurs players competing in shadow of the Stratosphere on the Las Vegas Strip. Along with the host and presenting sponsor, Stratosphere Hotel & Casino, the
event was also made possible by co-presenting sponsor Racquetball Warehouse and major sponsors Beck’s,
Mike’s Hard Lemonade, and Stella Artois, along with a host of other sponsors from in and outside the racquetball industry.
One final CPRT note; Ektelon welcomes the addition of Racquetball Hall of Famer Mike Ray who will be competing on the CPRT Tour beginning at the US OPEN playing for Ektelon. Ray joins Lane and Canada’s Mike
Ceresia as CPRT Touring Professionals playing with Ektelon products.
CPRT RANKINGS
(as of September 1, 2010)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
12
13
Cliff Swain
Woody Clouse
Ruben Gonzalez
Bret Harnett
Craig Lane
Doug Ganim
Louis Vogel
John Ivers
Richard Eisenmann
Dale Valentine
Jimmy Lowe
Mike Ray
Mike Ceresia
4200
3940
2350
1545
1300
1055
1050
1025
915
780
780
775
535
Craig Lane
Mike Ray
Page 7
Have you played with a racquet from RacquetSkinz yet? What are you waiting for?!
RacquetSkinz was showcased at the US Open in 2009 and has been online for five months selling custom racquets. With more than
20 pro players around the country playing with RacquetSkinz racquets, 10 partnered organizations, and sponsored events it’s hard to
miss the RacquetSkinz brand. But yet we still get the question, what is RacquetSkinz? RacquetSkinz offers complete customization
of your favorite frame type. You select the design, add your signature to the frame, chose your grip, inserts and tether color –
custom racquet.
So the question is, if you are buying a new racquet, why not customize it for only $10 more?
Why RacquetSkinz – Why not RacquetSkinz?
Today, the trend is personalization. We as consumers customize our cars, add personalization to our computer screen, ring tones,
clothing, mobile devices, just about anything offered. Express yourself, represent your organization or just make your racquet look
cool. It’s an easy process and racquets are typically shipped within two days.
RacquetSkinz is a super thin, light weight protective material that covers 100% of the racquet frame. RacquetSkinz purchases “raw
frames” direct from Prince/Ektelon. These raw frames exclude paint, graphics and accessories. These frames are received 10g
lighter than the original specification. This allows RacquetSkinz to add the skinz to the frame at 8-10g bringing the total weight
back to spec. RacquetSkinz does not change the weight or balance of the racquet. The only difference is you can now personalize
your racquet.
RacquetSkinz applied to raw frames
Specialized material for wrapping racquets
RacquetSkinz are designed as a semi-permanent material that actually protects the frame from typical abuse. The light weight
material is a 4mil thickness that is water proof, UV fade proof and is somewhat difficult to remove from the frame. One of the
greatest benefits to RacquetSkinz is the option to change the look of your racquet as often as you like. If your racquet is marked
up or scarred, RacquetSkinz can reskin your frame with the same design or something completely different. RacquetSkinz offer
this reskinning service including new bumper, grip and premier string for only $40 – presto, you have a fresh look and a like-new
racquet!
Have you been online and checked out the website at www.RacquetSkinz.com?
It’s a simple process to custom build a racquet. More than one hundred designs are offered with new designs updated every week.
Pick a frame, select from the library of designs and customize your grip, tether, inserts and string.
Who is the best audience for RacquetSkinz? We would like to say everyone, but we have real opportunity customizing racquets for
high school and collegiate teams with school colors, mascot and players names. RacquetSkinz also offers all military divisions with
authentic camo designs and division branding. RacquetSkinz has also created custom designs for police officers and firefighters to
customize and represent local divisions. Most importantly, we customize racquets for people just like you, someone who wants to be
on trend and own the best racquet available.
Page 8
RacquetSkinz offers the complete line of frames from the O3 RG at $129.00 to the new EXO3 Attack at $229.00 We
offer a racquet at every price point. RacquetSkinz has created a completely new line of products called the Pro Lite
Series. These frames are 15g-20g lighter than the original frame. By partially skinning the frame, offering the MaxTack
grip and exclusively stringing with 18g string, the frame is truly up to 20 grams lighter. This offers a complete new
line of product for Ektelon at 150g with the same solid frame hit and feel. RacquetSkinz is not sacrificing the frame by
eliminating material to lighten the frame, we are just changing the configuration and lightening the racquet with less
skin material. Offered in the RG, White, Speedport, Ignite and Attack, the RacquetSkinz offering is 10 unique frames
strong.
RacquetSkinz supports the Team Ektelon players offering team pricing to players for a completely customized design.
Go to RacquetSkinz.com then on the left navigation click CUSTOMER LOGIN. Enter your player email address and your
team player number for your password. All the pricing will then reflect the team pricing. Simply build your racquets
and checkout. It is that easy! If you have any issues with the team login, simply email us and we can get you up and
running quick - email [email protected]
RacquetSkinz continues to focus on brand awareness by sponsoring events around the country, donating racquets for
charity auctions, partnering with organizations and much more. RacquetSkinz has raised thousands at events through
racquet donations. RacquetSkinz is an official sponsor of the IRT, WPRO and IRT Network. Additionally, WOR, CPRT,
NMRA, WAR, RFAR, NPRA and WFRA are all official partners. RacquetSkinz takes pride in giving back to the racquetball
community whenever we can and support our partners in every way.
Help us spread the word. RacquetSkinz is an exciting new product for racquetball.
Find RacquetSkinz online or at your local dealer.
Page 9
MRF & WFRA Update
Military Racquetball Federation Update
By Hank Marcus
RACQUE
RY
A
TB
LL
MILIT
A
In addition to working with Wounded Warriors, MRF & Team Ektelon’s Steven Harper did a clinic for
the Boys’ Club of Wake County (Raleigh, NC)
H
H
FE
D E R AT I O N
World Firefighter Racquetball Association (WFRA)
By Peter Berger
The World Firefighter Racquetball Association (WFRA) had a very memorable year with more to come. The WFRA was able to sponsor
events involving firefighters across the United States. With sponsoring the 2010 Florida State Firefighter Games Racquetball Tournament, the 2010 California State Fire Olympics Racquetball Tournament, as well as the 2010 National Firefighter Games Racquetball
Tournament which will be coming in November of 2010 and working with the NPRA on the Can-Am Police and Fire Games in Ohio. All
of these tournaments had a huge growth in participation as more and more firefighters are coming out to play racquetball each and
every day.
As the year moved on, the WFRA was able to sign an agreement with the USAR. This will help establish credibility for the WFRA as we
move forward into a new year. We are making a push for memberships not only for the USAR but also the WFRA. The WFRA is looking
for help from all Team Ektelon members. If you yourself, or if you know of firefighters that play racquetball, the WFRA is interested in
getting in contact with them. We are asking for this help to get us going in a positive direction for the next year.
The WFRA has some extraordinary events coming up. Like mentioned earlier, the National Firefighter Games are coming up in Jacksonville, Florida. The host is going to be the University of North Florida. The WFRA is the lead sponsor for this event. We are expecting
30 firefighters from all over the United States to show up. The WFRA will be kicking off the 2011 year with a racquetball tournament
to benefit firefighter charities. As well as helping firefighters, the WFRA will be sponsoring a student’s tuition as they go through either Paramedic or EMT school. We are looking for sponsors for this tournament as well as for the association. The WFRA will also be
sponsoring the 2011 Florida State Fire Game Racquetball Tournament in Broward County, Florida. The WFRA will also be sponsoring
the 2011 California State Fire Olympics as well as working with the Arizona Firefighters in developing a Firefighter Games Racquetball
Tournament. As the year gets further in, the WFRA along with the NPRA will be the governing bodies for the 2011 World Police and Fire
Games in New York. This will mark the 10 year anniversary of 9/11.
We at the WFRA look forward to an exciting year to come as well as the help from Team Ektelon in helping our Association grow by
leaps and bounds.
We can be reached at:
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WOR Update
Ektelon and Fireballs Heat Up the Las Vegas Strip
By Vic Leibofsky
For the first time ever the parking lot of the Stratosphere Hotel was the setting for the 2010 World 3 Wall Ball
Championships. This event drew racquetball and handball players from all over the world to get a chance to
play outdoor racquetball in "Sin City". Ektelon was proud to have the Fireball as the Official Ball for both the
racquetball and handball divisions.
Rhonda Rajsich had no problem adjusting to the newly constructed portable courts as she won the Women's
Pro Singles, made the finals of the Women's Pro Doubles, and the semi's of the Mixed Pro Doubles. Rhonda
dominated the Women's Pro Singles without dropping a game all weekend! Rhonda's mixed doubles partner
Craig "Clubber" Lane also won the CPRT Doubles. Taking the Women's Pro Doubles title was the Ektelon Team of
Paola Longoria and Keely Franks with their victory over Rajsich and her partner Aimee Ruiz. Ektelon Outdoor
Pro, Greg Solis, added to the list of titles by capturing the Mixed Pro Doubles. Congratulations to Kris Kaskawal
for winning three divisions! See below for a complete list of Team Ektelon winners.
This event also marked the debut of the new Team Ektelon Handball Pros. Although only three members of
Ektelon's new Handball Team were in attendance, all three made the finals in the Pro Divisions. Willie Polanco
(NY) won the Pro Small Ball Doubles Championship with partner Tyree Bastidas. Also Luis Moreno (AZ) was a
finalist in the Pro Small Ball Singles. Tracy Davis lost in the Women's Pro Doubles final in a heated tiebreaker.
Ektelon is very excited that 3WB and the Stratosphere Hotel are already in negotiations for next year, so look
for this event to be even bigger and better! This historic event would not have been possible without the hard
work and dedication of Mike Coulter, David Grolman, Steve Lerner, WOR & WPH. Special thanks to the dedicated Ektelon Outdoor Team members who manned the desk: Steve Cohen, Steve Fitzsimmons, Jim Bronson
& Greg Solis!
Special thanks to Darryl Warren for running the Ektelon table and our Ektelon Suite, and Wayne Storch for
being our Authorized Ektelon Dealer for the weekend! We hope many of you that attended had the chance to
stop by the Ektelon Suite and pick up your "No Luck Needed" Ektelon shirt.
Until next time, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!!
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Women’s Council
Ektelon Women’s Committee
By Terry Rogers
The Ektelon Women’s Committee introduced their pink logo Classic ball as part of the Rally for a Reason (RFAR) initiative
for all fundraiser events, cancer research, heart association, Alzheimer research and many more charities. The ball adds
the perfect touch to any benefit event. Personalized advertising ball logos can be provided for your event. Check out
the Rally for Reason portal, http://www.ektelon.com/rallyforareason/index.html, from the Team Ektelon homepage for
more information.
Remember to check out RacquetSkinz for your RFAR racquet designs Just click on this link, http://www.racquetskinz.
com/store/pc/cstMain.asp?idaffiliate=20, under Categories select ‘Organizations Skinz’, then select a Rally For A Reason
Skinz from the Organizations Design Options drop down menu to view all RFAR skinz, choose your frame and you are ready
to go!
You can also support RFAR with a RFAR ladies cotton T shirt, http://www.ektelongear.com/catalog/pc/viewPrd.
asp?idcategory=&idproduct=980
Another initiative from the Women’s Committee is Women and Racquetball WaR. This year
in an effort to increase participation in the Annual Women and Racquetball (WaR) Day Across
America the Ektelon Women’s Committee has voted to expand the ’day’ to any weekend
in February 2011. This will also coincide with the designation of February as Racquetball
Month by the USAR. We encourage you to start planning now to make the 2011 event bigger and better. Check out the WaR portal from the Team Ektelon homepage, http://www.
ektelon.com/war/index.html, to view events and recaps from 2010. We have also included
a WaR Day flyer you may download and use to announce your event. Information regarding
registering your event will be coming soon.
The committee is in the process of putting together a list of ideas we can use to bring more players, especially women,
into our sport and communicating these ideas to our fellow racquetball enthusiasts. We will be looking for your assistance.
If you have an interest in becoming a member of the Women’s Committee and/or if you have comments and/or questions
please contact Terry Rogers at [email protected].
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NPRA and the Red Cross Haiti Recovery Project
By Bill Bearden
The National Police Racquetball Association was founded by 2 Houston area police officers, Bill Bearden and Michael Welch. The NPRA
was created to promote physical fitness and awareness for law enforcement officers nationwide through the sport of Racquetball. This
non-profit organization would not only compete in tournaments, but would also help organize fundraising tournaments to assist officers
who have been injured during their course of duties.
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The National Police Racquetball Association made its first mark in the racquetball world by organizing a fundraising tournament for
the earthquake stricken country of Haiti in February. A round robin format was used for all teams to battle it out and the top 2 teams
would play in the finals. Team NPRA of Bearden and Welch was able to "survive" the qualifying rounds and made it to the finals. This
finals was a 1-game winner-take-all match and Team NPRA came out victorious. Over $500 was raised at this event and a donation was
given to the Red Cross Haiti Recovery Project.
After making its initial mark in the racquetball world at the Haiti fundraiser event, the NPRA then packed their bags and traveled to Las
Vegas for the CPRT Pro/Am Tournament in April. NPRA was a proud and advertized supporter of this event and entered in both singles
and doubles divisions. Bill Bearden was able to make a nice run in the singles event but unfortunately, his winning streak came to an
end in the finals and settled with a 2nd place finish. In the doubles competition, a much anticipated match was finally played between
the NPRA and the WFRA (World Firefighter Racquetball Association). After CPRT Commissioner Steve Lerner announced to the crowd
of this upcoming match, both leaders from the associations shook hands, exchanged the usual "good luck" nods then the fight was on.
This match not only entertained the crowd with friendly "taunting" and "trash talk", but most importantly it displayed the respect and
camaraderie that exist between both groups of first responders. In the end after the dust had settled and smoke cleared, Team NPRA
was able to walk away with a victory. This was considered as a "first round" match between these groups with more to follow.
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The NPRA continued to put forth their efforts of getting their name and mission publicized and when the National Singles Championships came to Houston in May, it was time for a face-to-face meeting with representatives from the United States Racquetball Association. Bearden and Welch met with Cheryl Kirk and Jim Hiser and after a successful meeting, USRA was more than happy to help support
NPRA. The USRA and other racquetball organizations have also showed their support by creating a new "Uniform" division exclusive for
all police, firefighters and military personnel and have implemented this division in recent tournaments.
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With the support from USRA, a new website in place (www.policeracquetball.com) and a Facebook page to add to this momentum,
NPRA then set their sights for the Augusts’ Canadian/American Police & Fire Games in Dublin, Ohio. These games provide friendly
competition between police & firefighters from all across USA and Canada. The NPRA was a governing body for the racquetball event
and at the conclusion, NPRA hosted a "social' for all racquetball competitors at a local restaurant. The purpose for this social was for
all players to meet in a more relaxed atmosphere, have a few beverages, trade stories but most importantly, to increase the network
of police & firefighters. Results and photos of these games can be seen on the NPRA's website and Facebook page.
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Members of the NPRA will attend the US Open and even though there will not be a uniformed division this year, hopefully, there can
be one at the 2011 event. At the time of this writing, the NPRA has 2 events on their calendar; a fundraising tournament for a Houston
Police Officer and the upcoming 2011 World Police & Fire Games scheduled in August. The fundraiser is scheduled for November 6th
in Spring, Texas with proceeds going to the officer and his family. The NPRA is happy to announce that officers are starting to join this
new organization and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate in contacting either Bill Bearden or Mike Welch. Their information is listed in the website.
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Ektelon Handball
Team Ektelon Handball Pro, Willie Polanco, took his one wall outdoor game and new team digs to Vegas with
hopes of winning the men’s small and big ball singles, plus small ball doubles divisions, despite having NEVER
played three wall short court tournament handball. Polanco, a master at the big ball one wall scene, and
finalist at this year’s one wall small ball nationals in the singles division, is a quick study.
Willie Polanco (New York) skated through to the finals alongside doubles partner Tyree Bastidas (NY). Having
already picked off the two seeds, Team Polanco looked to take down the top seeded team of Luis Moreno and
Tommy Little.
Three wall journeyman, Tommy Little, and fellow Ektelon Handball Pro, Luis Moreno, dominated their side
of the bracket and were the easy-on favorites to take the trophy. Polanco and Bastidas were standing in
their way. Polanco, a natural left hander, played the right side; meanwhile, doubles partner Bastidas (righty)
played the left. Both players took control early and played as if they were paired up for years.
Willie Polanco and young Bastidas played very solid handball, as Polanco brought home the victory for team
Ektelon Handball. Unfortunately for his fellow Ektelon team member, Luis Moreno had to settle for second place in the pro doubles
division.
Speaking of Moreno, he was showing off his new Ektelon sponsorship during the finals of his second event (having lost in the pro small
ball doubles earlier). Moreno made his way to the pro small ball singles stage to face up with the game’s most decorated champion
and current 3 wall national champ, David Chapman. In the blistering heat and with little energy left, Moreno wins game two to force
a tiebreaker but he just couldn’t muster enough points to take down the great one.
Tracy Davis, another addition to Team Ektelon Handball, made the finals of her women’s small ball doubles, but lost in a very exciting
and entertaining championship game.
Ektelon Handball pros in attendance included, Tracy Davis, Luis Moreno and Willie Polanco; with Allan
Garner, Emmett Peixoto and Eoin Kennedy unable to make the trip. For Davis, Moreno and Polanco,
all three were in the finals of their pro divisions! Not bad for a first showing!
The next WPH event is in Couer d’Alene, Idaho, when traveling men and women pros trek to the pan
handle for handball prize money at former NFL Pro, Jake Plummer’s, annual family handball tournament. “I love the new Ektelon Fireballs. Smooth and soft on my hands. We all play with Ektelon,”
claims Plummer. The Jake Plummer Family Helluva Handball Bash III is slated for October 15-17th,
2010. Details will be posted at wphlive.tv.
The Team Ektelon/Ellis Mentorship Crew
By Ricardo Balderas
Over the history of racquetball there have been many notable mentors that have helped our sport develop the champions of the future.
To continue to have our sport grow it is indispensible to have great instructors and mentors giving back to our sport.
In the California racquetball family and perhaps throughout the USA racquetball community it is well known that John and Dave Ellis
are mentoring some of the best and brightest upcoming talents in Stockton and throughout the international racquetball community.
John and Dave Ellis were recently running and playing in a local tournament in Manteca CA. Also at the tournament were a couple of
the young talents that they mentor, Jose Rojas and Veronica Sotomayor. This article is about the mentorship that team Ektelon has fostered for many years with young talents and more recently of the mentorship given by Dave and John Ellis. All four of these racquetball
personalities are sponsored by Ektelon.
John or “Elli” a nickname given to him by former pro player Tim Doyle, is the Promotions Manager for Ektelon Racquetball and the
driving force for the International Junior players program. He has 6 IRT titles and is a former #3 ranking on the IRT. In 2003 Ektelon
signed John to a player consultant contract. This position has allowed John to have input on sponsored players throughout the USA,
Latin America, Canada, Europe and now Asia. With all of these opportunities to travel internationally, John gets to know the players
in these countries. In doing so, John has had relative success in recruiting, supporting and mentoring top level players such as Paola
Longoria from Mexico, Veronica Sotomayor from Ecuador and Carlos Keller from Bolivia among other players.
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Ektelon Mentorship
Former World Champion Team USA Coach Dave Ellis is the founder of the Ellis Mentorship Crew. Dave is a former educator and now
travels around the USA and world with his son John. Dave started teaching John to play racquetball when John was about three years
old. Interestingly enough, when the pros are interviewed most if not all of them say that they started playing before they were 5 years
old. Dave is an avid player, professional instructor and assists John as an instructor at the Ellis Racquetball camps. Over the recent
years, the Ellis clan has been receiving players from Latin America in Stockton. Dave has taking the lead in hosting international players in Stockton. Generally they stay at Dave’s residence in an extra room. Dave’s wife Patricia makes sure they are fed well and ready
to train and play up to their capabilities. In addition to the international players that the Ellis family has been mentoring are Stockton
young guns such as Jose Rojas, Marcos Rojas, Jose Diaz, Bobby Horn and Jose Serrano. John also mentioned Devon Pimentally from the
San Francisco Bay Area as another local talent that he enjoys working with.
Dave has been working with one of racquetballs former top 10 world ranked women’s player Veronica Sotomayor for a few years now.
His mentorship of Veronica started when he recognized her talent and asked John to have Ektelon sponsor her when she was only 16
years old. At 16 Veronica received a #7 WPRO ranking! Dave speaks Spanish so he was able to communicate with Veronica’s parents and
have her spend summers in Stockton to help her work on her game and play on the pro tour.
Veronica lives in Ecuador and is continuing her studies there. She recently spent the summer in Stockton to work on her game under
the tutelage of Team Ellis. The players that she admired most are Rocky Carson and Rhonda Rajsich. Veronica said that her favorite
shots include passing shot and a cross court with her backhand. She also said that she does not use too many pinch shots. To help her
win she likes to stay mentally focused and tell herself that she can do it and to never give up. She learned a lot by watching videos of
players and matches along with the mentoring that she receives from Team Ellis. Veronica’s nickname is “Vero” and “Mari Vero”.
I next spoke with top 10 world ranked player Jose Rojas. When I asked him to describe his game style he said he loves to attack. He
said that he has an aggressive yet conservative attack game. He like John said that power alone does not win games. His favorite shot
is the backhand splat. One of his most memorable wins was in 08 against Jason Maninno in 5 games. This was after Jose had been in
a car accident and did not think he would do well in that tournament. To help him win at crunch time, Jose says that he tries not to
put pressure on himself and keeps negative thoughts out of his head. His favorite warm up exercises include leg swings, leg raisers
and the world’s greatest stretch, as he call it. When I asked him what racquetball players he idolized growing up he said, “Don’t tell
him, but it is that guy over there.” He was referring to John Ellis. When I asked him why he idolized John he said that because he was
from Stockton and because of his cool nature and because he hit the ball hard. Jose’s nickname is Josi (pronounced hose e) He also
goes by “Roarjas” because he wants people to know that his game roars like a lion on the court. His goal is not only to be #1 on the
Pro Tour but to be the best player to ever play the game. His coaches have included his dad, Jodi Nance, Dave Ellis and John Ellis. His
fitness coach is Jesse Serna.
Both Jose and Veronica have advice for new young players to the game. Jose says that you need to learn to lose before you win. Veronica says to never give up even if you play another sport. With sage advice like this the Ellis Mentorship Dynasty is sure to continue
for years to come. John’s 8 year old son Julias Aaron Ellis has already attended his first Junior Olympics and had lots of fun. Julius plays
with an Ektelon 03RG racquet with a unique Pokemon design. I understand that his next design will have dinosaurs!
With the leadership and sponsorship of Team Ektelon Racquetball and mentors such as Dave and John Ellis, our sport will continue to
grow to new levels never seen before. As a former classroom teacher Dave knows that there is no greater joy than seeing your students
shine! Pass it on!
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Ektelon Headquarters
One Advantage Court
Bordentown, NJ
Phone: 609-291-5800
Fax: 609-291-5900
Email: [email protected]
Management Team
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Scott Winters - General Manager
Aimee Ruiz - Product, Promotions & Pro Team Manager
email: [email protected]
John Fitzpatrick - Ektelon Customer Service
email: [email protected]
Andy Roberts - Public Relations Director
email: [email protected]
Mike Franks - Team Ektelon Player Sponsorship Programs Director
email: [email protected]
Hank Marcus - World Outdoor Racquetball, MRF & Events/Playtest Team Director
email: [email protected]
John Ellis - International Racquetball & Junior Elite Team Director
email: [email protected]
Darryl Warren - National Events Manager
email: [email protected]
Darrin Schenck - Collegiate Program Director
email: [email protected]
Steve Cook - Newsletter
email: [email protected]
Roland Grassl - Technology Coordinator
email: [email protected]
Keith Brown - Product Development Coordinator
email: [email protected]
Bryan Crosser - Product Development Advisor
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