Hall of Fame
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Jim Winterton Syracuse, New York Jim Winterton has gained renown as one of the best racquetball coaches in the world. During a decade of service as head coach to the U.S. National Team, his squads brought home the World Cup from every International Racquetball Federation World Championship in that period. He also led national teams to five Tournament of the Americas team crowns and a clean sweep of the 1995 Pan Am Games, and the 1999 Pan Am games. For his last hurrah as U.S. National Team Head Coach, his team won back the 2002 World Championship, (the team had lost in 2000), and dominated in the 2003 Pan Am Games, Winterton’s team again acheived a "haul" of medals, claiming two gold, 5 silvers and a bronze. |
HOUSTON, TEXAS, MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND - 2008
I cannot tell you how excited I was to be attend the Hall of Fame weekend in Houston, Texas. My mentors, role models, and people who have influenced my career. Many will be there. My former student and now good friend, Mike Levine taught me so much. He and I learned this game together. My professional colleague, Fran Davis, also influenced me. Fran and I learned this game together, worked together, and coached together. Dave Peck, my mentor, also helped me. Dave is the guy who set me straight and got me on the road to proper stroke mechanics and mental tenacity. He also has been one of my best friends over the years. Then there are the great ones whom I watched, worked with, and learned from: Jerry Hilecher, Lynn Adams, Heather McKay, Cliff Swain, Bud Muhlheisen, Charlie Brumfield, Mike Yellin, Dan Obremski, Ruben Gonzalez, Marty Hogan, Shannon Wright, the late Mike Luciw, Caryn McKinney, Stu Hastings, Michelle Gould, Tim Doyle and Ed Remen, to name a few. I also have to name Northeast champions like Leo Marsocci, John Peterson, and Charlie Garfinkle; these folks helped me by being intense competitors and good friends. Not all of these people are in the USA Racquetball Hall of Fame,but they are all in my hall of fame!! These are the greats of racquetball. If you play today, you should know about the pioneers of yesterday.
Photos from the 35th Anniversary Banquet in Houston, TX honoring all of the Hall of Fame Inductees.
Coach Winterton called to the stage |
Dr. Bud Muehleisen The great Dr. Bud Muhlheisen. He is called the father of racquetball for good reason. He influenced so many of the game's great players and greatly influenced my coaching. Next to me is Jim Austin, a great player from the early days of racquetball. Dr. Bud talked about giving back and the fact that it is not about racquetball, but it is about people, and being a good person. Dr. Bud's speech was very emotional and from the heart.
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USA Racquetball Hall of Fame Attendees |
The Legends of Racquetball The legends of Racquetball !! (L to R) Jerry Hilecher, a man who taught me to never give up. Cliff Swain, one of the greatest who ever played. I met Cliff when he was just a kid at the Dave Peck camp in 1980. Shannon Wright, one of the original Womens' Pro Racquetball legends; the lady had game !! My mentor and friend, Dave Peck. He changed my racquetball life and approach to the game. Ruben Gonzalez, the ageless wonder.These people are my role models and all champions. To rub elbows with the greats of all eras was truly humbling. |
