Above: 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.
The 2008 35th anniversary of the Hall of fame attendees. (printed from www.usra.org)
Above: 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.
The Coach is called to the stage. A very emotional moment for me !!
HOUSTON, TEXAS, MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
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.
