PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE July 2021
Words from the President
Gary Mazaroff
The 36th edition of World Senior Racquetball is here again! We welcome back many of our friends as well as first-timers soon to be friends. Enjoy the city, state, region. Take the opportunity to learn about our great ‘Southwest’; its climate, cultures, history, hospitality, and topography.
Many thanks to our cadre of volunteers and other support individuals, businesses, and organizations. We have been fortunate to have raised over $500,000 over the past 30+ years in support of the International Racquetball Federation. Contributions have gone to other worthy charities as well.
The WSRC has a strong, vibrant history. Six different clubs have been part of it; some having been transitioned or bulldozed. New Mexico Sports & Wellness has persevered, serving our needs from the beginning with the Midtown club (once the Supreme Courts). We are now at the Ramada Plaza (once the Holiday Inn) for our second decade. It has piggybacked with five other host hotels. The promotional and financial support from the State of NM and the City of Albuquerque have been instrumental to our success. Currently, Visit Albuquerque and it’s Sports Commission have teamed up with us. Thelegacy continues to be driven by many great hearts and minds with tremendous athletic prowess---following in the footsteps of Friedland, Harring, Nellos, Schtick, Ui Mhaolagain, Wilde, and so many others.
Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and break a smile to honor yourself; for participating, for playing hard and fair, and for performing on the stage of a lifetime discipline.
Recent Passings
Anderson, Robert---A player, friend, administrator, writer, and speaker of Russian.
Along with partner Sandy Schauer, racquetball was a big part of his life. He elevated his game over time and served as part of the Council.
Bishop, Ruby---A true friend of the game and a club FAVORITE. She played singles & mixed doubles. She was the elder stateswoman who promoted all components
of the event from the hotel floor.
Duran, Felicia---Dr. Duran! She defied the odds and earned a PhD in Engineering/Physics. She was part of New Mexico Racquetball as a board member and a WSRC volunteer. The official program was her BABY; a tremendous production.
Gonzales, Pepe---From Chihuahua, Mexico, he had family roots in Albuquerque. He showed strength across many age divisions. He won the title and the Wetherill award in 2017.
Harvel, Don---Retired Air Force pilot and family man. Became a career Delta pilot as well as a celebrated writer. He was a strong player who would be your driver or desk operator.
Herron, Scottie—Athlete, administrator, leader. The driving forceof the NM Senior Sports Foundation. Along with partner Louise Kiss, was aWSRC volunteer for many years.
Hurley, Art---A great smile and chewing gum complimented his spoken words. A great competitor with a ‘potent’ serve. Retired Military and proud family man.
Koller, John---One of two founders of the World Senior event. Along with Ralph Waddington, he spearheaded what was to become the single most important tournament for seniors and for fundraising under the IRF banner. He was a WW II fighter pilot over Europe.
Pineros, Antonio---Represented his homeland of Colombia. Business and racquetball defined him. WSRC driver for three decades. Could not get enough court time!
Toyne, Wayne---Endearingly called, ‘John Wayne.’ He was always there to assist. Had a passion for the game as a player, official, and teacher.
We lost a ‘GOOD GUY’.
‘May you have peace in your mind, love in your heart, & calm in your spirit’
Universal Affirmation