New Orleans Summer Cooler 2004 Match Recap
Round of Sixteen:
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Ruben Gonzalez
A hall of famer versus the future hall of famer. Fifty year old plus, Ruben entered the 16's by defeating young collegiate (Univ of Alabama student) via Mexico, Agustin Tristan, in the fifth game 13-11,in the qualifying and had to come back the next day and face off against the number one player in the world, 22 year old Kane Waselenchuk from Edmonton Canada. Kane approached Ruben in amazement and said "Ruben, someone needs to tell you that you are not 22 anymore!!!" as Ruben put on a show for the crowd. Kane was too much in the end winning 8,3,3. Conclusion, Ruben is unbelievable and a tremendous asset to the sport.
Shane Vanderson versus Mike Green
One of the best match-ups in the 16's both players shook off some unforced errors and began to play top-notch racquetball. Shane's retrieving ability stood out as he ran down most of Green's passing shots. Mike came on strong in the third game with some great serves but Shane's serve came on the fourth to close out the match. 9,4, (7), 7.
Alvaro Beltran versus Josh Tucker
The calm cool Mexican, Beltran took on the newly transplanted Californian, Josh Tucker and his powerful serve. Moving to Southern California and training with Rocky Carson showed as Josh turned up his serve and forehand with some real heat. Alvaro wasn't fazed though and outlasted Tucker in four tough games Alvaro continues his quiet demeanor as he looks to make it to his third New Orleans final in four years.
Rocky Carson versus Chris Crowther
Rocky Carson came out firing in his new Pro Penn logoed shirts and won the first two games easily. The next two saw Crowther fight tooth and nail, hitting some clutch shots and taking the next two. The fifth was a battle to the end. Both players exchanged great shots and gets that brought the crowd to its feet. Rocky prevailed 5,2, (9), (10), 9. If Crowther continues this type of play, he will move up the rankings this season.
Jason Mannino versus Mitch Williams
Jason looked fit and ready for another run at number one and Mitch plays like he enjoys every minute on the court. Mitch showed why he can be a threat to anyone as he played a great second game and took advantage of every opportunity winning the second 4, but Jason showed why he is a former number one and still a strong contender for the year end number one ranking turning up the pressure and finishing strong 8, (4), 7,1
Cliff Swain versus Mike Guidry
This match was all Cliff as he came out sporting a new racquet by Head. His serves were on and forced Mike into weak returns. Mike looked a little rusty and never got on a hot streak and Cliff looked like he is ready to play this season winning 2,6,6.
Dan Fowler versus Derek Robinson
Fowler came out smoking all three games taking early leads only to have Derek capitalize on key mental mistakes and take advantage of Dan's unforced errors to come back and win all three 8,9,10. Both players will be in the mix this season for some upsets.
Jack Huczek versus Jason Thoerner
Jack showed that he is on a mission this season to regain the number one spot. Precise passes had Jason on the defense the first two games. Fatherhood and time off the tour hasn't seemed to affect Jason's game much as he pushed Jack hard in the third game winning 12-10. The final game was all Jack as he cruised to a four game match victory, 5,2, (12), and 2
Quarterfinals
Jack Huczek versus Derek Robinson
Jack continued to show why he is becoming a superstar of the game handling veteran professional Derek Robinson in three straight. Jack's fitness level is up a notch as he retrieved Derek's angle passes and pinches repeatedly. All three games were close until Jack pulled away. Look for Jack to bring his game up a level in the semi's, against tour veterans Jason Mannino or Cliff Swain
Jason Mannino versus Cliff Swain
A classic battle, between two of the best to play the game is what the fans got. The intensity rivaled the Sudsy -Cliff matches of years past. Cliff has not lost that fire to win at any cost. Diving gets, big serves and a pumping fist make Cliff tough to beat. Jason, always up for the challenge and reaches back and finds that extra gear. By far the best diver that ever played the game and his uncanny ability to play within his means and not do too much makes it tough for Cliff. Cliff wins a dramatic second game and looks defeated at 4-9 in the fourth, finds a way to get back in the game with some big serves. Maybe it is the Head racquet. Jason though finally answers back with a great return of serve cross-court and closes out the game and match, 7, (11), 5,9.
Kane Waselenchuk versus Shane Vanderson
Youth versus youth as these two youngsters and future of the tour go toe to toe. Shane surprises everyone but himself as he plays top notch ball in game one and hits some great forehands to win the first game. Kane would prove to be too much and begins to light it up with dazzling shots from all over the court and serves at light speed. Shane proves to the crowd that he is a force on the tour and can play with anyone. Kane will move on with this match though, in four games and advance to his third straight Summer Cooler semi-final appearance against either Beltran or Carson.
Alvaro Beltran versus Rocky Carson
The 10:30pm start time doesn't seem to bother either player as they both match each other shot for shot from the get go. Roommates on the tour, both players play with mutual respect of each other during this match. Rocky keeps the pressure on with hard down the line and backhand pinches and wins the first two games. Rocky begins to struggle a bit with his deep court game and Alvaro has his backhand pinches working flawlessly and comes out on top in the next two games. Game five begins at midnight and the crowd is showing know sign of fatigue and neither are the players. Both players trade perfect lobs to each side trying to capitalize on weak returns, which they both do. Rocky jumps out to a 6-0 lead but Alvaro hangs tough and brings it back to 4-6 but Rocky's lobs to the backhand prevail and takes the match 7,6, (10), (7), 4. Rocky will take on Kane in the second semi at 6pm Saturday.
Jack Huczek versus Jason Mannino
The match up of the number two and three IRT professionals, the dynamic Pro Kennex duo, began their battle in the first semi final match of the evening. Jack seemed to take control with some wide-angle passes and tight pinch shots never letting Jason to get on a roll. Both players worked pinpoint lobs, to force each other into ceiling ball returns. Jack comes out on top the first game 11-5 Game two starts off with two great diving get exchanges as Jason shows that he is the best diver in the game. The crowd is in awe at the level of play as most people are asking, "How did he get that?" Both players continue to use wide angles into the glass and Jack once again is the one to put together a streak. Up 8-3 another 20 shot rally ensues with Jason making some unbelievable gets front and back with Jack ending the rally with a forehand drop shot that Jason just misses to go up 9-4. Young Zack Wertz, the towel boy, has already put in overtime during this match. Jason mounts a comeback to 7-9 re-killing Jack's missed pinches and Jack calls a time out. When he returns he closes out he game 11-7. Jack comes out the third game with some drive serves to the forehand and backhand to take an early 5-0 lead. Jason just can't seem to get a break and Jack is not missing a shot. And closes out the match 11-3.
Kane Waselenchuk versus Rocky Carson
The match up of the number one and four players on the IRT tour faced off in the second semi-final of the evening. Rocky sporting his new sponsor logo Pro Penn and Racquetball Warehouse Kane still in the Ektelon gear. The first game was close until 6-5 and Kane turned on the heated serves and closes it out 11-6. The second game was much of the same as Kane keeps Rocky off balance with some tough drives to both sides. Unforced errors plague Rocky in this game as Kane goes on to win 11-1. Kane does it all in the third once again with some awesome serves and uncharacteristic errors by Rocky. Kane moves on to the final to meet Jack Huczek 11-3.
Kane Waselenchuk versus Jack Huczek
Starting where they left off last season, these Jack and Kane meet in the finals of what many are recognizing as the new rivalry on the IRT Tour. The first game saw both players feeling each other out with half lob serves to the backhands and a variety of passing shots and corner kills. In what was a closer game than the score shows Kane wins the first 11-3 out shooting Jack in this one. Jack comes back strong in the second re-killing Kane's errors and take a 9-6 lead. Jack continues to use a half lob but Kane changes it up and brings back his ultimate weapon, his drive serve. Kane is able to tie it up on a forehand skip by Jack at 9-9.Jack rolls out a hard z-serve with his backhand to the left corner but Kane answers Jack 's hard drive to backhand with a backhand splat also. Kane goes up 10-9 and loses serve only to skip a backhand to tie it up at 10.Jack takes advantage of the mistake and takes game two 12-10. Game three was Kane coming out with the heater again and getting a few weak returns from Jack. Using the glass to his advantage Kane goes to the wrap around serve into the right side wall on his last two serves to close out the game 11-3. Jack could not get on any kind of roll in game three. In game four Jack jumps out to and early 5-2 lead using his drive serve again to both sides of the court. Although the power does not match Kane's, the accuracy does. Kane doesn't do too much with the returns and Jack capitalizes. Kane climbs back in again with his serve once again to close the gap at 6-8. A backhand skip on the return of serve gives Jack a 10-6 lead. Kane has a few choice words for himself as Jack finishes game three with a killshot 11-6. Game five is what the fans wanted and received. Kane hits an off balance backhand, running deep in the court that brings the crowd to its feet at 3-3. Jack comes up with a great diving forehand kill of his own to close the gap at 4-6. The next rally, once again brings the crowd to it's feet as Jack hits a ball spinning around behind his back and both players dive numerous times. Jack wins the rally with a down the line backhand kill to make it 5-6. Jack goes up 8-6 with some great re-kills when Kane dives for a ball and hits his right hip hard into the glass. An injury timeout is call and play is stopped for 5 minutes. Kane comes back to the crowd's ovation and promptly ties the game at 8-8. Jack hits a great return on a drive to the backhand only to have Kane get it with a drop shot straight in. Both players dive twice the next rally with Kane ending it on a turn around overhead with his forehand from 39 feet to end the rally and take the lead 10-9. Jack calls a time out and comes back to win a great rally but can't score. Kane hits a great forehand down the line to close out the match for his third title in a row here at the Elmwood Fitness Center 11-9.
The Host Club Elmwood Fitness Center and Tulane University
The Elmwood Fitness Center is one of the finest clubs the tour travels to each year. We are honored and privileged to play here. It boasts five courts with a three-wall glass court with seating on all sides, a side wall- back wall glass court and a back wall glass court. It has 116,000 square feet of space including an outdoor pool/ indoor pool, a state of the art cardio equipment and strength and free weight fitness center. Add on multiple aerobic and cycling studios and you have a world-class club. A small bar area to keep the New Orleans tradition of spirits alive and a fantastic grill and nutrition shop helps make this a very sociable club. The club staff is friendly and courteous as are the members as we invade their facility for the weekend. Big thanks to Ken Kachtik for allowing us to play at this fine club. Ken is the father of former IRT professional, Drew Kachtik. Tulane University with their six courts was the secondary site. The IRT always enjoys the opportunity to promote racquetball at the collegiate level. The future of the sport is coming from the colleges across the country. A big thanks to Tulane for letting us use the university facility.
The hospitality at the event is awesome. Dan Maloney from Houston's serves ribs, fresh salmon, seafood pasta, salad and the best bread pudding ever. It keeps coming and coming and coming. The tournament staff is top-notch lead by tournament director, Al Schof; the event is run smooth as silk. The spectators and players are true racquetball enthusiasts and not afraid to show it. Big thanks to all the sponsors of the event Joe Sherrill, Roger Anastanio, Anthony Zerinque, Dan Maloney, Richard Campbell of "Kickin Tail Sports", Stephen Shelton, Jason Harris, John Sanders, Mike Ely, Brian Hobbs and last but not least Charlie Hollinger. Charlie has shown the players "real New Orleans hospitality" every year. He also won the Pro Am doubles this year teaming up with Rocky Carson to take the title. On behalf of the IRT, thank you all again!!!
Tournament notes and highlights
During Ruben Gonzalez and Agustin Tristan's open match on Saturday night they were asking if there was a ref. Young 10 year old Lauren Stanley was sitting down to watch the match next to Leo Vasquez. Leo mentions that Lauren is their ref jokingly. Well Lauren says that she will do the match if they need her to. Ruben and Agustin both eagerly agree to let her do the match. The match proceeds with no issues. Ruben and Agustin both handed Lauren a few dollars and a thank you after for her great job refereeing. Think about that next time you are looking for a ref.
The IRT kicked off the Rocky Carson Skills Challenge sponsored by Pro Penn and Racquetball Warehouse. 15 players tested their skills by hitting various targets on the front wall with their forehand and backhand. Young Zack Wertz and Chase Stanley stole the show by hitting the targets 13 times each in a one-minute period of time. The IRT's own Mitch Williams and Agustin Tristan couldn't match these youngsters' totals. LPRA player, Jo Shattuck won the lob serve skill competition by hitting most lobs into a Head Liquid Metal bag set up in the backhand corner. Of course, she donated the new Head bag to a junior player sitting in the stands. This event will be at all of the IRT top tiered events across the country this season.
The IRT presented plaques to tournament director Al Schof, Club General Manager Ken Kachtik and Pro Am sponsor doubles winner, Charlie Hollinger for their support of the IRT.
Over, the spectators of the finals match raised $2000.00 for the Junior National Team. Adrienne Fisher spearheaded the fundraiser for the team. Keep your eyes on the IRT website to see how you can help sent the team to Mexico in December for the World Junior Championships.
We want to thank all of our
2004 SUMMER COOLER PRO-AM SPONSORS.
This tournament wouldn't be possible without their generous support.
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