2023 | Robert "Jack" Hughes
Resided: Las Vegas, NV
Date of Birth: September 10, 1934
Date of Passing: July 15, 2021
Jack Hughes was a long-time player and contributor to the sport of racquetball for over 50 years. Jack’s determination, dedication, and giving spirit have been a constant inspiration to his racquetball family over these many years.
A graduate of Indiana University with a Master of Science in Physical Education, Jack also held a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education from SUNY at Brockport. His career path led him in many interesting directions from high school science teacher, to assistant soccer coach at Buffalo State University (where he was referred to as the “Grand Old Master”), to positions in Security and Food Service with the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Braves; manager of a camping resort; and office manager for a large concrete pumping company.
Many would swear Jack lived and breathed only racquetball. In his playing years, Jack earned the nickname “Diving Jack Hughes”.
Jack served two consecutive three-year teams as an elected USA Racquetball (USAR) Board Member (1999-2005). He attended every meeting via conference call or in-person. He was named to the USAR Hall of Fame Committee in 1999 and participated consistently until he passed in 2021. To assist the committee he developed a simple Excel spreadsheet to help in the Annual Award process listing potential candidates and their accomplishments in the major events so that all committee members had the information to make informed decisions. He was also a member of the Election Committee for 2 election cycles, which at that time required ‘hand’ verification and counting of the ballots.
Always ready, willing, and able to jump in wherever needed, Jack attended and volunteered in significant roles at every National Singles event since 1989 (30 consecutive years). At National Doubles, he did the same since 1992 (28 years in a row). Has worked at the tournament desk, check-in, monitoring in the hall when access was restricted, basically wherever and whenever needed. Ran the satellite club in Houston every year the club was used; handled all aspects of the tournament site by himself, or with the help of volunteers he solicited
Assisted with banquet setup and check-in as needed
In 1996 Jack jumped in as a volunteer to host and run the Women’s Senior Masters National Racquetball tournament in San Francisco knowing little about the structure of the event. He leaned quickly and was asked and accepted to host the event again in 2004. Since 1996 he volunteered to assist with tournament set up and scheduling as needed.
A founding Board member of the then-California Amateur Racquetball Association (CARA) in 1984, and as a Board member for the CSRA and CNRA as they evolved through the years, Jack served at different times in numerous capacities: Vice President, Treasurer, Tournament Chair, Junior and Collegiate Program Director, and Tournament Director of more than 50 State Championships and 25 Regional competitions.
Jack owned and operated Racquetball Plus, a small retail business inside a club, from 1990-2010. During that time he also ran the racquetball program at the club, including lessons, clinics, leagues, and tournaments. He was a Team Ektelon member and also served as a Regional Advisor for over 20 years. Later, he became a contributing member of Team Head.
Jack was a Founding Member (2009) and ardent volunteer for the Military Adaptive Court Sports (MACS) / Military Racquetball Federation (MRF), where he assisted with many MRF Racquetball Rehabilitation Clinics and Demonstrations that employ racquetball as a means for helping disabled service members improve their fitness and quality of life.
https://www.militaryadaptivecourtsports.org