2022 XXXIII IRF World Junior Racquetball Championships Blog

 

Coach Tim Baghurst delivers his recap of the event below, but let’s not keep our loyal readers in suspense a moment longer!

On the medals stand last night and today at the Awards Ceremonies, the following U.S. Junior Team players claimed their rewards for their results here in Guatemala City:

G16S, Naomi Ros, GOLD

G16S, Ava Kaiser, BRONZE

B16D, Cole Sendrey/DJ Mendoza, BRONZE

G16D, Ava Kaiser/Naomi Ros, BRONZE

G18D, Heather Mahoney/Julia Stein, SILVER 

G21S, Shane Diaz, BRONZE

G21D, Graci Wargo/Shane Diaz, BRONZE

MX21D, Shane Diaz/Micah Farmer, BRONZE

B10G, Alejandro Robles Picon, SILVER

B10W, Adrian Nelson, SILVER

B12R, Vaishant Mangalampalli, GOLD

G12D, Sarah Bawa/Aarya Shetty, BRONZE

MX12D, Aarya Shetty/Vaishant Mangalampalli, SILVER

B14G, Eshan Ali, BRONZE

B14B, Nathan Rykhus, BRONZE

B14R, Axel Lopez, GOLD

B14D, Eshan Ali/Nathan Rykhus, BRONZE

G14D, Elizabeth Denler/Andrea Perez Picon, BRONZE

When all points were tallied from the round robin/pool play phase as well as the main draws (single elimination phase), here’s how the countries fared. Team USA placed third in Esprit Boys, Girls, and Overall and the World Cup team also placed third in Boys, Girls, and Overall!

1. Mexico 

2. Bolivia

3. USA

4. Costa Rica

 

1. Mexico 

2. Bolivia

3. USA

4. Costa Rica

 

1. Mexico 

2. Bolivia

3. USA

4. Costa Rica

1. Mexico

2. Bolivia

4. Costa Rica

 

1. Mexico

2. Bolivia

4. Ecuador

 

1. Mexico

2. Bolivia

3. USA

4. Costa Rica

Great job, everyone! It was so exciting seeing you walk onto the court to take your places on the medals stand!

 

The Last QOTDs are Right Here, Right Now:

 

Eshan Ali, 15: Nothing bad happening

Cody Elkins, 18:  A morning racquetball session, a night in the jacuzzi.

Cole Sendrey, 16: Fish with friends in the morning, play racquetball, then watch a movie while eating poke/sushi/seafood.

Nathan Rykhus, 14: Play sports all day and eat good food.

Timmy Hansen, 19: Wake up, go to sunrise, make breakfast, take a nap, go to the dog park with Ziggy, stop at Publix to get food for dinner, go back to the beach and watch the sunset, go home and make chicken parm, watch a funny Adam Sandler movie and go to sleep.

Ava Kaiser, 17: Sleeping in, no school, heading to the beach with friends and enjoying water activities, and then downtown Stillwater for dinner on the river.

Benjamin Horner, 17: Playing video games and doing sports with my friends.

Chris Nelson, 10: Doing absolutely nothing

Adrian Nelson, 12: Playing video games all day

Paul Saraceno, 17: Just chilling with friends, watching anime, and eating some good food.

Annie Roberts, 20: I would have avocado bagel toast and chocolate almond milk, go to the gym with my boyfriend.  Then we would go on a hike in Oregon (preferably one with a waterfall). After that I would want to eat some tacos and Boba and finish the day off with a family game night.

Elizabeth Denler, 14: Hanging out with friends someplace fun.

Montserrat Torres, 15: It really depends on what I am feeling because one perfect day could be waking up late, having a good breakfast, and just staying home and watching movies and shows.  But another example of a perfect day could be going out to dinner and going downtown walking around shopping.

Andrea Perez Picon, 14: Hanging out with friends teaching them how to play racquetball and drinking Jamba Juice.

Alejandro Robles Picon, 11: Eating my favorite foods and playing basketball with my friends.

Aarya Shetty, 13: Sleeping or going to the shelter to play with cats.

Heather Mahoney, 18: go to the beach (play spike ball), hang with friends, eat a lot of food, and watch the sunset.

Sarah Bawa, 13: Nice weather, a good mood, and spending time with family or friends.

Leah Trejo, 13: Eating a delicious breakfast and go surfing then hang out with a friend and go eat dinner at a place with a beautiful view.

Julia Stein, 19: Spending time with my family and all my best friends.

 

Tim Baghurst:  Playing sports with friends with the energy to play all day.

Jen Meyer:  One spent creating memories with those I love.

Cheryl Kirk: No “deliverables” due...sleep as late as I want...go shopping...play racquetball...dinner out with hubby...watch medical shows or a movie I know ends well.

Kit Lawson: A day of no stress, solvable problems, with periods of physical movement and a sense of being right with the world. Ahhh...

 

Eshan Ali, 15: Finishing the holy Quran

Cody Elkins, 18: When I was in 7^th grade, I won a ping pong tournament with 130 people in it and teachers were allowed to play as well.

Cole Sendrey, 16: I have started my own business!

Nathan Rykhus, 14: Esprit Male Athlete of the Year or Hazelton Awards.

Timmy Hansen, 19: Making my mom cry every time I leave to go back to college.

Ava Kaiser, 17: My bronze medal my first year of Worlds in 10 and under.

Benjamin Horner, 17: Running a 6:10 mile

Chris Nelson, 10: Winning the bike rodeo

Adrian Nelson, 12: Learning to swim

Paul Saraceno, 17: Achieving an unweighted 4.6 GPA

Annie Roberts, 20: In racquetball, the accomplishment that I am most proud of was when my high school girls team won the national team title at High School Nationals.  My individual accomplishments are great, but the team championship meant so much because we had all worked together at our different skill levels to be the best team for our senior year.

Elizabeth Denler, 14: Being able to play a lot of sports and instruments.

Montserrat Torres, 15: I have always been a determined person in school and I always do good, accomplish my best, and get good grades.

Andrea Perez Picon, 14: Being a high honor student with a gold cord.

Alejandro Robles Picon, 11: Getting on honor roll every year.

Aarya Shetty, 13: Getting good grades

Heather Mahoney, 18: Being able to go to school in Santa Barbara.

Sarah Bawa, 13: Winning 3 medals for gymnastics.

Leah Trejo, 13: Winning 1^st place at a gymnastics state meet.

Julia Stein, 19: Bagging a nice, hilarious, hot boyfriend.

 

Tim Baghurst: Receiving my doctorate, representing England and USA, playing multiple sports successfully at a high level, speaking multiple languages.

Jen Meyer: Being able to retire early.

Cheryl Kirk: Being Director of the McDonald’s Olympic Food Service Team at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and living to tell about it. 

Kit Lawson: Having become who I have become, with all the strengths and weaknesses, pros & cons.

What a crazy, intense, fun, dramatic, and competitive eleven days. As I’ve mentioned previously, this is my fifth time attending the World Junior Championships but my first as a coach -- a head coach at that. No pressure then. *insert sarcastic smile* Nothing really prepares you for an event like this, although Team Leader Cheryl Kirk’s list of dos, don’ts, and what to bring certainly helps. Thanks, Cheryl, for being so organized and efficient, making sure that we have everything we need to be at our best as athletes and coaches. You really do make a huge difference to our contingent. I’ve spoken with other coaches here who are exhausted from having to handle all the day-to-day minutiae that comes with leading a team. Thank you from all of us! 

 

Speaking of thanks, I do want to say thank you to our assistant coaches and parents. Coaches do this for the love of the sport, helping kids, and often at their own personal expense. This group of coaches has been tremendous, and it has made my life so much easier to know that each player is cared for, loved, and well-coached. 

 

When I told fellow coaches that I was coming to Guatemala with Juniors and their parents/family, the typical response included something negative about parents and an eye roll or two. Such comments are often validated, as parents can sometimes be difficult, but not here this week! The USA contingent have been helpful, kind, supportive; they have represented our nation well in this multicultural environment. From providing donuts (the food kind) to others, to finding us food, to picking up trash, to appreciating the skills of opponents, this has been a very supportive group I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know. Thank you for allowing us to do our job and being the support system that your athletes needed.

 

Finishing third in Esprit; third in World Cup; and third overall is a testament to our players. I truly believe we achieved more than we should have on paper, and I’m so proud of everyone, including players, parents, coaches, staff, donors, and supporters who helped to make that happen. 

 

Not attending last year hurt us, and with so many new players, there were some losses that came from inexperience and nerves, not from want of training. However, as a nation we cannot expect to continue to place in the top three if we do not develop more junior players consistently. We must keep training and developing more junior racquetball players to remain competitive. If Costa Rica brings 38 players, with the vast majority in the 10 and 12 age groups, who will be competing at the very top in five or seven years? If Bolivia and Mexico have a player in virtually every final in every division, how do we change the narrative? 

 

Anyone who knows me will know how much I hate losing. I’m so proud of third place here, but I want Gold for Team USA! I have ideas that I’m looking forward to discussing with USA Racquetball and other various people and organizations as we look to 2023 and beyond. Getting USA higher on the podium will take time, maybe years, and it’s time to start that process. I hope that you all will be part of it. 

The US Junior Team Delegation wishes to deliver our gratitude to those who made this event so truly memorable:

 

The Host Country of Guatemala (Dr. Estuardo Wer, President) and the Local Organizing Committee, for hosting this very successful event. The work behind the scenes is extensive. Congratulations on a job very well done! Your service to the 11 countries who came to compete was efficient, friendly, and never to be forgotten. 

 

The management and staff of Domo Complejo for providing a first-class facility for this World Juniors competition. Also, we appreciate the club employees and volunteers who kept the entire racquetball area and the courts themselves clean throughout the event.

 

This event was supported by a seasoned staff led by IRF President Osvaldo Maggi (ARG). IRF staff members deserve so much gratitude and respect for their time and expertise. Mauro Grandio (Argentina), who expertly orchestrates so many of the behind-the-scenes details of IRF events, was joined at the tournament desk by Pablo Berriel and Adrian Macrino (Argentina). Marie Gomar (Guatemala) spent a lot of time there at the desk as well!

 

Pablo Fajre, Gary Mazaroff, and Gustavo Farell provided live streaming and excellent commentary for racquetball fans near and far. Alexis Iwaasa (Canada) and Kadim Carrasco (Bolivia) did a great job on the social media aspects of this event. 

 

Twenty-two referees from 11 countries were on hand to provide a quality experience for the players (see Blog #3 on Saturday 12/3/22 for their names and nationalities).

 

The staff of the Clarion Suites was friendly, efficient, and responsive to all requests. 

Thanks to Coach Jen Meyer and Marie Gomar for assistance above and beyond the call of duty. 

     

The parents and cheerleaders were present for every match, living every point as if they themselves were out there competing. 

 

IRF Sponsor, Gearbox (owner Rafael Filippini) who contributes significantly to these international events.

 

Rollout, the U.S. Junior Team Official Apparel Provider, who made the team’s uniforms available. 

 

Aimee Roehler, who stopped whatever else she might have been doing as soon as a blog and photos were ready for posting and who did a super job with social media visibility. 

 

IRF President Osvaldo Maggi and IRF Vice President Marcelo Gómez Pacheco for their leadership and dedication to Racquetball and its development around the world. Also, to Luke St. Onge and Keith Calkins whose earlier work set a solid foundation for the future. 

 

Congratulations to each and every athlete and country delegation who placed in the standings as well as those who did not. Everyone represented their countries with honor and pride, and Team USA is proud to be a member of the worldwide Racquetball family. We wish everyone a safe trip back home! 

 

"When you fight with all you have and commit to exceeding expectations, you don't need a trophy to be a champion." -- Unknown

The mark of champions is how they handle themselves, win or lose, as they pursue their dreams. Congratulations to all 28 champions on the U.S. Junior Team. USA Racquetball and the U.S. Team staff couldn't be prouder of this team and this delegation. A group of 72 people arrived together, visited, celebrated wins, lamented losses, and are leaving tomorrow as family. 

 

Until next time...GO TEAM USA!!

As we sign off from Guatemala City and return to our homes in the United States, I ask for a final word with all who love, enjoy, and appreciate Racquetball and what it brings to your lives, individually and collectively. 

 

The pandemic was hard, so hard, with its often-dire effect on businesses, organizations, really everyone. I’m sure you’ve seen the information sent out on Giving Tuesday describing the very significant difficulties USA Racquetball is having with operational and developmental expenses. Presently we’re mostly volunteer, at least for the time being, and we want nothing more than to continue to support Racquetball in the USA. We need your help, every one of you, with whatever amount makes sense. 

 

The “We Are Racquetball” infographic describes what USAR provides. 

 

Please know I’m not exaggerating, even for a second, when I say that if we don’t all step up NOW to do what we can, we’ll be looking in the rearview mirror someday wishing we had. 

Renew your membership, now, even if you don’t plan to play in a tournament right away. Or ever again. Make an investment in the sport. Make a tax deductible year-end donation. Make it a gift of gratitude for what racquetball has meant in your life. Make it a gift to those who have yet to discover Racquetball and all it can mean in so many ways. https://www.teamusa.org/usa-racquetball

 

I wish every one of you could have been here with us in Guatemala City to experience firsthand how special this all is. Put it on your bucket list! 

 

To all the readers of this blog who helped Team USA feel the love from back home, thank you, and we wish you a holiday season filled with love, good health, and meaningful time with family and friends. 

 

-- Cheryl Kirk

Greetings! The Esprit Cup (10s, 12s, 14s) portion of this IRF World Juniors is complete, and the results are in the record books after the Awards Ceremony this evening. Tomorrow, the World Cup finals will be held, a total of 15 matches to be competed between 9:45 am and 1:30 pm. Two of those finals will include Team USA: Naomi Ros in the Girls 16 Singles and Heather Mahoney and Julia Stein in the Girls 18 Doubles! Both will be live streamed from the IRF’s website and also the IRF’s YouTube channel, at 9:45 am and 12:00 noon, respectively.

 

Afterward, the World Cup winners (1^st through 4^th, both individual and team competitions) will have their time on the medals stand, then all thoughts will turn to the final photos, the goodbyes, maybe a little shirt trading, and packing up for the trip to the airport the next morning/afternoon. 

 

Full results for both World Cup and Esprit will be reported in the final blog, but huge congratulations go to the Esprit medalists, and I’m so happy to announce that the U.S. Junior Esprit Team came in third in the Boys, Girls, and Overall Team competition. it was impossible not to beam with pride when our Team USA athletes stepped onto the medals stand. Tons of photos were taken (think: paparazzi) and we couldn’t be prouder of our 13 athletes who together comprise the Esprit Cup team. 

 

Alejandro Robles Picon, B10G lost to Hermann Garcia (MEX)  FINAL  

Adrian Nelson, B12W lost to Matias Aldana (GUA)  FINAL 

Vaishant Mangalampalli, B12R def. Jose Benalcazar (ECU)   FINAL  

Axel Lopez, B14R def. Orlando Josue Huyke Granados (COL)   FINAL  

Aarya Shetty/Vaishant Mangalampalli, MX12D lost to Pablo Ignacio Lagos Asturizaga/Angelica Villaroel Garzon (BOL) FINAL  

Fri 11:15 am – Ava Kaiser, G16S lost to Yanna Salazar (MEX)     SEMIFINAL

Fri 11:15 am – Naomi Ros, G16S def. Krystin Salinas Vasquez (BOL)   SEMIFINAL    

Fri 1:30 pm – Ava Kaiser/Naomi Ros, G16D lost to Cynthia Gutierrez/Yanna Salazar (MEX)  SEMIFINAL 

Fri 2:15 pm – Shane Diaz, G21S lost to Mafer Gutierrez (MEX)  SEMIFINAL

Fri 2:15 pm -- Cole Sendrey/DJ Mendoza, B16D lost to Eder Renteria/Jorge Gutierrez (MEX) SEMIFINAL  

Fri 3:45 pm – Graci Wargo/Shane Diaz, G21D lost to Natalia Mita/Angelica Barrios (BOL)  SEMIFINAL

Fri 4:30 pm -- Shane Diaz/Micah Farmer, MX21D lost to Diego Garcia / Martina Katz (ARG)  SEMIFINAL

It’s been a long week punctuated by highs and lows. Imagine spending 10-12 hours per day sitting, watching, and coaching, never leaving the racquetball facility. (And what a simply constructed but awesome facility!). Now repeat that process day after day after day. In total, the coaches will have spent over 100 hours in this club in the last 10 days. Cheryl, Jen, and I have been fortunate to have experienced these events several times or more. For others, this is a first-time experience that requires maturation. Coach, athlete, and parent rookies, for want of a better word, must learn to pace themselves, for the physical and mental rigors of this tournament are extremely high. Yet, we love it!

Those of you who have attended National Juniors or High School Nationals will understand the infectious buzz that junior racquetball players create in a facility. Now, amplify that noise and enthusiasm that junior athletes bring. It’s so fun to be here! As I write, empty courts are full of youth of varying nationalities, no longer in the draw, all playing together. Such activity gives me hope that racquetball is thriving, perhaps just not everywhere we want it to. But that’s for tomorrow.  

Much discussion has taken place this year regarding rally scoring. Delaney, our athletic trainer, told me last night how important catering to the media is in Track & Field, where logistical decisions are made based on the broadcast. I think the same is true for racquetball; gone are the days of two-to-three-hour marathons full of side outs. With rally scoring, this tournament has run relatively smoothly considering its size and the sheer number of matches competed each day. 

Rally scoring has also created close games. We have seen so many games won by two points. Normally, a tiebreaker draws a crowd. Now, the crowd gathers more often for those 9-9 games. Regardless of your opinion of rally scoring, it is a much more significant mental challenge for athletes. When every rally is a point, every shot matters more, and athletes must be switched on from the beginning. Timeouts must be more calculated and taken earlier than in “regular” scoring. Sure it’s hard to come back from a deficit, but it does happen and it’s hard to come back from a deficit in any scoring format.

For those junior athletes reading this who didn’t make the team, this is an event you should be desperate to attend. It’s unlike any other racquetball tournament in the world. Start training, and we’ll see you in June at the National Juniors qualifier!

As a medical provider, I have been blessed to travel the world and work at various World and Junior World Championship events. This is my first with USA Racquetball, and it did not disappoint.

The energy, the emotion, the skills of all these young athletes is amazing. What I love seeing is our youth athletes from different parts of the world coming together to play the sport they love. Each country brings their passion for the game. Each athlete talks, laughs, smiles with each other regardless of any language barrier because they are here speaking the language of sport. Wins are euphoric, losses hurt, but the passion is constant.

One of my favorite things about traveling with a team and providing medical care is getting to work one-on-one with the athletes and helping them out with their niggles or nagging injuries. I get to learn who each player is and to know more about them, which makes it just that much more fun when watching them play. I always like to say, “I bring my A game so it can help bring their A game.”

On Thursday, we had a huge matchup between Heather/Julia (USA!) vs. the Mexican team who they had fallen to earlier in the week in pool play in four games. This time Team USA won it in four games and the crowd was chanting USA...USA...USA! In that final moment, that final point when Team USA won and everyone was chanting – it was truly thrilling. Those are the moments that are most memorable.

Thank you, USA Racquetball, for blessing me with the opportunity to work with your coaches, parents, and most importantly, your great athletes. They are a breath of fresh of air with their energy, passion, and their love of the sport.

A few Questions of the Day to go...here are two more.

 

Eshan Ali, 15: Don’t compare yourself to others, just try to be the best version of yourself

Cody Elkins, 18: You control your destiny, nobody else does.

Cole Sendrey, 16: Hit to your opponent’s backhand and play every point to win.

Nathan Rykhus, 14: If you look good, you feel good.  If you feel good, you play good. If you play good, you look good.

Timmy Hansen, 19: Time goes by fast, so enjoy it while it lasts.

Ava Kaiser, 17: Work hard in everything you do, the rewards will follow.

Benjamin Horner, 17: Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.

Chris Nelson, 10: Pray always, be humble and kind.

Adrian Nelson, 12: Be thankful and rejoice in God.

Paul Saraceno, 17: It’s not how many times you fail, but how many times you get back up.

Annie Roberts, 20: There’s a lot of good advice I have received, but one of my favorites recently is that what you put the most time and effort into should be bringing you the most joy.

Elizabeth Denler, 14: To not let others put you down for being unique.

Montserrat Torres, 15: You only live once and live life to your fullest.

Andrea Perez Picon, 14: Never forget where you came from.

Alejandro Robles Picon, 11: It doesn’t matter if you lose!

Aarya Shetty, 13: Hit the ball and win.

Heather Mahoney, 18: Live in the moment.

Sarah Bawa, 13: Life is too short to dwell on mistakes.

Leah Trejo, 13: Cherish every moment in life and live life to the fullest.

Julia Stein, 19: You won’t like everyone, so why do you expect everyone to like you?

 

Tim Baghurst: There are no fools who give what they cannot keep to gain what they cannot lose.

Jen Meyer: Be present because you are never guaranteed the next moment.

Cheryl Kirk: If you say you’re going to do something, do it. Keep your promises. 

Kit Lawson: Dad, what’s the best way to make friends? He said, “Be genuinely interested in them.” He emphasized “genuinely.” It works!

 

 

Eshan Ali, 15: Making friends

Cody Elkins, 18: A memory of me and my brother Dane on a hiking trip together…just the two of us.

Cole Sendrey, 16: Disneyworld!!!

Nathan Rykhus, 14: Getting a Butter Beer at Universal Studios.

Timmy Hansen, 19: Trips to Disney with my family or traveling to national tournaments and seeing the country with my dad.

Ava Kaiser, 17: Mall of America Underwater World with my grandparents. 

Benjamin Horner, 17: Learning to ride a bike.

Chris Nelson, 10: Being with my first puppy – Rocky!

Adrian Nelson, 12: Going to Disneyland!

Paul Saraceno, 17: I once hit a mini plastic golf ball over two trees at a local park with a baseball bat.

Annie Roberts, 20: Watching Sunday night football with my dad.

Elizabeth Denler, 14: Playing Beyblades at daycare.

Montserrat Torres, 15: I have a lot of favorites, but I think it’s always been spending Christmas with my family.

Andrea Perez Picon, 14: When my older brother would take us to the park and hangout.

Alejandro Robles Picon, 11: When I went to Universal Studios.

Aarya Shetty, 13: Playing music with my sister.

Heather Mahoney, 18: Decorating for Christmas with my family.

Sarah Bawa, 13: Spending time with my family in my backyard while there was really nice weather and everyone was in a good mood.

Leah Trejo, 13: Playing around with my friends at Junior Nationals in California.

Julia Stein, 19: My birth.

 

Tim Baghurst: Growing up in the jungles of West Africa

Jen Meyer: Building forts with my siblings and staying the night on our trampoline in the summer.

Cheryl Kirk: Deciding to lay down in the street in front of my house, stretched out with one arm on the curb, to see what it would feel like. My mom caught me, busted, big trouble. 

Kit Lawson: Living a Tom Sawyer-like outdoor lifestyle in the woods of North Carolina, ages 7 to 11.

Finals Saturday looms for World Cup athletes, and we wish Team USA athletes Naomi, Julia and Heather good luck in their finals matches. As mentioned earlier, both matches are being live streamed from the IRF’s website and also the IRF’s YouTube channel.

 

9:45 am -- Naomi Ros, G16S vs. Yanna Salazar (MEX)  FINAL

12:00 pm -- Julia Stein/Heather Mahoney, G18D vs. Rebecca Amaya Ardaya/Valeria Miranda Martinez (BOL)  FINAL

 

What else could there possibly be to say but...

 

Can this week be just about over already? Please send good vibes and tons of good wishes to Junior Team USA as we’re nearing the end of competition here in Guatemala City. There are still two days of matches yet to go at these IRF World Junior Racquetball Championships. The coaches are busy getting ready to support the athletes in their semifinal and final matches on Friday (see the schedule at the end of this blog). You can look forward to comments from Head Coach Tim Baghurst and Athletic Trainer Delaney Farmer in tomorrow’s blog that will give some insights from their points of view. 

 

Let’s take a look at how Thursday unfolded...

Alejandro Robles Picon, B10G def. Atsunorki Jhon Salguero Hirosi (BOL) 

Eshan Ali, B14G lost to Sebastian Ruelas (MEX)  

Nathan Rykhus, B14B lost to Bismarck Pereira (BOL)  

Axel Lopez, B14R def. Leonardo Haro Perez (ECU)  

Timmy Hansen, B18S lost to Sebastian Hernandez (MEX)   

Cole Sendrey, B16S lost to Eder Renteria (MEX)

Benjamin Horner, B16S lost to Nicolas Iglesias (BOL)

Micah Farmer, B21S lost to Pepe Ramos (MEX)

Eshan Ali/Nathan Rykhus, B14D lost to Benjamin Garcia/Nicolas Galindo (MEX) SEMIFINAL  

 

Julia Stein, G18S lost to Paula Javiera Mansilla Cid (CHI)

Heather Mahoney lost to Micaela Meneses (BOL)

Ava Kaiser, G16S def. Natalia Mendez Veizaga (BOL)  

Naomi Ros, G16S def. Cynthia Gutierrez (MEX)   

Shane Diaz, G21S def. Sofia Freer (CRI)   

Annie Roberts, G21S lost to Maricruz Ortiz (CRI) 

Elizabeth Denler/Andrea Perez Picon, G14D lost to Lilia Farias/Miranda Barraza (MEX)  

Julia Stein/Heather Mahoney, G18D def. Ivanna Valderrama/Angela Veronica Ortega Sabido (MEX) 

Sarah Bawa/Aarya Shetty, G12D lost to Danna Portillo/Danna Hernandez (MEX)  

Graci Wargo/Shane Diaz, G21D def. Samira Ferrer Marcilli/Suniaris Rodriguez (CUB) 

Naomi Ros/Cole Sendrey, MX16D lost to María Angela Villacreses/Martin Carchi (ECU)

Aarya Shetty/Vaishant Mangalampalli, MXD12 def. Santiago Castillo/Danna Hernandez (MEX) 

Timmy Hansen/Heather Mahoney, MX18D lost to Anna Paula Aguilar Salvatierra/Alex Sierra (GUA)

Shane Diaz/Micah Farmer, MX21D def. Sofia Freer/Felipe Guillen (CRI) 

The Thursday version of the Questions of the Day are hereby served up for your reading pleasure:

 

Eshan Ali, 15: Back in time, to Asia

Cody Elkins, 18: I would rather go back in time so I could bet on sports games.

Cole Sendrey, 16: Back in time and stay in Texas.  I know…boring.

Nathan Rykhus, 14: I would go temporarily 1,000 years into the future to see what life was like.

Timmy Hansen, 19: I would advance to the future a couple of years from now when I would be finishing school.

Ava Kaiser, 17: Back in time to see my parents when they were little kids.

Benjamin Horner, 17: Back to watch the “Dream Team” play in the Olympics.

Chris Nelson, 10: Future to Italy

Adrian Nelson, 12: Past in America

Paul Saraceno, 17: Back in time to give myself advice.

Annie Roberts, 20: I would want to go back in time to see how cool my parents were in high school.

Elizabeth Denler, 14: I would go into the future and visit somewhere technologically advanced.

Montserrat Torres, 15: I would rather go back in time to when I was maybe in the ages of 6-10 because I think those were some of the years I had the most fun and where there was nothing to worry about.

Andrea Perez Picon, 14: I would go into the future to try and stop anything that ever tries to harm me in any way.

Alejandro Robles Picon, 11: I would go to the future to see what I have achieved.

Aarya Shetty, 13: I would go into the future to see what happens.

Heather Mahoney, 18: Back in time to the 80’s to experience the music, fashion, and all the different trends.

Sarah Bawa, 13: Into the future to see what my life will be like when I am older.

Leah Trejo, 13: I would go back in time to the first time I surfed.

Julia Stein, 19: Back in time. I would go to the Jurassic Era and see some dinosaurs because that would be sick.

 

Tim Baghurst: Back in time

Brett Elkins: Go back in time

Jen Meyer: Into the future a few years because I hope I have learned life lessons that will guide me towards a happy, fulfilled, and wonderful life.

Kit Lawson: Back. Total do-over, at least in terms of understanding personal potential at a much younger age. 

Cheryl Kirk: Both! To the past to learn, to the future to discover. (Blogger’s note: It’s my blog, I can choose both. Sometimes life isn’t fair.)  

 

 

Eshan Ali, 15: The botanical garden in Oahu

Cody Elkins, 18: Hershey Park in PA was incredible!

Cole Sendrey, 16: Bahamas for sure! That water is crystal clear and the reefs were amazing.

Nathan Rykhus, 14: Our church’s Temple

Timmy Hansen, 19: Aruba

Ava Kaiser, 17: Lake Tahoe, NV and La Jolla, CA

Benjamin Horner, 17: Hawaii

Chris Nelson, 10: Smokey Mountains

Adrian Nelson, 12: Omaha

Paul Saraceno, 17: Lake Arrowhead

Annie Roberts, 20: Oregon! I am a little biased…but the forests, waterfalls, mountains, and beaches in my home state are among the most beautiful out there.

Elizabeth Denler, 14: A place with low light pollution to see the stars.

Montserrat Torres, 15: I think that other than Mexico we already know that it can have very beautiful places. For me it would be Hawaii.  I just loved being there and it’s such a beautiful place and they always have perfect weather.

Andrea Perez Picon, 14: Carmel

Alejandro Robles Picon, 11: Iowa

Aarya Shetty, 13: Hawaii

Heather Mahoney, 18: Rainforest in Costa Rica

Sarah Bawa, 13: Nice, France

Leah Trejo, 13: Breckenridge, Colorado

Julia Stein, 19: Michigan

Tim Baghurst: Untouched jungle

Jen Meyer: Anywhere next to the ones I love

Marie Gomar: Snowshoeing in Breckenridge, Colorado, after a blizzard: 48 in. of fresh, flaky, snow

Kit Lawson: Has to be Maui, Hawaii. I knew when I saw the glorious sights that I wouldn’t be able to actually remember the beauty. I can only remember telling myself that. 

Cheryl Kirk: On an airplane from Chicago to Tokyo, flying over wild terrain in Alaska as the sun was coming up 

Yesterday’s blog mentioned several activities enjoyed by the families here in Guatemala (besides racquetball). 

One of the most meaningful and exciting attractions for both local and international visitors that Guatemala has to offer are its 37 volcanoes. The three active volcanoes, Pacaya, Fuego, and Santiaguito, are different in their level of difficulty given the time and effort needed to hike them.

 

For instance, in one hour, one can hike up Volcán de Pacaya to see the views of other volcanoes. The hike up Pacaya is on a trail of volcanic sand through a rain forest. Once high enough, volcanic lava rocks take over the landscape. The crater can be seen at a close distance with beautiful views of Volcán de Agua and Volcán de Fuego in the distance. Lava flows and explosions have been common, although Pacaya has been dormant for the past year.

 

Fuego is a different story. It gets the most attention, because its explosions are the most frequent (every 30 seconds to one minute). However, it takes two days to hike it, including camping to watch Fuego’s explosions late into the night and then viewing the sunrise. This is not an undertaking for everyone!

 

Last Monday, Paul Saraceno and his dad Frank took the somewhat arduous hike up Pacaya. Photos posted with the blog on usaracquetball.com include gorgeous views behind them and roasting marshmallows in the heat of the crater. Overheard from Paul in the first 15 minutes of the climb: “Are we almost to the top yet? How much farther? Dad, you should rest.”  

For more info, including a description of the eruption of Volcán de Fuego in June 2018, visit https://www.volcanodiscovery.com/fuego.html.

 

Thanks to Marie Gomar for her help in this description of Guatemala’s volcanoes!

Fri 9:45 am -- Alejandro Robles Picon, B10G vs. Hermann Garcia (MEX)   FINAL 

Fri 9:45 am -- Adrian Nelson, B12W vs. Matias Aldana (GUA)  FINAL

Fri 9:45 am -- Vaishant Mangalampalli, B12R vs. Jose Benalcazar (ECU)   FINAL

Fri 10:30 am -- Axel Lopez, B14R vs. Orlando Josue Huyke Granados (COL)   FINAL

Fri 2:15 pm -- Aarya Shetty/Vaishant Mangalampalli, MX12D vs. Pablo Ignacio Lagos Asturizaga/Angelica Villaroel Garzon (BOL) FINAL

Fri 11:15 am -- Ava Kaiser, G16S vs. Yanna Salazar (MEX)     SEMIFINAL

Fri 11:15 am -- Naomi Ros, G16S vs. Krystin Salinas Vasquez (BOL)   SEMIFINAL

Fri 1:30 pm -- Ava Kaiser/Naomi Ros, G16D vs. Cynthia Gutierrez/Yanna Salazar (MEX)  SEMIFINAL

Fri 2:15 pm -- Shane Diaz, G21S vs. Mafer Gutierrez (MEX)  SEMIFINAL

Fri 2:15 pm -- Cole Sendrey/DJ Mendoza, B16D vs. Eder Renteria/Jorge Gutierrez (MEX) SEMIFINAL

Fri 3:45 pm -- Graci Wargo/Shane Diaz, G21D vs. Natalia Mita/Angelica Barrios (BOL)  SEMIFINAL

Fri 4:30 pm -- Shane Diaz/Micah Farmer, MX21D vs. Diego Garcia / Martina Katz (ARG)  SEMIFINAL

 

You may have noticed that the schedule is split into World Cup and Esprit Cup categories rather than Boys/Girls/Mixed. That’s because as this tournament nears completion, there will be two Awards/Medals Ceremonies. The first will be Esprit Cup tomorrow (Friday) after the last Esprit matches are over. On Saturday, finals for World Cup divisions will be competed, ending in another Awards Ceremony, this time for World Cup.

 

Good luck to all of our athletes competing tomorrow!

 

Wow, it’s hard to believe that we have been here a week, and we still have three full days of play. We have had our share of ups and downs, but I am so excited with the play of our Junior athletes. Even more than that, I am proud of the incredible sportsmanship displayed by all of them, from calling skips on themselves, to compassion and true concern when an opponent became injured during play. I have seen new friendships begin and old ones renewed. We have watched these 28 athletes, old and new members alike, come together and gel as a team. As a newcomer to the rank of coach, I was a bit worried that connecting with so many new players would present a problem, but I no longer have that doubt. When I was asked to coach a player whose assigned and familiar coach was already assigned to another, I felt as though I was back in college taking a final exam. But I listened to my athlete, she listened to me, and she forged ahead with a 3-0 victory. I passed!!

 

I can’t say enough about the tournament itself. From the volunteers who are manning the desk, the incredibly hard working staff at the club who tirelessly keep the courts and facility clean, the highly respected crew of referees, and the amazing people who have set up food booths right outside the club doors to feed us -- the IRF and the Guatemalan Association have done an amazing job of making us feel welcome.

 

It’s difficult to really share just how rewarding it is for me to have been asked to help with this year’s team,  but I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to be here. I am so impressed by each and every one of these athletes, and I am inspired to do even more for them and for the juniors who aren’t here. I have enjoyed every minute of every 12-14 hour day and look forward to the same until the plane leaves the ground early this next Sunday morning, three more joyous days from now.

 

 

Chris Nelson, B10R lost to Arturo Gonzalez (MEX)

Eshan Ali, B14G def. Mario Andrés Huyke Granados (COL)

Nathan Rykhus, B14B def. Thomas Quezada (ECU)

DJ Mendoza, B18S lost to Nathan Jauvin (CAN)

Timmy Hansen, B18S def. Alex Sierra (GUA)

Benjamin Horner, B16S def. Asher Pocsai (CAN)

Cole Sendrey, B16S def. Martin Carchi (ECU)

Vaishant Mangalampalli, B12R def. Fernan Alvarado (CRI)

Alejandro Robles Picon/Vaishant Mangalampalli, B12D lost to Alfredo Santiago Borja Arevalo /Nicolas Pol (BOL)

Eshan Ali/Nathan Rykhus, B14D def. Luis Lopez/Yordi Navarijo (GUA)

Assuan Castaneda/Micah Farmer, B21D lost to Jaime Nicolas Mansilla Cid / Diego Gatica (CHI)

Cole Sendrey/DJ Mendoza, B16D def. Thomas Quezada/Joaquin Benalcazar (ECU)

Timmy Hansen/Paul Saraceno, B18D lost to Jose Subieta Asin/Luis Aguilar (BOL)

Elizabeth Denler, G14S lost to Lilia Farias (MEX)

Andrea Perez Picon, G14S lost to Adriana Noelia Blacutt Conde (BOL)

Heather Mahoney, G18S def. Jimena Rodriguez (CRI)

Aarya Shetty, G12S lost to Angelica Villaroel Garzon (BOL)

Julia Stein, G18S def. Samira Ferrer Marcilli (CUB)

Annie Roberts, G21S def. Ana Lucia Sarmiento (ECU)

Elizabeth Denler/Andrea Perez Picon, G14D def. Adriana Noelia Blacutt Conde/Luciana Rico Hossen (BOL)

Ava Kaiser/Naomi Ros, G16D def. María Laura Villacreses / María Angela Villacreses (ECU)

Sarah Bawa/Aarya Shetty, G12D lost to Angelica Villaroel Garzon/Luciana Illanes Quenta (BOL)

Montserrat Torres/Axel Lopez, MX14D lost to Giuliana Faeth/Alvaro Guillen (CRI)

 

Here we go again – QOTDs!

 

Eshan Ali, 15: My jacket

Cody Elkins, 18: A picture of me and my girlfriend.

Cole Sendrey, 16: My fishing gear and my racquetball bag. Then I would go back for my mom, sister, and dog. Dad is on his own.

Nathan Rykhus, 14: My treasure chests

Timmy Hansen, 19: Jewelry or money

Ava Kaiser, 17: Key chain collection, my medals, photos, and souvenirs from my travels.

Benjamin Horner, 17: Weights

Chris Nelson, 10: Passport

Adrian Nelson, 12: Food

Paul Saraceno, 17: Probably my keys

Annie Roberts, 20: My chocolate almond milk

Elizabeth Denler, 14: Ellie, my stuffed elephant

Montserrat Torres, 15: My teddy bear that I have had for like 15 years now.  It has always been there with me and has a lot of sentimental value to me.

Andrea Perez Picon, 14: My shoes

Alejandro Robles Picon, 11: My valuables 

Aarya Shetty, 13: The plants I grow

Heather Mahoney, 18: All my records and Steve Lacy posters

Sarah Bawa, 13: A blanket so I don’t get cold.

Leah Trejo, 13: My stuffed animal monkey I have had since I was in 2^nd grade.

Julia Stein, 19: I would grab my box of important things that has pictures and important jewelry.

Tim Baghurst:  Lock box with all of our important papers followed by tub of photo albums and keepsakes

Jen Meyer: The book my grandma filled out about her life and our family before she passed away.  It includes photographs, family recipes, etc. from generations of our family.

Marie Gomar: A jacket!

Cheryl Kirk: A lockbox that contains essential items like $$, important documents, passport, and old family photos. Plus, my Christmas stocking that my mom filled for 60 straight years. And my purse. 

Kit Lawson: The big TV! My meds!! My money jar! Kidding...I would absolutely grab a full length coat & cozy shoes. (Blogger’s note: We have a money jar??).

Eshan Ali, 15: Luka Doncic

Cody Elkins, 18: I would have a conversation with Putin as he is evil and would be fascinating to speak to.

Cole Sendrey, 16: Luka Doncic

Nathan Rykhus, 14: An apostle

Timmy Hansen, 19: Mark Cuban

Ava Kaiser, 17: My mom and dad

Benjamin Horner, 17: Jason Tatum

Chris Nelson, 10: Jeff Kinney (Diary of a Wimpy Kid author)

Adrian Nelson, 12: Dave Pelkey (Dog Man author)

Paul Saraceno, 17: Shaq

Annie Roberts, 20: Allyson Felix

Elizabeth Denler, 14: Emma Watson

Montserrat Torres, 15: The Weeknd because I like his music and find him to be an interesting person

Andrea Perez Picon, 14: Jordan Poole

Alejandro Robles Picon, 11: Steph Curry

Aarya Shetty, 13: Gordon Ramsey

Heather Mahoney, 18: Steve Lacy

Sarah Bawa, 13: Kamala Harris

Leah Trejo, 13: Nailea Devora

Julia Stein, 19: I would have lunch with my mom because I love my mom.

 

Tim Baghurst: I don’t know. I’ve thought about this a lot. There are too many but no one stands out.

Brett Elkins: With all of my family at the beach.

Jen Meyer: I feel like there is never enough time to slow down and truly connect, so I would have lunch with anyone I love.

Marie Gomar: Shakira!

Cheryl Kirk: Lots of people, but first, my husband Kit, at a place where we could take our dog Heidi, also. (That could be a challenge.)

Kit Lawson: Tough one...not a politician, not a do-gooder, not a sports person...who’s left? Blogger, are you available for lunch?

 

Lest anyone think this trip has been just a hotel/club/hotel existence, I’m happy to report that a number of families have taken advantage of free time (although not much of it!) to squeeze in a dinner out or to arrange an excursion to a volcano, or the zoo, or La Antigua, an historical site founded in 1543 (see below*). 

 

The Horner family visited Antigua several days ago, and the Steins and the Mahoneys went today. Melodese Mahoney comments, “We were fortunate to be there during the Burning of the Devil celebration and saw many dressed up, live music and some dancing in the streets, fireworks, etc.”

 

Wow, Burning of the Devil?? This is not as unsetting as it might initially sound. It’s a day of celebration here in Guatemala that occurs on December 7^th each year, specifically at 6:00 pm. It began in the 16^th century as a preamble for Christmas festivities. It is a celebration of triumph of good over evil, a symbolic spiritual cleansing in which trash (in past times) was burned in a bonfire. The symbolism in burning trash in a bonfire represented getting rid of impurities by taking out useless things from the home. In modern times, Guatemalans choose more to accomplish this concept using a devil piñata to avoid contaminating the environment. (Bloggers note: Thanks to Marie Gomar for the explanation of this celebratory day.)

 

Those who perhaps haven’t yet had the chance to venture out a bit have consoled themselves with donuts (the kind you eat) that keep materializing in growing quantities at the club. They’re really yummy, and they are turning into a cultural experience that fosters both new friendships and increased calorie consumption. Hey, you only live once. 

 

Back to racquetball...holy cow, it’s Day Six, and all 10 courts are heating up. Countries are cheering and chanting, and my Apple watch keeps reminding me that sound levels are exceeding 90 decibels. Well, yeah. 

 

Let’s check out the lineup for Thursday!

 

Thurs 10:30 am – Alejandro Robles Picon, B10G vs. Atsunorki Jhon Salguero Hirosi (BOL) SEMIFINAL

Thurs 11:15 am – Eshan Ali, B14G vs. Sebastian Ruelas (MEX)  SEMIFINAL

Thurs 11:15 am – Nathan Rykhus, B14B vs. Bismarck Pereira (BOL)  SEMIFINAL

Thurs 11:15 am – Axel Lopez, B14R vs. Leonardo Haro Perez (ECU)  SEMIFINAL

Thurs 12:00 pm – Timmy Hansen, B18S vs. Sebastian Hernandez (MEX)

Thurs 1:30 pm – Cole Sendrey, B16S vs. Eder Renteria (MEX)

Thurs 1:30 pm – Benjamin Horner, B16S vs. Nicolas Iglesias (BOL)

Thurs 2:15 pm – Micah Farmer, B21S vs. Pepe Ramos (MEX)

Thurs 3:00 pm – Eshan Ali/Nathan Rykhus, B14D vs. Benjamin Garcia/Nicolas Galindo (MEX) SEMIFINAL

 

Thurs 12:00 pm – Julia Stein, G18S vs. Paula Javiera Mansilla Cid (CHI)

Thurs 12:00 pm – Heather Mahoney vs. Micaela Meneses (BOL)

Thurs 1:30 pm – Ava Kaiser, G16S vs. Natalia Mendez Veizaga (BOL)

Thurs 1:30 pm – Naomi Ros, G16S vs. Cynthia Gutierrez (MEX)

Thurs 2:15 pm – Shane Diaz, G21S vs. Sofia Freer (CRI)

Thurs 2:15 pm – Annie Roberts, G21S vs. Maricruz Ortiz (CRI)

Thurs 3:00 pm – Elizabeth Denler/Andrea Perez Picon, G14D vs. Lilia Farias/Miranda Barraza (MEX)  SEMIFINAL

Thurs 3:00 pm – Julia Stein/Heather Mahoney, G18D vs. Ivanna Valderrama/Angela Veronica Ortega Sabido (MEX) SEMIFINAL

Thurs 3:45 pm – Sarah Bawa/Aarya Shetty, G12D vs. Danna Portillo/Danna Hernandez (MEX)

Thurs 4:30 pm – Graci Wargo/Shane Diaz, G21D vs. Samira Ferrer Marcilli/Suniaris Rodriguez (CUB)

Thurs 4:30 pm – Naomi Ros/Cole Sendrey, MX16D vs. María Angela Villacreses/Martin Carchi (ECU)

Thurs 5:15 pm – Aarya Shetty/Vaishant Mangalampalli, MXD12 vs. Santiago Castillo/Danna Hernandez (MEX)

Thurs 5:15 pm – Timmy Hansen/Heather Mahoney, MX18D vs. Anna Paula Aguilar Salvatierra/Alex Sierra (GUA)

Thurs 6:00 pm – Shane Diaz/Micah Farmer, MX21D vs. Sofia Freer/Felipe Guillen (CRI)

 

It’s Thursday already! Note that we have a number of athletes in the semifinals of their divisions already, and there are a good number more who are one match win away from a semifinal spot!

 

Live streaming continues Thursday through Saturday for select assigned matches. Please check the International Racquetball Federation home page for links and schedules. That information is also available on the USA Racquetball Facebook page. 

As a first-time coach for the U.S. Junior Team, I've been asked, "What do you think of this tournament so far?” Wow, 12-14 hour days so far and they still go by fast. It's incredibly exciting and, to be honest, I’m not sure where I'm getting my energy from. Maybe the various cups of coffee that several people bring to me to keep me going throughout the day. I see many helping coaches, staff, and parents by providing water, beverages, snacks, food, etc. Everyone on this trip is coming together and helping, and that's what I've noticed the most.  

 

I also see a great bunch of kids who are playing their hearts out.. The GRIT, the training, the discipline, the tenacity are exhibited in their hustle...their respect for their opponents...the way they listen to their coaches, parents, and their fellow players. It's magical for me being a first timer. This is AMAZING!

 

I know when my head hits the pillow, I'm out. But once the morning comes, I'm so excited to start my day with our great TEAM USA. So far we've seemed to be loose and laughing during our morning breakfast. And what a joy it is, especially with the memes. I am grateful and blessed to have such an amazing team this year, and we are finally here after some disappointment during the Covid crisis.  

 

There is still a lot of tournament left as single elimination matches begin tomorrow and Wednesday. Most players had a chance to dial in given the three days of pool play. All teams are good, and there are no easy matches. Players, it's time to stay focused and have no regrets when taking your shots. Have faith in yourself and listen to your coaches. Focus on execution and your breathing! Trust your instincts and your training. Leave it all on the court! 

 

Chris Nelson, B10R def. Julian Quinde Bravo (ECU)

Adrian Nelson, B12R lost to Joseph Cevallos (ECU)

Vaishant Mangalampalli, B12R def. Matias Pedro Garavito Campos (BOL) 

Axel Lopez, B14R def. Mathias Zeledon (CRI)

Eshan Ali, B14G def. Sebastian Terrazas Tapia (BOL)

Nathan Rykhus, B14G lost to Alvaro Guillen (CRI)

Cole Sendrey, B16S def. Orlando Josue Huyke Granados (COL)

Benjamin Horner, B16S def. Ruben Igor (CHI)

Cody Elkins, B21S lost to Tomas Oyhanart (ARG)

DJ Mendoza, B18S lost to Alex Sierra (GUA)

Alejandro Robles Picon/Vaishant Mangalampalli, B12D lost to Gustavo Gabriel Cordova Soria/Pablo Ignacio Lagos Asturizaga (BOL)

Cole Sendrey/DJ Mendoza, B16D lost to Eder Renteria/Jorge Gutierrez (MEX)

Eshan Ali/Nathan Rykhus, B14D def. Josue Farfane Enriquez/Bismarck Pereira (BOL)

Assuan Castaneda/Micah Farmer, B21D lost to Diego Garcia/Tomas Oyhanart (ARG)

 

Montserrat Torres, G14S def. Ared Arce Berroteran (CRI)

Andrea Perez Picon, G14S lost to Miranda Barraza (MEX)

Ava Kaiser, G16S def. Maria Angela Villacreses (ECU)

Annie Roberts, G21S def. Valeria Hernandez (MEX)

Shane Diaz, G21S def. Mafer Gutierrez (MEX)

Aarya Shetty, G12S def. Danna Hernandez (MEX)

Leah Trejo, G12S lost to Luciana Rico Hossen (BOL)

Sarah Bawa, G12S lost to Angelica Villaroel Garzon (BOL)

Julia Stein, G18S def. Abigail Solano (CRI)

Heather Mahoney, G18S def. Samira Ferrer Marcilli (CUB)

Ava Kaiser/Naomi Ros, G16D lost to Maria Laura Villacreses/Maria Angela Villacreses (ECU)

Sarah Bawa/Aarya Shetty, G12D lost to Danna Portillo/Danna Hernandez (MEX)

Graci Wargo/Shane Diaz, G21D lost to Valeria Hernandez/Mafer Gutierrez (MEX)

Julia Stein/Heather Mahoney, G18D lost to Rebecca Amaya Ardaya/Miranda Martinez (BOL)

 

Aarya Shetty/Vaishant Mangalampalli, MX12D def. Juan David Zea Cueva/Maria Laura Villacreses (ECU)

Montserrat Torres/Axel Lopez, MX14D lost to Nicolas Galindo/Andrea Martinez (MEX)

Eshan Ali, 15: Software developer

Cody Elkins, 18: Therapist while playing full time on the pro tour.

Nathan Rykhus, 14: Not sure

Timmy Hansen, 19: Corporate Lawyer

Ava Kaiser, 17: Cardiovascular Surgeon

Benjamin Horner, 17: Movie reviewer

Chris Nelson, 10: Engineer – Mechanical and cyber security

Adrian Nelson, 12: Doctor

Paul Saraceno, 17: Professional Racquetball Player

Annie Roberts, 20: Pediatric Occupational Therapist 

Elizabeth Denler, 14: Psychologist or an artist

Montserrat Torres, 15: Forensic Psychologist

Andrea Perez Picon, 14: Pro racquetball player and a mechanic that specializes in cars.

Alejandro Robles Picon, 11: Streamer

Aarya Shetty, 13: Psychiatrist 

Heather Mahoney, 18: I want to make an impact on environmental issues while also traveling to various parts of the world.

Sarah Bawa, 13: A lawyer

Leah Trejo, 13: Forensic scientist 

Eshan Ali, 15: I would like to have a kitten.

Cody Elkins, 18: I would love a pig.

Cole Sendrey, 16: My dog, Trixie.  She is not the brightest dog, but she loves me.

Nathan Rykhus, 14: No, but I would get a pug because they are cute and lazy!

Timmy Hansen, 19: I have a puppy named Ziggy who just turned 1.

Ava Kaiser, 17: I have 2 turtles and 2 ducks, but the ducks are Mallards so they flew south.

Benjamin Horner, 17: No, but a lizard would be cool.

Chris Nelson, 10: Labrador Retriever

Adrian Nelson, 12: Cat

Paul Saraceno, 17: I have a dog. His name is Chico and he is a maltese chihuahua mix.

Annie Roberts, 20: Yes!  I have a chihuahua named Mini.

Elizabeth Denler, 14: Yes, I have a dog named Basil and a beta fish named Jack.

Montserrat Torres, 15: No pets, but I would like a Doberman.

Andrea Perez Picon, 14: 2 dogs, 1 cat, and 1 horse

Alejandro Robles Picon, 11: 2 dogs (Yogi and Coco), 1 cat (Joy) and 1 horse (Betty)

Aarya Shetty, 13: Yes, a cat and a dog.

Heather Mahoney, 18: I have a dog named Cali and a cat named Mittens.

Sarah Bawa, 13: I have a hamster named Remi.

Leah Trejo, 13: I have a dog named Max.

Julia Stein, 19: Yes, I have two dogs.  A small one (Daisy) and a big one (Ollie).

 

Tim Baghurst: I have a dog, Hershey, and a bunny, Hokie, but they are not really mine.

Brett Elkins: Nope! Love cats, but the family is highly allergic even to non-allergic pets.

The Clarion Suites is arguably one of the best hotels we’ve ever had the pleasure to stay in. Eleven days is a long time (although it passes more quickly than one might imagine). Happily, the spacious suites with a living area separate from the bedroom/bathroom reminds one more of an apartment than a hotel room. It’s clean and relatively quiet (unless you’re directly underneath the workout room). The restaurant serves a hot buffet breakfast with made-to-order eggs, plantains (shoutout to Charlie Pratt), and a variety of breads and rolls. 

 

It’s easy to forget it’s the Christmas season until we notice the pretty tree in the hotel lobby as well as the several-stories-tall spectacular tree in the downtown square area with lights that change and a Gallo logo (big rooster head) on top. Gallo es una cerveza muy popular en Guatemala! “Gallo is Guatemala’s oldest continually produced beer, dating back to 1896. It is also the most famous beer in the country and has become a part of Guatemalan popular culture.” - Wikipedia 

 

Tues 10:30 am – Alejandro Robles Picon, B10G vs. Leonardo Grande (MEX)

Tues 11:15 am – Axel Lopez, B14R vs. Sebastian Coto (CRI)

Tues 3:00 pm – Micah Farmer, B21S vs. Adrian Jaldin Lobo (BOL)

Tues 3:00 pm – Cody Elkins, B21S vs. Diego Garcia (ARG)

Tues 10:30 am – Sarah Bawa, G12S vs. Luciana Rico Hossen (BOL)

Tues 10:30 am – Leah Trejo, G12S vs. Aarya Shetty (both USA)

Tues 12:00 pm – Andrea Perez Picon, G14S vs. Isabella Wer (GUA)

Tues 12:00 pm – Elizabeth Denler, G14S vs. Montserrat Torres (both USA)

Tues 1:30 pm – Elizabeth Denler/Andrea Perez Picon, G14D vs. Lilia Farias/Miranda Barraza (MEX)

Tues 1:30 pm – Ava Kaiser, G16S vs. Jimena Gomez (CRI)

Tues 1:30 pm – Naomi Ros, G16S vs. Chloe Gauvin (CAN)

Tues 3:45 pm – Heather Mahoney/Julia Stein, G18D vs. Jimena Rodriguez/Jessie Vargas (CRI)

Tues 3:45 pm – Aarya Shetty/Vaishant Mangalampalli, MX12D vs. Santiago Castillo/Danna Hernandez (MEX)

Tues 3:45 pm – Montserrat Torres/Axel Lopez, MX14D vs. Sebastian Ruelas/Miranda Barraza (MEX)

Tues 4:30 pm – Shane Diaz/Micah Farmer, MX21D vs. Jazmin Aguilar/Byron Rosil (GUA)

Tues 5:15 pm -- Timmy Hansen/Heather Mahoney, MX18D vs. Luis Aguilar/Rebecca Amaya Ardaya (BOL)

 

So tomorrow and Wednesday begin the second phase of the tournament, with many divisions going to playoff rounds/single elimination. Use this link to go straight to the Event Divisions page: https://www.r2sports.com/website/division-list.asp?TID=40015&sortBy=defaultOrder

 

FYI...a problem with WiFi/Internet connections may make live streaming difficult. Please check the IRF home page at www.internationalracquetball.com. When streaming becomes achievable, the website will contain more information.

 

Thanks for all of the good wishes and attention being given on social media to these deserving athletes. As Coach George said, they are playing their hearts out for their country and their fans!

 

-- Cheryl Kirk

 

Alejandro Robles Picon, B10S def. Julian Quinde Bravo (ECU)

Benjamin Horner, B16S lost to Hernan Ruiz Michel (BOL)

Cole Sendrey, B16S def. Oscar Montejo (CRI)

Micah Farmer, B21S lost to Hector Barrios (BOL)

Cody Elkins, B21S lost to Adrian Jaldin Lobo (BOL)

Timmy Hansen, B18S lost to Luis Aguilar (BOL)

DJ Mendoza, B18S lost to Juan Jose Tapia Zuniga (BOL)

Eshan Ali/Nathan Rykhus, B14D def. Carlos Ceballos Tello/Leonardo Haro Perez (ECU)

Timmy Hansen/Paul Saraceno, B18D lost to Jose Subieta Asin/Luis Aguilar (BOL)

Assuan Castañeda/Micah Farmer, B21D lost to Jaime Nicolas Mansilla Cid/Diego Gatica (CHI)

 

Montserrat Torres, G14S lost to Isabella Wer (GUA)

Elizabeth Denler, G14S lost to Adriana Noelia Blacutt Conde (BOL)

Ava Kaiser, G16S lost to Natalia Mendez Veizaga (BOL)

Naomi Ros, G16S lost to Krystin Salinas Vazquez (BOL)

Elizabeth Denler/Andrea Perez Picon, G14D lost to Jamileth Sipac/Isabella Wer (GUA)

Leah Trejo, G12S lost to Larissa Faeth (CRI)

Sarah Bawa, G12S lost to Sarah Solano Badilla (CRI)

Julia Stein, G18S lost to Jazmin Aguilar (GUA)

Heather Mahoney, G18S lost to Ivanna Valderrama (MEX)

Sarah Bawa/Aarya Shetty, G12D lost to Angelica Villaroel Garzon/Luciana Illanes Quenta (BOL)

Ava Kaiser/Naomi Ros, G16D def. Cynthia Gutierrez/Yanna Salazar (MEX)

Graci Wargo/Shane Diaz, G21D def. Ana Lucia Sarmiento/Fabiana Landy (ECU)

Julia Stein/Heather Mahoney, G18D lost to Ivanna Valderrama/Angela Veronica Ortega Sabido (MEX)

 

Aarya Shetty/Vaishant Mangalampalli, MX12D lost to Pablo Ignacio Lagos Asturizaga/Angelica Villaroel Garzon (BOL)

Naomi Ros/Cole Sendrey, MX16D lost to Jorge Gutierrez/Yanna Salazar (MEX)

Shane Diaz/Micah Farmer, MX21D lost to Hector Barrios/Angelica Barrios (BOL)

Montserrat Torres/Axel Lopez, MX14D lost to Jamileth Sipac/Yordi Navarijo (GUA)

The U.S. Junior Team Delegation is happy to welcome Delaney Farmer, LAT, LMT, ATC as our Athletic Trainer here at the IRF World Junior Championships. He is a dual credentialed healthcare provider with 15 years in the field of Athletic Training and 25 years as a Massage Therapist. Delaney runs his own massage practice, PRM Sports Therapy, and works as an Athletic Trainer at Lake Washington High School (Home of the Kangaroos) just outside of Seattle, Washington. He also spends time working with USA Track & Field, USA Diving, and USA Ultimate during the summer months when he is not working at the high school. Delaney finds enjoyment in being creative with photography, graphic designs, and creating fun objects with his laser.

 

Delaney just found out last Friday that he is a recipient of the Harmon Brown Award, an annual award bestowed by U.S. Track & Field to recognize individuals who have excelled in their service to the association in the areas of sports medicine and sports science. Congratulations, Delaney!

 

Check out Delaney’s website at www.PRMsportstherapy.com. This is his first time traveling with USA Racquetball, and we couldn’t be more pleased with his knowledge level; service to our athletes; friendly and approachable style; and sense of humor!

 

On to eagerly anticipated Questions of the Day...

Eshan Ali, 15: Spinach

Cody Elkins, 18: Dog

Cole Sendrey, 16: Anchovies or sardines.  YUCK!!!

Nathan Rykhus, 14: Bitter melon

Timmy Hansen, 19: Alligator

Ava Kaiser, 17: Raw meat and seafood

Benjamin Horner, 17: Brussel Sprouts

Chris Nelson, 10: Beets

Adrian Nelson, 12: Cheese

Paul Saraceno, 17: Nothing. Gotta try everything once and find out.

Annie Roberts, 20: Raw Fish

Elizabeth Denler, 14: Tongue of any animal

Montserrat Torres, 15: Oysters or caviar

Andrea Perez Picon, 14: Mushrooms

Alejandro Robles Picon, 11: Honey, every time I eat it I almost throw up!

Aarya Shetty, 13: Cranberries

Heather Mahoney, 18: Tomatoes or any citrus

Sarah Bawa, 13: Eggplants

Leah Trejo, 13: Maggot cheese (Blogger’s note: What???)

Brett Elkins:  Meat, since I am vegan

Jen Meyer: Anything still alive

Cheryl Kirk: Anything that had parents

 

Eshan Ali, 15: My mom’s chili because it’s good

Cody Elkins, 18: I would eat seitan as it is great for protein.

Cole Sendrey, 16: It would be poke because it is like sushi, but even better!  

Nathan Rykhus, 14: Mom’s homemade pizza and breadsticks because they are the best!

Timmy Hansen, 19: Chicken alfredo because it’s just so damn good!

Ava Kaiser, 17: Subway because it has protein, carbs, fats, and whole grains.

Benjamin Horner, 17: Tacos because of the different toppings and I don’t get tired of them.

Chris Nelson, 10: Tuna sandwich – it is plain and tasty

Adrian Nelson, 12: Sushi – mild flavor

Paul Saraceno, 17: Steak because steak is amazing!

Annie Roberts, 20: Carne Asada street tacos!!

Elizabeth Denler, 14: Indian food because it is the best!

Montserrat Torres, 15: Enchiladas because it is my favorite food and I love how my mom makes them!

Andrea Perez Picon, 14: Acai bowls because I really enjoy eating them!

Alejandro Robles Picon, 11: Ice cream!

Aarya Shetty, 13: Soup

Heather Mahoney, 18: Pasta because there are so many different types of pastas to eat.

Sarah Bawa, 13: Pizza because it has multiple toppings and flavors, but tastes good.

Leah Trejo, 13: Pho a Vietnamese soup because I love soups and it has a variety of tasty ingredients.

Julia Stein, 19: Chipotle – It is so diverse and I could make so many different types of bowls and I have eaten it very often for the past years and every first bite is just as good as my first ever bite.

Tim Baghurst: Rice or potatoes

Jen Meyer: Raspberries

Cheryl Kirk: Vegetable lasagna

Mon 9:00 am – Chris Nelson, B10R vs. Julian Quinde Bravo (ECU)

Mon 9:00 am – Adrian Nelson, B12R vs. Joseph Cevallos (ECU)

Mon 9:00 am -- Vaishant Mangalampalli, B12R vs. Matias Pedro Garavito Campos (BOL) 

Mon 9:45 am – Axel Lopez, B12R vs. Mathias Zeledon (CRI)

Mon 10:30 am – Eshan Ali, B14G vs. Sebastian Terrazas Tapia (BOL)

Mon 10:30 am – Nathan Rykhus, B14G vs. Alvaro Guillen (CRI)

Mon 12:00 pm – Cole Sendrey, B16S vs. Orlando Josue Huyke Granados (COL)

Mon 12:00 pm – Benjamin Horner, B16S vs. Ruben Igor (CHI)

Mon 12:45 pm – Cody Elkins, B21S vs. Tomas Oyhanart (ARG)

Mon 2:15 pm – DJ Mendoza, B18S vs. Alex Sierra (GUA)

Mon 3:45 pm – Alejandro Robles Picon/Vaishant Mangalampalli, B12D vs. Gustavo Gabriel Cordova Soria/Pablo Ignacio Lagos Asturizaga (BOL)

Mon 3:45 pm – Cole Sendrey/DJ Mendoza, B16D vs. Eder Renteria/Jorge Gutierrez (MEX)

Mon 4:30 pm – Eshan Ali/Nathan Rykhus, B14D vs. Josue Farfane Enriquez/Bismarck Pereira (BOL)

Mon 4:30 pm – Assuan Castaneda/Micah Farmer, B21D vs. Diego Garcia/Tomas Oyhanart (ARG)

 

Mon 9:45 am – Montserrat Torres, G14S vs. Ared Arce Berroteran (CRI)

Mon 10:30 am – Andrea Perez Picon, G14S vs. Miranda Barraza (MEX)

Mon 11:15 am – Ava Kaiser, G16S vs. Maria Angela Villacreses (ECU)

Mon 12:45 pm – Annie Roberts, G21S vs. Valeria Hernandez (MEX)

Mon 12:45 pm – Shane Diaz, G21S vs. Mafer Gutierrez (MEX)

Mon 1:30 pm – Aarya Shetty, G12S vs. Danna Hernandez (MEX)

Mon 2:15 pm – Leah Trejo, G12S vs. Luciana Rico Hossen (BOL)

Mon 2:15 pm – Sarah Bawa, G12S vs. Angelica Villaroel Garzon (BOL)

Mon 3:00 pm – Julia Stein, G18S vs. Abigail Solano (CRI)

Mon 3:00 pm – Heather Mahoney, G18S vs. Samira Ferrer Marcilli (CUB)

Mon 3:45 pm – Ava Kaiser/Naomi Ros, G16D vs. Maria Laura Villacreses/Maria Angela Villacreses (ECU)

Mon 3:45 pm – Sarah Bawa/Aarya Shetty, G12D vs. Danna Portillo/Danna Hernandez (MEX)

Mon 3:45 pm – Graci Wargo/Shane Diaz, G21D vs. Valeria Hernandez/Mafer Gutierrez (MEX)

Mon 5:15 pm – Julia Stein/Heather Mahoney, G18D vs. Rebecca Amaya Ardaya/Miranda Martinez (BOL)

 

Mon 5:15 pm – Aarya Shetty/Vaishant Mangalampalli, MX12D vs. Juan David Zea Cueva/Maria Laura Villacreses (ECU)

Mon 6:00 pm -- Montserrat Torres/Axel Lopez, MX14D vs. Nicolas Galindo/Andrea Martinez (MEX)

 

As we were leaving the club tonight, guess who arrived? Pablo Fajre with all of his streaming equipment!

Sometime tomorrow or Tuesday, live streaming will begin from here in Guatemala City. Check www.internationalracquetball.com for the schedule over the next six days!

 

Signing off this evening and eager for tomorrow to arrive...

 

 

-- Cheryl Kirk

 

 

Greetings from Guatemala City where 28 U.S. Junior Team athletes have arrived (or soon will arrive) to compete in the International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Junior Championships, December 2-10, 2022. These athletes qualified to play at the USA Racquetball National Junior Championships in Des Moines, Iowa, in June 2022. 

 

The players who will compete here in Guatemala represent 8 states: California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, and Oregon. They include, in order of their age divisions:

 

Assuan Castañeda, Florida (Doubles)

Shane Diaz, Texas (Singles/Doubles/Mixed)

Cody Elkins, California (Singles)

Micah Farmer, Texas (Singles/Doubles/Mixed)

Annie Roberts, Oregon (Singles)

Graci Wargo, Florida (Doubles)

 

Timmy Hansen, Florida (Singles/Doubles/Mixed)

Heather Mahoney, California (Singles/Doubles/Mixed)

DJ Mendoza, Texas (18 Singles/16 Doubles) 

Paul Saraceno, California (Doubles)

Julia Stein, Ohio (Singles/Doubles)

 

Benjamin Horner, Iowa (Singles)

Ava Kaiser, Minnesota (Singles/Doubles)

Naomi Ros, Texas (Singles/Doubles/Mixed)

Cole Sendrey, Texas (Singles/Doubles/Mixed)

 

Eshan Ali, California (Singles/Doubles)

Elizabeth Denler, Minnesota (Singles/Doubles)

Axel Lopez, Illinois (Singles/Mixed)

Andrea Perez Picon, California (Singles/Doubles)

Nathan Rykhus, California (Singles/Doubles)

Montserrat Torres, Illinois (Singles/Mixed)

 

Sarah Bawa, California (Singles/Doubles)

Vaishant Mangalampalli, California (Singles/Doubles/Mixed)

Adrian Nelson, Texas (Singles)

Alejandro Robles Picon, California (12 Doubles/10 Singles), California

Aarya Shetty, California (Singles/Doubles/Mixed)

Leah Trejo, Texas (Singles)

 

Chris Nelson, Texas (Singles)

 

Head Coach – Tim Baghurst (Florida)

Team Leader – Cheryl Kirk (Illinois)

Assistant Coaches – George Bustos (Texas), Jennifer Meyer (Colorado), Abraham Peña (South Carolina/Mexico), Sandy Rios (Texas)

Athletic Trainer – Delaney Farmer (Washington)

 

Let’s segue for a minute to share some early news and anecdotes about the delegation...

 

Friday, December 2, marks the birthdays of two members of the U.S. Junior Team Delegation. Athlete Chris Nelson of San Antonio, Texas, hits double digits as he prepares to compete in the 10 & Under Singles division beginning Saturday. USAR Hall of Famer Tim Hansen of Wellington, Florida, celebrates the anniversary of his birth that occurred roughly 50 years before Chris was born. We grabbed a photo of the two this evening, and it’s a keeper. Happy Birthday, Chris and Tim!

 

Note: Sending birthday wishes to Luke St. Onge, IRF’s Secretary General, whose birthday is also 12/2!

Many of the athletes took the opportunity to participate in selling raffle tickets to help raise funds for their trip to the World Junior Championships. They sent their tickets in to Team Leader Cheryl who did the honors of selecting the winner of the $500 prize. (Note from Cheryl: Well, actually, to honorably execute the drawing, I went next door to ask my neighbor and friend Maureen Keough––who has no connection to racquetball whatsoever––to do the honors. She reached in and pulled out the winning ticket...drum roll, please...)

Congratulations to Rosco Halsey of Olathe, Kansas! When Rosco found out he won the prize, he immediately suggested some ways that his prize can be used to support Junior Racquetball development. Not a surprise, and thank you for your generosity, Rosco!

 

Something really fun happened to Benjamin Horner as he began his trip with his parents Dan and Melissa this morning in Des Moines. All of a sudden, just before the plane departed for Chicago O’Hare en route to Houston and then on to Guatemala City, a photo appeared on his phone of...his Head bag in the cargo hold of their airplane! Tyler Peterson (a racquetball player!) who works at DSM and spotted Benjamin’s bag while loading luggage. Tyler went the extra mile and let the flight crew know that they had a star in their midst. An announcement was made to let the passengers know of this very special person on board. Applause erupted on the early-morning flight!

 

San Antonio athletes Shane Diaz, DJ Mendoza, and Naomi Ros, along with U.S. Junior Team Assistant Coaches George Bustos and Sandy Rios and “cheerleaders” Joe Hall and David Mendoza, toughed out a frustrating situation when their AA flight was canceled in San Antonio on Wednesday due to mechanical problems. No flight to DFW, no connection to Guatemala City. At first it sounded like they wouldn’t arrive until Friday noon, but thanks to Joe’s assistance, they should be arriving any minute (as this was written) at 11:00 pm Thursday. A good night’s sleep will have them in prime condition to get some practice in before matches begin on Saturday!

 

The U.S. Junior Team Delegation will total 72 once everyone has arrived in Guatemala! Family members, friends, and two private coaches* will also be there in support of the Team. And, six parents** will do double duty as coaches for their own players and others, alongside the U.S. Junior Team Coaches. 

 

It’s so important to the U.S. Junior Team Delegation that the love is felt from home! To help everyone back in the States feel like they’re right there courtside, the following will be offered: 

 

1.     The Daily Blog, accompanied by plenty of photos posted on the USA Racquetball website.

2.     Social media posts from the staff as well as the families and the athletes themselves.

3.     Live streaming provided by the IRF for quarterfinals, semifinals, finals, (and the Awards Ceremony on December 10th), for fans from participating countries including the USA.

 

Be sure to visit www.internationalracquetball.com to keep up with the draws and see how your favorite players are doing!

 

Players got some good practice in today at Domo Complejo de Racquetball, the 10-court host club. Tomorrow’s blog will contain more background on the tournament (format/scoring, etc.) before matches begin on Saturday. Each day for the next nine, you’ll see match outcomes and schedules for the coming day. 

 

Follow along with us, here we go...