The World Outdoor Racquetball Hall of Fame (WORHOF) Committee is honored to make a very special announcement... The legendary, tournament director and founder of the 3 WallBall Las Vegas National Championship (and one of the biggest events in racquetball) has been inducted into the 2019 Hall of Fame.
Mike Coulter's storied list of accomplishments include creating the 3WallBall World Championships in 2010 at the Las Vegas Stratosphere Hotel and Casino and starting both the CPRT (2006) and the IRT Pro National Championships in Las Vegas (1990’s). Mike worked with three sports to create a massive, 3WallBall Championship event with live streaming and also with ESPN to bring the event to a much larger audience. In 2006, he helped create the CPRT (Classic Professional Racquetball Tour) which focused on players of the previous era that were 40 years and older like Cliff Swain; Marty Hogan; Bret Harnett; Ruben Gonzalez; Mike Ray; Dave & Gregg Peck; Mike Ceresia; Steve Lerner; Jason Mannino; Woody Clouse and Gerry Price etc.
This legendary contributor has also been honored as WOR’s 2018 Gary Sheffield Award winner (the sport’s top award) for his love of growing the game. His contributions to charity are unique. For the last 15 years, Mike has run an annual Toy Drive event that includes indoor and outdoor racquetball play along with local clubs that have generated thousands of toys and dollars for the benefit of the SafeNest Shelter-- for abused women and children. The money raised has funded programs with 3WallBall Championships like BSA Sunrise Children's Hospital, church groups, the Military Racquetball Federation (MRF) and junior programs which have increased the awareness for these causes and for racquetball. Mike Coulter has also helped helped to generate one of the largest charitable contributions ever in racquetball history by raising over $500,000 in prize money and over $75,000 for charity and junior programs and to bring awareness to racquetball.
Greg Lewerenz, WOR National Director stated, “Mike Coulter has done more for the sport of racquetball than any other single contributor and almost all of Mike's contributions are behind the scenes and never seen by the majority of the players. Mike has made an art of assembling the best people and running the best events and putting more blood, sweat, tears, and let's be honest, money, behind his efforts in the sport that he is truly passionate about. Everyone in the sport of racquetball, especially WOR, owes you thanks and gratitude for all you've done and now your in the HALL OF FAME!"
Hank Marcus, WOR’s founder added, "The 3WallBall World Championships is the most unique event in court sports and a must play event.”
Brett Elkins, chairman/co-founder of the WORHOF stated, “Mike Coulter has done for our sport what no one else has. He started arguably racquetball’s premier event--the 3WallBall Championship; held it at the iconic Stratosphere Hotel parking lot and then “topped it off” with ESPN broadcasting the event. The all you can eat, included player's Buffett at the Stratosphere Hotel is the best "player meal" that I have ever eaten at a tournament by far. This is the best event that I have ever played in my life."
Mike's induction is part of a WOR's campaign during the next five years to help celebrate the sports founders; its major tournament directors; and going forward to induct all of the legendary early stars from the 1960's-1990's. Public nominations always take precedent over the committee’s own nominations. WORHOF looks forward to receiving your very own Hall of Fame submissions at any time from any of the past stars from the 1960's-1990's by sending a completed and detailed resume of their achievements to Brett Elkins at Brett@trafficeducation.net. Nominations are typically voted on in the order received. Please be sure to include their major titles (or top 4 major finishes), dates, the name of tournaments and other important information desired by using the enclosed resume as an example (or any Hall of Fame Resume at WorldOutdoorRacquetball.net -- under Hall of Fame "inductees." For 2020, no nominations have been submitted so we would love to have your favorite player resume submitted to memorialize them.
Most importantly, please take a moment below to celebrate Mike Coulter's accomplishments by reviewing his resume below. The induction ceremony will take place "outdoor style" as we stop play at the "World Outdoor Championships" which takes place in Huntington Beach, CA July 11-14, 2019 ( with the Hall of Fame induction ceremony occurring in the afternoon around 2 pm on Saturday, July 13, 2019) and also at his very own tournament, the famous Las Vegas 3WallBall Championships held in September 2019.
The WORHOF committee is composed of WOR founder Hank Marcus and WOR National Director Greg Lewerenz; WORHOF chairman Brett Elkins and all past great inductees who vote including these legends :Brian Hawkes, Martha and Greg McDonald, Bob Wetzel and Barry Wallace, Charlie Brumfield, Dr. Bud., Robert "Iceman" Sostre, Freddy Ramirez, Marty Hogan, Craig "Clubber" Lane, Scott Hirsch, Franklin "Bud" Held, Lynn Adams Clay, Dan Southern, Vic Leibofsky, Greg Solis, Hank Marcus and now the legendary contributor Mike Coulter.
Here is a biography and resume of Mike Coulter's incredible achievements:
Born March 27, 1963. Nominated by Hank Marcus and Craig Lane.
“Mike’s unique accomplishments include: creating 3WallBall World Championships in 2010 at the Las Vegas Stratosphere Hotel and Casino and starting both the CPRT (2006) and the IRT Pro National Championships in Las Vegas (1990’s). Mike worked with three sports to create a massive, 3WallBall Championship event with live streaming and also with ESPN to bring the event to a much larger audience.” (Hank Marcus, founder of WOR).
MIKE COULTER’S TOP 10 GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS:
(In No Order of Importance):
QUOTABLES:
"Mike Coulter has done more for the sport of racquetball than any other single contributor and almost all of Mike's contributions are behind the scenes and never seen by the majority of the players. Mike has made an art of assembling the best people and running the best events and putting more blood, sweat, tears, and let's be honest, money, behind his efforts in the sport that he is truly passionate about. Everyone in the sport of racquetball, especially WOR, owes you thanks and gratitude for all you've done and now your in the HALL OF FAME!" (WOR National Director, Greg Lewerenz).
“Mike Coulter has done for our sport what no one else has. He started arguably racquetball’s premier event--the 3WallBall Championship; held it at the iconic Stratosphere Hotel parking lot and then 'topped it off' with ESPN broadcasting the event." (Brett Elkins, WORHOF Co-Founder/Chair).
"The 3WallBall World Championships is the most unique in court sports.” (Hank Marcus, WOR Founder).
“Mike Coulter has always been a great promoter sparing no expense in running tournaments going back to pro stops, shootouts and master’s events and they have been awesome.“ (Hall of Famer Craig Lane).
"If you call up Mike to ask him about his accomplishment, he’ll say I don’t deserve to be in (yeah, right you don’t!); but, he was my roommate and won’t try to get in. An elite level player, he also ran major events including an IRT event at the L.V. Sporting House, L.V. Athletic Clubs and Chuck Minker Sport’s Complex.“ (Craig "Clubber" Lane, a lifelong friend of Coulter).
"At the largest outdoor tournament in the country, some of the LPRT's top players came to Las Vegas to put on a show in the city that never sleeps. We thank Mike Coulter, Hank Marcus, Steve Lerner, Vic Leibofsky and the entire tournament staff for hosting this great event." (LPRT press release event).
“Early 2006: the Classic Pro Racquetball Tour is launched...” The tour is designed to showcase the players in the sandwich generation of 80's and 90's retired pros who played between the Legend’s Tour players... It features the likes of Ruben Gonzalez, Bret Harnett, Cliff Swain, Woody Clouse, Gerry Price, Steve Lerner, Mike Ray and Canadian Mike Ceresia.’ (IRT site).
“Through his creation of the 3WallBall event, Mike and I have worked together and it’s been a pleasure to be involved with his events. Simply put, there would be no Las Vegas events if it was not for Mike’s drive and passion and WOR is much better off because of Mike" (Mike Martinez, president, Pro Kennex).
Mike Coulter's storied list of accomplishments include creating the 3WallBall World Championships in 2010 at the Las Vegas Stratosphere Hotel and Casino and starting both the CPRT (2006) and the IRT Pro National Championships in Las Vegas (1990’s). Mike worked with three sports to create a massive, 3WallBall Championship event with live streaming and also with ESPN to bring the event to a much larger audience. In 2006, he helped create the CPRT (Classic Professional Racquetball Tour) which focused on players of the previous era that were 40 years and older like Cliff Swain; Marty Hogan; Bret Harnett; Ruben Gonzalez; Mike Ray; Dave & Gregg Peck; Mike Ceresia; Steve Lerner; Jason Mannino; Woody Clouse and Gerry Price etc.
This legendary contributor has also been honored as WOR’s 2018 Gary Sheffield Award winner (the sport’s top award) for his love of growing the game. His contributions to charity are unique. For the last 15 years, Mike has run an annual Toy Drive event that includes indoor and outdoor racquetball play along with local clubs that have generated thousands of toys and dollars for the benefit of the SafeNest Shelter-- for abused women and children. The money raised has funded programs with 3WallBall Championships like BSA Sunrise Children's Hospital, church groups, the Military Racquetball Federation (MRF) and junior programs which have increased the awareness for these causes and for racquetball. Mike Coulter has also helped helped to generate one of the largest charitable contributions ever in racquetball history by raising over $500,000 in prize money and over $75,000 for charity and junior programs and to bring awareness to racquetball.
Greg Lewerenz, WOR National Director stated, “Mike Coulter has done more for the sport of racquetball than any other single contributor and almost all of Mike's contributions are behind the scenes and never seen by the majority of the players. Mike has made an art of assembling the best people and running the best events and putting more blood, sweat, tears, and let's be honest, money, behind his efforts in the sport that he is truly passionate about. Everyone in the sport of racquetball, especially WOR, owes you thanks and gratitude for all you've done and now your in the HALL OF FAME!"
Hank Marcus, WOR’s founder added, "The 3WallBall World Championships is the most unique event in court sports and a must play event.”
Brett Elkins, chairman/co-founder of the WORHOF stated, “Mike Coulter has done for our sport what no one else has. He started arguably racquetball’s premier event--the 3WallBall Championship; held it at the iconic Stratosphere Hotel parking lot and then “topped it off” with ESPN broadcasting the event. The all you can eat, included player's Buffett at the Stratosphere Hotel is the best "player meal" that I have ever eaten at a tournament by far. This is the best event that I have ever played in my life."
Mike's induction is part of a WOR's campaign during the next five years to help celebrate the sports founders; its major tournament directors; and going forward to induct all of the legendary early stars from the 1960's-1990's. Public nominations always take precedent over the committee’s own nominations. WORHOF looks forward to receiving your very own Hall of Fame submissions at any time from any of the past stars from the 1960's-1990's by sending a completed and detailed resume of their achievements to Brett Elkins at Brett@trafficeducation.net. Nominations are typically voted on in the order received. Please be sure to include their major titles (or top 4 major finishes), dates, the name of tournaments and other important information desired by using the enclosed resume as an example (or any Hall of Fame Resume at WorldOutdoorRacquetball.net -- under Hall of Fame "inductees." For 2020, no nominations have been submitted so we would love to have your favorite player resume submitted to memorialize them.
Most importantly, please take a moment below to celebrate Mike Coulter's accomplishments by reviewing his resume below. The induction ceremony will take place "outdoor style" as we stop play at the "World Outdoor Championships" which takes place in Huntington Beach, CA July 11-14, 2019 ( with the Hall of Fame induction ceremony occurring in the afternoon around 2 pm on Saturday, July 13, 2019) and also at his very own tournament, the famous Las Vegas 3WallBall Championships held in September 2019.
The WORHOF committee is composed of WOR founder Hank Marcus and WOR National Director Greg Lewerenz; WORHOF chairman Brett Elkins and all past great inductees who vote including these legends :Brian Hawkes, Martha and Greg McDonald, Bob Wetzel and Barry Wallace, Charlie Brumfield, Dr. Bud., Robert "Iceman" Sostre, Freddy Ramirez, Marty Hogan, Craig "Clubber" Lane, Scott Hirsch, Franklin "Bud" Held, Lynn Adams Clay, Dan Southern, Vic Leibofsky, Greg Solis, Hank Marcus and now the legendary contributor Mike Coulter.
Here is a biography and resume of Mike Coulter's incredible achievements:
Born March 27, 1963. Nominated by Hank Marcus and Craig Lane.
“Mike’s unique accomplishments include: creating 3WallBall World Championships in 2010 at the Las Vegas Stratosphere Hotel and Casino and starting both the CPRT (2006) and the IRT Pro National Championships in Las Vegas (1990’s). Mike worked with three sports to create a massive, 3WallBall Championship event with live streaming and also with ESPN to bring the event to a much larger audience.” (Hank Marcus, founder of WOR).
MIKE COULTER’S TOP 10 GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS:
(In No Order of Importance):
- Mike Coulter is the founding creator of 3WallBall, LLC. The 3WallBall World Outdoor Championship is held each year in the fall in Las Vegas at the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino in its parking lot. Mike worked with Hank Marcus and Dave Vincent/WPH to create 3WallBall and with the help of Rick Koll, Steve Lerner, Vic Leibofsky, Randy Lam, and Peggine Tellez made it a reality.
- Mike Coulter is the founder and creator of the CPRT in 2006 (Classic Professional Racquetball Tour) which focused on players of the previous era that were 40 years and older like Cliff Swain; Marty Hogan; Bret Harnett; Ruben Gonzalez; Mike Ray; Dave & Gregg Peck; Mike Ceresia; Steve Lerner; Jason Mannino; Woody Clouse and Gerry Price etc.
- Mike Coulter, with the help of Hank Marcus and the support of Margo Daniels and Tony Riemma created the Las Vegas IRT Pro Nationals hosted by the Las Vegas Sporting House. The Las Vegas Sporting House was one of the greatest racquetball clubs of its time with 64 player pro draws and legends playing such as Wasenchuk, Swain, Monchick, Elllis, Mannino, Ray, Gonzalez, Hogan, Yellen, Harnett, Roberts, Huczek and other great pro stars from the 1980’s-1990’s and amateurs to create a 600 player event.
- Mike Coulter is WOR’s 2018 Gary Sheffield Award winner (the sport’s top award) for his love of growing the game.
- Mike Coulter is the promoter and creator of the 3WallBall National Championships--it’s the largest tournament of its kind which combines racquetball, handball and paddleball.
- Mike Coulter was the force who came up with the idea of building a portable court system. His inspiration along with support of Stratosphere Hotel and Management (David Grolman and Tom Moore) made this event a reality. It is hosted by the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino each fall to crown outdoor champions in multiple sports at the end of the summer.
- Mike Coulter was an instrumental part in the growth of WOR and its evolution into the major force of outdoor racquetball and its ultimate inclusion under the USA Racquetball umbrella.
- Mike Coulter for the last 15 years has run an annual Toy Drive event that includes indoor and outdoor racquetball play along with local clubs that have generated thousands of toys and dollars for the benefit of the SafeNest Shelter-- for abused women and children. The money raised has funded programs with 3WallBall Championships like BSA Sunrise Children's Hospital, church groups, the Military Racquetball Federation (MRF) and junior programs which have increased the awareness for these causes and for racquetball.
- Mike Coulter and CPRT brought players to one of the most significant outdoor racquetball events when a court was brought to the US Navy Carrier, The USS Bonhomme Richard & turned it into “...the most amazing outdoor event in history:” (Hank Marcus)
- Mike Coulter’s three greatest legacies are (and in no particular order): A) The Pro Nationals and the resurgence of racquetball in the 1990’s with the IRT. B) Working with all of the major groups led by 3WallBalll-- WOR, USA Racquetball, WPH, NPA, IRT, LPRT, and CPRT to create and bring 3WallBall to ESPN (due to the extra work with Dave V. and the WPH) and C) Helping to generate over $500,000 in prize money and over $75,000 for charity and junior programs and to bring awareness to racquetball.
QUOTABLES:
"Mike Coulter has done more for the sport of racquetball than any other single contributor and almost all of Mike's contributions are behind the scenes and never seen by the majority of the players. Mike has made an art of assembling the best people and running the best events and putting more blood, sweat, tears, and let's be honest, money, behind his efforts in the sport that he is truly passionate about. Everyone in the sport of racquetball, especially WOR, owes you thanks and gratitude for all you've done and now your in the HALL OF FAME!" (WOR National Director, Greg Lewerenz).
“Mike Coulter has done for our sport what no one else has. He started arguably racquetball’s premier event--the 3WallBall Championship; held it at the iconic Stratosphere Hotel parking lot and then 'topped it off' with ESPN broadcasting the event." (Brett Elkins, WORHOF Co-Founder/Chair).
"The 3WallBall World Championships is the most unique in court sports.” (Hank Marcus, WOR Founder).
“Mike Coulter has always been a great promoter sparing no expense in running tournaments going back to pro stops, shootouts and master’s events and they have been awesome.“ (Hall of Famer Craig Lane).
"If you call up Mike to ask him about his accomplishment, he’ll say I don’t deserve to be in (yeah, right you don’t!); but, he was my roommate and won’t try to get in. An elite level player, he also ran major events including an IRT event at the L.V. Sporting House, L.V. Athletic Clubs and Chuck Minker Sport’s Complex.“ (Craig "Clubber" Lane, a lifelong friend of Coulter).
"At the largest outdoor tournament in the country, some of the LPRT's top players came to Las Vegas to put on a show in the city that never sleeps. We thank Mike Coulter, Hank Marcus, Steve Lerner, Vic Leibofsky and the entire tournament staff for hosting this great event." (LPRT press release event).
“Early 2006: the Classic Pro Racquetball Tour is launched...” The tour is designed to showcase the players in the sandwich generation of 80's and 90's retired pros who played between the Legend’s Tour players... It features the likes of Ruben Gonzalez, Bret Harnett, Cliff Swain, Woody Clouse, Gerry Price, Steve Lerner, Mike Ray and Canadian Mike Ceresia.’ (IRT site).
“Through his creation of the 3WallBall event, Mike and I have worked together and it’s been a pleasure to be involved with his events. Simply put, there would be no Las Vegas events if it was not for Mike’s drive and passion and WOR is much better off because of Mike" (Mike Martinez, president, Pro Kennex).