Approximately 240 competitors from 16 countries represented this year's Jr. World Championships. This year the competition did not offer the Friendship Cup or mixed doubles. The Espirit Cup did not offer 6U, 8U, or mixed doubles. Team USA won the overall title for second year in a row.
Jordan Cooperrider Qualified for the Junior Olympic Team by taking 1st Place in the girl's 10U doubles at the Jr. Nationals this past summer in East Lansing, Michigan. Jordan and doubles partner Erika Manilla (Colorado) competed in the girls 10U doubles. This year, the format was the same as the older juniors. Two pools, round robin format. Once the round robin was complete for both pools the teams were
seeded according to their finish. Jordan and Erika finished their pool play in 1st place. The Gold draw placed the girl's in the number two position as a result of losing to Team Mexico in the finals at last year's Jr. World Championship's. Team Mexico earned the number 1
seed.
Singles - 5th Place Gold Division - Jordan competed in the 10U singles and lost in the quarter finals. Jordan went on to win 1st place in the Blue Division.
Doubles - 1st Place Gold Division - Jordan and Erika played very well and made it to the semi-finals to play against Team Ireland. Team Ireland played very tough. Jordan and Erika won the first game 15-10 and lost the second game (12)-15. In the tie breaker, Team Ireland was serving for match point at 10-7. Ireland served and Jordan/Erika won the rally. Ireland served again and the rally seemed to go on forever. Ireland hit a high ball off the side wall which jammed Jordan shoulder high. Jordan quickly reacted with an overhead backhand pinch for the side out. Erika served and the rally ended with a point. Erika served again and the rally ended in a point. Erika was now serving 9-10. Erika served and the girl's lost the rally. Jordan was now serving 9-10. Jordan served a drive serve and Ireland skipped the ball. The game was tied at 10-10 and Jordan served a high lob Z. The rally continued for approximately four shots per team when the girl's appeared to hit a winner and the crowd went wild. Ireland continued to play and the referee allowed the game to continue another three or four shots per team when Jordan was on the receiving end of a high hit ball off the side wall that jammed her. Again, Jordan quickly reacted and hit an overhead backhand pinch that rolled out for match point.
The girl's went up against Team Mexico in the finals. The girl's played really well and won the first game 15-12. It appeared as though the girl's would win the second game; however, Team Mexico had other ideas. The girl's found themselves down 10-3 when they took a time out. At 11-4, the girl's got really tough and decided a tie breaker was not in their vocabulary. Jordan hates tie-breakers. Jordan and Erika went on to win a very exciting match 15-13. Jordan did a fist pump and congratulated Team Mexico and her own partner Erika. Jordan walked off the court, hugged me, and looked up at me and said "daddy, did I do good"?
Jordan and I would like to thank the FRA and TEAM HEAD for their continued support/sponsorship. The FRA has proudly supported Jr. Racquetball which we all know is the future.
Daryl Cooperrider
Note: Posted on 2-12-2010 by Andy Pawlowski andypaw@attglobal.net
who is always looking for articles of interest in all web site
sections.
2009 USAR 36th Junior Olympic Championships –
This year’s Junior Nationals was held
in
Our Juniors competed strongly against the
usual powerhouse states of
There were 2 national champions from
A special thanks to Kim Roy, all the
participating parents, and to the FRA for their support.
(Submitted by Gary Wargo)
2009 US National High School Racquetball Championships 2/25/2009 - 3/1/2009
Dan Lerow from Sarasota recently competed in the 20th Annual High School Nationals in St. Louis, Mo. along with 351 players from 14 different states. Dan came in seeded 9th in the Boys #1 Division and competed well. He made it to the Quarterfinals of the Boy's #1 Singles where he lost to #1 seed (and eventual tournament winner) Taylor Knoth from Oregon (USA Team member). The Quarterfinals, Semi-Finals and Finals matches were played on the Missouri Athletic Club's grandstand court which was very cool (lot's of people watching the matches and the MAC is the former JCC where Marty Hogan got his start so lot's of racquetball history, etc.). Congratulations to Dan!
A note from Bob Lerow thanked the FRA for being a supporter of
this event, and more information on the entire event is
currently featured on the USA
Racquetball web www.usra.org
2008 - 20th Junior World Racquetball Championships: (Submitted by Gary Wargo)
The experience was fantastic, and the competition level was amazingly higher than Junior Nationals. It was a great racquetball camaraderie experience and also a great social and cultural experience for the Juniors. Evan and Graciana each competed in at least 9 or 10 Round Robin or Pool Play matches.
Back in November 2008, for the benefit of the young Juniors, I petitioning the IRF to reconsider their 2006 decision to remove Multi-Bounce Divisions from all World Events going forward. We did have success in getting that reinstated for at least this one World Event. The future of Multi-Bounce in World Events is undetermined at this time.
There were 279 competitors from 17 countries. There were 74 participants from the USA, from 17 different states. Florida had 4 USA participants which put Florida with the 4th highest state participation.
In the World Cup, USA won the Boy's, won the Girl's, and won the Overall for the first time since 2001!
To give you an idea of where your investment went:
Graciana Wargo competed in:
1) Junior Girl's Singles 6- Multi-Bounce (Combined with Girl's 8- MB) (5th Place)
2) Junior Girl's Singles 8- (Single Bounce) (6th Place)
Evan Wargo competed in:
1) Junior Boy's Singles 10- (5th Place - Red Draw)
2) Junior Boy's Doubles 10- (Round of 16)
3) Junior Mixed Doubles 10- (5th Place)
It was great for them to be Florida representatives, along with their friends Sean and Jordan Cooperrider. It was particularly exciting for them to participate along with Team-USA in the Olympic-style opening ceremony with the 17 country flag procession held at Tempe Diablo Stadium, where the LA Angels of Anaheim spring train. This will go a long way to keep them motivated and excited about our great sport.
We are now putting our ideas and strategies together for Junior Nationals in East Lansing MI on 6/24/09.
A sincere "Thank You" for supporting the Junior Racquetballers in Florida!
Best Regards, Gary & Kathleen Wargo
Note: Posted on 2-12-2009 by Andy Pawlowski andypaw@attglobal.net
who is always looking for articles of interest in all web site
sections.
2008 - 20th Junior World Racquetball Championships: (Submitted by Daryl Cooperrider)
The IRF 20th Junior World Racquetball Championships were held in Tempe, Arizona December 15th – 20th. Approximately 300 players from 17 countries competed in singles and doubles. For the 1st time since 2002 Team USA won the overall title from Team Mexico. Florida was represented by Sean and Jordan Cooperrider and Evan and Gracie Wargo. Jordan qualified for the Junior Olympic team by placing 1st place in the 10U Doubles at the Junior National Championships this past summer in California.
Jordan took 2nd place 10U Doubles Gold Division with partner Erika Manilla (Colorado). Jordan also took 3rd Place 10U Singles Blue Division.
Sean took 2nd Place 12U Mixed Doubles Gold Division with partner Hollie Hungerford (Oregon). Sean took 1st Place 12U Doubles Red Division with partner Adam Manilla (Colorado) and took 1st Place 12U Singles White Division.
Evan made it to the Quarter-Finals 10U Mixed Doubles Gold Division. Evan made it to the Quarter-Finals 10U Singles White Division and lost in the round of 16 in the 10U Doubles in a tough tie-breaker.
Gracie finished 4th out of 8 in her 6U Multi-Bounce pool play and then made it to the Quarter-Finals where she lost in a tough tie- breaker. Gracie also finished in 6th Place 8U Singles Gold Division.
Respectfully submitted, Daryl Cooperrider
XIX Jr. World Racquetball Championships: (Submitted by Daryl Cooperrider)
The XIX Jr. World Racquetball Championships were held in Cochabamba, Bolivia 12/15/07 through 12/20/07. The Country Club of Cochabamba only had 8 courts so the 6U, 8U, and mixed doubles were eliminated from the tournament. Sean and Jordan Cooperrider qualified for Jr. National Team. Jordan was invited by Team USA to play up in the 10U because her 8U division was eliminated. Team USA needed one more girl as a point earner for the USA. Jordan gladly accepted the honor. Jordan played with all heart and determination as all her opponents were much taller and stronger than her. Jordan took 4th Place 10U Doubles Gold Division and 2nd Place 10U White Division. Sean took 3rd Place 12U Doubles Gold Division and 3rd Place 12U Red Division. It took several days to get acclimated to playing at 8,500 feet above sea level. As Sean was practicing his first and second ceiling ball bounced out of the viewing galley. A ball off the back wall would travel all the way to the short line. Approximately 40% of all participants suffered from altitude sickness or got sick from the water/food. On the second day I fell victim. I was very proud of our team for overcoming these challenges. The boys team took 1st place overall. The girls team tied for 3rd with Bolivia and Team USA took 2nd place overall. I would like to thank all those who purchased raffle tickets for your support. I would like to thank the FRA for their financial support and HEAD for providing all the equipment needed for the tournament.
Junior Racquetball Classes starting Sept. 10th. at Clearwater YMCA
see details
Junior World
Championships - a note from Daryl Cooperrider:
The 18th IRF World Junior Racquetball Championships were held
in Tempe, Az. 12/16/06 through 12/21/06. The tournament was
held at the Arizona State University recreation center. My
daughter Jordan Cooperrider competed in the girls 8u and 8umb.
Jordan ended up in a three way tie for second place in the 8u
gold division. After all calculations were made (round robin)
Jordan finished in 4th place despite the fact she beat the
girl from Mexico who took second place. . Jordan took 3rd
place in the 8umb gold division. Sean competed in the boys 10u
doubles and singles. Sean and his doubles partner, Adam
Manilla from Colorado, finished in 3rd place gold division.
Sean finished in 3rd place in the 10u singles red division.
Sean thanks the FRA for their support which enabled him to
represent the U.S.A. at the Jr. Worlds.
The FRA's Commitment
to Junior racquetball players - by Karen Bouchard, FRA
Treasurer:
The Florida Racquetball Association is very proud to have been
a supporter of one of our most dedicated junior players in his
quest to represent our country at the 18th IRF World Junior
Championship in Tempe, Arizona from December 16-21, 2006.
Sean Cooperider is a team member on the 2006 United States
Junior National Racquetball Team. He earned this appointment
by taking first place in the “Boys 10 and Under Doubles”
at the national tournament this past June in Lansing,
Michigan. As a member of the Junior National Racquetball Team,
Sean earned the right to play at the World Junior
Championship.
Sean’s father, Darryl, introduced him to Dad’s favorite
sport when he was still in diapers and the rest is history
-------- Sean’s passion for racquetball hasn’t waned
since!! Darryl has diligently tutored both Sean and his
sister, Jordan, over the years to the point where both brother
and sister are two of Florida’s finest junior players.
It came to the attention of the FRA that Darryl and Sean had
sent out a letter to individuals and businesses asking for
sponsors to help defray some of the expenses of Sean’s trip.
Once the board was aware of this, it was a very quick decision
indeed to offer support to one of our most committed
racquetball families --- the FRA voted unanimously to pay for
Sean’s airline ticket and hotel room.
Sean went on to compete in the boys 10 Under Doubles and
Singles, finishing in 3rd place (with partner Adam Manilla
from Colorado) in the gold division in doubles and finishing
in 3rd place in the Boys 10Under red division in singles.
Jordan competed in the girls 8Under and 8Under Multi-Bounce
divisions, ending up in a three way tie for 2nd place in the
8Under and (with a final finish of 4th place after all
calculations were made) and 3rd place in the 8Under
Multi-Bounce.
Congratulations to both Sean and Jordan!! The Florida
Racquetball Association is more than pleased to have been a
part of your experience and we thank you for your commitment
to our sport.
Sidenote: The Florida Racquetball Association is very
committed to supporting our junior programming in any way
possible in order to encourage/help our young players. Thanks
to Kim Roy and her efforts, we are having more junior events
than we’ve ever had (tournaments, jamborees, one day events,
clinics…). The FRA pays all sanctioning fees for these
events as well as helping pay for shirts, medals, food, etc.
All of those $5 ref fees that you put in the jars at the
tournament desks really do go directly to our juniors so thank
you so much!!
Submitted by: Karen Bouchard
Tournament Kids Warm-up Sessions Saturday Oct 21, 2006 8:30am-11:30am Interbay YMCA Tampa,FL contact: Kim Roy kimberly_roy@hotmail.com 603-491-1494 $10 YMCA member $15 non-YMCA member
Tournament Kids Warm-up Sessions Saturday Nov 11, 2006 9:00am-3:00pm Interbay YMCA Tampa, FL contact: Kim Roy kimberly_roy@hotmail.com 603-491-1494 $15 YMCA member $20 YMCA member
Michigan Athletic Club - Lansing, MI - (6/21/2006 - 6/25/2006)
The following information was provided in part by Daryl Cooperrider and Bob Lerow:
The tournament was held at the Michigan Athletic Club just outside of the Michigan State University campus and approximately 250 Juniors participated. There were five entrants from Florida; Sean and Jordan Cooperrider, Tim and Dan Lerow and David Perez.
* Sean placed 1st in the 10U doubles Gold Division and 1st 10U singles Blue Division
* Jordan placed 3rd in the 8UMB Gold Division
* Tim took 5th overall in the 12 and Under Gold Division; Dan was 2nd in the 14 and Under Blue Division
* David Perez took 4th in the Boy's 18 and Under Blue Division
Further Information can be view off the USAR Web Site at: http://www.usra.org/ and clicking on (2006 Junior Olympics - Results) and detailed tournament information can also be viewed directly at: http://www.r2sports.com/tourney/viewResults.asp?TID=1294
Questions - contact Andy Pawlowski
Some Ideas for Juniors this summer (2006)
Fellow Florida Racquetball Players,
Summer vacation is coming around again. This is a great time for us to talk to
kids we know or kids we see in the health club and give them a chance to hit
the racquetball around with us. They are looking for things to do during the
summer break. Let's give them something fun and healthy to fill their time
with, instead of them possibly doing things that can get them into trouble.
2006
Junior Racquetball Sessions - Tampa
The
Interbay-Glover Family YMCA in Tampa, Florida
All children are invited to join the
program.
For
more information, please call Kimberly Roy at 813-258-5116 or via e-mail
kimberly_roy@hotmail.com
Jan - Feb Junior Racquetball Schedule
Mar - Apr Junior Racquetball Schedule
Tampa
Junior Racquetball T-shirts
Please help raise money for the junior racquetball kids by purchasing a tie-dye T-shirt (see photos). The T-shirts are $15, plus $2.50 shipping (if applicable). Sizes available are: Youth sizes (S, M, L) and Adult sizes (S, M, L, XL). Please make check payable to the YMCA and mail to: Kim Roy 810 South Oregon Avenue Tampa, FL 33606 If you have any questions, contact Kim Roy @ 813-258-5116. Thank you for your support! Racquetball T-Shirt Information
Junior Racquetball Program in Tampa - Update --
4/28/2005
The junior racquetball program at the Interbay-Glover Family YMCA in
Tampa, FL, (which began in January 2005) continues to be a huge success! The
program has now grown to 60 children ranging in ages of 4-16. This junior
racquetball program meets weekly on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. There are
approximately 8 children in each of the 8 different time sessions. All children
are invited to join the program. To join, or for more information, please call
Kimberly Roy at 813-258-5116.
This summer, the Interbay-Glover Family YMCA will host four different sessions of racquetball camp. The camp will meet daily from 9am until noon for ages 6-16. To sign up for this program, contact the Interbay-Glover Family YMCA in Tampa, FL @ 813-839-0210. Or if you have any questions, feel free to contact Kim Roy @ 813-258-5116. Summer Junior Racquetball Camp Session 1: June 6-10 Session 2: June 13-17 Session 3: July 18-22 Session 4: July 25-29
In January, Kim posted a request on this FRA website asking for racquetball
equipment donations. The response was amazing. Thank you! Below is a list of
sponsors of the junior racquetball program. Thank you very much for your
support of the Tampa YMCA Junior Racquetball Program. If anyone else
would like to make a donations, it would be very much appreciated. Please
contact Kimberly Roy via phone #813-258-5116 or e-mail
kimberly_roy@hotmail.com
*****************************************************************
Donations and Sponsors:
Florida Racquetball Association - HEAD / PENN Racquet Sports - WILSON - YMCA
(Tampa Metro)
John Ansel - Steve Barnhouse - Don Carter - Joe Coppola - Tom
Davis - Jeff Eckhouse - Eric Foeking
Steve Kowkabany - Judd & Darcey Martin - Todd Nguyen - Sue Pfahler - Andy
Pawlowski
Sam Rootjanapunt - Kim Roy - Stan Smith - Bob Kozyra
Junior Racquetball Program in Tampa - Update
-- Feb 2005
The brand new junior racquetball program is a huge success!!! In just
over a month, the program has grown to over 35 children ranging in ages
of 4-16. This junior racquetball program meets weekly on Thursday
afternoons at the Interbay-Glover Family YMCA in Tampa, Florida. All children
are invited to join the program. To join, or for more information, please call
Kimberly Roy at 813-258-5116.
*****************************************************************
Daryl Cooperrider writes that his son, Sean Cooperrider, competed in the Jr World R-ball Championships in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Sean was a semi-finalist in the 8MB gold division (bronze medallist) and a Quarterfinalist in the 8U. Sean finished 2nd place in the blue division 8U.
Program Information appreciated:
In case you have not figured it out, Juniors are a large part of our
sports future. In this section of the new FRA site we would like to hear
from any player, club owners, managers etc. who have any sort of Junior
activity going on. All you have to do is provide me with a short summary
and I will add it to this section.- Andy
Pawlowski - FRA Board Member
