——————————–WINTER 2012-13————————————–

Another year of changes for Racquetball BC.  After the excellent additions of Travis, Paul, and Bob to the Board of Directors, I am sad to announce we will be looking for a new President come the spring.  Due to accepting a position at the University of Regina, I will be stepping down from this position as of January 1st.  It was an unexpected turn of events, and I would like to apologize for any difficulties this causes anyone in the association or the playing community in BC racquetball.  If the Board wishes, I am available to still serve as Webmaster and to support Team BC Juniors at national or international events.  Best wishes for everyone for a fantastic 2013 and to whomever the incoming president of Racquetball BC is.  Stephen Culhane

——————————–FALL 2012———————————————-

Well, our first two tournaments of the year have come and gone. The 2012 Vernon SplatFest was another great event in a great location.  Well done to Al and his team one more time!  For results, please click on the Event Calendar links.

The 2012 BC Open came off remarkably well, despite some serious challenges due to low enrollment.  It was decided as a committee to run the event, despite the low numbers and to look to get feedback from players, as well as those who did not take part, to reinvigorate this event, which has seen declining player numbers for a few years now.  A regular phone call to all members is something that I will be adding to our yearly tasks as a leadership group, and at that time each member will be polled for their ideas on renewing interest in the BC Open.  Thanks to all who made it out for the event and the dedicated volunteers who hosted the tournament:  Kelly, Susan, Josephine, Connor, Val, Noriko, Phil, and everyone at REVS.  Thanks to Freybe for the delicious meats!

Things are starting to heat up for Racquetball in BC and next door in Washington, State.  After the BC Open, there is the  28th Annual Am Corrado Open at Global Fitness & Racquet Centre in Kelowna, the first of two Junior Challenge – Racquets Without Borders BC-Washington event at the Bellingham Athletic Club on Oct 27th, and the Fall Classic a week later in early November.  Some of our top juniors are playing for Canada at the World Junior Championships in LA in the second week of November, and the Selection Event is set to go in Kelowna Nov 23-25, 2012, as well as the Grey Cup Doubles going at the same time.

If you need Ektelon Classic balls, please let us know, as we have received our yearly stock.

I am also remarkably pleased to welcome three new members for the Racquetball BC Board – Bob MacDonell, Paul Huseon, and Travis Einarson.  Each need no introduction to racquetballers in BC and we look forward to their no doubt outstanding contributions to the Board and our sport.

Sincerely – Stephen

—————————– Summer 2012—————————————————

Welcome to the new Racquetball BC Website.

As the new President of Racquetball BC, please let me welcome you to our new website.

The Board of Directors has undergone quite a few changes in the past few months, including our long-serving President, Cheryl McKeeman stepping down. We thank Cheryl for her dedicated service to the association and Racquetball in British Columbia. We also thank other departing Board members Diana Hambley, Ken Slade, and Gord Hay.

Let me update you on a few of the changes the Board has undertaken and are planning in the coming months:

1. After a design competition involving 50 submissions, we have selected the new Logo for the Association you see above.

2. We have also adjusted our operational name from the British Columbia Racquetball Association to Racquetball BC. This is not an official or permanent name change; rather, we are “Doing Business As.” This brings us into line with Racquetball Canada and other Provincial Sport Organizations who are doing something very similar. As well, the change raises our ranking in search engines; gives us a name that newcomers can more easily remember; and puts our sport first. But, BCRA certainly did roll off the tongue….how about RQ-BC?

3. The new Website you are looking at has come into being. You will notice it is a little different. It is a BLOG – which makes the site much more active, interactive, and responsive. Racquetball BC members can post comments on anything on the site. We appreciate your patience during the phase in period. The new site can be read on most cellphones, I-Phones, I-Pods, Kindles, and of course your laptop or desktop.

4. We are bringing our Membership system into the R2 based system. This will allow people to purchase their memberships online, much as many people have done with USA Racquetball.

5. Tournament, coaching, and membership fees, as well as donations, can be made, starting next month through Interact or charge cards on our new website. We are going to be using the PayPal system, which is associated with E-Bay. However, if you prefer, of course payment can also be made with cash or cheques at our events.

Please contact Board members, or myself through the e-mail, phone, or mail addresses listed on our Directors page for any information or assistance you need.

Regards,

Stephen Culhane, President, Racquetball BC

Racquetball BC Newsletter will be coming every month during the season, and twice during the Summer.