Louisiana Racquetball Events Information

BIG EASY Hosts the 2007 Chemtech/Ektelon WPRO Pro Nationals


Proceeds Benefit Breast Cancer Foundation

New Orleans The Women’s Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) will conclude an exciting season of expectations and upsets with the 2007 Chemtech/Ektelon WPRO Pro Nationals from May 4-6 in the Big Easy! This championship, which benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure, will closeout a phenomenal year of parity on the women’s pro racquetball circuit. All the top guns are vying for the top crown before hungry fans who have never seen such a large contingent of WPRO pros compete right in their back yard. The Elmwood Fitness Center will play host to this great championship which is sponsored by local specialty chemical and engineering service company, Chemtech Chemical Services, LLC and Ektelon Racquetball.

 The Pro Nationals field is as strong as ever and boasts top players from around the world, including the United States, Mexico and Chile. Last year’s Pro Nationals champion, Cheryl Gudinas Holmes (Naperville, IL), the number 2 seed heading into this championship, will have her hands full defending her 2006 title against current number 1 player in the world and U.S. National Singles Champion, Rhonda Rajsich (Phoenix, AZ) as well as other tour event champions, including #3 Kerri Wachtel (Cincinnati, OH) and #4 Angela Grisar (Santiago, Chile). Favorable odds of finishing strong at this event also go to #6 Brenda Kyzer (Leesville, SC), who has earned a spot in five semifinals this season, and #7 Kristen Walsh (Salt Lake City, UT) who is always a contender at WPRO events. Mexican phenom Samantha Salas rounds out the top 8 and will bring major firepower to the court, hoping to break through and capture her first WPRO title at this important championship.

The Women’s Pro competition begins Friday at noon with the Round of 32 followed by the Round of 16 matches on Friday (beginning at 5pm). The quarterfinals matches will begin on Saturday at 11am and 12:15pm. Number 1 WPRO pro Rhonda Rajsich will host a Meet and Greet/Conversation for all tournament participants and guests at 2:30pm on Saturday (location TBD).

The WPRO Semifinals are set for 4pm and 5:15pm Saturday evening. The championship match will be held on Sunday at noon. You can follow the tournament and view results and draw sheets by visiting ElmwoodRacquetball.com. Catch all the pro’s in action live online at Racquetballonline.TV! Check the WPRO Web site for Pro draw updates at Ladiesproracquetball.com. 

The WPRO would like to acknowledge our title sponsors: Chemtech Chemical Services (Scott D. Trahan, General Manager) and Ektelon for making this event possible in New Orleans. Special thanks to tournament directors Al Schof and Beth Sacco for their commitment to bring the WPRO to the Big Easy. We would also like to thank the tournament committee: Anthony Zeringue, Al Reagle and Pattie Schof.

Jim Leslie of Bourbon House Restaurant, Mimi's Italian Restaurant, Wakefield Wines of Australia, Chambord Liqueur, Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Finlandia Vodka, Herradura Tequila and Evian Water will provide exceptional hospitality to tournament players and guests throughout the weekend.  Guy Keller and Crystal Clear Imaging have graciously supplied the event’s graphics and digital printing needs. Bill Deibel and Ricky Andrew w/ Marbleized Memories are creating memorable awards for event finishers.

 

Very special thanks also to Pro/Sponsor Doubles event sponsors and players: Guy Keller, Charlie Hollinger, Wayne Skinner (Premier Automotive Group), Joe Brinz, Pattie Schof (Connections Magazine), and Beth Sacco (Republic Beverage Company).

 

We would also like to recognize Randy Strassel (General Manager) and Damon Kremer (Assistant General Manager) of the Elmwood Fitness Center for allowing us to use their great facility and showcase the pros on one of the only three-glass-wall championship courts in the U.S.


The WPRO would like to thank its national tour sponsors, including: Ektelon Fireball (official ball); Python (official grip); Advocare (official supplement provider); and Racquetball Online (official webcaster).

The Tour would also like to acknowledge its official partners: Carl & Marcia Wallace of Yazoo City, Mississippi; Racquetworld (www.racquetworld.com); HEAD; Wilson Racquetball; Racquetball Academy (www.racquetballacademy.com) of Denver, Colorado; Tischer Autopark of Silver Spring, Maryland; and Chemtech Chemical Services, LLC of Geismar, Louisiana.

Special fundraising events are scheduled throughout the weekend including: Pro/Sponsor Doubles (Thursday night) and a Racquet for the Cure Benefit Dinner (Saturday night), and a Silent Auction throughout the weekend.


MEDIA:
For more information about the WPRO, contact Shannon Feaster, WPRO Commissioner, at 202/365-5504 or wprocommish@aol.com. All inquiries are welcome and we will do our best to accomodate interview requests with pros and provide optimum viewing for the media throughout the weekend.

 

About Komen for the Cure

For more than 20 years, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure (formerly the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation) has been a global leader in the fight against breast cancer through its support of innovative research and community-based outreach programs. Working through a network of U.S. and international Affiliates and events like the Komen Race for the Cure®, the Komen Foundation is fighting to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by funding research grants and supporting education, screening and treatment projects in communities around the world.

During the 1990s, approximately 1.8 million women and 12,000 men were diagnosed with breast cancer, the majority of whom had no known risk factors. Learn more about the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation by visiting www.komen.org.

 

About the WPRO


The Women’s Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) is the governing body of a growing membership of the highest level professional female racquetball players in the world.  The WPRO is currently comprised of elite athletes representing over a dozen countries, including the United States, Mexico, Chile, Japan, Dominican Republic and Venezuela.  For more information about the WPRO and its players, visit www.wpro-tour.com.

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