2008 Spartan Supply Company California Open

Presented by Allied Building Products

Canoga Park CA – The IRT would make its first appearance ever here in Canoga Park California at one of the largest racquetball facilities in the country the Spectrum Club. This facility baosts over twenty racquetball courts and is under the leadership of one of the most respected racquetball names in the world Debbie Tsinger. The event would be the kick-off of the second half of the IRT season and the Irt prfessionals looked refreshed and ready to play.

Qualifying was tough from the start as the IRT is beginning draw players from the entire world. Ivan Villigas from Costa Rica won a five game battle with local Bryce Milakovich 12-10 in the fifth. Ivan’s run would end in the next round against Andy Hawthorne. Ivan has all the potential to play on the IRT and we hope to see him again soon. Former touring pro Josh Tucker would also make a showing here but losea a tough three gamer to Alejandro Herrera. Josh looked in shape and seems very happy with his new career in the medical sales field.

The round of sixteen would provide two upsets as Jason Thoerner took the holiday break to step his game taking out Shane Vanderson in four games 8,6, (7),8 to move on to a quarterfinal meeting with Jack Huczek. Andy Hawthorne would overcome a two game defecit and defeat Chris Crowther in five games (9), (1),9,3,8 to move on to a meeting with Rocky Carson in the quarters. All the other seeds advanced on to the next round.

The quarters would provde the California crowd with some great racquetball and one upset as 2007 “rookie of the year” Ben Croft played some flawless racquetball against Jason Mannino and outlasting Mannino in five games (3),(9),1,2,5 to advance to his first semi-final appearance of the season. It was a great match played by both players. Jack Huczek would handle Jason Thoerner in three staright games in the top half of the draw and Rocky Carson would handle Andy Hawthorne in the bottom half. Alvaro Beltran did take out Mitch Williams in the other match and looked relaxed and focused.

The semi-finals would begin on Saturday with Rocky Carson taking on the young Ben Croft. These two met in the semi-finals of the Mexico Open last year. Croft looked very relaxed in this one and had the pro-Carson crowd cheering for him at various points of the match. Carson took it all in stride and did not let his hometown fans down winning in three 6, 8, 3. The other match had Jack Huczek and Alvaro Bektran facing off and Beltran always plays Huczek tough. Jack’s holiday training of sqaush was eveident in this one as he kept the ball in play and forced Beltran to shoot. Beltran played well but the fitness level of Huczek would give hom a four game victiry 6, (9), 2.8.

With the Spectrum Club being Rocky’s home away from home and the first club he had won an open event at, the crowd was geared up to watch Rocky play on the highest level in the sport. Jack has been to the Spectrum many times to do clinics and exhibitions so the crowd also had its share of Huczek fans. Rocky would come out on fire from the start in this match and win handily in three games 8, 4, 4 and adding his fourth title of the year to his resume. Jack never could get on a run in this match as Carson controlled center court from the start and forced Jack into some uncharactoristic unforced errors. Both players stayed after to talke to the crowd and ackowlegde all the support form the event staff, sponsors and fans.

Sidenotes:

What a great racquetball facility here at the Spectrum and the staff was a pleasure to deal with.

Thanks to Debbie Tsinger and Randy Iam for all your support and having the vision to bring the IRT to Canoga Park. You guys did a terrific job with your first IRT stop.

Thank you to Rick Betts of Spartan Supply Co. and Allied Building Products for stepping up and providing the financial support to hold the event.

Thank you to all the other suppoting sponsors of the event.

Great to see former top playing profrssional Jerry Hilecher in the crowd checking out the “new generation” of players.

Also great to see WPRO Christie Van Hees at the event hanging out with the fans.

We look forward to coming back next year.