The 2007 IRT Canadian Racquetball Classic

Burlington Ontario – The 2007 Canadian Racquetball Classic got underway at the Cedar Springs Racquet and Health Club in Burlington Ontario Canada. This would be the third year the IRT would move north of the border to perform for the racquetball fans of the Toronto area. This event was the mastermind of event director Adrian Webb and his vision of having the IRT at his home club has grown bigger than ever. Racquetball Canada and Usher Barnoff, president of Racquetball Canada stepped up to help out in a big way in the promotion of the IRT here in Canada as well as the amateur play. The crowds were large and overflowing from the stadium courts as the fans filled up the seats for all the matches.

The qualifying rounds had a huge Canadian National Team presence as the top Canadian players from around the country competed in the event. However only one Canadian player would advance into the main draw and that would be former IRT top eight player, Mike Green. Mike plays at Cedar Springs and his hometown fans were there to support him. Mike defeated fellow Canadian National Team member Kris Odegard in five games to move on to the main draw. Other notables advancing on were John Ellis, Javier Moreno, Juan and Andres Herrera and Japan’s Hiroshi Shimizu.

The first round in the main draw had some barn burners as Jason Thoerner got by Chris Crowther in a four game battle. Former top four IRT professional John Ellis had an impressive showing losing in four games to Rocky Carson. Although John is great seeing how John has changed his style of game after recovering from shoulder surgery a few years ago. Juan Herrera extended Alvaro Beltran to five games and a very long match. Beltran was still showing the after effects of a back injury the weekend before At the Kentucky Open. Ben Croft and Javier had a war with Ben winning tin five games as no love is lost between these two and words were being exchanged during and after the match. A little rivalry can go a long way. Andy Hawthorne brought his “A” game for three games and lost it for two games against Mitch Williams. The fifth game was a thriller with Williams coming out on top.

It looked like the fans were in for a long evening as the quarterfinals matchups looked tough and were. However all the matches would go off on time and finish very quickly. Jason Thoerner reached his first quarter this season but was no match for Jack Huczek this weekend losing 0, 3, 3.  Ben Croft now a regular in the quarters would extend Alvaro Beltran to four games, losing 4 2 (10) 4. Jason Mannino would go down in game one to Shane Vanderson but too many unforced errors by Vanderson would give Mannino the match (8) 3 7 2.  Mitch Williams arguably the hardest hitter on the tour was hitting missile drive serves at Rocky Carson that left Rocky standing still a few times but the veteran Carson would handle the speed and take the match in three 7 10 2. Williams did put on an impressive display of serving reminiscent of Cliff Swain in his prime.

The semi-finals would feature Jason Mannino against Rocky Carson and Jack Huczek taking on Alvaro Beltran. It would be Mannino in the first semi as Jason controlled center court and Rocky just could not find a groove. Jason was back to his old self and using his patented angle passes with nearly perfect splats thoughout the match. This match would go five games but it would go five but Crason just did not have enough today to pull it out as Mannino advanced to the final 7 (4) 4 (6) 4. Alvaro Beltran seemd to give Huczek fits every time they play and this match would be no exception. Huczek took game one in convincing fashion but Beltran made close the next three before bowing out 3 7 (8) 7. Huczek played very well showing some great poise in this match.

The final was set with Jack Huczek and Jason Mannino facing off in a rematch of the Kansas City final in Which Mannino won. I packed crowd filled the seats on Sunday for this one but early in the first game Mannino strained ahis right arm and after an extended time out between games one and two Mannino tried to return and play but was unable to continue the match. Huczek would take the Canadian Racquetball Classic title for the thrid staright year.  After the match Jack ackowledge Jaosn and his efforts to continue and then offered the crowd to stick around and he did an hour and ahalf clinic for the fans. No one left the club dissapointed.

The 2007 Canadian Racquetball Classic

Unusually warm weather welcomed us this weekend in Toronto and there were no complaints about it. The venue Cedar Springs Health Racquet and Sports Club is a large facility and features racquetball, tennis, squash, fitness, three pools and a full service lounge and pro shop. It is under renovation right now and the improvements will make this club the elite clubs in the Toronto area. The staff is great and always helpful which helps make the event grow every year

Thank you Usher Barnoff and Racquetball Canada for helping with the event and supporting and understanding the impertinence of the professional game in promoting the sport. Also thanks for the lift to the airport!!

Thank you to all the local event sponsors. The event does not happen without your financial support and the players appreciate it. Also thanks to all the volunteers that had a hand in helping out with the event. The milk and cookies were the best.

Jason Reaume, you are a class act and it is a pleasure working with you. You dedication to keeping the event on time and the courts moving makes you one of the best on our tour. Also you ability to burn the candle at both ends is amazing!!! Look forward to seeing you next year and go Michigan!!!

It was great catching up with Corey Osborne on of Canada’s best and getting to know his eight year old Kaleb. Kaleb played more racquetball this weekend then any one of our touring pros play in a year. You could not get him off the court whether it was a squash court or racquetball. Wherever there was a place to hot the ball he was doing it. Look for this youngster in eight to ten years on the IRT. Nice seeing you again Corey!

Mike Green showed that he still has it and is still arguably one of the best to players in Canada’s racquetball history. We miss you out on the tour Mike.

Hats off to Christie Van Hees on taking the WPRO title. You are a class act and true asset to not only the women's game but also the sport.

It was great playing along side the WPRO and catching up with the WPRO players.

Mike Ceresia was lurking about the event and always great catching up with Mike. Good luck on the CPRT .

The unselfish act of the weekend was from Jack Huczek as he did a one hour clinic for over 40 fans after the finals. Great job Jack!


Lastly thanks to Adrian and Joann Webb for organizing the event. To put on an event the size of this and also having the WPRO along side the IRT is a huge undertaking and you did a tremendous job. You should be proud of what you accomplished and we look forward to working with you again next year and possible getting the event to the next level, glass court and grand slam style!!!

Jack Huczek after the final with the fans that were treated to a clinic.