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Welcome to the 2009-10 DARA Tournament Season!
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Other Area Tournaments/Activities...
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The USA Team will be defending
their World Championship title in
Seoul Korea,
August 12th – 21st, 2010
Presenting the USA will be:
Men’s Singles –Rocky Carson & Jack Huczek
Women’s Singles - Cheryl Gudinas & Rhonda Rajsich
Men’s Doubles – Mitch Williams & Ben Croft
Women’s Doubles - Aimee Ruiz & Jackie Paraiso
Please support the athletes (or entire team) of your choice
by going to the USAR website and make a donation!
Donations over $100 will receive an official US Team shirt
and those donating over $500 will receive an official USA Team Warm-Up Jacket.
Help our athletes retain their World title!!!
GO USA!!!
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USA Racquetball Instructors Program (URIP)
Certification Program Announced...View the details
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Mary Jane Weldin Inducted into the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame
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DARA Conducts Juniors Summer Camp at Wilmington YMCA
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Contact Program Director |
The DARA Juniors Program got off to an early start for the 2008/09 Racquetball Season by conducting a four days of instruction.
On July 2nd and 3rd seventeen children from the Western YMCA on Kirkwood Highway traveled to the Wilmington YMCA to try their hand at racquetball. DARA Junior’s Program Director Stuart Hemming was able to secure the use of the Wilmington YMCA courts for the camp.
When asked how he achieved the YMCA’s commitment Mr. Hemming stated “I approached the director at Wilmington’s YMCA, introduced myself and told him about the DARA and the Junior Program started in 2007. It was an easy sell to get them to allow us use of their courts since the primary benefactors were kids already signed up for the summer camps at both YMCA’s.”
Besides Director Stuart Hemming, DARA Junior Program assistants Brian Ahern, Kyle Meyers and Ron Calloway taught the children swing mechanics of the forehand and backhand as well as basic rules of the game. “It’s important to provide the kids a basis for the proper swing technique” said Ahern. “It’s also important to allow them to play and to have fun” added Meyers.
On July 9th and 10th another twenty four children from the Wilmington YMCA participated in the program.
“As a start to the Junior Program for this year, it’s great to introduce almost fifty kids to the sport of racquetball” commented Mr. Hemming.
Several children asked if this program would be offered again in the future. Hemming and the assistants offered camp counselors business cards with contact information to hand out to interested children and parents regarding future programs.
“We discussed the next logical step forward and decided to try to have a couple more Junior’s Days at the same venue in the fall,” stated Hemming.
Keep your eyes posted to the DARA Web Site for additional information and dates. Also, please share this information with any kids you think may be interested. For more information, contact Program Director, Stu Hemming.
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Zegna...State President of the Year
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Jeff Zegna, named State President of the Year
by USA Racquetball
Jeff Zegna, shown here with Shawn Royster
during the Annual Banquet & Awards Ceremony
at Houston National Finals.
During the ceremony, Jeff delivered the following remarks..."I appreciate your recognition of my efforts in Delaware, and while I am receiving the award, the Delaware Amateur Racquetball Association would not be as strong as it is without the combined efforts of our board members. I am lucky to be able to work with this talented group. Thank you."
A statement was read from the USAR that included the following remarks..." As with any state racquetball organization, volunteers with passion, commitment, and enthusiasm contribute to its success. The Delaware Amateur Racquetball Association is no different. Neither large in size or membership the state plays a big role anchoring racquetball on the Atlantic Coast.
The association is comprised of nine board members each with a specific role. And, through the leadership and team building skills of Jeff Zegna, the state elected president, the organization has prospered and continues to be innovative with new member programs, member incentives, one day events, junior programming, e-newsletters, collegiate outreach, website, and all the other details that go with directing a state non-profit organization.
We are pleased to present Jeff Zegna of Delaware with the 2006 State Presidential Award.
This symbol of recognition and achievement is also reflective of the 100’s of state volunteers, board members and event directors that bring racquetball to your hometown clubs throughout the year. Congratulations to Jeff and the Delaware Amateur Racquetball Association."
Click here to view the Full story at the National Singles Tourney in Houston.
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The Legendary Dario Mas, Keeping Racquetball Going...
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Dario Mas is a state, regional, national and world champion in racquetball,
but he believes his biggest accomplishment has been helping the sport grow by founding
the Delaware Amateur Racquetball Association.
...go here to view acomplete listing of Dario's legendary accomplishments.
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A Message about Sponsoring...
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A Message from Jeff Zegna about Sponsorship 
There are many exciting things taking place within the DARA organization and developing new sponsors will be front and center! We realize that in order to maintain our costs, while bringing benefits to our membership and sponsors, we need to be extremely creative!! And we don't mean creative financing!! Rather, we have developed a package of "perks" for our sponsors so that they can actually see the financial benefits of supporting DARA. Among those perks are: Brochures and/or Giveaways at Tournaments. Inclusion in our eNews, Links (if available) from DARA website, feature articles in the eNews and more....
As a member of DARA, please take note of our generous sponsors and use their services whenever possible. Also, let them know that you are coming to them as a DARA member, so they know that they're getting some bang for their buck!! After all, in this tough economy, the only reason we'll be able to receive sponsor dollars is by proving that an investment in DARA is worthwhile in developing new business.
If you have any suggestions, such as potential sponsors or new creative perks to offer, please contact me. |
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Ray Davis Radio Interviews...
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David H. MacKelcan Memoriam
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In Memoriam |
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■
David H. MacKelcan
1953-2010
According to today’s News Journal, David H. MacKelcan passed away on Monday 26, 2010, at the age of 57.
David was a terrific racquetball player who excel in the late 1970’s and 1980’s. David and Dennis Hammond were the Open Doubles Delaware Champions several years, the last in 1987. He was a real natural athlete, who would come in without having played racquetball for several months and win the Open Doubles as he did it in more than one occasion. While very competitive, he was always a fair and honest player. He “retired” from racquetball to also become a high ranked Squash player in the area. For those who do not remember Dave, he goes back to the Branmar Racq. Club, and was actually some kind of “resident pro” for a few years at this club.
A memorial and celebration of life was held at 10 am, Saturday, May 1, at Kennett Friends Meeting House, in Kennett Square, PA,
David's obituary here.In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to American Friends Service Committee Development, 1501 Cherry St. Philadelphia, PA 19102 or The Blood Bank of Delaware, 100 Hygeia Dr., Newark, DE 19713. |
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Delaware Hospice receives $4,000...
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Delaware Hospice receives $4,000 from
Delaware State Doubles Racquetball Championship
Manny Arencibia,
Vice President of Development for Delaware Hospice,
receives a $4,000 check from event sponsor
Michael Cardile,
Vice President of Cardile Bros. Mushroom Company, and
Jeffrey Zegna,
President of Delaware Amateur Racquetball Association.
...learn more
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Other bracket champions...
Women's Open/A - Ashley Ward
Men's 30+ - Kyle Myers
Men's 40+ - John Collison
Men's 50+ - Stuart Gray
Men's Age 60+ - Don Bates
Men's A - Robert Flanagan
Men's B - John Steel
Men's C - Edward Samuel
Men's D - William Allen
read more...
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Matt Gehling...2008 State Open Champ!
read more...
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The Juniors Racquetball Program
can help teach your child valuable character values.
Players learn racquetball fundamentals,
teamwork, hand-eye coordination and agility
in a non-competitive and
positive environment.
All coaches strive to ensure that
each player reaches their full potential.
Ages 7-12
Come join the FUN this Spring!
Registration: March 1, 2008 –March 31, 2008
Season Dates: April 9, 2008 – June 7, 2008
Location: Central YMCA
Time: Tuesday & 6:00 – 7:00 PM
& Sat. 10:00-11:00 AM
Cost: $42 - Full Members
$62 program Member
No experience or equipment necessary
Register at the Member Services Desk
For additional information contact
Jamil Roberts
302-254-9622 ext 128
302-571-6900 ext 175
Youth Sports Hotline
or
Stuart Hemming
DARA Junior Program Director
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Place cursor over photo to stop scrolling...
Ernie Lehman
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Brian Ahern
"DARA Rules Commissioner (Prosecutor!)"
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Jeff Zegna
"2006 USA Racquetball President of the Year!"
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www.splathead.com
"One great Sponsor, thanks Joe!"
read more...
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William Allen, Dr. Lon, Randy Oswald, Richard Loringer
"Up and comers"
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DARA racquetball kids...
"The Greatest Kids in the world!"
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Danielle Yearick -Roe Falcone
"Where have all the women gone?!!"
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John Purnell - Todd Fountain
"(Hair) Cut-ups"
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Sergio Nieto - Penn State Guys
"Xtreme Racquetball"
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Tom Gaffney - Mike Gaffney
"The Gaffney Boys"
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Wally Ruiz - Chris Wright
"Doubles Partners/Friends"
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Robert Levan - Matt Fina
"New Jersey Wreckin' Crew"
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Mike James -Brian Urbanek
"State Singles Champs 2005,
C & B Divisions"
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John Collison/Kathy
"State Singles Open Champ 2004"
Can John & Kathy really be planning
a mid-summer celebration?
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John Purnell - Tom Kosc/son
"Another future rb player...?!"
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Derek Alston - Vic Steil
"Awesome"
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Mawrie Tomkin - Scott Goldstein
"New Jersey rules!"
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(Sponge) Bob Flanagan
"Doing the Sponge thing..."
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Stuart Gray - Brian Gray
"Double Trouble..."
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Mike Gaffney - Mike Treacy
"Who'll get the last laugh?"
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Vic Steil _ Jane Picciotti
"Friendly competition"
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Steve Weiler, Mike Mendoza, DaVe Michalek
"Kill Shooters"
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Mike Treacy/friend - Mike Gaffney
"Hammin' it up"
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Mark Serva - Jeff Jordan
"The Professors"
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Lee Carter Family
"He Looks like a player to me!"
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Cool Racquetball fans
"Oh to be young and in love"
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George Oughterson - Jimmy Falcon
"Georgie Boy & Jimmy Quick"
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Fran Davis - Steve (Alec) Kowalski
Pictured here at one of
Fran's awesome camps!
read more...
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Sandy Caputo - Steve Kowalski - Chris Veale
"Some of the front desk crew"
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Mark Dellose - Curt Stahl
"Awesome Competitors"
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Bob Wilson
"DARA's Favorite Son"
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Scott Dennis
"Fair Market Value"
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John Garnier
"Vintage John"
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Anthony Nicastro
"State Singles Level A Champ 2005"
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Cheryl Tubbs - Jerry Smith
"Kissin' cuzzins"
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Dave White - Steve Kowalski
"Design guys"
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Harry Kinsler - Erika Hawley
"The best and the brightest"
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Sal Mannino - Tom Kosc
"State B Doubles Champs 2005"
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The Scott Goldstein's
"Life is sweet"
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Joe Snader
"Hotshot"
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Don Bates - Mike Mendoza
"Head Hunters"
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Please Support our Sponsors...
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Place cursor over photo to stop scrolling...
Kyle Myers
"Kyle's athleticism separates him from the rest of the pack"
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Dan Llacera...
"DARA's Lone Pro..."
(...el bandido)
read more...
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Outstanding Regional Competitors...
"Watch out guys, they're tough!"
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Tom Pendleton...
"The Closer..."
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Rich Eisemann & Military Guys...
"Tough Luck Guys...hang in there!"
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Joe Bonavita - Jeffrey Flaesch...
"A Regionals intergenerational experience..."
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Steve Graham...
"Steve's da man!"
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The NeXT Generation...
"These kids are awesome!"
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