2021 TXRA Board of Directors Election Results
Great News!
Voting for the 2021 TXRA Board of Directors Election was scheduled to begin today through the end of the month via the 2021 TXRA Election Event on R2Sports.com.
This year, there were four open board positions. Four highly-motivated and qualified candidates answered the call to fill those positions. Given an equal number of openings and qualified candidates, voting will not be necessary this year.
The TXRA Election Committee would like to introduce you to your new 2021 Board of Directors listed below. Please congratulate them and thank them for dedicating their time and energy to serving you for next three years!
First and foremost, I'm a racquetball fan. Fan of the Pros, Amateurs, and anyone willing to pick up a racquet and hit a ball. I first picked up a racquet many years ago and fell in love with the sport. I've played off and on through the years, but about 5 years ago I was encouraged to enter a tournament at The Maverick and since then have never looked back. I look forward to serving on the board in hopes to provide support, excitement, and new ideas to advance Texas racquetball.
Professionally I work in software sales and have the opportunity to travel across the country, but more importantly throughout the great state of Texas. As I travel for work, I try and always have my racquet with me to play a local club and meet other racquetball enthusiasts.
Midland, Texas
I first stepped on the court in 1981, when Liz Alvarado picked me up and took me to play. Little did I know then that I would be involved in the sport, still, 35 years later. I am passionate about the sport. It is just part of my life.
I would love to get west Texas, especially, and all of Texas, more involved in tournaments, leagues, and individual play. I see where racquetball is now, and I feel strongly about getting the sport back to where it should be. I am ready to put in the legwork needed to get there. I have a proven record for taking organizations to the next level. One of my strengths is the ability to communicate very well and to mediate in group environments when needed. I get along with most everyone, even if we do not agree on everything. My qualifications are as follows:
- Directed several racquetball tournaments over the past 30 years.
- Founder & Director of fundraiser racquetball tournament, in memory of my nephew, to provide counseling services for mental health.
- Founded the West Texas Mental Health Fair.
- Current Advisory to the board of Midland Cat Wranglers (501(c)3), providing spaying, neutering, & vaccinations to community & feral cats.
- Director of Fundraising for Midland Cat Wranglers.
- Created “play dates” where west Texas and New Mexico players meet at different towns to play on one Saturday a month.
- Served on board of Horses, Hearts, & Hands (501(c)3), equine assisted therapy.
- Served on board of Town West YMCA.
- Past Program Director at Midland Humane Coalition (501(c)3), dog and cat rescue.
- Directed Hot Dog Run 5K and brought funds from $800 to $15,000 the first year I directed it.
- Volunteered for many organizations and have enjoyed working with and leading many diversified groups.
- Master’s Degree in Education, Sports Administration, also specialized in Sports Health.
Kerville, Texas
For the past year I have been fortunate to have been an appointed member of the TRXA Board of Directors. While we have limited as to access to clubs and tournament the board has not forgotten our goal of growing our sport. I believe that we need to continue our efforts thru the formation and support of juniors’ programs as well as building relationships with the colleges that have courts in order to sponsor and grow collegiate teams. I would also encourage contacting of home-schooling associations to attempt to pull in those students who may be left out of jr high/high school sports programs. I believe that another way to grow our base is to encourage and include those club players who may not have ever been included in a sanctioned tournament. The position of TXRA Board member is one that takes time and work to be effective, and I am fortunate enough to have flexible enough work hours to commit my time and effort to do what needs to be done. I respectfully would ask that you consider and vote for me to work for you to keep our beloved sport alive and growing.
Billy Stalder
Dallas, Texas
Collegiate-level play has not been popular for the past couple of years, and COVID did not help the sport on this level. As an officer of the Texas A&M Racquetball Club and president for the upcoming school year, I have taken on this issue by bringing the club from total shutdown in the fall to consistently filling up half of the dozen courts in singles play during practice. I've won A and B division championships at the A&M and UT intercollegiate Tournaments; additionally, I've taken home the championship prize at the Landmark Doubles Tournament. I am eager to continue competing and using this position to encourage collegiate-level play around the state. Although I may be young, I offer a unique angle to the TXRA Board because I am personally rooted in developing younger players, which, ultimately, is the sport's future.