Posts

2020 TXRA Board Nominations

Image
As we move forward into 2020, we are looking for passionate and engaged racquetball members to join the TXRA Board.  This year we have 4 open board positions.  We are looking for nominations to join a board that is committed to expanding racquetball in Texas.  The election will occur starting March 15, 2020 and ending March 31, 2020. Requirements to serve on the board:  Attend all TXRA Board Meetings. The USOC requires that all State Board members undergo a Background Check The cost is $20 and not a big deal-a link for this can be found on your R2 profile The USOC requires all State Board members complete the online Safe-Sport training.  The cost is free and easy to complete.  That link also is found on your R2 profile Attended/participate in 3 of 4 State Sponsored Tournaments (Singles/Doubles/Seniors/Juniors) Please Send Nominations by March 1, 2020 to: Sandy Rios at srios13@stx.rr.com Or fill out our online nomination form Sincerely, Sandy Rios TXRA Elect...

2019 Fall Splat is done and what a weekend for Shane Diaz!!

Image
Well, the 2019 Fall Splat Tournament is a wrap!!!! Congrats to Shane Diaz and her incredible family as Shane was surprised with a $4,000 scholarship . I can't tell you how incredible this young lady is as she works harder than any racquetball player I have ever known. I wanted to verbally express this at the tournament while I was presenting the Scholarship to Shane but my emotions got to me....again....and couldn't get the words out. Okay, I admit, I'm a delicate flower when it comes to things close to my heart. Shane is an amazing young lady and this is only the beginning for her. And a huge shout out to Shane's coach, George Bustos . George, keep up the awesome work with Shane as we all know you love doing what you do. I wanted to thank all the players for participating in the tournament as all your entry fees went straight into Shane's Scholarship. I also wanted to thank those of you who donated money towards this scholarship. It wouldn't hav...

Guarantee a spot for you and your favorite player into the 2020 Longhorn Open

Image
Each year in the past, the TXRA presented the Annual Awards in April at the regional tournament, the Battle of the Alamo. The Last Annual Awards held in April 2019 This past reception was very memorable for me especially, as we honored winners with fancy awards and delicious cake that even Paola Longoria enjoyed. I was so I excited, that I literately went head over heels when I trip over a metal post! Later, I photo-bombed Howard Walker's moment with Mike Cantu, which more than made up for nearly fracturing my foot, but I digress. At the next TXRA Annual Awards in 2020, we want to express our gratitude to outstanding players and contributors of our sport in a bigger and grander fashion! Annual Awards to be held at the 2020 Longhorn Open Award winners are guaranteed entry into the Longhorn Open! The TXRA Board has arranged to present the next Annual Awards at the upcoming Longhorn Open January 18, 2020.  Due to the tournament's popularity and demand, the Longhorn implemented a n...

2019 Summer Splat....It's a wrap!!!!

Image
I wanted to thank all the players and spectators that came out to watch in making the first Splat tournament a success.  I'm pretty sure (fingers crossed) that everyone had a good time playing and watching some great racquetball.  We stayed on time for Saturday's matches and finished an hour early on Sunday!!!!  I know was a dictator when it came to being on time but I truly believe that should be a big initiative for all racquetball tournaments moving forward.  So for all the conversations I interrupted, for the people I had to literally push into the court, for folks I had to call/text/email asking what their ETA was, for the select few that I had to spray with my water bottle to keep them moving...........I'm sorry but in the end, we ran on time.  My other big initiative is to start giving back to the sport I love and that all starts with the future of our sport....THE JUNIORS!!!!!!  Without us supporting the juniors, our sport is in trouble and if you s...

Texas State Juniors ready to rock in Round Rock on June 1-2

Image
As we continue to push the growth of racquetball in the state of Texas, it is contingent upon our youth to play a vital role in that effort. That youth movement rolls into Round Rock on June 1-2 for the Texas State Juniors Racquetball Championships held at the Clay Madsen Recreation Center . “The second Texas State Junior's tournament in Round Rock will host almost twice as many youth than it's inaugural year,” Texas Racquetball Association President Julienne Arnold said. “We are elated to see the increasing numbers of kids getting involved in racquetball these days. One of the primary goals of TXRA is to growth the sport through our youth. With the passionate work and dedication of coaches Sandy Long, George Bustos, Thomas Evans and many other volunteers, we are meeting that goal.” “I receive numerous calls and emails from around Texas each month from parents asking me where they can take their children to learn and play racquetball. The desire and eagerness to play exists in ...