US OPEN Racquetball

Oct. 17, 2011

The Target Center played host to the youngest, yet most prestigious, tournament of the racquetball world. The 2011 US Open hailed the best competitors that the sport has to offer. There were legends of the sport, as well as the almond farmer from California. The oldest player entered in the event is John O'Donnell at 81 years old The were internationals as well as the domestics, all competing in and enjoying the newly remodeled LIFETIME FITNESS club. This is the second year on a five year agreement utilizing the Target Center as host. LIFETIME FITNESS Club, is the majestic health club attached to Target Center. General Manager Terrell Battle and Operations Manager John Small spared no effort, or manpower, to have the already excellent facility at Target's LIFETIME FITNESS at peak perfection for the 4 day event-October 5th-9th.

Litt magazine will interview and follow three competitors on their quest to "raise Kane" in this year's tournament. In separate stages of life and competitive stages, our three "playas" will be profiled, their personalities and individual challenges examined.

The Charlie Pratt; number 8, has proven himself one of the hardest working, most consistent competitors, on the circuit. Pratt will attempt to reach the finals and raise his stock by challenging the sport's most imposing figure Kane Waselenchuk is ranked in first place.

Waselenchuk sports an impressive 119 match winning streak. Think about that, 119 consecutive wins. Additional to being the six time national champion, 119 wins in a row would qualify you, most certainly, as the most dominant figure of the sport.
 Pratt will have to compete and win many contests before reaching a duel with the most dominant competitor the history of the sport.
 
Tony Carson; the number 11 contender, wants to crack the top ten through the use of his indominantable spirit as well as his skill set. Carson, totally opposite of the more conservative Pratt is gutsy, occasionally loud; the guy every party needs, and every teammate wish he had. Although as opposite as north and south, both are good friends and fiercely competitive players.

The unranked, Mike Isbell; a 14 year Naval veteran previously stationed in Bahrain S.A., has had a dream, but little hope of competing on the big stage. Isbell has finally got his chance. With no sponsor, no support, and knowing no one, Isbell flew to Minneapolis alone and is making his first tournament appearance. A special individual in his own right.
 
The WPRO Women's Professional Racquetball Organization was well represented by its wealth of talented athletes, and the rivalries that come with such a concentration of world class athletes.

WPRO action began at 9 a.m. on Friday with the round of 16. In action will be the former Open Championship winners Cheryl Gudinas, Paola Longoria, Kerri Wachtel and four time champion Rhonda Rajsich. Combinations of speed and power are the hallmark of this division. If you like action, the WPRO will definitely get your attention. In fact, make an effort to check out the competitors of the WPRO, you won't be sorry.
 
There was also time for charitable giving in the midst of competition and celebration. A Silent Auction for St. Jude (that donated each dollar from the winning bid directly to St. Jude was held- and the giving was quite generous!