Some 24 pros started arriving Wednesday 5/10. They came from as far away as Japan,Mexico and Canada. The #1 seed Christie Van Hees cancelled out at the last minute so everyone thought that left the #1 season ending spot up for grabs beteween Ronda Rajisch and Cheryl Gudinas. As the season's points were tallied, it actually ended up Ronda had won by a mere few points. This was not known though until the end so the excitement was there.

The pre-competition activities included groups of the gals going through the children's section at St. Als and St. Lukes. This was extremely well received by the hospital,the children and the girls. Each player had brought little stuffed animals representing different sports. It was fun to watch the happiness this brought to all. There was another group of pros at the downtown YMCA putting on a free clinic for junior high students Diane Dodds had arranged to be brought in. At first I'm told some of the kids were thinking, yeah another field trip, big deal. However by the end of the session, they could hardly get them off of the courts. Plans are to continue to work with getting juniors involved and form a Idaho junior team over the summer. This definitely has broke the ground.Watch for more on this and please step forward if you're interested in helping in this endeavor. Doesn't matter where you live in state. That'll all be worked out.

The final pre-competition event was the sponsored doubles Thursday p.m. This was a lot of fun and all of the local players enjoyed interacting with the pros. Rabbit Rogers and Vivian Gomez, a pro out of Florida took top honors. Competition started Friday a.m. and the draw pretty much unfolded the way it was expected to. Local pro, Tammy Brown took on Kristen Hallender out of San Diego and advanced on with a win setting up a qtr final match with #1 seed Ronda Rajisch. The Tammy/Ronda match was one of the most thrilling ones of the event even though Tammy ended up losing in the 5th game to Ronda. Tammy showed everyone her ability to play with the best. A special recognition and thanks to Nick Hanson and Lon Waford for a new secret weapon they're giving Tammy. Definitely is the final missing link in Tammy's game. With Tammy leaving 5/24 for Houston to hopefully requalify for the team, she is feeling very confident.

The final between Cheryl and Ronda was also a thrilling 5 game match with Cheryl coming out on top. Ronda however still walked away with season ending #1 ranking due to past tournaments.

A huge thank you needs to go to all of the sponsors. Especially, the Piper Pub. The Piper comped meals the entire time the girls were here. Another huge thanks to The Grove Hotel, The Doubletree, ParkCenter and Holiday Inn-airport. There is not another tournament, men or women that provides free rooms. A special thanks to Spirit Distributing, Glaceau Vitamin Water, Wired Energy Drink,Miller, Pyramid Brewing Co.,Wilson, the key sponsors of the purse. There were a number of other sponsors that without their support, this tournament would not have been the success it was. Advocare local rep. Ronya Hemingway (spelling-sorry if this is wrong" was on hand all weekend to share specifics products to fit various player's needs. Ask Tammy how important this product has been in her success. Last, but not least a special "Thank You" to Idaho Athletic Club. Without them, we would not have had the lovely facility to hold this in. Their staff was exemplary all weekend and did whatever it took to accomodate this event. As we know from 24 Hour Fitness era, this cannot be taken for granted. This tournament definitely raised the bar as far as standards and everyone can't wait for next year. In addition, the transportation provided for them is unprecedented. This, however, will get adjusted for next year. Ask Diane Dodds and Sharon for particulars.The gift bags provided by Bacardi that included the "best" scotch whiskey one can buy plus a special dri-fit t-shirt provided by Louise Haro, official provider of Team USA uniforms was a huge hit with everyone. I had male amateur players wanting them and since they were pink, that tells one how impressive they were. Or does this tell something about the player wanting them. Whatever, they made a big impression.

The Saturday night party at the Piper Pub was everything it could have been and more. The new owners were introduced and what happened this year to make this Pro/am the best every is only going to get better. Trust me on this. I'm speaking from personal inside knowledge and specifics will soon be known. The only disappointing factor in the entire tournament was the lack of amateur players from our State. We had players from Oregon, Montana and Alaska and they commented they were hoping to get to play more local players. I assured them that next year I will not schedule this one on Mother's Day weekend. I know that will help. For the folks who played and/or watched, I don't think anyone went away disappointed. This is one you will want to plan to attend. The media attention was great. Everytime we get racquetball before folks it does nothing but increase everyone's awareness and should over time allow our sport to grow by this reason alone. Last but not least, the Boise IAC Club will be the site of a one day tournament in June and one in July. Watch for announcement of exact dates. The Board will soon be publishing the tournament list for 06-07.