Author: nmraweb

JOHN O'DONNELL ... Passing peacefully on April 22, 2026, NMRA Hall of Famer John O'Donnell ended a distinguished and well-lived life at the age of 96. The 34-year military veteran had enlisted right after high school, then flown in the Air Force during the Korean and Vietnam wars and risen to the rank of colonel. While deployed, he picked up racquetball during his second tour of duty, then honed his court skills after re-entering civilian life as Director of Facilities at the University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. After full retirement in 1994, he continued to conduct numerous free clinics each year at the facility, devoting countless service hours to the Champaign-Urbana community over 40+ years. With his resignation from the ISRA Board in January, the Illinois State Racquetball Association had recognized John for his exemplary volunteer service between 2012-2026. Across those many terms, John represented and supported local players, while also leading by example with inductions into both the...

CAP HILES ... Harold "Cap" L. Hiles, age 96, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025. Born in Independence, Missouri, on October 24, 1928, Cap lived a life defined by service, craftsmanship, and deep devotion to family and community. Cap spent 40 years in Minnesota before moving to Florida in the early 1990s, where he embraced retirement with the same energy and curiosity that marked his working years. He was a proud lineman for NSP/Excel Energy, dedicating his career to keeping homes and neighborhoods powered and safe. His work was more than a job - it was a calling, and he approached it with integrity and grit, earning him the title of Employee of the Year. Outside of work, Cap was a man of many passions. He served as a devoted Boy Scout master, guiding several young men to the rank of Eagle Scout and instilling values of leadership and character. He was an avid racquetball player and a member of the...