In Passing: Gene Grapes

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Sad News | Gene Grapes, NMRA Charter Member Passes, 09/07/12, in Irwin, Pennsylvania. This pivotal figure in the sport's history was an early supporter of racquetball, who was later inducted into 1982 USAR Hall of Fame as an amateur athlete/contributor and into the 1996 NMRA Hall of Fame as a founding contributor. Prior to the formation of the International Racquetball Association [IRA], he helped organize and played primarily in Pennsylvania State YMCA sponsored tournaments. He was elected to the board of directors of the IRA in 1975 and served as executive vice president during his tenure on the board. He held five national doubles and national singles titles, in addition to national singles and doubles invitational titles. Gene overwhelmingly dominated his age group for nearly 10 years. The birth of the NMRA began at an IRA sponsored tournament in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1971, where Sam Caiazza dreamed up the idea of hosting a national invitational round-robin tournament on two courts at the New Castle, Pennsylvania, YMCA....
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HOF 2012 | Tom Curran

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July 20, 2012 / Raleigh, NC: Tom Curran, past president and long time member of the NMRA was inducted into its Hall of Fame in ceremonies held at the Carmichael Gym on the NC State University Campus. Tom was honored as the 2012 Inductee for his contributions over 15 years of his membership. He is pictured with Cheryl Kirk, past president of USA Racquetball, who presented the award and detailed his service and support to the NMRA and USA Racquetball as a member, board member, and officer of both organizations. Bruce Adams presented a snapshot compilation of Tom's life which highlighted his family, careers and interests. Tom's short acceptance speech focused on his love of the sport, and especially the NMRA, since the organization supported all of the characteristics of sportsmanship, dedication, friendship, and loyalty that have guided his personal life....
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Winings Named 2012 Sportsman

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John Winings was awarded the 2012 NMRA Sportsman of the Year Award at banquet ceremonies held for the NMRA Championships in Provo/Orem Utah. The award is presented to an NMRA member who consistently displays the best qualities of fair play, competition, and sportsmanship while participating in NMRA events, and John represents the finest of these qualities. Congratulations!...
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HOF 2011 | Marshall & O’Donnell

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July 2011, Brea, Calif.: Celebrated by a commemorative slide show tribute that covered their long and inspiring lives, Ben Marshall and John O' Donnell were inducted into the NMRA Hall of Fame at the International Championships banquet. John was recognized in the Athlete category and Ben was honored as an outstanding Leader and Contributor....
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