The Story

William and Mary Racquetball Club

Mar. 28, 2012 | By Henry Woodburn, DSJ Staff Reporter

The William and Mary Racquetball Club hosted the 24th annual Dr. Edward Jewusiak Memorial Racquetball Tournament sponsored by Liebherr the weekend of March 16 to 18 in Newport News, drawing 83 players from 6 states.

The William and Mary team was well represented in the tournament, as 6 team members and both coaches participated. The tournament included both skill level and age divisions.

The doubles team of Andrew Fenlon and Guy Leblanc captured third place in the open doubles division. Fenlon followed that up with a first place finish in the Men's 18+ Division. Team members Leblanc and Andrew Sassoon rounded out the top three in the Men’s 18+, as they took home second and third, respectively. Sophomore Greg Salino won second place in the men’s C division.

On the women’s side, Jessica Kahlenberg led the way with a first place finish in the Women’s 18+ division. Jessica Chen captured second in the Women’s 18+ division as well as third place in the Women’s A division.

The action was not limited to the students, however, as coach Carl Moody took home third place in the Men's 65+ division. Also, coach Eric Williams finished the weekend with first place finishes in both the Men’s 35+ and Men’s A doubles divisions. Williams also took third place in the Elite division.

�"I think it is great that everyone involved with the William and Mary racquetball club took home a medal this weekend,” said coach Williams. �"The hard work they put in throughout the year really showed with these results.”

Coach Moody agreed: �"When you factor in that William and Mary won the state collegiate title two weeks ago by defeating Virginia Tech, to turn around and perform so well is a tribute to these student athletes.”

This isn’t the first time these players have enjoyed success. Fenlon, a senior, has been part of a golden age for the school’s Racquetball team as they have virtually dominated the state the past four years. In 2009, Fenlon won the Collegiate State Championship. Leblanc won it in 2010, and then Will Kaplan won in 2011. Three weeks ago in Chesapeake, Fenlon took back the 2012 championship.

Fenlon and Leblanc have even competed at Nationals, traveling to Houston in 2010. It is evident that our school’s racquetball team is very talented. And yet, most students remain unaware of the club’s impressive results and dedication to the sport. Some may even be ignorant of the Racquetball Club’s existence.

�"Our club team has a very different dynamic from other club teams on this campus,” said Salino, the team captain. �"The way our team works is that anyone can come out and hit with us, and you're on the team. You don't pay any dues or anything; you just come out and play.”

The club practices every Monday and Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the William and Mary Rec Center. The Racquetball Club is composed of students, faculty, and locals. New players of any skill level are welcome to join at any time. Those student members who become good enough then compete for the school’s Racquetball team in tournaments across Virginia. E-force and Hi-Tec are sponsors, providing equipment and apparel for the squad.

�"The great thing about our team is we can match people with players at their level,” said Coach Williams. �"That way we can give advice on how to improve, and as your play gets better, so will the people you play.”

With a bunch of seniors on the team graduating this year, Salino is looking for newcomers to step in and join the club. Although people are welcome to come at any time, he hopes to spark interest later this semester by holding a free racquetball clinic for students to learn some tips about the sport. He hopes this will help promote the team and contribute to it’s success well into the future.