NEW DIRECTIONS
by Luke St. Onge

I recently attended the International Masters Championships held at the Air Force Academy here in Colorado Springs. This event — along with the World Senior Championships held each week heading into Labor Day in Albuquerque — deserve special mention. No, they’re not the Open, Worlds or the Nationals with draws of over 700 players, but they are something special.

Playing round-robin in age groups from 35 to 85 — over four to five days, with social events every night — truly becomes a whirlwind of racquetball fun and frolic. And even more than a party, it’s a way of life that we “grown-ups” have all chosen ... one that allows us to have a greatly improved quality of life and to look forward to each and every day that we can compete in this arena.

Youngsters out there won’t relate to what I am saying, for you most certainly feel invincible and immortal in that youth (enjoy it!). Players at the senior and master level, however, have begun to experience their limitations and have still chosen to live life to its fullest. It’s a cultural phenomenon as the population ages. How many people do we all know — people we’ve grown up with that are in their 40s and 50s and have already given up on life? You know … the ones who constantly say “I remember the good old days.” Or how many of us have attended a high school or college reunion and seen many of our former friends in a state of physical dis-repair and living in the past?

But somehow you never see or hear these types of complaints at these senior/master racquetball events. And while most participants are vibrant and healthy, an occasional tragedy strikes and someone passes away during an event. Even then, it’s amazing to note that the overall reaction is that they went out doing what they loved best. This is the foundation of a special fraternity that can only be experienced first-hand by participating in one of these events.

It’s become un-fashionable to be sentimental in our society, but not in our sport. Where else can you — up to age 85 — play a highly active sport and then spend quality time with your opponent? At these “adult” tourneys, we live for the moment, while building for the future through fundraising for student athletic scholarships and the Olympic Dream. Now AmPRO is involved at the senior/master level, and the possibilities are endless. At least for those of us who believe in that fraternity. That sorority. That party! Come join us!