The group also tested to become certified as officials. All that remains to the process is for the players to referee and document the required number of matches at a regional tournament.

Mac McPherson, Ron Ruiz, Stanley Johnson, Bob Bagley, and Mike Bowers join four other certified AMPRO instructors in the European military theater. Previously certified are Sallie Benedict and James Johnson, Heidelberg; Jerry Buchanan, Ansbach, Germany; and Ken Joy, Giessen, Germany.

All AMPRO certified instructors have the ability to teach beginner to advanced players drills and techniques, conduct private or group lessons, set up a juniors program, organize and conduct tournaments and promote racquetball through marketing and other means.

“The course was an eye opener and certainly more intense than anticipated,” said Ruiz who has been playing racquetball for nearly 30 years. “It taught me different techniques, to focus more on shot selection and to reiterate the need for constant practice. It was not easy.”

“Hats off to Gary [Mazaroff] for taking the time to come over and conduct the class for those who would not have the opportunity to return to the States,” said Ruiz.
Four of the new AMPRO instructors are on the American European Racquetball Association board of directors. The individuals all commented that they plan to use the knowledge to assist player development and help athletic directors conduct better and bigger tournaments.

September 21-23, 2001: In an exciting final, Argentina’s Shai Manzuri (pictured far left) defeated Germany’s top player Martin Klippel (right) from Hamburg in straight games. With many other close and great games, players from Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, France, England and the U.S. — what else do you need to have an exciting racquetball weekend?!

The Hamburg Open welcomed the Argentina National Team this year. Due to the tragic events that took place in the USA the week before, the tournament directors received many withdrawals in the days before the event opened. However, over 40 players attended and a minute of silence was observed in honor to those who lost their lives.

“This tournament was more quiet than others before, but due to the circumstances we still had a great time”, said Joerg Ludwig, GRF-President. In fluent German, Argentina President Osvaldo Maggi replied: “We have to thank you all for the great hospitality here in your city, we hope to give it back to you some time.”

Men's Open — Semi Finals: Shai Manzuri (ARG) def. Trevor Hayter (GER) 15-8, 15-6; Martin Klippel (GER) def. German Coppoleccia (ARG) 15-8, 15-8. Final: Shai Manzuri (ARG) def. Martin Klippel (GER) 6-15, 15-8, 11-3; Mens A — Semi Finals: Jeffrey Huang (USA) def. Willy Ruiz (CHI) 15-14, 15-6; Mark Nolan (ENG) def. Thomas Gennrich (GER) 5-15, 15-7, 11-5. Final: Jeffrey Huang (USA) Mark Nolan (ENG) 15-4, 15-10; Mens B — Semi Finals: Chris Steinheiser (USA) def. Marcel Czempisz (GER) 15-7, 15-4; Mel Geralde (USA) def. Hermann Bachmaier (GER) 15-3, 15-3. Final: Chris Steinheiser (USA) def. Mel Geralde (USA) 9-15, 15-9, 11-9; Mens C — Semi Finals: Ramses Deforce (BEL) def. Stefan Lang (GER) 15-10, 15-8; Joerg Sattler (GER) def. Angus Smith (ENG) 15-11, 11-15, 11-5. Final: Ramses Deforce (BEL) def. Joerg Sattler (GER) 15-9, 15-2. Women's Open — Final: Sallie Benedict (USA) def. Daphne Wannée (NED) 15-11, 15-10 3. Platz: Yvonne Kortes (GER) def. Kathy Tritsmans (BEL) 15-3, 15-14; Seniors 35+ — Semi Finals: Olaf Gerullis (GER) def. Bjoern Jensen (GER) 15-10, 13-15, 11-2; Peter deJong (NED) def. Torsten Krieger (GER) 15-7, 15-8. Final: Olaf Gerullis (GER) Peter deJong (NED) 15-8, 15-12; Seniors 40+ — Semi Finals: Osvaldo Maggi (ARG) def. Joerg Ludwig (GER) 15-5, 15-11; David Szafranski (USA) def. Mel Geralde (USA) 15-9, 15-5. Final: David Szafranski (USA) def. Osvaldo Maggi (ARG) 12-15, 15-7, 11-4; Doubles — Semi Finals: Manzuri/Maggi (ARG) def. Scheffler/Huang (GER/USA) 15-5, 15-8; Klippel/Matla (GER/NED) def. Loof/Ruiz (GER/CHI) 15-9, 15-11. Final: Manzuri/Maggi (ARG) def. Klippel/Matla (GER/NED) 15-11, 15-7.