Racquetball: May/June '02 ESPN Update

May - June 2002
Vol. 13, No. 3 | Contents

ESPN Broadcast of U.S. OPEN a Hit
by Doug Ganim

Purchase your own videotape of the broadcast ... at www.usrastore.com

For those that had a chance to see the national ESPN broadcast of the 2001 U.S. OPEN Racquetball Championships in February, you were treated to the best video presentation of pro racquetball ever produced. The one hour show featured excerpts of the men’s pro quarters and semi’s, extensive coverage of the finals match between Cliff Swain and John Ellis, and highlights of Kerri Wachtel’s historic victory over Jackie Rice in the women’s pro finals.

“Feedback from this show has been overwhelmingly positive at every level” stated U.S. OPEN Director Doug Ganim. “ESPN executives were very pleased with the ratings for the show and extremely impressed with the quality of the production. We have received hundreds of letters and e-mails from racquetball fans around the world unanimously praising the quality of this year’s telecast.”

J.M. Associates, a world-renowned sports production firm with long standing ties to ESPN, produced the show. The executive producer was “insider” Matt McKinnis, who competes in his own right at the open level in Arkansas. “We were very pleased with the way this years show turned out,” McKinnis said. “After working with the portable court for the past five years we’ve really learned how to set up the lighting and camera angles to maximize the quality of the show. Through the use of high definition digital cameras and extensive instant replay we were able to create a show where even the non-racquetball enthusiast would actually be able to clearly see the ball.”

First class color commentating by Aaron Katz and Tommy Sanders (pictured left to right) further enhanced the broadcast. Sanders, a weekly fixture on ESPN’s outdoor sports programming, is recognized as one of the most talented on air personalities in all of sports. His smooth color commentary and celebrity status gives the U.S. OPEN broadcast instant credibility. Aaron Katz, a former IRT touring pro, provides continuous insights into what is really going through the minds of the players, as he breaks down strategy issues in a very informative yet entertaining way.

“If racquetball ever makes the big time on TV I have no doubt that Aaron Katz will be able to give up his law practice and go at this full time.” stated Ganim. “I would put Aaron up against John McEnroe as an expert on air commentator any day of the week! He really has a natural talent for it.”

If you missed the show, you can purchase either videotape or DVD versions online at www.usrastore.com or by calling the USRA at 719-635-5396 ext. 132. Want more? A special limited edition collectors set is also available, featuring all six past U.S. OPEN shows from 1996-2001.