Thanks for all of your support and when I started this I did not think I could do it. It is very difficult to keep the emails going when you are tired, but I followed the Canada website in Bolivia this spring and decided if I ever got in this position I would let the folks back home know what was going on. It was a great week for everyone -- good people all -- and the U.S. can rest assured we will be ready for the Pan Ams and Tourney of the Americas next year -- Coach Winterton.

Two theories: On the one hand, forfeiting the third round (most likely a doubles match) -- when it doesn't change the outcome of a team advance -- is good strategy. The player(s) can rest through one more round, and the possibility of injury is diminished. On the other, why not play the scheduled match, just to get a workout and keep your timing? Ruben Gonzalez and Mike Guidry -- who haven't played since facing Honduras on Thursday -- were ready and willing to log the warm-up match against the same Mexican team that had beaten them in the individual medal rounds in "part one" of the competition, but instead received the forfeit from Gutierrez & Mejia. In Saturday's final round, it's now very likely that they will have to go up against rival Canadians Mike Ceresia and Michael Green, who defeated them for the World Cup just two years ago. After two rounds of no play at all, this match now promises be a highlight, as the closing match of the tournament (again), at 5:00 pm on Saturday.

Format: If you've been following the U.S. Team in regulation draw play, you'll find that -- in viewing the "new" drawsheets for the second phase of competition (under "Men's Team" and "Women's Team" in the online draws) -- you'll see a 3-0, 2-0 or a 2-1 "match score" recorded as play moves forward. A 3-0 means that all three matches were played, and won, by the advancing team (the third being optional); a 2-0 means that a straight game win was logged; a 2-1 score means that one loss was recorded for the team that advanced, forcing a third match win. Once two matches are won, the third scheduled match does not need to be played (the "forfeit" by the winning country doesn't change the outcome). 

What will become a factor, as the teams advance further, will be the early performances by roster players -- since they will dictate whether or not a third match will be required as the "tiebreaker." In 2000, the World Cup went down to the wire, and was decided by the third, doubles match -- in which Canada edged out the U.S. by a narrow margin. They don't want that to happen again, so the U.S. squad will be coming out of the gates strong, to guarantee as many early advances as they can manage ... straight through to Saturday! 

World Cup: After a day off on Wednesday, the U.S. team roster will shift gears from individual accomplishments, to a format that puts each men's and women's squad against another country's squad in head-to-head playoffs. The best showing by a team will advance the "country" in a single elimination draw, to name the best men's, women's and overall (combined) world teams. After a 9-event winning streak (unbroken since 1981), the combined "World Team" cup was taken away from the U.S. by Canada in Mexico in 2000 -- and this U.S. team roster (many returning from the last go-round) wants to bring it home ... 

On a sidenote: Coach Winterton has received a series of congratulatory emails from the 6910th security wing website, (he served with the squadron  in the Air Force in Germany from 1966-1969, when his nickname was "Grog" (like the character in the comic strip "BC"). Here are some of the posts to the website: From Don Dey (67-69) Jim Winterton has returned as the Head Coach of the USA R/B team and they are currently in Puerto Rico for the World Championships. Grog 'retired' with a 10 year undefeated international record a coupla years ago. Some things changed in his absence as coach and we come into this WC seeded #2 - but real hungry!! GO USA!!! bring home the gold!!! From Bobby Edwards (66-68) If you ever played sports with Jim or against him - you would discover that Jim is one of the most intense competitors you will ever come up against. I know this has to be why his teams have always been winners. Remember, this is the 292 that handled much of the Intercepts of the Russian Invasion of Czechoslovakia with a Colonel standing behind him. Your intensity has not changed a bit from the days of Darmstadt to today - Congratulations to every member of the team, and more importantly - Congratulations on your individual efforts to bring victory to the team.From Jim Herbst (63-64) Congratulations to the coach and the team. We were commenting what a great smile he has then and now. Go USA!!! From Jim Winterton (66-69) Wow guys -- I am truly touched. Is this the same bunch of guys who used to "Woof" on my butt so bad ... remember those phrases?? Thanks for the support -- we beat the world's No.4 player yesterday with a rookie who has an attitude that we all would be proud of. Today is a big day -- wish I had time for a few of the beverages we were so fond of in Germany! Is it my imagination or have I lost some hair since "68?

Thursday, 08/08: Yesterday was a quiet day off. Some of the team went to the rain forest (I'm glad I wasn't there to see our players on the waterfalls, and get visions of sprained ankles, etc.); some of our team went to the beach, and some went shopping. I went out to buy the Mrs. something and found a gift, but also found shops very expensive in this area. Some of our players went to Hard Rock Cafe last night in old San Juan; that part of the city is very beautiful. We have a team meeting this morning and then we start the last part of the tour de Puerto Rico ... the mountains ... hahaha! Actually that is a good analogy -- we are ready. We all play (team USA) today at one pm to five pm. Actually tomorrow is the last huge day of matches -- the matchup coming is against Mexico for our men and women. More on that later ...

And an Upset ... Jason Thoerner continued his run on top-ranked pros with a second upset in a row -- this time to claim a spot in tomorrow's final, and seek a world singles title in his rookie tour. Thoerner nearly took his win in straight games, after winning the first, 15-6, against Brian Istace -- and serving for match over six times in the second game. But Istace (ranked #13 on tour) inched his way back into the game to force tiebreaker, which he lead through the first half. Tying it up at 8-8, Thoerner seemed to rattle Istace, who faulted long to lose service twice more before the end. Playing to the forehand side, Thoerner forced a return of serve error from a half lob for point 9, dropped in a soft pinch in the right corner for point 10, and mixed it up with close play on the final rally. Both six-footers have reach and stride, but Istace made a last-ditch attempt to save the rally with a shot into the back wall. The ball fell short of the front wall, and Thoerner advanced to face teammate Jack Huzcek tomorrow at noon.

Guaranteed Win in Singles: The U.S. can't lose in men's singles tomorrow, with its silver and bronze medalists from national singles on deck to challenge each other for a first world title. Jack Huczek (2001 national champ) and first-time U.S. team member Jason Thoerner will split the coaching staff between them, at noon. And though nothing is ever completely guaranteed, it's fully expected that top-ranked defending world champ Cheryl Gudinas will be able to keep her title against a challenge from Canadian Jennifer Saunders at 1:00 pm. Earlier in the day, Saunders eliminated USA's No.2 player, Laura Fenton, in an upset tiebreaker.

Short Stuff: At 5'3" and 5'4, respectively, the doubles pairing of Jackie Rice and Kim Russell may be short in stature, but they've been big on winning all week, after having advanced in straight games throughout the draw. They'll go up against the Canadian team of Amanda McDonald (5'5") & Karina Odegard (6'0") for the world doubles title tomorrow at noon. 

U.S. Team Results/Monday (4-2):  Jack Huczek def. #3 Kane Waselenchuk (Canada) 15-2, 15-14; #4 Jason Thoerner def. #1 Brian Istace (Canada) 15-6, 14-15, 11-8; #1 Cheryl Gudinas def. #4 Josee Grand'Maitre (Canada) 15-7, 15-6; #1 Jackie Rice & Kim Russell vs. Susana Acosta & Rosy Torres (Mexico); Polo Gutierrez & Gil Mejia (Mexico) def. #2 Ruben Gonzalez & Mike Guidry 15-12, 15-5; #2 Jennifer Saunders (Canada) def. #3 Laura Fenton 15-6, 7-15, 11-3. 

Career Best: In what would have been an upset even on the pro tour, Team USA rookie Jason Thoerner (#30 on tour) pulled out an upset win over Mexico's top player, Alvaro Beltran (#6 on tour) in straight games on Sunday. For years Thoerner has fallen just shy of the qualifying mark for the U.S. Team squad (semifinals at national singles) and has never played against Beltran -- on tour, or off. With help from teammates Mike Guidry, Ruben Gonzalez and coach Drew Kachtik (all former/current touring pros themselves), Thoerner used a careful game plan to keep Beltran out of front court. "He's so quick, and has fast hands ... I had to keep pounding him in back court" said Thoerner, whose passing game pulled him to a 9-0 lead in the first game, before Beltran regained lost ground.

"It's hard to keep a big lead," commented Kachtik "the other guy's got nothing to lose, and he [Beltran] got comfortable in his game, and started to come back." After finishing the first game 15-12, Thoerner faced the possibility of a tiebreaker when Beltran held a game two advantage at 13-10. But the rookie stayed on track to recover, and win, the game and match, 15-13. He'll face Canada's Brian Istace (ranked #13 on the IRT pro tour), in Monday's semifinal round, at 3:00 pm.

U.S. Team Results/Sunday (undefeated):  Jack Huczek def. Curtis Winter (Puerto Rico) 15-9, 15-4; Jack Huczek def. Javier Moreno (Mexico) 15-3, 15-10; Jason Thoerner def. Miguel Santiago (Puerto Rico) 15-6, 15-6; Jason Thoerner def. Alvaro Beltran (Mexico) 15-12, 15-13; Cheryl Gudinas def. Raquel Perez (Puerto Rico) 15-1, 15-0; Cheryl Gudinas def. Lupita Torres (Mexico) 15-3, 15-5; Laura Fenton def. Anita Maldonado (Puerto Rico) 15-6, 15-6; Laura Fenton def. Angela Grisar (Chile) 15-12, 15-1; Ruben Gonzalez & Mike Guidry def. David Matamoros & Franklin Raudales (Honduras) 15-6, 15-8; Ruben Gonzalez & Mike Guidry def. Oswaldo Garcia & Curtis Winter (Puerto Rico) 15-12, 15-3; Jackie Rice & Kim Russell def. Kim Venegas & Martha Canellas (Puerto Rico) 15-0, 15-1.

As a warm-up to the actual "World Cup" team competition, the first portion of the tournament (Saturday through Tuesday) is played for individual world titles in singles and doubles. On the squad, only two players will be defending personal titles: Cheryl Gudinas in singles, and Kim Russell in doubles. World team rookies are Jack Huczek and Jason Thoerner; veterans are the remarkably well-preserved doubles pair of Ruben Gonzalez (50) and Mike Guidry (32), plus long-time team members Laura Fenton and Jackie Paraiso Rice.

After a day off to enjoy the Caribbean, the team will then re-group for the second portion (Thursday-Saturday) which will crown the world team champions. Each advance in the team playoff will earn points toward a cumulative total that will determine the best men's, women's and overall/combined team squads. It is here that the U.S. -- on the last point of the last match (an 11-10 tiebreaker) -- saw the overall "World Cup" trophy slip away in 2000. They don't intend to let that happen again.

Cheryl Gudinas:  What a great day. I want to congratulate Jack on his first World Championship. There are many more gold medals for that young man. Also, congrats to our ladies doubles. They played great today as well. Our entire squad seems ready to go for the gold in the team competition. Expect to see renewed fire from Ruben. I talked with him at length yesterday, and he is clearly unsatisfied and disappointed with the result with Mexico.

After seeing Jason play all week, he has been phenomenal with his pinches and mental toughness. I haven't seen him play much, but I love watching him play and have learned a lot from his game. I will go home and try to incorporate some of his style (not necessarily the trash talking-ha ha) into my game.

As for our favorite team manager, Dave Ellis... I LOVE him! "There's a long way to go" though Dave...kiss kiss...how I long to see you again...ha ha...wait to see who I sit next to at dinner NEXT time, Dave and Jack...you may be young and handsome, Jack, but Dave's got the GOODS.

Okay, that's all for now. Edit as you see fit, but i think we have a winner here... Love to all, Cheryl

Monday, 08/05: Hello everyone -- Today the "upset kid" continued his march to the finals. Jason Thoerner defeated Brian Istace 15-7, 14-15, 11-9. It was an unbelievable match. Not to be outdone, Cheryl Gudinas defeated Josee Grand'maitre of Canada 15-7, 15-6. Laura Fenton lost a heartbreaker to Jen Saunders of Canada, 8-15, 15-7, 6-11. Ruben Gonzalez and Mike Guidry were defeated by a tough Mexican team, 15-13, 15-6. The doubles team of Jackie Rice and Kim Russell defeated the Mexican team of Rosy Torres and Susy Acosta in two straight. Tomorrow we have an all USA men's final, Jason vs. Jack. Jack Huczek won a very tough match over Kane Waselenchuk of Canada, 15-3, 15-14. On the Women's side it's Cheryl Gudinas vs. Jen Saunders of Canada. The doubles team of Jackie and Kim play Canada. Our record today- 4 wins, 2 defeats. The USA is guaranteed a mens champion, and of course two chances for four more gold medals. Our team is focused and has completed part of its work. Jack Huczek has some comments to the fans back home.

Jack: "Kane is a tough opponent, especially since he has more international playing experience then myself. I am happy to win, but it is only one match. I look forward to tomorrow. Today the USA was successful with a 67% winning percentage. The team looks strong! But, we still have 5 days left. The team thanks everyone for their generous emails. Although the USRA has been generous with monetary support, it has not been conducive with our team dinner. We are looking for additional support within the racquetball community. Just kidding Jim Hiser. 

The coaching staff would like to thank Drew (Kachtik) for bathing regularly and keeping good personal hygiene.

Coach Winterton: "Although some of our team was disappointed today there is no quit in this group. We are united and will do our country proud as this tournament continues -- thanks for all your encouragement and goodwill emails. Last night our third coach, Fran Davis arrived. She jumped in and coached two matches today and did a great job, as only Fran can do. It is a pleasure for me to be reunited with a pro like Fran."

Sunday, 08/04:  Hello USA! First -- the answer to yesterday's quiz by "Dr. Laura"
Big Daddy--like the movie --Drew Kachtik(acts like Adam Sandler)
Daddy long legs--duh--Jason Thoerner
Daddy Warbucks--Coach Winterton because of his hairline--or lack thereof

Today was a good day ... The USA won all matches. Most years this would be an outstanding day--however, as the number two seed it is nothing to get excited about. Tomorrow we play all important matches (see Monday lineup, at the top of the page). It is late Sunday and Coach Fran Davis, Dave Ellis and I are ready for bed. More to come, and we will try to include more team input and hopefully more good news! 

Saturday, 08/03: Day one saw team USA breeze through. The athletes are totally prepared for this -- we want the title back. Remember the first tournament started today and ends on Tuesday. Wednesday we have off and then it is team vs. team. Today nobody was pressed, however, tomorrow will be a different story. We take these one at a time but tomorrow Jack probably will play Javier Moreno, a player who beat him in Bolivia, and Jason will play Alvaro Beltran, who is ranked # 6 on the pro tour. Our men's doubles team did not play today, but Ruben Gonzalez and Mike Guidry start play tomorrow. Right now our team leader, Dave Ellis, father of John Ellis, #3 player on the IRT,and new grandfather of Julius Ellis, is typing our newsletter. 

Ri our team Dr. (Dr. Laura--that's what we call Laura Fenton, who isn't a doctor, that's a joke) has a riddle for all of you racquetball fans --

Did you know that there are three new daddies on this year's USA World Championship Team? See if you can match them up and why each is given this particular name?

Friday, 08/02: Last practice today -- the team is focused and ready. [We] had a good team meeting. What goes on in team meetings? Sorry-top secret!!! We have a great group of women and men -- and it's fun to work with them. Coach Drew Kachtik, former number one player in the world and the last number one player for Ektelon, provides great insight. Whenever you can have a number one player working with you, you can't go wrong. 

Ruben Gonzalez and Jackie Rice were voted captains of our team. Captains are an important part of the team as they set the tone. To have two world champion players as your team captains is cool; in fact, most of our team has been world champions at one point or another in their careers. That is huge. Also had a nice conversation with Ron Brown, the Canadian coach and Javier Moreno Sr., the Mexican coach. Both of these gentlemen are fun to compete against; they play it clean, are tough competitors, and good sports -- win or lose. International racquetball could be much different without the cooperation of the other countries and class people such as Ron and Javier. 

Thursday, 08/01: Still no competition--the team is in and we had our first team meeting tonight which went very well--when there are team veterans like ours and they talk of their love of the game and what it means to represent the USA it is awe-inspiring. USA is second seed for the first time ever--that means our tough matches begin sooner than ever--we are ready and it should be fun. Great bunch of people here and all went out to dinner tonight while the coaches went to a coaches' meeting.

We got the rules of the tournament draw -- and other boring political stuff you don't want to hear about -- one thing is a coach can get a technical when they step on the court -- so a coach cannot go on a court to talk to a player -- then the discussion went to can a coach put one foot on the court ... and now after 14 hours of meetings its off to bed. Practice is at 8am tomorrow to 9:30; team meeting at 3pm and opening ceremonies at 7-9pm in old San Juan which I hear is beautiful. Then the first matches begin at 9am Saturday morning. Had a good talk with the Canadian coach -- he is sharp and quite an adversary over the years.

Wednesday, 07/31: [Today] was not easy -- it's midnight and I am fading fast. We had to switch practice times three times; two athletes are not in yet; I had to sort out three dozen items of clothing for the team, and make sure each athlete got here. Thank God for Dave Ellis (IRT #3 John Ellis' dad) he is our team leader and does an outstanding job. We also have a new trainer -- her name is Jennifer Louie and she is from California and works at the USOC in Colorado Springs. Canada and Mexico have arrived -- they have the "swagger" so do we ... it will be interesting.