Racquetball: Houston Lineup

Cheryl Gudinas [U.S. Team]
S: She’s done it all and is the No.1 ranked woman in the world. She’s supposed to win but I think the pressure will get to her.
J: Clear favorite.

Kerri (Stoffregen) Wachtel
S: She will always be known as STOFF to us old schooler’s and if she plays confidently and error-free, expect her to add a National Championship to her resume.
J: Kerri is easy on the eyes. She plays with grace and doesn’t make many mistakes. Expect her to be fighting in the end.

Jackie Paraiso Rice [U.S. Team]
S: If she’s healthy and focused she could win. Very intense and knows how to get the job done.
J: If she’s 100% healthy Cheryl should be quivering.

Rhonda Rajsich [U.S. Team]
S: She’s by far the most athletic woman player in the world. She needs to stay the course and believe in her abilities. Advice to Rhonda - play hard and have fun!
J: The only player who can stand in Rhonda’s way is Rhonda.

Kristen Walsh [U.S. Team]
S: Great player with all the tools but I don’t think she is ready this year. Like Vandy, I expect her to win it in the future.
J: I don’t think she can do it but anything can happen.

Suds & Jason: Well, that’s it and we want everyone to know we did this with a sense of humor but also wanted to get our points across. We wish everyone the best of luck and hope you all have a great week in Houston. See you all there!

Isn’t that just like men? They neglected to mention last year’s finalist, Laura Fenton (who at press time had just defeated Gudinas at the Tournament of Americas). She hasn’t played on tour much this season, but we’re certain that she’ll make a good showing, if she’s healthy in Houston. Good luck to all ! — Editor.

Mike Guidry [U.S. Team]
Sudsy: Will “Guids,” the defending champ and January pro stop winner, repeat? I don’t see it that way. I think he has other things on his mind and will be more concerned with what’s going on outside the court and who’s watching. He’s definitely the most experienced player in the draw and when he has no pressure he usually plays great. If he doesn’t “think” he has to win he can do it!
Jason: I don’t think he could win with Ruben on the court as his partner against everyone. Just kidding. It’s hard to call him a dark horse but with the talent in the draw he is. I still pick Guids to win it again.

Jack Huczek [U.S. Team]
S: I think this year is much different from years past. Jack has much more competition this year. He’s not “supposed to win.” He is definitely one of the best players in the draw but he will have his hands full with the other pros competing. If he plays great all week and doesn’t get rattled then he is obviously a favorite.
J: Hard to bet against him but I think he will fall asleep at the wheel. Besides that, he’s on the team either way.

Adam Karp
S: I am cheering for my buddy Fish to win this! Only problem is that I don’t think he’s ready. He hasn’t seen much quality r-ball lately and it will be tough for him to play flawless for the whole tournament. He could and will give fits to someone but I think the lack of real court time will hold him back from another Houston title. I know he would love a shot at Jack again and if he gets it, don’t be surprised if he wins this time.
J: He will be making more job placements than scoring points. Expect to see him in the bar with everyone celebrating my No.1 ranking.

Rocky Carson
S: Prettiest person in the draw. According to pro rank Rocky and Jack should battle it out for the USRA national singles title. I agree with rank and think these two players will be playing for it all in the end. I call a Rocky vs. Jack final. Who’s reffing?
J: If Rocky can hit the front wall with his curled backhand then he will be a serious threat for the title.

Chris Wright
S: Don’t lob on the hot and humid courts of Houston. Turn and burn and good things can happen. I think Chris is one of the best amateurs in the world but I don’t know how he will handle a big match.
J: He will easily annoy the young’uns, forcing them to make many errors. Strong quarterfinalist, but that’s all.

Michael Bronfeld [U.S. Team]
S: This year Houston is a fight for a spot on the Pan-American team. Bron’s already been there and I do not think he will be motivated for this event. He’s always a Houston favorite but not this year.
J: He should always be taken seriously. Has he been playing? Who has he been playing? Is he ready? Doubt it. Possible quarterfinalist.

Mitch Williams
S: Enough of the Wild Thing crap. He’s a great player, with all the tools, yet he is too wild. Don’t worry about being flashy or what everyone is doing outside the court and you could be a National Champion. If he plays like he did against Kane in Memphis and he could do it.
J: It’s all about the H-E-A-D. Will he keep his composure? Nope! He will fall apart and lose to someone he should beat. He will be playing squash with Suds and me all week unless he screws his head on straight.

Jason Thoerner [U.S. Team]
S: Great ref but worst sneakers of all-time! I know he’s learned a lot this year on tour but can he put it all together for a week straight? I know he can talk his way to a win but will he be able to rattle the experienced pros? He knows the answer. Shut up and hit your shots.
J: My favorite ref. With a full year of IRT events under his belt he is seasoned and ready. If he puts on a real pair of sneakers he could definitely be fighting for the title. Easy semifinalist.

Josh Tucker
S: Despite his win over Elli in North Carolina he’s way too nice to win. He needs more big-match experience and learn to fight for every point. Great guy with all the tools but I question his mental toughness.
J: After watching Cliff take his lunch money it will be real hard to bet on him but he is a really nice guy.

Shane Vanderson
S: Vandy definitely has what it takes to beat anyone in this draw. He might not be ready this year but expect him to be a repeat champion in the future.
J: After playing him a handful of times this season I can say he has all the tools but also a case of the “skippies.” He will also lose to someone he should beat.

Dan Fowler
S: Where have you been? Always a force but he hasn’t been playing enough to pull this off. At times he’s looked like the best player in the world. Not this time.
J: Hasn’t been playing enough on tour to win this event.

Chris Crowther
S: The Crippler is a great guy. Not small and hits the ball with some serious pace. He needs to smooth it out and not worry about anything but the point he is about to play. Can definitely fight for the top spot.
J: Long and strong but cannot hit the sweet spot.

Mike Dennison
S & J: A.K.A. Santiago: See Crippler!

Dan Llacera
S: Despite what he tells you, he’s about a +6 handicap. He would bet against himself if someone would take the bet. Experienced veteran and will give someone serious headaches. There’s too much talent here for him to win the whole thing.
J: DanBo, with his cockeyed backhand. It’s amazing he ever hits the front wall. Expect him to take all bets and golf every day.

Ruben Gonzalez [U.S. Team]
S: Rubes is amazing and we are training and playing a lot at the club here in Staten Island, but it will be tough for him to win this year. There’s a tremendous amount of talent and we know Ruben will be playing 15 divisions. Vamose Ruben!
J: He will win the 30’s, 35’s, 40’s, 45’s, 50’s and the Open.

Doug Ganim
S: We’ll be playing a lot of golf!!
J: I hope he booked all his tee times for the week.