It was a good day to be a spider at the KMC Invitational Racquetball tournament.
Tim “Spiderman” Hardison, Heidelberg, snared first-place honors in the open and 30-39 divisions of the event held April 3 at the Kleber Fitness Center.
Hardison defeated Curtis Morgan, Ramstein, 15-2, 15-9, for the 30-39 crown and won the open title by forfeit after Mike Bowers, Kaiserslautern, could not play due to injury.
Bowers, the defending open and 40+ champion, aggravated a hamstring in his 40+ semi-final match against Joe Ryan, Ramstein.
“Even if I had not come up injured, I doubt I would have won,” said Bowers who was trailing Ryan by a game and losing 9-13 when the injury happened.
“He (Ryan) was the hottest player all week during practice. That performance carried into the tournament. My injury just prevented me from getting defeated,” said Bowers.
Ryan went on to battle Jesse Cross, Kaiserslautern, for the 40+ title. Cross emerged a 15-10, 15-7 winner. Ron Ruiz, Kaiserslautern, was the consolation winner.
Mannheim’s Troy Brown took consolation honors in both the 30-39 and open division.
Tammie Milkes, Kaiserslautern, is the women’s champion after her victory over Karin Chin, Illesheim. Milkes also won the men’s C consolation bracket.
“My opponent didn’t play to his potential,” said Milkes. “However, playing in the men’s C division gives me more motivation to play hard. It’s a higher level, considering the limited turn-out of women players.”
Bobbie Breese, Mannheim, won the C division over Mark Jenson, Ramstein. Scores were 15-6- 15-3, and was the B division consolation winner.
This year’s B division champion is Adrian Benavides, Wiesbaden, who defeated Ed Oliveras, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers, Europe.
Next on the racquetball calendar is the 2004 U.S. Air Forces in Europe Racquetball Championship scheduled May 1 and 2 at the Sembach Fitness Center.
Categories are men’s and women’s open, seniors (30-39), masters (40+), B and C skill divisions, women’s novice, and doubles. Lodging is also available.
Entry is free. Only military ID card holders or those with American passports may participate. Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in each division of the double-elimination formal.
The registration deadline is April 28. To register, call 480-8085 or e-mail jacqueline.habel2@ramstein.af.mil. Tournament information is also posted at www.racquetbal.de.
(Courtesy of 415th Base Support Battalion )
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