(04-09-2018 08:28 AM)true_blue_thru_and_thru Wrote:  

(04-07-2018 08:23 PM)MetalTiger Wrote:  In the 80's weren't we kick ass in these sports or am I crazy? They are not even listed on the web site

Yep, anybody know why the programs were dropped? Is there a backstory? If I had to guess its involves finances but I really have no idea.

It was lack of support from the university - he said that he only received about $1500 from the university and had to constantly beg local businesses and supporters for money. See here:

https://memphiansports.wordpress.com/201...e-dormant/

Too bad - racquetball is one action-packed sport to play and watch. I guess they've never figured out how to play it before large audiences, since the court is so small and enclosed.

(04-08-2018 04:39 PM)TiggerFan Wrote:  

(04-08-2018 06:40 AM)83msu Wrote:  W as it Andy Roberts that won multiple titles in raquetball?

I audited racquetball when I was 16 by registering as my older brother. Had been playing at the rec center for years and was banging around with the team. Mazzone picked me out on the first day of class and served me a forehand. Rollout. Backhand. Rollout. Anywho, Roberts was a year younger than me at CBHS and beat me 21-0. I quit thinking about trying out because I thought I sucked. And I was playing A and B tournaments at Kessinger, Supreme, and Wimbledon. I looked at the plan for the new rec center. I may have missed it but I didn't see racquetball courts.

I took racquetball as one of my PE's my frosh year. Taught by Coach Liles. Loved the sport so much, I audited it 2 more semesters, just so I could play in the tournaments and get coached by Liles. He was a bit of a jerk to us, but worth it. I'm sure we only got to see the basic surface of his coaching, but it was really good instruction.

My last time to audit, I didn't get Liles. I got swim coach Fadgen. He was a much nicer man towards us, but not the racquetball instructor that Liles was.

Googled Liles and found some decent stories...

Memphis racquetball

Flyer article

Liles university bio

(04-10-2018 12:39 PM)Tiger87 Wrote:  

(04-08-2018 04:39 PM)TiggerFan Wrote:  

(04-08-2018 06:40 AM)83msu Wrote:  W as it Andy Roberts that won multiple titles in raquetball?

I audited racquetball when I was 16 by registering as my older brother. Had been playing at the rec center for years and was banging around with the team. Mazzone picked me out on the first day of class and served me a forehand. Rollout. Backhand. Rollout. Anywho, Roberts was a year younger than me at CBHS and beat me 21-0. I quit thinking about trying out because I thought I sucked. And I was playing A and B tournaments at Kessinger, Supreme, and Wimbledon. I looked at the plan for the new rec center. I may have missed it but I didn't see racquetball courts.

I took racquetball as one of my PE's my frosh year. Taught by Coach Liles. Loved the sport so much, I audited it 2 more semesters, just so I could play in the tournaments and get coached by Liles. He was a bit of a jerk to us, but worth it. I'm sure we only got to see the basic surface of his coaching, but it was really good instruction.

My last time to audit, I didn't get Liles. I got swim coach Fadgen. He was a much nicer man towards us, but not the racquetball instructor that Liles was.

i had Liles for swimming or something, i cant remember. I remember him being a really nice guy. Met those racquetball guys in passing, they all ran around together and were good guys.

.

At one time, Memphis State was the ‘king of the hill’ when it came to racquetball, now they are dormant.

.

It has been a while but last time I went to Elma Roane I took a peekl at the courts. Locked up and in bad shape. Played in the heat on those courts when the Rec center was booked.