RE: Racquetball and Handball
I made an error in by first post. The other coach for Bill Tanner was Mike Zeitman...not Zimmerman. I found him also in the Racquetball Hall of Fame. Here are a few Hall of Fame members of interest with Memphis connections.
Andy Roberts | Memphis, Tennessee
(Professional Athlete, Inducted in Hall of Fame in 2002)
One of the most dominant pro players of the 90's, Andy Roberts finished six seasons with a top five ranking — twice finishing in the No.2 spot (1993, 1995). With over 15 tour wins to his credit, Roberts finished with a top-10 season ranking on the tour as recently as 1999. After graduating from Memphis State University (with several titles) Roberts captured a National Doubles title in 1985, a National Singles title in 1988 and a U.S. Olympic Festival singles win in 1991. He recaptured the National Doubles crown 15 years later in 2000. Selected as the USRA Athlete of the Year twice (1988, 1990), Roberts was also appointed to the U.S. National team for eight consecutive terms (1985-1991), where he added Tournament of the Americas, and World Championship titles to an impressive resume.
Larry Liles | Memphis, Tennessee
(Contributor, Inducted in Hall of Fame in 2010)
Recognized as the "Father of Collegiate Racquetball", Larry's long-time commitment to collegiate racquetball is legendary. His teams at Memphis State University won 17 National Men's titles and 12 National Women's titles. Larry served as coach of the US National Team from 1998-99 and was named United States Olympic Coach of the Year in 1996.
Davey Bledsoe | Atlanta, Georgia
(Professional Athlete, Inducted in Hall of Fame 2010)
Davey's career began in 1973 when he won the IRA Intercollegiate Championships in Champaign, IL. The highlight of his professional career was his 1977 upset victory over Marty Hogan. Davey was also a true racquetball ambassador, featured in over 150 television, radio and magazine interviews and articles.
Randy Stafford | Germantown, Tennessee
(Contributor, Inducted in Hall of Fame in 2013)
Few individuals have contributed more to the sport of racquetball than Randy Stafford. At the age of 20, Randy literally wrote the (second) book on racquetball. He went on to win a collegiate championship, play on the pro tour, start the first state championship in Tennessee, found the Intercollegiate Racquetball Association, serve on the USA Racquetball Board (four years as President), build the online United States Racquetball Museum, and develop the US Racquetball Foundation, which is focused on the future of the sport.
For Randy, racquetball is more than a passion, it became his vocation. He and his long-running business, The Court Company, have built courts across the nation, including the first competition portable glass court that was donated to USA Racquetball and which greatly enhanced the success of the US Open. He is a true ambassador of the sport and great friend of USA Racquetball.
Mike Zeitman | Louisville, Kentucky
(Contributor, Inducted in Hall of Fame in 2014)
Zeitman, 65, of Louisville, Kentucky started in the sport in his teenage years. It didn’t take long for him to become a top amateur and professional. Zeitman’s most meaningful contributions to racquetball would come from his tireless work and volunteerism. Mike was instrumental in saving and building the International Racquetball Association, the precursor to USA Racquetball, in its early years. He is among the first full-time promoters of the sport and did everything from running tournaments, starting pro tours, publishing magazines, starting junior programs and consulting for racquetball companies. He is even credited with introducing the ceiling ball to the sport. Zeitman is a true ambassador of racquetball and his many contributions have set the bar high for those involved with our sport today.
(This post was last modified: 04-08-2018 12:05 PM by DallasTiger.)
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