Bye-Bye, Double Donut Studios!
August 20th, 2008 by Geoff Thomsen
So the post title may be a little overly dramatic, but things are going to slow down considerably around here. Just as things have been steadily getting more busy around home/job, I was notified that there weren’t enough funds for USA Racquetball to hire me for the US OPEN this year. Honestly, I was kind of wondering when this day would come. I’ve been traveling to the big national events for 5 years now, and while USA Racquetball has been GREAT to do business with, it’s no surprise that the sport of racquetball isn’t exactly sky-rocketing in popularity. I think the participation numbers in the national draws have been slowing decreasing every single year I’ve attended.
Anyway, I feel like I’m in the spot where I’ve got to either step things up a notch to justify the extra work/stress (like buying equipment, investing in more stable online galleries, etc) or cut back. The news from USA Racquetball was the answer - cut back. I love the sport of racquetball, and will continue to play and shoot photos of local events. Oregon has a great program, and there is no lack of talented athletes to keep my camera busy. I see myself following the men’s and women’s pro tours, but I’m not sure if I’ll be investing the same amount of time in blogging about them.
The momentum of the IRT seems to be building with more/bigger events and the new court, and I sincerly hope that some day racquetball will have the reputation to demand high dollar sponsors which can support big glamorous events and tons of money for the men’s and women’s pro tours. Until then, I’m going to have to spend a little more time in the stands rather than on the sidelines.
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Entry Filed under: Racquetball News
Tags: 2008 US OPEN, Double Donut Studios, US OPEN, USA Racquetball
6 Comments.
1. Kyle | August 21st, 2008 at 4:28 am
Bummer. I’m new to RB and I love playing it. I’m a “C” level but it doesn’t matter. There’s no exercise like it. I don’t understand the declining numbers but there’s so much about sports in general that it’s all greek to me anyhow.
2. Evan Pritchard | August 21st, 2008 at 10:22 am
Sad news, Geoff, but I understand your situation. Hope that we meet up again, and that things are going well for you otherwise. Cheers, Evan
3. Joe Delgado | August 24th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Hey Geoff,
Better not be quitting. I bought the Nikon D40 based on your recommendation dude. I love the Camera, can only use it in Auto mode, but still love it.
It’s a raw deal from USAR and you have a lot of talent and love for the sport dude. So don’t throw it away.
Later,
–Joe.
4. Adam Clark | August 25th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Sorry to hear that Geoff. It was good to see you this year at Nationals. Perhaps next year you’ll come down to play in Nationals. I’m still shooting down here in Houston and it was good to learn from the master.
Adam
5. Willie | August 25th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Dude I hear ya. I sometimes wonder if my site was as popular as it is, but in a different sport like tennis. How would things be different?
I would say keep the site, or come join our blogs, and just do it to keep in touch for fun. I would definitely stay away from investing more time or money into the sport in a professional aspect as there is just so little return. Spend the moola on a new racquet or something or even just go to the Open and relax. It’s actually a lot of fun!
Same goes for racquetball. Sure we’re not millionaires, but I’m getting a good workout, meeting good people, and having a good time. There’s no way lifting weights, riding a stationary bike, or even swimming laps can compare.
6. Darrin Schenck | August 29th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Geoff,
Sorry to hear that you won’t be joining us in Memphis this year. Your site has done some great things for the game, and I am not happy to hear that you’ll be cutting back.
I hope to help fill the void as I continue to roll out my website at rbguru.com. I will be stsarting my own blog soon, have written two instructional books, and are always adding to my racquetball video collection on my site.
Thanks for leading the charge so all these years!