Although Double Donut Studios did not attend the 2008 IRT Pro National Racquetball Championships, veteran racquetball photographer Mike Boatman was onsite. Besides being all all-around great guy and talented racquetball photographer, Mike is an accomplished national photographer based out of Memphis, TN. Here are a few “teasers” - head over to the galleries for the complete 145 photo set.
**** All photos Copyright 2008 Mike Boatman - www.MikeBoatman.com. ***** (please contact Mike Boatman directly for licensing inquiries)
May 11th, 2008
by Geoff Thomsen
The 2008 IRT Pro National Racquetball Championships finished this weekend, with defending champion Jack Huczek(2) defeating Rocky Carson(1) in a LONG 5-gamer. Although a BIG win, Rocky Carson still sealed the deal for a year-end IRT #1 ranking with his second place finish. There were TWO huge additions to this year’s event - a new portable court with 4-wall glass, and LIVE video streaming via www.espn360.com.
The court looked great (from what I saw on the live ESPN feed), and it appears the front wall was covered with the IRT Pro Nationals logo. There were also two logo banners on either side wall of the court. The commentators made some comments about “the dark left wall”, where players were having some troubles immediately seeing the ball. It will be interesting to hear further reports from players who spent some time on the court this weekend. From what I understand, this will be the court used for all future IRT Grand Slam events.
The streaming on www.espn360.com was great! As with any internet feed, there was some intermittent “pauses” in the audio/video, but the overall quality made it easy to follow the action. It was exciting to see the ESPN logos around the video score banners and other areas 
This could be a HUGE relationship for the IRT, and I hope to see ESPN bring racquetball to people who haven’t experienced the sport. The matches from this weekend are currently available in the “archive” section of www.espn360.com, and I HIGHLY encourage anyone to spend a few minutes checking them out!
April 27th, 2008
by Geoff Thomsen
- Jack Huczek and Jason Mannino both advance to the semis, where they play each other tomorrow at 330PM EST (live on http://www.espn360.com)! #
- Rocky Carson advances to the Semi’s after a win over Chris Crowther. Looks like no upsets in the quarters! #
- Saturday 4/26 430PM EST on http://www.espn360.com IRT Pro Nationals Racquetball LIVE Semifinal - Jason Mannino(3) vs. Jack Huczek(2) #
- Saturday 4/26 600PM EST on http://www.espn360.com IRT Pro Nationals Racquetball LIVE Semifinal - Rocky Carson(1) vs. Alvaro Beltran(4) #
- Pictures from the 2008 NW Regionals are processed, and will be online VERY soon! #
- Huge thanks to the REDBULL girls for handing out FREE Redbull at the 2008 NW Regional Racquetball Champs. Your backpacks were SWEEET! #
April 26th, 2008
by Geoff Thomsen
Next weekend in Chicago, IL, the men’s pro racquetball players on the IRT Tour will be in action at the IRT Pro Nationals - the last big event of the year. While the US OPEN was broadcast several months after the event on The Tennis Channel, the Pro Nationals will air live on espn360.com!!
It is your last chance to enter the biggest and most exciting event of the season April 23-27 at the 2008 Motorola IRT Pro Nationals and USAR Adult Regional Racquetball Championship presented by Verizon Wireless. The deadline is approaching fast this Friday April 18th. Don’t miss the top IRT players in the world compete on the new “All Lucite Stadium Court” and if you cannot make it you can watch the semi’s and final live on www.ESPN360.com or later this spring in ESPN Classic.
There will be a rockin’ party on Friday night in the Motorola Players Village featuring “Ellis Drive” playing classic rock hits from Motley Crue, Poison, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Kiss and many more. Saturday will rock at the Rock with the pro’s bash at Entourage in Schaumburg featuring live music from the Renaissance Band playing more of your favorite classic rock tunes.
The event will also offer you a chance to win $10000 dollars with the “Money Ball” promotion sponsored by Motorola and Verizon Wireless. Click here for details!
Once again don’t miss this opportunity to witness the best in the world!!!!
For ticket info you can visit http://www.irt-pronationals.com or they can be purchased at the event.
Dave Negrete
IRT Commissioner
April 19th, 2008
by Geoff Thomsen
