Clayton, NC; March 24, 2010 - For the first time in North Carolina, MRF made history once again. The 70 degree weather couldn’t have been more perfect on March 20th, 2010 to hold an exhibition for the citizens of Clayton to experience a new thrill of outdoor racquetball. With months of planning leading up the event, the day started out extremely early (around 5:30 in the morning) by unloading a 26 ft Penske rental truck that actually transported the court. The court took about seven hours to assemble, because of an uneven parking lot and special thanks to Lynn Stephens of Southern Pines, NC (who was a contractor for more than 15 years) came to the rescue to help to bring the court to life. The opening ceremony commenced with Col Chet Beverly (USAF Ret) and MSgt Leonard "Hawk" Hunter (USAF Ret) of the Tuskegee Airmen leading those in the crowd to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. They then gave their personal war stories of what they endured during WWII and the Viet Nam era. Thereafter the assistant fire marshal of Clayton spoke to the audience on fire safety and prevention during the event. He also brought one of his fire engines for children to tour and to get an understanding on how firefighters are able to combat fires.
Play then commenced with players from as far as Texas and the Fort Bragg area playing several games of doubles. Over 15 games were played; each game going to 11. Over 50 families were on sight to watch how four people/two teams could work together to win a point. After all players were done playing and pretty exhausted, several games of singles were then played. These games were fun to watch, especially a match between GySgt Herman Brooks (USMC – Ret) of Dallas, Texas and MSgt Leon Johnson (USAF) of Fayetteville, NC. The next extremely exciting match to watch was the game between Maurice McKoy (who is in the Air Force ROTC program and was recently accepted in the United States Air Force Pilot program upon his graduation from N.C. A&T State University) and Steven Harper (the “old man” of MRF – Executive Director). The two brawled it out, but at the very end, Maurice was able to walk away as the victor, defeating Steven 7 – 6. The ladies enjoyed themselves too…… CarLotta Mitchell (civilian) of Raleigh, NC played intensely against her doubles’ partner Joy Mattocks CPT, USA of Fayetteville, NC.
It was an extremely fun time while making history! This FREE event would not have been possible without the support in conjunction with WOR, Ektelon, and E-Force. MRF’s goal was for everyone to have a great time while playing & learning racquetball. Saturday March 20th, MRF exceeded that goal, because there have been new requests for MRF to bring the outdoor portable court to other cities on the eastern seaboard. MRF was created to organize, promote, and grow racquetball & physical fitness throughout all branches of the military worldwide. Two years ago, MRF put this court on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, in San Diego CA in an effort to show the Sailors a different and new means of staying physically fit (the first time in Navy history). MRF did it again in North Carolina to show the public a new way & fun way to enjoy working out. Many special thanks go to The Church of Clayton Crossings, the city of Clayton, Penske Rental Truck Company, and to our local sponsors; Starbucks, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Outback Steakhouse, and Walmart for their community support in this event.
As it was stated last year, this new season of 2010 will be an extremely busy for MRF as we move forward into new territories of growing this sport of racquetball to our men and women of the Armed Services.
Steven Harper
ExecutiveDirector
Military Racquetball Federation
