The Downtown Midland YMCA is making some major renovations – mostly for the good. Unfortunately, these renovations include removing 3 of the 4 existing racquetball courts. This removal would basically “kill” racquetball in Midland and deal a blow to the sport in West Texas.

The Midland Downtown YMCA has been there for racquetball the whole way!  Racquetball has been a part of West Texas for over 60 years. Much of West Texas racquetball started at the Midland / Odessa YMCAs. West Texas has been the home of the Women’s Hall of Fame player Peggy Steding,  as well as National Open Singles and Doubles Champion Mike Guidry.  Mike achieved a professional ranking on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) of World No. 5.

In the late 80/90's Midland racquetball grew into over 24 courts. The Town West YMCA and the Midlander had 10 courts each. Large tournaments were held here that included legendary players Marty Hogan, Lynn Adams, Dave Peck, Gregg Peck, Mike Guidry, Drew Katchik, Aaron Katz, Todd Oneill, Kenny Kaihlanen, Bob Philipy, Brian Fredenberg, and Lance Gilliam.

In the past few years, thanks to "Club Shiloh" (Ken Poole) and my wife Rhonda, we have been visited by the "GOAT " Kane Waselenchuk and many of the  "Y" players had the chance to play and learn from the best.  Many players from this area achieved factory sponsorship status from well-known companies such as Pro Kennex, Head, Ektelon, and others. These include players from the  Midland Downtown YMCA. YMCA member Rhonda King is currently on the Texas Racquetball Association (TXRA) Board of Directors and is a current ProKennex sponsored player.

Although racquetball has seen a decline in participation over the last few years, it is showing a new resurgence in states such as California, Arizona, and Texas, as well as other countries. In fact, racquetball is one of the most popular sports in Mexico, Canada, Bolivia, Colombia, Japan, South Korea, Ireland, Venezuela, Chile, and Ecuador.  The Women’s and Men’s Pro Tours include players from all over the world. Racquetball is on the way back!

We are now down to 4 public courts in Midland - and the administration wants to bring this down to 1 !

For the Board’s and Commission’s awareness, there are days when there are more players than available courts. There are many new families showing interest in playing this wonderful sport, and that is filling up the courts. This is a petition to the YMCA Board of Directors and Planning Commission to request that at least two racquetball courts remain available for their original intended use.  Members feel that this is a fair compromise. Whether we keep 2 of the existing courts, or build 2 new ones, please help us keep racquetball alive in West Texas.