I'm just not too happy about it. After the look over for the magazine this last time, Team Guatemala of USA will now probably have another battle to fight.
I realize that this team was not the "Choosen" team to go to Guatemala. They (USRA) certainly would rather have the players in the likes of Rocky, Jack, etc. go, But what they got was John Ellis, Woody Clouse, and Willie. But now when I go to the home page of the USRA.ORG website, theirs a little snipit with a picture about Team Guatemala of USA (I mention the location because the next event will not be in Guatemala).
And here's my prediction. This will be the only mention that Team Guatemala gets. Why?? Because by the time the next magazine comes out, The next Pan Am Finals or whatever the heck you want to call it will have occured, and they'll (USRA) have made sure that their (the team with the pros) articles pictures etc, get in with that magazine, and a little bit of a mention of Team Guatemala might make its way in there.They've already set up this stage with their current website. "
USA TEAM PREPARES FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS" (a picture of TEAM GUATEMALA), and an article about the players (who mention the Santo Domingo team, rather than the one who is listed in the picture! and no correction as to the preliminary team that got their star studded team in their to begin with)Why does this anger me? (okay pisses me off but I'm working on controlling my anger/languge and moderating myself skills as Leo so obviously felt the need to point out,..though this is my own freakin [edited]blog). Because I spent a lot of time deciding that the reason was as simple as deadlines. I feel as though my own faith in the system in which I've tried to give the benefit of the doubt will be challenged. Despite how often I call others out (Anonymous individuals who choose to harasse other members on our forums like they've got balls and then tell me to be accountable when we all know who the heck I am, but who the hell are you??), or how often I might remove my foot from my mouth, I had faith in this organization. I have seen countless other individuals post comments in the direction of "who needs the USRA", and "WHAT DO THEY DO??", I still had faith. This is the sports governing body. They are the NBA of racquetball...And yet,...I'm waivering, and its sad when this sport is this small.
I have to say that this will definately be a defining moment in my...what ever you choose to call my racquetball career. I chose to be an amatuer individual involved with an organization who ...well I was going to put their mission statement but I dont now what it is, but I would imagine its to represent the amateurs involved in the sport (read again, IRT AND WPRO take care of the Pros), when really...I dont need them. One I've been turned into outdoor, and two, their are non USRA tournaments going on all the time. Look at L.A. Fitness. What a FANTASTIC rball organization it has.
Back on track. This team was truly "THE LITTLE TEAM THAT COULD". John Ellis was supposed to be the coach, but stepped up because no one else wanted to go. Aimee Ruiz is the only individual from Team Guatemala going to Santo Domingo, (the only reason her partner Laura Fenton didn't go with her in Guatemala was because of Surgery, in which case, Jackie Rice STEPPED UP.). You have so many instances of Stepping Up for that Team which did what they were sent out to do, and you have the USRA shitting all over them.
(Willies step up including come home negative in Vacation hours, if they fired/layed him off upon returning, we'd owe his employer money. He left his family, a 2 year old a 1 year old behind for 16 days, USING ALL OF HIS VACATION HOURS ON RACQUETBALL WHEN HIS FAMILY COULDN'T BE THERE vs. going somewhere we all could go and hang out. I of course was totally supportive, and said NEVER EVER use your family as an excuse to fulfill a once in a lifetime opprotunity)
And I'm still holding out. I really do hope, as mentioned that the USRA publishes Dave Ellis's article in its entirety...becuase their are so many things that make you suggest the USRA plays favorites and that they think its members want to hear about how "oh the US went and crushed everyone with its standout pros" when in reality, I'd much rather hear about "THE LITTLE TEAM THAT COULD" - Thanks woody:)
Jackie