CHHRC MEMBER NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2018 October 2018 | Page 8

Here's a little background on this amazing group. It was started by, who else, but our great friend Lou Riccelli (yes, back when Lou had a full head of hair). Lou started this club at The Watertower Racquet Club (now known as the International Sports Center in Cherry Hill) in 1978 with one member (the only senior that played at that time) a fellow by the name of Jack Rosen.

Jack Rosen followed Lou to Watertower in 1978. At that time, Tony Koliba was teaching racquetball at Royal Courts in Barrington, when Syd Knepp a recent retiree from the Courier Post brought in a film crew and got the Courier to print a front page story on the club! This article was the catalyst that enabled this infant club to take off to become the wonderful organization it is now.

Did you know, the Golden Seniors host an annual tournament named after Tony Ragone? Tony was the 5th member of the GSRC and a great ambassador of the newly formed group. Nicknamed “Ragu”, Tony would constantly talk up the group hence attracting many members. He brought in the first two women to the group (Evelyn Hines and Helen Lumm).

Most importantly, Tony was also known for his charitable work which included organizing many charitable racquetball tournaments. Our upcoming annual “Tony Ragone” doubles tournament is scheduled for October 9th. Anyone interested in participating should reach out to our new Racquetball Director Joseph Barone.

Congratulations on 40 successful years! Here's to another 40!

Our Golden Seniors Racquetball Club celebrated the start of their 40th year this Fall!

To learn more about Racquetball at CHHRC, email Joseph Barone.