RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN
WELCOME TO THE
RAM HALL OF FAME
LARRY FOX 1993
Larry Fox, born in January of 1960, is now a resident of Novi, Michigan. Larry started playing racquetball in 1970 and in his prime was one of the fastest people ever to step on a racquetball court.
Larry has given many lessons and racquetball clinics at different clubs and at the collegiate level. He also helped Steve Strandemo and Jerry Hilecher teach at camps and clinics.
Some of his accomplishments on the tournament trail were:
- 1st place – USRA National 15 & under division in 1978
- 1st place – Michigan State Championships in the Men’s Open in 1979
- 1st place – AARA National Intercollegiate championships in 1981
- 2nd place – AARA National Singles Championships in Men’s Open in 1982
His most important and memorable moments were winning the USRA National 15 and under and being awarded the AARA Male Athlete of the Year Award in 1983.
Most people will remember Larry for his honesty and his lighting fast speed on the court.
Larry went to the University of Michigan and now is an attorney in Novi, Michigan.
BILL GOTTLIEB 1993
Bill played tournament and semi-pro racquetball in the 70’s and 80’s under the nickname of “RADIATION MAN’. He was known for his unorthodox soft style game of lob serves, ceiling balls, soft corner killshots, and his trade- mark overhead reverse corner rollouts from a ceiling ball. Bill won several open state championships and numerous semi-pro tourneys throughout the Midwest.
Bill credits his mentors: Mr. G. Daniel Wood of Jenison, Michigan and Steve Keeley formerly of Haslett, Michigan for their time, instruction and profound influence on his game. He also acknowledges the downtown Lansing YMCA racquetball population who “pummeled me unmercifully during the early years”. His most memorable moment came during a Midwest teaching clinic conducted by touring pro Steve Strandemo, who strongly advised the students “not to emulate the Radiation Man technique”.
Bill served on the Board of Directors for the MRA and RAM, as a tournament director, on the rules committee, and as a general instigator.
Bill is employed as a Master Electrician by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union #665 in Lansing.
Bill is also a squash pro at the Michigan Athletic Club in East Lansing.
STEVE KEELEY 1993
Born in February of 1949, was one of the early great racquetball players. He started playing racquetball in 1971 after playing paddleball for many years before that.
Steve was in the top 4 for many years on the Pro Tour in the 1970’s. He also finished in the top 4 for many years at the USRA National Championships. Steve was a Canadian National Racquetball Champion as well as a National Singles and National Doubles Champion in paddleball.
Steve has written several books on racquetball and invented some of the terms used today in racquetball. He has been featured in Sports Illustrated and has literally traveled across the country and AROUND THE WORLD teaching people how to play racquetball.
Some of the things Steve has done both on and off the court are legendary, such as walking on the court with 2 different colored shoes, riding a bicycle for over 200 miles and getting off and going immediately to a court for a tournament, or having the paddle knocked out of his hand and still finishing the rally, and doing cartwheels on the court and still returning the shot.
Steve will always be remembered for the OFF-THE-WALL things that he did but he would also like to be remembered for working eight hours a day, seven days a week for 2 months both on and off a court learning on how to put spin on a racquetball.
Steve is now retired from racquetball and lives in San Diego, California.
GORDON KELLY 1993
Gordon Kelly, born in April of 1939, is now a resident of Belmont, (near Grand Rapids) Michigan. Gordon started playing racquetball in 1971 and has been involved in many racquetball activities over the years.
Gordon has taught junior camps, conducted many racquetball clinics and seminars, coached the Elite Team from Grand Rapids, participated in fund raisers, and has played many exhibition matches. He has also been a teaching pro at various clubs and been involved in bringing nationally ranked players to Michigan for clinics.
Gordon has won four Michigan State Open titles, two age division State titles, three Regional Open titles, and numerous runner-up and third place titles. In 1994, Gordon Kelly won the Men’s 55 division at the AARA National Singles Championships.
His most important and memorable moments were being awarded recognition for Sportsmanship, especially the “Christian Attitude Award” in 1977 by a group of players in Los Angeles, and the winning of important tournaments at State, Regional, and National levels.
Gordon would hope that people would remember that he always tried to exhibit the best of Christian values in his attitude, motives, and conduct both on and off the court.
Gordon is married to Susan and has 2 children Brad and Brian.
RICHARD "DICK" CARETTI 2000
Richard (Dick) was inducted into the Michigan Racquetball Hall of Fame because of his exceptional playing skill in state and regional tournament competition.
Dick began playing racquetball in 1971 at Wayne State University and Rose Shores East Club. His first tournament was the Rose Shores Club Championships in 1979 where he came in 1st place in the Men’s 45.
Some of Dick’s most impressive racquetball accomplishments include:
- 1982 & 83 MRA State Singles – Men’s 55 – 1st
- 1982 AARA National Singles – Men’s 55 – 2nd
- 1983 MARA State Singles – Men’s 55 – 1st
- 1984 through 86 RAM State Singles – Men’s 55 – 1st
- 1984 & 86 AARA Regional Singles – Men’s 55 – 1st
- 1987 through 89 RAM State Singles – Men’s 60 – 1st
- 1987 & 88 AARA Regional Singles – Men’s 60 – 1st
- 1991 RAM State Singles – Men’s 60 – 1st
- 1993 through 95 RAM State Singles – Men’s 65 – 1st
Between the years of 1982 through 1995 Dick came in 1st place in either the Men’s 55 or 60 or 65 divisions 13 times in the State Championships in Michigan.
Dick was born in November of 1926 and is now a resident of Grosse Pointe Park. Dick is married to Penelope and has four girls, two boys and six grandchildren. Dick has been a Chief of Police and Fire, in Grosse Pointe Park, for fifteen years and has worked for the Detroit Police Department for 34 years.
When asked what he hoped that people would remember about him he replied:
“I hope people will remember that I always tried to be a gentleman both on and off the court. The Racquetball community, socially and competitively, was a most important part of my life and I hope everybody was able to discern how proud I was to be in their company.”
JOHNNY NORTHERN 2000
Johnny was inducted into the Michigan Racquetball Hall of Fame because of his exceptional playing skill in state, regional and national tournament competition.
Johnny began playing racquetball in 1981 on the outside courts at Palmer Park in Detroit. His first tournament was in December 1981 at Grand Rapids, MRA 4, where he played in the Men’s C and came in 1st at the age of 35.
Some of Johnny’s most impressive racquetball accomplishments include:
- 1988 RAM State Singles – Men’s 40A – 1st
- 1989 RAM State Doubles – Men’s 25A – 1st
- 1989 AARA Regionals – Men’s 40A – 1st
- 1989 AARA National Singles – Men’s 40A – 1st
- 1992 RAM State Singles – Men’s 30A – 1st
- 1992 AARA Regionals (Illinois) – Men’s 25A – 1st
- 1992 AARA Regionals (Ohio) – Men’s 30A – 1st & 35A – 1st
- 1992 AARA National Singles – Men’s 30A – 3rd & 45A – 3rd
- 1993 AARA National Singles – Men’s 40A – 3rd & 45A – 3rd
- 1995 AARA National Singles – Men’s 45A – 2nd
Johnny received the “Michigan Sportsmanship Award” in 1988 and in 1989 he was voted “Outstanding Player of the Year” in Michigan. Johnny was born in August of 1946.
When asked what he hoped that people would remember about him he replied:
“The memories that others have of me, let them be joyful and exciting. Remember my dedication and high level of commitment to achieve success, for myself and others. Remember my honesty and integrity on and off the court. Relate to the respect I always displayed for the opponent, regardless of the level of competition. And know that in my heart, there will always be a place for the real game, Racquetball.”
RON PUDDUCK 2000
Ron was inducted into the Michigan Racquetball Hall of Fame because of his exceptional playing skill in state, regional and national tournament competition.
Ron began playing racquetball in 1980 after a career in paddleball at the age of 45.
A few of his most impressive racquetball accomplishments include:
- 1980 through 84 MRA State Singles – Men’s 45 – 1st or 2nd
- 1983 & 84 MRA State Doubles – Men’s 45 – 1st
- 1985 RAM State Singles – Men’s 45 – 2nd
- 1985 through 99 RAM State Singles – Men’s 45 or 50 or 55 or 60 – Eight 1st place & two 2nd place
- 1985 through 92 RAM State Doubles – Men’s A or 35 or 40 or 45 or 55 – Seven 1st place & one 2nd place
- 1982 DP/Leach National Championships – Men’s 45 – 1st
- 1991 AARA Regionals – 55 Singles & A Doubles – 1st
- 1995 AARA Regionals – Men’s 55 – 1st
- 1996 AARA National Doubles – Men’s 60 – 3rd
- 1997 USRA National Doubles – Men’s 60 – 3rd
- 1998 USRA National Doubles – Men’s 60 – 1st
- 1999 USRA National Doubles – Mixed 60 – 1st
- 2000 NMRA National Singles – Men’s 60 – 2nd
- 1981 Inducted into the National Paddleball Association (NPA) Hall of Fame
- 1996 Inducted into the International Masters Racquetball Association (IMRA) Hall of Fame
Ron was born in April of 1935 and is now a resident of Dexter. Ron is Married to Patricia and has three children and three grandchildren. Ron is retired and had been an educator for thirty six years.
When asked what he hoped that people would remember about him he replied:
“I have received many happy moments from the sport of racquetball. I have always tried to display integrity and fairness to my opponent and to the sport. I cherish the many friendships that have developed. I hope to be remembered by the players and the sport as a strong competitor and a good person. It is now my time, as the President of the National Masters Racquetball Association to attempt to return to the sport some of the goodness and pleasures that I have received during my racquetball career.”
MIKE YELLEN 2000
Mike was inducted into the Michigan Racquetball Hall of Fame because of his exceptional playing skill in national and professional competition.
Mike began playing racquetball in 1973 at the Southfield Athletic Club. His first tournament was in 1976 at Racquetime in Livonia Michigan.
A few of his most impressive racquetball accomplishments include:
- 1977 Pro Tour Rookie of the Year
- 1978 USRA (NRC) Championships – Pro – Semifinalist
- 1980 Leach National Championships – Pro – 2nd
- 1981 DP/Leach National Championships – Pro – Semifinalist
- 1982 DP/Leach National Championships – Pro – Semifinalist
- 1983 DP/Leach National Championships – Pro – 1st
- 1983 DP/Leach Catalina National Championships – Pro – 1st
- 1983 Ektelon Championships – Pro – 1st
- 1984 RMA/DP National Championships – Pro – 1st
- 1985 DP National Championships – Pro – 2nd
- 1985 Ektelon National Championships – Pro – Semifinalist
- 1986 DP National Championships – Pro – 2nd
- 1986 Ektelon National Championships – Pro – 2nd
- 1988 Inducted into Jewish Hall of Fame
- 1997 Inducted into the USRA Hall of Fame
Mike will be remembered as a “control” player, for his mistake free games, his great footwork which always seems to put him in the right place at the right time, his patented backhand pinch and his perfect pinpoint wide angle passes.
In the long run Mike Yellen may best be remembered as the “Male Player of the Century”. Quite a legacy to leave behind.
J.D. DRIVER 2001
J. D. was inducted into the Michigan Racquetball Hall of Fame because of his exceptional playing skill in state and regional tournament competition.
J. D. began playing racquetball in 1976 at Racquetball Plus in Muskegon, MI. His first tournament was in 1980 at Racquetball Plus and he came in 3rd in the Men’s B.
Some of J. D.’s most impressive racquetball accomplishments include:
- 1990 State Singles Championships 60+ 1st
- 1991 Midwest Seniors Masters, East Lansing, MI 60+ 1st
- 1993 National Senior Olympics, Baton Rouge, LA 65+ 1st
- 1993 Nov/Dec National RB Magazine ranked 65+ 2nd
- 1994 Midwest Senior Masters, Indianapolis, IN 65+ 1st
- 1994 Ektelon Regional Championships, Columbus, OH 65+ 1st
- 1994-96 Michigan Senior Olympics, won 3 times 65+ 1st
- 1996 U. S. Open Championships, Memphis, TN 65+ 1st
- 1996 Golden Masters, Chattanooga, TN 65+ 1st
- 1998 & 00 Michigan Senior Olympics, won 2 times 70+ 1st
- 2000 State Singles Championships 70+ 1st
J. D. won the Men’s 60+ in the State Singles Championships and 10 years later in the year 2000 he won the Men’s 70+ in the State Singles Championships.
J. D. was born in July of 1927 and lives in Muskegon, MI and is retired. He and his wife Dolly have 5 children and 18 grandchildren.
When asked what he hoped that people would remember about him he replied:
“I hope people will remember that I have tried my best to represent myself and the state of Michigan with honor, dignity, friendliness and good sportsmanship on and off the racquetball court.”
LOU ELLEN FECHER 2002
Lou Ellen was inducted into the Michigan Racquetball Hall of Fame because of her leadership. In other words because of her generous giving of her time (many many hours) and talent.
Lou Ellen was married, to Julian, in 1978 and has 2 girls. She started playing racquetball in 1981.
Some of Lou Ellen’s accomplishments include:
- 1986-1989 Worked for Jim Hiser doing: Super 7 Tournaments, Davison Pro Stops, and World Professional Racquetball Tour (WPRT)
- 1988-2001 Became a member of the RAM board: RAM Administrator, Secretary, Treasurer (1991-2001), State Doubles Tournament Director, State Singles Tournament Director, and RAM Newsletter Contributor
- 1989-1994 Worked for the Davison Racquet Club: Bookkeeper and Club Tournament Assistant Director
- 1989-1991 Organized and ran the Super 7 Series
- 1986-? Was Tournament Director for several Adult & Junior Regional Tournaments held both here in Michigan and Ohio
Lou Ellen was on the RAM board over 12 years and was Treasurer for 10 years, this says something about all the many many hours she devoted to racquetball.
When asked what she hoped that people would remember about her she replied:
"I hope that people will remember that I demonstrated, throughout the years, my commitment to the sport of racquetball based on my dependability and leadership as I worked hard to make the tournaments memorable and enjoyable. I did my best to keep the tournaments running smoothly, on time, and as efficiently as possible.”
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