RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN
WELCOME TO THE
RAM HALL OF FAME
DAVE LUND 2010
Dave started playing racquetball in 1976.
One of his first tournaments was in 1979 in Kalamazoo, MI.
Some of Dave’s racquetball accomplishments include:
- 1981 Harbor Cove Open 1st Place Men’s 45
- 1987 Michiana Open (Indiana) 1st Place Men’s 50
- 1991 AARA Super 7 Series 1st Place Men’s 50
- 1993 AARA Racquetball One Series 1st Place Men’s 55
- 2002 USRA Regional Championships 1st Place Men’s 65
- 2003 USRA Regional Championships 1st Place Men’s 65
- 2004 USAR Regional Championships 1st Place Men’s 65
- 2006 USAR Regional Championships 1st Place Men’s 70
- 2007 USAR Regional Championships 1st Place Men’s 70
- 2008 USAR Regional Championships 1st Place Men’s 70
- 2009 USAR Regional Championships 1st Place Men’s 70
- 2001 N.M.R.A. International Championships 1st Place Men’s 65
- 2003 U.S. Open Championships 1st Place Men’s 65
- 2006 U.S. Open Championships 1st Place Men’s 70
- 2008 U.S. Open Championships 1st Place Men’s 70
- 2006 USAR National Championships 1st Place Men’s 70
Dave has also won 9 straight State Championships, from 2001 to 2009, in either the Men’s 65 or Men’s 70 division.
Dave was born in March 1936 and is the President of Lund Distributing Company. He is also married to Kay and has 6 children and 6 grandchildren.
When asked what he hoped that people would remember about him his reply was:
“I would hope to be remembered as a club and tournament player who was able to blend winning, learning, fun and camaraderie into his style of play.”
MIKE ANDERSON 2011
Mike started playing tournament racquetball in January of 1979.
He was in the top 10 rankings for over 30 years in the open division in Michigan. Mike also won over 30 tournaments in Men’s Open, 30+, 35+, and 40+ between 1979 to 2010 including State and Regional Championships.
Some of Mike’s racquetball accomplishments include:
- 1982 Ranked #3 in Michigan
- 1982 Won his first Men’s Open Tournament
- 1983 Won the RAM Sportsmanship Award
- 1985-87 RAM State Singles Championships 1st Place Men’s 25
- 1985 RAM State Singles Championships 2nd Place Men’s Open
- 1987 AARA Regional (defeated Chris Cole) 1st Place Men’s Open
- 1988 RAM State Doubles w/Chris Cole 1st Place Men’s Open
- 1988 2nd place in Reve Sorey Pro Am,
- Defeated #2 Professional Egan Inoue
- 1988-90 Promoted and directed 3 ETV Trucking Pro Am Racquetball Tournaments
- 1998 National Singles runner-up to Dave Peck 2nd Place Men’s 40
- 2005 Nationals Singles runner-up to Marty Hogan 2nd Place Men’s 45
- 2005 Won the RAM Outstanding Contribution Award
- 1985 Board of directors for the Grand Rapids Racquetball Patrons
- 1988 Instructor for the Olympic Training Center in Colorado.
- 1988 Advertised “Anderson’s Silk Screening” in MRA (newsletter), helped design the RAM & USAR Hall of Fame Plaques, and donated the RAM Hall of Fame large Recognition Plaques
Mike has a daughter Lindsey who is loved by everyone she comes in contact with. She was voted the most improved player in Michigan in 2005.
When asked what he hoped that people would remember about him, he replied:
“I want people to remember me as a gentleman and someone who was fierce, fair, fun, and never quit no matter what the score was.”
SHARON HUCZEK 2011
Sharon started playing racquetball in 1974 at the Warren Tennis Club. She competed in over 300 tournaments throughout the United States and Canada, representing Michigan her entire career. She inspired women to play racquetball for social and wellness benefits, and was an avid promoter of junior grassroots programming while leading by example. Her longevity and constant devotion to fitness and sport make her a true ambassador.
Major Racquetball Accomplishments:
- 1989 RAM State Singles Championships 1st Place Women’s A
- 1994 RAM State Doubles (Karen Green) 1st Place Women’s A
- 2000 US Open 1st Place Women’s 50
- 2000-01 RAM State Doubles (Jack Huczek) 1st Place Mixed Open
- 2001 USRA Regional Championships 1st Place Women’s 40/50
- 2003 RAM State Singles Championships 1st Place Women’s 50
- 2003 US Open 1st Place Women’s 55
- 2004 & 07 NMRA International Championships 1st Place Women’s 55
- 2008 RAM’s Female Player of the Year
- 2008 US Open 1st Place Women’s 60
- 2009 RAM State Singles Championships 1st Place Women’s 60
- 2010 NMRA International Championships 1st Place Women’s 60
- 2010 IRF World Senior Championships 1st Place Women’s 60
- 2010 Huntsman World Senior Games 1st Place Women’s 60
Leadership Accomplishments
- RAM Board member from 1988 to present
- Instrumental in forming the Michigan Junior Racquetball Association in 1993
- Chairperson of the RAM Junior’s Committee from 1996-2004
- Secretary of the RAM Board from 1996 to 2007
- Avid writer for the RAM Newsletter throughout board service
Sharon’s husband is John, son Jack, daughter-in-law Christie (Van Hees), and granddaughter Eve.
When asked what she hoped that people would remember her by, her reply was:
“I hope that people will remember that I was blessed with a successful professional career, excellent health to enjoy racquetball longevity with special friends, a supportive husband and a son who makes me very proud to be called Jack’s Mom.”
JACK WHITE 2011
Jack started playing racquetball outdoors in Warren. In 1977, he took a class taught by Mr. Rallis (Nick Rallis’ father) at Macomb County Community College.
His tournament days started in 1984 participating in the Bud Lite Series and continued through the Super 7, MCRA (Macomb County Racquetball Association), State Singles & Doubles, Regional and National Tournaments.
Some of Jack’s racquetball accomplishments include:
- 1988 RAM State Doubles w/Stu Hastings 1st Place Men’s 25
- 1989 RAM State Doubles w/Stu Hastings 1st Place Men’s Open
- 1990 RAM State Doubles w/Stu Hastings 1st Place Men’s 30
- 1991 RAM State Singles Championships 1st Place Men’s 30
- 1994 MI State Doubles w/Sandy White (wife) 1st Place Mixed Open
- 2001 RAM State Doubles w/Tom Blakeslee 1st Place Men’s 40
- 2002 RAM State Singles Championships 1st Place Men’s 40
- 2003 RAM State Singles Championships 1st Place Men’s 40
- 2003 RAM State Singles Championships 1st Place Men’s 45
- 2003 RAM State Doubles w/Tom Blakeslee 1st Place Men’s 45
- 2004 RAM State Doubles w/Tom Blakeslee 1st Place Men’s 45
- 2007 Belle Isle Doubles w/Tom Blakeslee 1st Place Men’s 45
He has won the Men’s 25 and Men’s 35 at the US Nationals in 1998.
Jack has been on the RAM (Racquetball Association of Michigan) Board for over nine years and currently is the Vice President.
When asked what he hoped that people would remember about him his reply was:
“I hope I will be remembered as a player who enjoyed the competitiveness, the mental toughness and the camaraderie of the game, including helping others to believe in themselves.”
MIKE STEPHENS 2012
Mike was born in 9-13-1947 and he has lived in Grand Rapids, MI his whole life and he graduated in 1967 from Northview High School. He was drafted into the army and in 1968 went to Vietnam where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart. After Mike returned home from the war he started a business called Stephens Properties where he bought, sold, and rented property. Mike also attended Grand Valley State College and graduated in 1976 with a major in physical education. Mike has two daughters, born in 1990 and 1994, and is presently engaged to Nancy Rosenzweig.
He started playing racquetball in 1980 and that year he was the club pro at the 29th Street Fitness Center. Mike also taught racquetball for Ottawa Hills Public Schools Community Ed and Christian Schools 7th – 12th grades and 16 years for Cornerstone College.
Some of Mike’s racquetball accomplishments include:
1984 AARA Regional Championships 2nd Place Men’s 35A
1988 RAM State Doubles w/Bob Gravelyn 1st Place Men’s 40
1988 AARA Region 5 Regionals 1st Place Men’s 40
1988 AARA Region 9 Regionals (Ohio) 1st Place Men’s 40
1989 RAM State Doubles w/Bob Gravelyn 1st Place Men’s 40
1990 AARA Senior Masters 2nd Place Men’s 40
1995 AARA National Doubles w/Shelly Ogdon 1st Place Mixed 45
1997 USRA National Doubles w/Shelly Ogdon 1st Place Mixed 45
2010 USAR National Singles 1st Place Mens’s 60+C
2011 USAR National Singles 1st Place Men’s 60+B
Mike has won multiple Super 7 and other tournaments over the years.
In 2011 Mike was awarded the Al Wetherill Sportsmanship Award at the International Racquetball Federation World Senior Racquetball Championships.
When asked what he hoped that people would remember about him his reply was:
“I am thankful for the sport of racquetball, it has brought me many lifelong friends and years of enjoyment. I would like to be remembered as one who lives everyday to its fullest. One who is fair, honest and courteous on the court. And the player whose joy and laughter is contagious.”
MELODY GORNO 2013
Melody started playing racquetball in 1983 at Central Michigan University (CMU). In 1991 she moved to Saginaw and became the club pro at the Saginaw Valley Health and Racquetball Club. She was responsible for promoting court sports and organizing leagues, as well as becoming the Tournament Director, along with Marta Rubcich, for the Tri-Cities Racquetball Tournaments held throughout the year.
In 1996 she moved to Trenton and then became the Teaching Pro at the Trenton Athletic Club, along with John Gervasi. There she was responsible for promoting court sports, conducting demos, and organizing leagues.
Some of Melody’s racquetball accomplishments include:
- 1985 RAM State Singles Championships 1st Place Women’s D
- 1986 RAM State Singles Championships 2nd Place Women’s B
- 1991 RAM State Singles Championships 1st Place Women’s A
- 1992 RAM State Doubles w/Marta Rubcich 1st Place Women’s Open
- 1997 RAM State Doubles w/Laura Patterson 1st Place Women’s Open
- 1998 RAM State Doubles w/Laura Patterson 1st Place Women’s Open
- 2000 RAM State Singles Championships 1st Place Women’s Open
- 2001 RAM State Singles Championships 1st Place Women’s Open
- 2003 U.S. Open – Memphis, TN 2nd Place Women’s 35A
- 2005 USAR National Singles Championships 1st Place Women’s 35A
- 2007 RAM State Doubles w/Laura Patterson 1st Place Women’s Open
- 2007 USAR National Singles Championships 1st Place Women’s 40A
- 2009 RAM State Doubles w/Laura Johnson 1st Place Women’s 40
- 2009 USAR National Singles Championships 1st Place Women’s A
- 2011 RAM State Singles Championships 1st Place Women’s 45
- 2011 RAM State Doubles w/Dan Greene 1st Place Mix Centurian
She won the Female Player of the Year Award in 2005, 2007, and 2009.
Melody was a sponsored player with Ektelon from 1989 to present.
When asked what she hoped that people would remember about her, her reply was:
“I hope that people will remember that I am the same person on the court as I am off the court. I play fair, I play hard and I enjoy the competition. I am an optimist and try to always have a smile on my face.”
PAULA SAAD 2013
Paula started playing racquetball in 1986 and entered her first novice tournament in 1987.
Paula was the Racquetball Director/Instructor at the Madison Athletic Club for 23 years. While there she developed junior programs, ran leagues, conducted clinics, and ran many tournaments including the 1998 State Doubles Championships.
Some of Paula’s racquetball accomplishments include:
- 1996 RAM State Doubles w/Nick Rallis 1st Place Mixed Open
- 1997 RAM State Singles 1st Place Women’s 30/35
- 1997 RAM State Doubles w/Nick Rallis 1st Place Mixed Open
- 1998 RAM State Singles Championships 1st Place Women’s Open
- 1998 RAM State Singles Championships 1st Place Women’s 30/35
- 2000 RAM State Singles Championships 1st Place Women’s 35
- 2001 RAM State Singles Championships 1st Place Women’s 35
- 2002 RAM State Singles Championships 1st Place Women’s 35/40
- 2003 RAM State Singles Championships 1st Place Women’s Open
- 2004 USAR National Singles Championships 1st Place Women’s 35A
- 2005 RAM State Doubles w/Anthnita Dickerson 1st Place Women’s Open
- 2005 USAR National Singles Championships 1st Place Women’s 25A & 40A
- 2005 U.S. Open 1st Place Women’s 35/45
- 2005 IRT Pro Nationals 2nd Place Women’s 35/45
- 2006 RAM State Singles Championships 1st Place Women’s 40
- 2006 RAM Female Player of the Year
Paula was on the RAM (Racquetball Association of Michigan) Board from 2005 until 2010.
In 1990 she earned an achievement award for her outstanding performance at the US National Elite Training Center.
She brought televised attention to the game, by competing in a Doubles Challenge, (with partner Cindy Sieders) against Kirk Gibson and Gary Danielson on “The Locker Room Show”.
When asked what she hoped that people would remember about her, her reply was:
“I would like to be remembered as a contributor & player that display character, integrity, and sportsmanship to this individual/team sport that has allowed me to develop long lasting friendships and great memories.”
RANDY ANDERSON 2014
Randy “Panda Bear” Anderson was born on October 13, 1955 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Randy discovered and learned the sport of racquetball while attending Ferris State University in 1976. Learning the sport, with his brother Mike, quickly became a passion. Once introduced to “Tournament Racquetball”, the excitement and competition it created became his “sport” focus over the following 20 years.
Randy’s home became the Grand Rapids Michigan Athletic Club, the home club of many of Michigan’s very best players, including Hall of Famers Joel Bonnett, Mike Anderson, Gordon Kelly, Mike Stephens, Ken Bonnett and in memory Rick VanderLind.
Some of Randy’s racquetball accomplishments include:
- 1981 Men’s Class A – State Finalist
- 1983 September MRA #1 – Men’s Open Class Champion
- 1983 October MRA #2 – Men’s Open Class Champion
- 1984 – 1994, Ranked Top 10 Men’s Open Class
- 1988 30+ Open Class – State Champion
- 1991 35+ Open Class – Region #9 Champion
- 1995 35+ Open Class – State Champion
- 1996 40+ Open Class – State Champion
- 1996 40+ Open Class – Senior/Masters Champion
- 1996 40+ Open Class – Bronze Medalist, Inaugural US OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS – Memphis, TN
- 1997 30+ Open Class – Region #9 Champion
- 1997 35+ Open Class – Region #9 Champion
- 1997 40+ Open Class – Region #9 Champion
- 1998 Men’s Open Class – Grand Rapids City Champion – Mike Anderson 2nd
- 2012 55+ Open Class – Capital Challenge – Champion
- 2012 55+ Open Class – State Semi-finalist
Randy, through the years, was a sponsored Player with Transition, Ektelon, and Head Racquetball.
Randy was quoted,
“Racquetball is simply a wonderful sport to be part of. It requires dedication, inner strength and resolve. The feeling of reward and accomplishment is something I’ll never forget. The opportunities racquetball has provided me, including traveling the Midwest and the friends and relationships established, is something I will always cherish.”
BOB GRAVELYN 2014
Bob Gravelyn started playing racquetball at the age of 27. He was immediately hooked when he played his first tournament at age 30. During the past 34 years he’s played in countless tournaments at the local, state, regional, and national level:
- Giving Back to the Game
- Two years on RAM Board
Corporate sponsor for West Michigan Open Pro-Am for the last 5 years (Rivertown Insurance Agency)
Tournament director for Michigan State Doubles Championships in 1982
Achievements:
- 1993 Nationally Ranked 2nd – Men’s 45+ Open
- 1999 National Doubles Champion Men’s 45+A
- 1999 National Doubles Silver Medal Mixed 45+A
- Men’s 40+ State Champion
- Men’s 50+ State Champion
- Men’s 60+ State Champion
- Many 2nd place finishes in past State tournaments (thanks to Ken Bonnett)
Team Ektelon member for 19 years
“I’ve made many lasting friendships through the sport of racquetball. Racquetball was a game that was enjoyed by our whole family: my wife Denise Gravelyn, my son Ryan Covell and my daughter Colleen Covell. As a family we traveled to tournaments together, cheered each other on, teamed-up together in doubles events and had some unforgettable father – son battles.”
TWAYNE HOWARD 2014
Twayne M. Howard started playing Racquetball with his father in 1980. He played for Central Michigan University’s team, but his first real tournament was the Racquetball One Tournament in Alpena in 1993.
He’s won 40 Championships including two National Championships, in singles and doubles, in the US and Canada, indoors and outdoors, from C to Open doubles.
Twayne joined the RAM Board in 2000, serving as Treasurer until he was elected President in 2004. As President, he focused on fiscal responsibility, improving the tournament experience, and maximizing participation. He created the RAM Ambassador Program, transitioned to electronic newsletters, coordinated the tournament schedule, and re-introduced the Annual Merit Awards.
Twayne has been the tournament director or staff for nearly 100 tournaments including The Transplant Games of America and The West Michigan Open, raising nearly $20,000 for Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.
Twayne has served as the Regional Coordinator for ProKennex since 2001. He’s a USAR-IP and AmPRO Certified Instructor, a racquet stringer, and has written dozens of articles for the Racquetball Reporter and Racquetball Magazine.
Twayne is very active at the national level. He attended USAR Leadership Conferences and served on several USAR committees including President’s Advisory, Rankings Guidelines, National Ball Selection, and the Hall of Fame Committee.
Twayne was the USA Racquetball State President of the Year in 2008.
He was the 2006 RAM Sportsperson of the Year and two-time RAM Tournament Director of the Year.
Twayne’s wife, Sharon Evoy is the light of his life, along with his two amazing kids and dog, Shelby, Wes, and Rufus. He is Chief Operating Officer of The Right Place, Inc. Twayne received his BSBA and is completing his MSA from CMU.
“I love Racquetball. Over the last thirty years I have done everything I could to support the sport. But most of all, I love to play. I don’t have the greatest talent but I have the passion, ability, energy, and obstinacy to organize and run an event, raise funds for a charity Pro stop, and lead a passionate team working together for the betterment of Racquetball.”
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