RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN
WELCOME TO THE
RAM HALL OF FAME
LYNN HAHN 1984
Lynn started playing racquetball in 1970 at the YMCA in Ann Arbor, Michigan. His interest in racquetball began when he and three of his friends rented racquets and went to a nearby handball court for some exercise. Lynn states in those days all racquet frames were made out of wood and the balls were quite dull compared the the lively balls used today. Nevertheless, it was an exciting game and provided great exercise during the cold winter months. No one played racquetball during the summer then.
Lynn went on to win more than 50 state tournaments including 5 Michigan State Masters Championships and the Michigan State Doubles Masters Championship. Lynn is a nationally ranked masters player and lost in the quarterfinals of the 1985 World Masters Games.
Mr. Hahn has a BS degree from Alma College and is currently employed at the Howmet Turbine Components Corporation in Whitehall, Michigan.
Lynn is married to Beatrice and they have two children, Tim and Rebecca.
Lynn is sponsored by Ektelon.
FRED LEWERENZ 1984
Dr. Lewerenz has been involved with Michigan racquetball since 1971. As a player, Dr. Lewerenz has accumulated one of the most impressive list of tournament victories of any player in the state. He is the winner of 140 tournaments, including ten Michigan state titles and six regional titles. He was a participant in the USRA national professional tour from 1975 to 1976.
Dr. Lewerenz is also the principal organizer of the Michigan Super Seven Series, the largest amateur series in the United States. Fred received the Michigan “Man of the Year” award in 1982 and the “Outstanding Contribution” award in 1983.
Outside of racquetball, Dr. Lewerenz is the physician for the Kronk Boxing Team, Tommy Hearns and many entertainers, such as Englebert Humperdink and the late Elvis Presley.
He is married to Chris and has three boys.
Dr. Lewerenz graduated from the Missouri Medical School and presently operates two sports clinics in Michigan.
Dr. Lewerenz sponsors numerous amateur players and is the business manager and agent for five time national champion, Mike Yellen, and world champion, Egan Inoue.
TOM BROWNLEE 1985
Tom started his career in 1971. Recognized as one of the nation’s top instructors, Tom has taught over 3,100 different students including four time national champion, Mike Yellen. He also set up racquetball programs in two different school systems and taught at Wayne State University.
As a player, Tom has dominated Michigan racquetball both as an open player and as a seniors player. As an open player, Tom won 80% of his matches and as a senior player, he posts an incredible winning percentage of 95%.
Tom played on the pro tour from 1974 to 1979 and in 1975 and 1976 was ranked 3rd in the nation in three wall racquetball.
Tom is the regional representative for Ektelon and is married to Cathy.
JIM HISER 1985
Jim became involved in Michigan racquetball in 1978. Although he started as a player, he soon became involved in promoting tournaments and started the Michigan Super Seven Racquetball Series in 1982.
His career in racquetball administration started in 1983 when he and four others started the first state affiliate of the AARA. Since then, Jim has been vice president of the state association, adult and junior regional director, vice president of the national AARA board and head official for the International Amateur Racquetball Federation. Most recently, Jim was appointed commissioner of the men’s professional racquetball tour.
Jim was the stimulus for the creation of Team Michigan for junior players and the Mike Yellen Junior Scholarship Fund. He authored the national referee certification test and the national AARA Junior Handbook.
Jim has a PhD in biology from Michigan State University and is currently employed by the AARA in Colorado.
JIM EASTERLING 1986
Jim was a pioneer in the development of Michigan racquetball. He has been a member of the state association in Michigan since 1974, longer than anyone else, 17 years. Jim invented the first instructional court in the state.
As an organizer of Match Point Enterprises in 1980, Jim was one of the people responsible for the organization of the first successful series of tournaments in the state.
Jim contributed to the development of the first national referee certification test and has been instrumental in promoting successful referee clinics throughout Michigan.
A two time winner of the “Contribution of the Year” award, Mr. Easterling has served as both president and vice president of the MRA and RAM.
Jim’s involvement in racquetball is diversified, covering all aspects of the game from club manager, tournament director, state board member, regional director and teaching professional.
No one has been more instrumental in promoting racquetball at the grass roots level in Michigan than Jim Easterling.
STU HASTINGS 1987
Stu is one of the most respected instructors in the nation. A four time clinician at the United States Olympic Training Center, Stu’s specialty is video tape analysis. Along with numerous amateur students, Stu also coaches professional players Caryn McKinney, Dan Obremski and Roger Harripersad.
As a player, Stu has dominated his age bracket in Michigan since 1983, winning over 100 awards in local, state and regional tournaments. In 1988, Stu won the AARA national title in the seniors division.
Although Stu teaches 25-30 lessons per week year round, he still finds time to assist with numerous clinics and junior programs. Stu received the “Contribution of the Year” award in 1984 and was selected the Michigan Outstanding Male Player in 1986 and 1987.
Stu has a MA degree in administration from Central Michigan University and teaches high school in Michigan.
Stu is sponsored by Head and A’ME.
BOB WILHELM 1987
Bob was one of the original organizers of the first state affiliate of the AARA and was a member of the MARA Board of Directors from 1977-82. Bob served as president of RAM and received the “Contribution of the Year” award in 1984.
As a player, Bob won numerous state, regional and national titles. Between 1982 and 1986, Bob won six regional tournaments and was second in his age bracket in three national events, winning the national title in 1983.
Bob is a highly respected instructor and has assisted both Steve Strandemo and taught at the Elite Racquetball Camp at the Olympic Training Center. Some of his students, Chris Cole, Jim Floyd and Kerri Niggermyer have also captured national titles.
Bob graduated from the University of Michigan and is a practicing artist. He has two children, Aaron and Maisie.
DENNIS WOOD 1988
Dennis Wood, born in September of 1946, is now a resident of Lansing, Michigan. Dennis started playing racquetball in 1975 and was instrumental in making Michigan, in the 70’s, one of the most dominant racquetball states in the country.
His list of FIRST’S in racquetball in Michigan is very impressive. The list includes:
- Started the first state association-Michigan Racquetball Association (MRA)
- Published the first state racquetball newsletter in August 1977
- Organized and ran the first State Championships in Ypsilanti in 1977
- Organized and ran the first series of state wide racquetball tournaments in 1978
- Devised the first state ranking system in Michigan in 1978
- Became the first AARA Regional Director in 1983
- Helped start the first state AARA affiliate – MARA
Dennis was also involved with racquetball activities not related to politics or state associations. He has run leagues and given many lessons at the YMCA in Lansing and the Michigan Athletic Club in East Lansing, Michigan. He ran the first tournament where eyeguards were mandatory. He also ran the first tournament where losers refereed.
Dennis Wood will be remembered for being a mover and a shaker in making Michigan one of the dominant states in the country for racquetball.
Dennis is married to Linda, has a daughter Julie, and works as a senior engineer at the Lansing Automotive Division.
DONNA HENRY-BREWER 1993
Donna starting playing racquetball in 1976 and was able to achieve a high level of performance for several years. She was known for her ability to disguise which side of the court her drive serve was going to.
At the State Singles Championships, she came in either 1st or 2nd in the Women’s Open division in 1980, 81, and 82. She also finished 2nd in the Women’s 30 division at the AARA National Singles Championships in 1984.
One of Donna’s most memorable moments came in 1981 when she finally won the Women’s Open at the State Singles Championships.
One of the things that Donna would hope that people remember about her is that although she was not the youngest or even the most naturally athletic player, in the Women’s Open division, she was able to achieve her goal of winning a State Championship because she was willing to spend the time and effort to train: lifting weights, running, jumping rope, as well as spending lots of time on the court practicing and drilling.
Donna is married to Robert and lives in Livonia, Michigan. She works for Ford Motor Company as a purchasing specialist.
IRENE ACKERMAN-CHMURA 1993
Irene, born in May of 1951, is now a resident of Troy, Michigan. Irene started playing racquetball in 1973 and has probably had more 1st place wins in racquetball than any other woman in Michigan.
Irene has worked at different racquetball clubs, mainly Livonia Racquetime and Southfield Racquetime, over the years and has taught private lessons, clinics, as well as organizing numerous leagues for men and women. She has also assisted in running six State and Pro-Am racquetball tournaments.
Some of Irene’s most impressive wins were:
- 1st place – State Singles Championships in the Women’s A in 1976
- 1st place – State Singles Championships in the Women’s Open in 1977
- 1st place – State Singles Championships in the Women’s Open in 1978
- 1st place – USRA Regionals in Women’s Open in 1977
- 1st place – USRA Regionals in Women’s Open in 1978
- 1st place – State Singles Championships in the Women’s Open in 1987
- 1st place – State Doubles Championships in the Women’s Open in 1979
- 1st place – State Doubles Championships in the Women’s Open in 1980
- 1st place – Regional Doubles in the Women’s Open in 1979
- 1st place – Regional Doubles in the Women’s Open in 1980
- 2nd place – AARA National Singles Championships in Women’s 35 in 1987
Her most memorable moment was at the 1980 AARA National Doubles Championships in Tempe, Arizona. Irene’s partner was Stacey Fletcher and they lost in the finals of the Women’s Open. It was the longest racquetball match that Irene had ever played. Larry Fox refereed the match and it lasted 3 hours, the scores were 21-20, 20-21, and 11-10.
Most people will remember Irene for her backhand shooting and her power. People will also remember her for her fair play and her competitive spirit on the court.
Irene is married to Walter and is a systems analyst for Detroit Edison.
©2024 All rights reserved.
Designed by tonyasbrand.com