Airman to represent Air Force during national racquetball tourney

Published May 1, 2010
By Senior Airman Spencer Gallien
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- An Airman deployed here was recently selected as a member on the U.S. Air Force Racquetball team for the ninth time in his career and second year in a row.

Master Sgt. Fred Rogers, 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Operations Squadron scheduler, was selected after winning this year's national singles championship in San Diego. He's also currently ranked first on the Military Racquetball Federation Web site.

"I've been playing racquetball for 34 years," said Sergeant Rogers. "I started playing with team members in the early '80s through base, regional, major command, Air Force and finally joint-service level tournaments."

The sergeant describes himself as a power player with a plus backhand volley and a serve reaching speeds of 152 mph.

"There are all sorts of players I meet in the different circuits I play in," he added. "I'm the type of player that will try to overpower and eliminate my opponent's reaction time - much like a power tennis player vs. a finesse player."

Previously, Airmen wishing to compete for the Air Force racquetball team had to advance through a series of tournaments. However, due to deployment cycles, they must now complete an AF Form 303, a player resume and bio, rather than win a series of tournaments at various Air Force levels.

Later this month, the military's best racquetball players will compete in Houston in a national tournament open to anybody who wants to compete.

"I've been preparing here, using the time I have while deployed, to increase my cardio and weightlifting workouts," said Sergeant Rogers.

He's also been working with a personal trainer, preparing for the rigors of a national tournament through agility and speed training.

Last year, Sergeant Rogers won the Men's 40+ division and took third in the Military Men's Open.

"I really just want to make a strong showing in the tournament," Sergeant Rogers said. "The Air Force has consistently been near the top of the leaders board during national tournaments and I'd like to continue that trend."

Since deploying here, Sergeant Rogers has helped organize two Military Racquetball Federation sanctioned tournaments.

"Really, it is a great sport," he added. "I'm a certified instructor, and I love to get new people involved in the sport.

Recently, he helped put together a "March Madness" tournament including beginner, intermediate and advanced brackets.

"We have had a great turnout for our tournaments," said Sergeant Rogers. "We even had a servicemember travel here from Kuwait to compete. He took second place in the advanced men's division."

Although racquetball is competitive, a spirit of friendship and connection embodies the group of Airmen who find themselves playing year-in and year-out.

"Just during my time here, I've run into numerous servicemembers that I've played with throughout my 31-year career," said Sergeant Rogers. "I recently reconnected with someone I had played with during the years I spent at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam.
"The best thing about racquetball is the relationships," he added. "It brings people together from all over the world with one commonality - our passion for the game."