Racquetball (RAC)
If you are looking to add a little competition to your fitness and wellness regime, racquetball serves up the goods. Our five championship courts offer the kind of play you need, from beginner to experienced. You can make reservations as early as 24 hours in advance at the front desk and sign up for pickup games on the Challenge Court. If you want to learn the rules and get a few pointers or just rev up your game, try a clinic with our certified trainer.
Contract the Fitness Manager for more information about clinics and private lessons. To access Racquetball rules and regulations, please see our club handbook.
Tournaments
Stay tuned for upcoming Tournament dates!
Traveling Racquetball Team
The RAC also has a Traveling Racquetball Team that challenges teams from Roanoke to Lynchburg. To join the team or for upcoming schedules, please contact Phil Wheeler at 540-721-9035.
Meet our Racquetball Instructor
Phil Wheeler
Phil Wheeler played his first game of racquetball in 1978 at Yogi Berra’s Club in northern New Jersey. He became more active in the sport, playing in approximately 10 tournaments a year. In 1992 he achieved a second-place state ranking and 12th-place national ranking in his age division. During this period, he was sponsored by Spalding and also served as Vice
President for Seniors and Masters Programs in the Garden State Racquetball Association. He was the Racquetball Director at the Flanders Athletic Club where he conducted clinics and tournaments.
Phil won the 60+ division at the Virginia State Doubles Championships in 2002 and 2003. In addition to the State Doubles titles, Phil has also won the Virginia State Single Championships in 2004, 2005 and 2006, and in both the 65+ and 70+ age divisions in 2007. He has won the Pro Kennex/CVRA sponsored Championship Series and many other tournaments since returning to competition.
One of his most memorable experiences was finishing third in the U.S. Open in Memphis in 2006. Phil achieved a national ranking of 8th in the 65+ division and a nation ranking of 3rd in the 70+ division in 2006. He has been sponsored by ProKennex for the past three years and is an AMPRO Certified Instructor. Phil has conducted numerous clinics at the Roanoke Athletic Club and has served as their tournament director, as well as the tournament director for the Commonwealth Games for several years. Phil was elected to the Board of the Commonwealth of Virginia Racquetball Association in 2004 and begins his third year as President of that organization.
For more information on racquetball clinics or tournaments, contact Phil Wheeler at 721-9035 or Priscilla Rakes, Fitness Manager, at 989-5758.
