Short Interview with 2009 Junior National Racquetball Champion Jose Rojas

Manny: How many times have you made Junior Team USA?

Jose: “I’ve made the team 6 times.”

M: How many national junior singles titles?

J: “I have 11 junior singles championships and 5 doubles championships”.

M: How many World Junior Titles?

J: “I have 9 world titles. 7 singles 2 doubles”.

M: Will you compete yearly to make the Adult Team USA?

J: “I will try to make the National team every year but it will be very difficult with the top pros in the draw.”

M: Do you plan on playing the IRT full time this upcoming season?  If not, do you have a goal of how many you will compete in?

J: “This upcoming year I am only going to play as many stops as I can; it depends on school but hopefully I get to more than half.”

M: What do you find to be the biggest difference in your game since you started being coached by John Ellis?

J: “Actually, Ellis is more of a mentor than a coach to me although when he is there he will coach me through matches. But since he and I started playing, he taught me about the little things that can improve my game such as having a good ceiling ball game which I will need in the pros. The biggest difference that made was it taught me to be patient and take my shot when it was necessary and not to force them. I used to be very aggressive and always went for the kill no matter where I was. Hitting a good ceiling ball helped me be patient, force my opponent out of the middle, forced him to take a tough shot or hit a ceiling ball right back, then hit the shot I want to hit.”

M: As a young boy were you coached by Jody Nance then later by John Ellis?

J: “Jody Nance….My coach as a young boy, my coach as a teenager, will always be my coach. Unfortunately she works so much that she can’t always be there for me due to her work. She helps as much as she can on and off the court. Elli on the other hand is like my professional coach. He has so much experience in the professional game and has taught me so many things I never knew about pro racquetball both mentally and physically. I still have so much to learn but he’s really helping me out in that aspect. I definitely cannot leave out my Dad who got me into the sport and pushed so much to practice. I absolutely hated the sport as a kid because I was very young and wanted to do other things, but as I got older I began to realize that all of this happened because of him. I never would have gotten to my skill level without him and that’s why I want to give a special thanks to Miguel Rojas, my Dad.”

M: What do you see the future looking like for California Junior Racquetball?  Are there good programs across the state to keep this success going?

J: “California is actually hosting many one day shootouts for fundraising for California Junior racquetball. I see it possibly growing and getting stronger just because we have so many resources we have here such as John, myself, and many other people who are willing to help the Juniors get better at the sport. As of right now, our Junior program is stronger than ever and is just getting stronger with my younger brother Marco, who won the 16’s, coming up Jose Diaz who took second place, my little cousin Antonio Rojas who just won the 6s and 8s, and many more (too many to name). “

M: What would you say has been your biggest accomplishment to date as a racquetballer?

J: “I’ve gotten many accomplishments in my career but if I had to choose one, I wouldn’t be able to.

It would have to be between having a three-peat at the junior nationals in the 18s and making the semi final at a full ranking pro stop at 18. As of what I heard, I’m like the only one who has had a three-peat in the 18s and if not only like one other person has done it, I just don’t know who. Also to make the semi in a tier1 stop is just so difficult to do especially when you start at the bottom of the qualifiers like I did and had to play three quail’s before actually qualifying for the main draw. It’s just too difficult to choose.”

Whoa…where did the energy come from?

I posted a blog early this morning about the “change in diet”.    As I was blogging I was enjoying the protein powder/coffee/org soymilk cup of drink I mentioned in my new diet blog earlier this morning.  I also had a banana with it.  I had a refill on the “same” drink before I left to go play Pickleball and drank it throughout 5 hours of pickleball.

I had so much energy and I played so well.

I wasn’t done on the exercising part yet.

I went to a local park here in Terre Haute called Deming Park.  There is this one really steep hill near the exit of the park which is right next to the entrance of the park.  You can’t miss this steep hill.

After 5 hours of pickleball…I grabbed my backpack looking for a spot I could plug my laptop in and relax and work on one of my articles.  I trotted directly up that steep hill starting my journey.

I did find a good spot about 1/2 mile down but I couldn’t get any good reception and laptop wasn’t being too friendly.  That didn’t work.

After finally getting a hold of my daughter we agreed to go bike riding. Whoa…did we do some bike riding!   We started with a two mile ride and made our way to Dairy Queen for a sundae and put a lid on it then headed to Starbucks which was about another 1/2 mile.   Of course, I got my protein/coffee/org milk.

My daughter finished off her ice cream and I had all my coffee left but we went ahead and started riding.  We headed for Heritage Trails out to Rose Hulman. We later came to an entrance into Hawthorn Park from Heritage Trails and there were some great hills.  The entrance into Hawthorn Park was a pretty steep hill.  I felt it in my legs right away.

Let me tell you!  My 10 year old daughter amazed me with her strength and enthusiasm to be tough and do some serious hill climbing.  I even recorded it.  We found a very steep hill in another local park called Hawthorn Park right next to Rose Hulman.  We went in a loop about a mile then got back onto Heritage Trail and went to end of trail and turned around and went back to hilly part of Hawthorne Park and kept challenging ourselves to go up on the hill again.

We climbed that crazy hill and looped a good 1 or so of a mile a total of 4 times.  I honestly didn’t know my daughter had it in her to take her single speed bicycle up these hilly parts.  I’m giving her the Little Armstrong award for climbing the hills on her single speed 12″ bike.  This first hill from the Heritage Trail into Hawthorne Park I felt was very deep.  I can’t lie…my legs are really feeling our ride as I write this.

I tried to keep it on the hardest gear the whole ride with my daughter but on that very first hill into Hawthorn Park…there was NO way I could do it.  i was literally stopping.  I wanted to make it on the hardest gear  but I had to drop gear about 3 notches.  Then…no problem.

I was suppose to go play Pickleball at 6pm in the evening but my daughter was spent.  She was ready to sit and relax.  I had more energy.  Let’s not forget 😉

Change In Diet

Well….I slacked in my fruit and veggie detox diet.

One night when I went to play pickleball I felt at my weakest in energy than I ever felt.  I know why it was.

#1 I hadn’t eaten enough fruits and veggies that day.  I would wait till my stomach and body told me I was NEEDING TO EAT.  Not a good part of the plan. I knew I wasn’t getting enough protein and that had a lot to do with it.  There were things I was missing from my detox diet from the beginning and I had to be careful for that.  I want to live a long time.

I talked with one of my collegiate racquetball players who works at Starbucks about their whey protein and adding it into my coffee and what the best way would be.

He looked at how much protein was in there and so we decided on two scoops of protein power, 3/4 of the cup to be filled with coffee (which is rich in antioxidents), organic soy milk for the 1/4 of cup.  I’m rocking and rolling now.

My daily starbucks expense went up a bit BUT I’ve added a way to get protein and not worry about the type of chicken I’m eating.  Which can be scary!

My daily expense for a single guy is higher than it should be.  That part I have to keep working on to get it down.  I don’t think I should be spending $450+ a month for myself to eat.  I should be able to get that down a lot lower.  I’m still learning so we will see.

I’m still eating a lot of fruit and veggies throughout the day but that includes Subway sandwiches and salads from different places I eat.  No burgers…not much pizza (maybe a time  month).  No fries.  No Soda.  I’m trying to stay away from all grease and saturated fat items.  I still mess up from time to time but I’m getting more consistent on staying aware.

I mainly drink coffee, water, and beer 😉 I’m over 21 and I won’t drive drunk nor supply to a minor.

I do drink some gatorade during and after playing racquetball as I sweat a lot when on the court and lose a lot of electrolytes.

Organic Milk and healthy cereal and peanut butter and jelly on healthy bread are a few of my regular favorites.   By healthy I mean as healthy as cereal and bread can be without being the most expensive.  I shop at Krogers so I’m always looking for their organic stuff to be on sale.  Which is regularly.

I’m still working on my diet.  I’m trying to keep it as inexpensive as possible. I’m always on the go so I don’t have time to learn how to cook.

I’m on the go all day long and I need a lot of energy and I have to stay aware as the day fly’s bye.  A good heatlthy diet with a good exercise routine will help me live a longer healthier life.  I honestly do believe that.

No matter how busy I am, exercise is included.  I’ll always find a way to play racquetball, pickleball, run, or do something that gets my heart racing for a good 30 minutes or more a day.

Day Two of Detox Diet

I made it through the second day of my Detox diet of fruits and veggies.

I found day 2 to be harder than day 1.  I was craving pizza all day.

To be honest, I even found myself thinking…”pizza today start diet tomorrow”.  I was strong and made it through it.

I think my biggest problem was I went too long without eating.  It seems like I have to keep small portions continually going into my system to stay away from the hunger feelings.  When I have the hungry feelings that is when even McDonalds looks and sounds good.

I did add some citrus to my diet as I did drink some orange juice.  I ate mostly bananas, apples, salad, and plenty of water.  A lot of bathroom breaks at Starbucks.

In day 3 I will be sure to keep small portions coming into my system in hopes of staying away from those hungry feelings.

My biggest downfall is the fact I’m terrible in the kitchen.  For me, I just have to be able to grab it, rinse it off and stuff it in my mouth.  I like dressing with my salad but now…i’m not even going to bother.  Hand full, rinse, eat.  That is my routine.

With my diet, I am working out doing 6 minute abs along with push ups and I’m getting ready to start my 90 day P90X program.

One huge benefit I am finding after two days is the money I am saving.

As a single guy, I am not buying a bunch of food for two.  I am not even averaging $10 a day on food.  That is good for me who can easily blow through over $20 a day to eat.

Day 2 is complete and 19 days to go.

Coach Manny

First Day of New Detox Diet

Yesterday was the first day of my new diet.

My focus is not to lose weight as I really don’t need to lose any weight.  I wouldn’t mind losing a little body fat.  I’m 34, VERY active as I’m a racquetball coach and player and also a Health Coach.

My diet will consist of all fruits, veggies, a little fish, water, protein powder mixed in with some water or coffee.    Yes…coffee…is not an option. Starbucks makes a lot of money off of me.   I’m not sold on coffee being bad for you.  In the research I have done I have learned that coffee seems to help men fight prostate cancer and  a new study shows that there are more antioxidents in coffee than any other beverage.

My goal is 21 days straight.  Why 21 days?  I have learned over time that to make or break a habit it can take 21 days.   That is why 21 days is my magic number.  All you cigarette smokers…try quitting for 21 days and see what happens.

At first, when I felt a little hunger it made me want “solid food”.  I started my day off with two apples and water right off the back.  That easily held me over till after Church.  I went straight to Kroger’s after church to get some more fruit.  I bought some strawberries, apples, and bananas.  Anyone notice what I’m missing… CITRUS.  Today I will be getting some clementines or oranges.  I like clementine better because it is easy to peel.

As the day went on everytime I felt I was getting a tad hungry I stuffed strawberries in my mouth or a banana.  It really did work.

While at my daughters house her Mother offered me some chicken and rice.  Yes for a second that sounded so good and I did forget I was on my new diet.  I said yes…then quickly said “no”.  Very proud of myself on that.

I just continued to eat strawberries, bananas, and water the rest of the night.

Too be honest..it really wasn’t difficult.

Sure, everything under the sun sounded really good but the fact that I’m cleaning my body of all the toxins and chemicals is something to look forward.

That is day 1 of my new diet.

20 days to go,

Manny

2009 USAR Junior Olympic Racquetball Championship

The five day event in East Lansing, MI was held at the Michigan Athletic Club as well as Michigan State University, June 24-28, with 185 juniors from all across the US competing for coveted Gold medals in over 30 divisions for boy’s and girl’s singles and doubles.  This is a National event as the US Junior National Team Qualifier, one-year appointments will be up for grabs for the top finishers in 18-Gold Singles, 16-Gold Singles, 14-Gold  divisions.

All players start in the Gold division.  Winner keeps going; first round players defeated move to a Red bracket.  In the gold division, second round players defeated move to the Blue bracket.

First round players defeated in the Red bracket are then placed with the rest of the first round players defeated into a White division bracket.

This is a really good way to equal out the playing field for each player  and get a lot of racquetball play in.  At the minimum, a player gets three matches in an Olympic format.  The experience alone is priceless.

The competition was hot all week and upsets were in effect and team members were placed to play for Junior Team USA at Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in December at the 2009 IRF 21 st Junior World Racquetball Championships.

I took three players from our Wabash Valley Junior Racquetball Team.  This was their first national experience and what a good wake up call for them.  One of my players came back with two medals and he is still on cloud 9.

18 and Under Boys

The young up and coming star from Stockton, CA, Jose Rojas dominated this division without losing a game.   The toughest match for this young man was the final where Taylor Knoth, Milwaukie, OR scored 11, 11.

He is above and beyond the rest of the up and coming future players.   The 2008/2009 season was a strong indication of where this future star is headed.  He has beaten top pro racquetball players including #5 on the International Racquetball Tour Jason Mannino, #6 on IRT Shane Vanderson,   #14 on IRT  Travis Woodbury, #15 on IRT Hiroshi Shimizu, #18 on IRT Anthony Herrera,  and #21 on the IRT Tony Carson.  This kid is the real deal.

In March, Jose won the 2009 USAR National Intercollegiate Championships playing for Delta College.

His future looks very bright on the IRT. He keeps the fans in their seat.

#1 Jose Rojas def. #3 Taylor Knoth, 15-11, 15-11

18 and Under Girls

This division was a 6 player round robin that was decided by the head-to-head match of Sheryl Lotts, Bedford, OH  vs. Danielle Key, Gibert, AZ.  Current USAR National Intercollegiate champion, Sheryl Lotts, would continue to prove that she is the best female junior player in the country as she defeated Danielle in a tough match that went the distance.

#1 Sheryl Lotts def. #2 Danielle Key, 15-10, 13-15, 11-7

16 and Under Boys

Considered to be the match of the tournament you saw a lot of diving, rekill gets, great court coverage and awareness.  This was an intense match up as the #2 seed Marco Rojas beat out #4 seed Jose Diaz in a tiebreaker that will be remembered.

Both of the players are from Stockton, CA and are very familiar with each other’s game.  You just never know who is going to win and when.

The younger brother of Jose, Marco would prove that Jose is not the only brother who will win Gold.  Two complete different styles of game and one common result is the only way to describe Marco and Jose.  Jose Rojas is the quiet one and Marco is more vocal and get in your head type of player.

#2 Marco Rojas def. #4 Jose Diaz, 15-8, 8-15, 11-8

16 and Under Girls Singles

Aubrey O’brien, Auburn, CA,  swept through the draw in convincing fashion.  She didn’t lose a game on her route to a national title.  This young up and coming star is always smiling and a joy to be around.  She is competing more and more on the Women’s Pro Racquetball Tour and every year she continues to improve.  Aubrey is quickly becoming a fan favorite as she can be seen at many events giving out autographs.

#1 Aubrey O’brien def. #2 Devon Pimentelli, 15-11, 15-10

14 and Under Boys Singles

Zach Wertz, Kenner, LA, would go on to win the Boy’s 14 and Under Singles division without losing a game.  He would defeat Sam Reid, Portland, OR, in the final.

#1 Zach Wertz def. #3 Sam Reid, 15-9, 15-10

14 and Under Girl’s Singles

Kelani Bailey, Norfolk, VA beat Samantha Simmons, Crofton, MD, in a tiebreaker.

Kelani is a prime example of how good you have to be to win junior olympics as she recently won Women’s A and Women’s 24A/25A division at the USAR National Singles Championship last month.

You can also find great instructional footwork video from her and her mother, former top Women’s pro, Malia Bailey.

http://www.monkeysee.com/play/13314-racquetball-basics-footwork-drills

#1 Kelani Bailey def. #3 Samantha Simmons, 15-8, 14-15, 11-4

Other notes:

All #1 seeds in the 18-, 16-, and 14-  Girls division all won.

The day before the event begin they implimented a new rule  in the Mixed Doubles division. When a male server serves the ball it cannot be hit by the opposite sex at all on return of serve.  If the ball just so happens to land on the girl side the male partner must hit the ball.  Vice versa as well…if girl serves the girl on opposite end must return the serve.  Otherwise, it results in a fault serve.