Members hit it off in Racquetball Club
Instructors stress improvement, teach students game rules
By Benjamin Leger, Staff Writer
When Charles Lee walks by racquetball courts in the Rec Center, he often sees students playing a game they do not fully understand.
As president of the Louisiana Racquetball Association, Lee understands the rudiments of the game.
“I usually wait until there is a good time for me to walk onto the court and offer to teach them the rules of the game,” Lee said.
Lee said students often beg him for lessons, which is why he and others from LRA volunteer as instructors for the Racquetball Club of LSU.
The club, part of the University community for the last two semesters, provides students interested in the sport with a means of learning and improving, said club President Luis Rivero.
“[Involvement in the Racquetball Club] is a way to improve athletic abilities,” Rivero said. “It gives you that competitive edge.”
Amber Harmon, vice president and founder of the club, said a variety of students participate in meetings. Club members range from national competitors to beginners.
Several club members competed last week in a tournament in Lafayette, and some plan to travel to Alabama for another tournament next weekend, Harmon said.
“Our long-term goal is to be able to compete with other universities,” she said.
During meetings held Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rec Center courts, instructors like Lee show students how to play and answer any questions they have, Harmon said.
Members usually reserve courts, where about 10 to 15 members practice in singles and doubles matches, Rivero said.
Harmon said she first tried the sport a year ago and decided to push for a racquetball club when she found the University offered no organization.
LRA members expressed interest in a racquetball club at LSU and supported Harmon’s efforts.
“The club is important because it brings a totally different sport to campus that a lot of people don’t know about,” Rivero said.
Harmon said the sport is fun and also provides great exercise.
“It’s good to have sports clubs and athletic organizations that are not as formal [as University athletic programs],” Harmon said. “There are so many people who are very athletic but can’t figure out how to bring it to the next level.”
For more information about the club, e-mail [email protected].