By Mike Wedel

The 12th Annual Ghost of Georgetown/Kansas City Pro-Am Racquetball Championships, Presented by Novasors (powered by Centrinex) and The Kansas Racquetball Association (KRA) is Thursday-Sunday, September 15-18, 2011, at The Athletic Club, 10440 Marty Street, in Overland Park.

This tournament will again be offering the very best racquetball players in the world. The tournament will draw more than 200 amateur and college entrants. The amateur players will compete in division of all levels, ranging from beginner to open level for both singles and doubles. Whatever level of play, you will have a great time playing in this year's tournament.

The tournament showcases more than 30 of the top men’s professional racquetball players in the world, including Kane Waselenchuk, Rocky Carson, and Ben Croft, currently ranked numbers one through three, respectively. The tournament hosts many international players, including Mexico’s best, Alvaro Beltran. Spectators will be amazed by balls in excess of 200 MPH, incredible athleticism, and an “extreme sport” mentality these pro players display. This tournament draws the best of the best in men’s racquetball.

The IRT (International Racquetball Tour) is a showcase of events that displays the best players in the world. Founded in 1990, the IRT season runs from September through May and includes more than 30 sanctioned events throughout the world with more than 300 professional players participating in the tour. Tickets to watch the pros are only $35.00 in advance. Buy your ticket early so you are sure to have a seat. We expect the seating to sell out.

We have a Junior Clinic on Saturday morning at 10:30 on the main court, presented by several of the top pro players. On Saturday night we will have the “Player Party” in our Café/Bar for all the players to hang out for a meet and greet with Pro players. Both of these activities are FREE to everyone interested in attending. We always have great door prizes to give away at the Saturday night party.

We will have a Sponsor Dinner for anyone wanting to attend on Thursday night at 7:30 at Bacchanalia Private Dinning. This is a very nice private dining facility that will provide a great atmosphere to show our gratitude to the sponsors of the tournament. The top 8 IRT players will be attending the dinner and socializing with sponsors and attendees throughout the evening. The price for this excellent dinner and evening is only $55.00 per ticket. You must order early as tickets are limited to 50. To order tickets please email me at the address listed below. We had a great turn out last year and I expect this year to be full.

The tournament silent and live auctions will support programs offered by Community LINC, a 501c3, located at 40th & Troost in KCMO. Community LINC is a local charity and it helps out so many in need. I hope you consider this opportunity to support Community LINC by supporting the tournament and the tournament auctions. Remember, 100% of your donation stays right here in our community.

For more information, stop by the Club at 10440 Marty Street, call (913) 383-9060 or you can enter online at the tournament website. You are also able to download an entry form off of the Athletic Club website.

Mike Wedel, Tournament Director
913-219-4420 Cell
mwedel@athleticclubop.com