Lonquist, Pellowski take singles’ titles at tournament

RANGELY — Twenty-seven players participated in the 17th annual Rangely racquetball tournament this past weekend at the Rangely rec center. Although the tournament had the lowest turnout in all of its years, no one complained.
“There was more court time with less players,” tournament director Shirley Parsons said. Players also had round-robin or double-elimination matches. Racquetball matches consist of two games to 15 points or a third game to 11 points in case of a split.
According to Parsons, the Rangely tournament is one of the only tournaments left on the western slope. Montrose has had trouble with its racquetball courts and Grand Junction hosts a small event but it gathers mostly local players.
“This is the last big draw [on the western slope] and we hope to get the numbers up next year,” Parsons said. Players traveled from Orem, Utah; Rock Springs, Wyo.; Lakewood and Thornton, Colo.; Vernal, Utah; Montrose, Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs. Five players from Rangely joined the action: Parsons, Jay McLaughlin, Jeanne Smith, Joe Morency and 12-year old Keith Hawkins.
Hawkins was not the only 12-year old participant. Zach Pellowski, of Grand Junction, played in the men’s B singles, but fell to Roger Coltharp of Orem in the final match. Coltharp lost to Pellowski earlier in the double-elimination bracket. Hawkins lost his final match to Pierre Seneshale from Rock Springs in the men’s D singles.
In men’s A singles, Dan Lonquist of Grand Junction beat Mark Russo of Glenwood Springs 15-2, 15-4. Men’s C- Dave Seneshale (Rock Springs) won and Joe Huffman (Thornton) was the runner-up.
The women’s open had a tough Cara Pellowski of Grand Junction winning over Sheli Bodily of Vernal 15-5, 15-3. Kathy Rusconi of Montrose defeated Rachel Smith of Grand Junction in womenís B 15-6, 15-9.
In men’s A/B doubles, the Jeff Tack/Dan Lonquist team from Grand Junction beat the Mark Russo/Frank Sedillo team from Glenwood Springs. In the womenís A/B doubles, Cara Pellowski, (Grand Junction)/Jeanne Smith (Rangely) beat Sheli Bodily (Vernal)/Jinny Brunetti (Lakewood).
Mixed A doubles Dan Lonquist/Cara Pellowski (Grand Junction) beat Jeff Tack (Grand Junction)/Sheli Bodily (Vernal) and in mixed B doubles, Roger Coltharp (Orem)/Jinny Brunetti (Lakewood) won over Jay McLaughlin (Rangely)/Carol Pellowski (Grand Junction).
All participants received a pair of shorts and a door prize; thanks to many local tournament sponsors. Trophies were from Awards USA. Giovanni’s and Pinyon Seed Bakery helped to cater the event.
“Everyone had a great time,” stated Parsons.
Special thanks to all of the sponsors for the 17th annual Rangely racquetball tournament: Ace Hi, Bar V, Burrito Express, Carquest, Cedar Ridges GC, Chevron, CNCC, Colorado CPA, Conrad’s Athletic Team and Supply, Cowboy Corral, Ducey’s Electric, E Force, Fresh Express Laundry, Giovanni’s, High Desert Court Products — Jeff Tack, Kum and Go, Loaf ‘N’ Jug, Main Street Pub, NAPA, Nichol’s Store, Pinyon Seed Bakery, Pinyon Tree Liquors, Professional Touch, Quality Carpet, Conoco, Rangely Liquor, Rangely Rx, True Value, Rio Blanco Realty, Rocky Mountain Wireline, Sportsman’s Liquor, Subway, Sweetbriar, The Flowersmith, The Guest, The Nail Shop, The Salon, Upholstery Shop, Vernal Cinemas, W.C. Striegel, Wal-Mart of Vernal, White River Candle Co., White River Drive In, White River Market. Also to the Western Rio Blanco Parks and Recreation for hosting the tournament, CNCC for its donation, Jeanne Smith, and help from Rec Supervisor Eric Hejl and Paula Padilla and rec center staff. And anyone missed!