Who's Rob Drake

This month we would like to introduce you to Rob Drake.

Rob first played Wallyball in 1979, and he hasn't stopped playing since that time. Ed Struble invited him to join a coed "jungle ball" group and he began playing with that group every week. Many players have come and gone from the group, but three players (Ed, Gwen Sorensen and Rob) still play together today (now by the rules).

In 1990, after playing for several years with the same group, Rob contacted some other players he had seen playing the game, and he organized an 8 team league at La Mesa Racquetball/Wallyball Club in La Mesa California. The players enjoyed the competition so much that he was encouraged to do it again.

From that small beginning, Rob's hobby, "CourtMasters Wallyball" has expanded to the point that he regularly mails Wallyball notices to over 500 players and potential players. Each week you will find around 125 participants involved in CourtMasters leagues, classes or clinics. Players participating in the leagues travel to La Mesa from all over San Diego County.

At the La Mesa facility, Wallyball leagues run continually throughout the year (Monday nights are men's, women's and coed doubles and Wednesday nights are team and draw coed triples). "Several players representing CourtMasters regularly travel to tournaments in California, Arizona, Colorado and Utah. Often, CourtMasters teams represent up to half of the teams in some tournaments", Rob mentioned.

Rob also volunteers his time to teach free clinics. An overview of the sport is presented (rules, ball handling, positioning, strategies), participants practice some drills, and the last hour is devoted to playing the game. Participants interested in continuing in the sport are either offered a chance to play in the leagues or they are offered the opportunity to take one of Rob's 8 week Wallyball classes that are designed to prepare them for the leagues.

Finally, to add to the social nature of the game, each year Rob and his wife host a "Wallyball party" at their home. The party is open to anyone who has participated in a league, class or clinic, and their guests. Rob told us, "Wallyball players love to party, and this is reflected in the large turnout each year".

There are three secrets to the success of Rob's hobby.

The first is structure. Players are grouped with others of their general ability. Separate leagues are running at the same time so that the various skill levels can compete against each other. All leagues are organized so that the participants only have to show up to play. Schedules are provided and handed out to team captains, along with names and telephone numbers of eligible subs according to skill level. Standings for each of the leagues are updated weekly and posted on the "Wallyboard". Sign-up lists are provided before each league so that a player without a team can make contact with others to form a team. Twice a year "Draw" leagues (players are teamed up with different teammates each week) are offered so that players can play with and against others. Teams often are formed for upcoming leagues as a result of this interaction.

The second is a commitment of time. Mailers must be designed and mailed. Flyers must be designed and posted at the club. Players must be called prior to the first match and told when to play or referee/scorekeep. Telephone and address lists must be continually updated. League schedules and weekly team standings must be kept current. League nets must be repaired and balls must be inflated properly. In addition, Rob must make time for the job (banker) that pays for his hobby.

The third and most important is the support of his wife Mollie. She runs the leagues in his absence, helps to answer the many telephone calls received each week, and provides emotional support when things aren't going the way Rob planned.

Rob is just one of many great assets the Wallyball community has today.

 

Below are some of the programs the Rob Drake runs.

Leagues open to Open/Adv/Int. players
Matches scheduled at 6:30/7:30/8:30 pm

FREE 2 hour Wallyball clinics
Call for dates and times

MONDAY Night Men's & Women's Team Doubles
August 5th thru September 23rd
Signup deadline is August 2nd

MONDAY Night Co-ed Team Doubles
October 7th thru December 16th
Signup deadline is September 27th

TUESDAY Night Wallyball Classes
Call for dates and times

WEDNESDAY Night Co-ed Team Triples
August 28th thru December 18th
Signup deadline is August 16th

THURSDAY Night Wallyball Classes
Call for dates and times


Rob can be contacted at CourtMasters Wallyball, 1524 Avenida Ladera, El Cajon, CA 92020 / (619) 258-2181 / Email - CourtMstrs@aol.com.

From the Editors

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