The Jamaican National Racquetball Federation
The Jamaica National Racquetball Team began official international competition in 1996 and after four appearances at the World Championships, the team emerged as one of the top 15 teams in the world!
The Jamaicans are coming!
Often called the fastest non-motorized sport in the world, racquetball combines speed, strategy, power, and just enough humility to remind you that a bouncy ball traveling over 100 miles per hour will challenge your ability to think fast. It delivers a full body workout disguised as a really good time.
The International Racquetball Federation governs international competition across more than 90 member nations and has earned recognition from the International Olympic Committee.
And in 1996, the sport welcomed the first ever Jamaican International Racquetball Team... and this athletic competition will never be the same again.
The Jamaican Racquetball Federation is the official governing body authorized by the Jamaica Olympic Committee and oversees the Jamaica National Racquetball Team.
Team Video
Check out this footage from the Jamaica National Racquetball Team.
Strategy, Strength & Raw Power
Jamaica has always been known for its excellence in sugar canes, vacation hot spots and its athletes. And now, those fun loving, calypso dancing, hand clapping Caribbean based life forms are bringing a whole new dimension to this high speed game of strategy, strength and raw power. The key players on this team have already accumulated significant experience in the art of winning.
The Underdog Training Regimen
Team organizer John F. Edwards has placed all team members on a strict and rigid training program involving continuous reggae music, spicy jerk food, coconut juice and a consistent use of the response, "no problem mon."
Following on the heels of the Jamaican Bobsled Team, the team enjoys coming into this American dominated sport as an underdog. Already developed are the new uniforms, team slogan and even their very own song. The team has recruited a current U.S. Pro player to guide them into history!
Just think... first bobsledding and now racquetball. What are these guys going to dominate next?!
In the Beginning: Eras & Milestones
Tracking our progress across the competitive international landscape.
1996
The Historic Debut
In 1996, with the help of former US coach Gary Mazaroff, the team made history by entering the highly competitive World Championships. With hopes of becoming a top twenty team, a last minute cancellation from the #2 seeded player all but destroyed the original goal.
Ken Teape (far right) rose to the challenge of his first ever international contest and teamed with John Edwards (2nd from right) to compete in the doubles division. True to their Jamaican heritage, the team surprised even themselves when, despite being one player short, they emerged by barely making the #20 slot in the final standings!
Team coach Jeff Hanno (next to Edwards) then went on to win the Coach's Division with a surprise win over the top ranked coach from Puerto Rico. Pictured next to Hanno is former U.S. coach Gary Mazaroff who was also instrumental in facilitating the team's appearance. The team was fortunate to have access to talent such as Hanno and Mazaroff, who himself has been to a number of major international contests.
1998
Cochabamba, Bolivia
Still with very little financial support except for some friends and employers—the team trained through 1997 in preparation for the 1998 World Championships in Cochabamba, Bolivia.
Team player John F.
Edwards dives for a ball during training for the 1998 World Championships in Bolivia.
Both Edwards, Barnes, and Hanno trained feverishly in preparation for the premier international event in the sport. Spending hours in the 20X40 enclosed court, players worked with the latest equipment supplied by Spalding, the team sponsor.
On board as the first female to compete for the Caribbean island, Lurine Barnes teamed with Edwards to compete in a number of tournaments in the Northeast.
And in July, the team made its second appearance at the World Championships in Bolivia.
More on Bolivia View Training Archive1999
Pro Staff Sponsorship
1999-2000 Edwards named to Pro staff sponsorship
www.prokennex.comReggae Roll Outs
Team members holding international rankings and match records.
| Athlete Name | Location Origin | Games Portfolio |
|---|---|---|
| Ken Teape | Long Island, NY | 1996 Games |
| Lurine Barnes | Rochester, NY | 1998 Games |
| John F. Edwards | Cortland, NY | 1996, 1998 Games |
| Jeff Hanno | Watertown, NY | 1996 Games Coaches Div. Champion |
The team is now training for the 2000 World games in Mexico. While no movie offers have been made yet, Team Jamaica has enjoyed excellent public relations from newspapers, radio and TV stations around the world. The team has subsequently recruited additional players in preparation for a possible appearance in the Olympics.
The team now has three female players with Lurine Barnes as captain and five men with Edwards as captain. The team was able to maintain a coaching staff headed up by professional player Hanno.
2000 Outlook & J2K Goals
"The future is so bright - we have to wear shades (hey, I should write a song!)."
With the new rule change - Team Jamaica looks like we will field a full and competitive team for the first time ever (our history being as long as it is). The team welcomes new members from Arizona and Rochester which rounds out our ability to send both a full men's and women's team to the 2000 World Championships.
Scouting Report:
Having placed 20th in 1996 with one player short - the 2000 team looks to establish themselves as serious competitors. To date, the traveling team will consist of:
- #1 Male Player — Open level both singles and doubles Former State Champ
- #2 Male Player — Open/A level player A singles winner and Open doubles competitor
- #3 Male Player — A level player
- #1 Female Player — A level singles and doubles player
- #2 Female Player — A level singles and doubles player
With that lineup of talent, the team is expected to beat their top 20 ranking!
Contact Us
Anyone who could lend assistance to help us get 4-6 players into uniforms and to Mexico should contact us. The 2000 Games will be held in August.
