There is Nothing to be Gained Playing in Alberta Racquetball Tournaments

There is Nothing to be Gained Playing in Alberta Racquetball Tournaments

When I think about the loss of not playing in the Alberta sanctioned tournaments due to being banned by John Halko and Barbara May for life, I quickly realize in terms ranking and the number of tournaments I can play, I wouldn't have played in any Alberta tournaments in 2012 or 2013 anyhow (I picked up the racquet again March 15, 2012). Even so it would have been nice to see some people from racquetball who I haven't seen in years, particularly from southern Alberta.

My first tournament of the season was the Saskatoon Open (Oct. 19, 2012). Then I played in the Saskatchewan Open (Nov. 2-4, 2012) which was held at the same time as the Edmonton Open. I was benefited by beating Ashton Duda #9 in Canada, ranked higher than all the players in the Edmonton Open at the time. Then I played in the Selection Event in Kelowna (Nov. 23-25, 2012) which was held at the same time as the 1st Annual Eastlink Centre tournament in Grand Prairie, Alberta. The next tournament for me was the Precision Sports Open in Regina (Jan. 10-13, 2013). This tournament was held at the same time as 2013 Tom Holmwood Memorial in Calgary (aka Calgary Open). Again, I was benefited which put me 12th in Canada. It's hard to deny how turn of events unfolded to give me the highest ranking I have ever had at the age of 45 years old, thanks to John Halko and Barbara May. As a result I am the #1 player in Canada 40+ and 2nd in Canada 35+ right behind Mike Green who is #1 in Canada.

Next, I went to the Selection Event in Brossard, QC (Feb. 2-4, 2013). I had a cold this tournament which had carried on through to the Keystone in Winnipeg (Feb. 7-10, 2013) and just getting over by the time of the Saskatoon Classic (Mar. 8-10, 2013). However, I did not lose my ranking as a result of my play even though I did not play well which was a stroke of luck. In between was the Lethbridge Memorial (Feb. 22-23, 2013) which was the height of my cold so there was no way I was going to that one. I would have otherwise, if allowed to play in it.

The Alberta Provincials is March 22-24, 2013. But I can't play two tournaments a week apart. My shoulder is just too sore to do that. Instead, I am going to the Loose Moose Open in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan (March 29-31, 2013). Moreover, if I played in the Alberta Provincials, I would be at risk of losing to Mitch Brayley and Ryan Powell and be their tracking player. Ultimately though, John Halko and Barbara May are hurting these two players by preventing them from playing me. Funny how things work out. I feel the touch of God's hand in this sordid affair.

In conclusion, as it turns out, playing in Alberta tournaments doesn't help my ranking (I am #2 in Alberta, Coby Iwaasa is #1) so if there is another tournament within a week or two of an Alberta tournament which is usually the case, I would be better off going to that one. It would help if I could beat Coby Iwaasa, but that would be just short of a miracle.

I think Alberta Racquetball is hurt because it is likely I would lose to a couple of players in Alberta who would gain my ranking (currently 13th in Canada), but are blocked from having this opportunity because John Halko and Barbara May have banned me for life. Consider this a self-inflicted wound due to their sin, abusive behavior towards me, and discrimination against a Christian.