Thank You for Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Howard Walker
On behalf of the organizing team, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and participated in the Howard Walker Open and Memorial Tournament this past weekend. Your presence and enthusiasm made this event a resounding success and a true celebration of Howard’s life and legacy.
A special note of gratitude goes out to Mike Cantue, Sandy Rios, Sandy Long, Leo Vasquez, and the many dedicated volunteers whose tireless efforts ensured the tournament ran smoothly. This event was more than just a competition—it was a tribute to a man who gave so much to the sport and to the people who love it.
Howard Walker, affectionately known as “Mr. Racquetball,” was a pillar of our community. His passion for racquetball and his joy in bringing people together were evident in everything he did—from his quick wit to his unforgettable “Facebook paste.” We all miss him deeply, but his impact and memory continue to inspire us.
This year’s doubles-only format reflected Howard’s love for team play. We were honored to host teams from across the country—including Arizona, California, Washington State, and many outstanding Texas players. The sportsmanship displayed throughout the event was exceptional. Notably, no referees were required all weekend, even in the Open Division, which featured a $400 first-place prize—a powerful reflection of the mutual respect and integrity among all competitors.
We are also proud to share that we raised a significant donation for Texas Junior Racquetball, a cause Howard championed. The memorial service was deeply moving, with Howard’s longtime doubles partner, Patrick Gibson, delivering a heartfelt eulogy, along with touching stories and tributes shared by friends and fellow athletes.
We closed the weekend with a special dinner at Rio Grande, one of Howard’s favorite restaurants, followed by a thrilling Championship Sunday, where every team gave their all in his honor.
📊 Full Draws & Match Results:🔗 View on R2 Sports
🏆 Congratulations to Our Champions and Finalists
Open Division
🥇 1st Place: Craig Clement / DJ Mendoza 🥈 2nd Place: Arthur Schmeiser / Damian Zamorano
Mixed Open Division
🥇 1st Place: Arthur Schmeiser / Susie Boulanger 🥈 2nd Place: Will Reynolds / Shane Diaz
Elite/A Division
🥇 1st Place: David Weiser / Mark Jackson 🥈 2nd Place: Ron Couch / Richard Aal
B/C Division
🥇 1st Place: David Weiser / Brent Poss 🥈 2nd Place: James Miller / Roger Hatch
Centurion Division
🥇 1st Place: Kerry McLain / Piyush Mittal 🥈 2nd Place: Glenn Martineau / Tyrone Gilmore
Super Centurion Division
🥇 1st Place: Gary Durbin / Jody Morris 🥈 2nd Place: Juan Esparza / Richard Aal
Thank you again for being a part of this unforgettable weekend. Your presence helped us honor a true legend in the sport. We know Howard would have been proud—and smiling.
We’re excited to announce that this will now be an annual event. We look forward to seeing you at the 2nd Annual Howard Walker Open—where the legacy continues.
With sincere appreciation, John Rhodes Tournament Director Howard Walker Open & Memorial Tournament