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Jeff Lubman - President

Chino HIlls, CA

I was first introduced to playing handball during my first year at Gallaudet. I remember that my both of my hands were so swollen and thick after hours of playing. So, one of my Gally friends encouraged me to play racquetball outside at a 3-wall court. I enjoyed it so much, much better than handball.

My favorite aunt from Long Island, NY, took me out and bought me my first Ektelon racquet. With my own racquet, I got so hooked on racquetball, playing almost every weekend and sometimes even weekday afternoons. At that time, I thought I was a great player, beating out everyone, except few excellent players. But after I graduated from Gallaudet University in 1981, I came back home and met Greg Brown (a legendary player), Solly Brandt (Father of NRAD), and few other great deaf players. I came to realize that they were all damn good players better than me. I remember how I would hate how Greg would enjoy saying to me, “You are nothing, man!”. This made me so determined to become a better player and finally I was able to beat him a game, at last!

I was the treasurer at the first NRAD tournament held in California in 1987. At this tournament, I remember being impressed with Scott Kramer’s playing skills as a fierce player with control. After he moved down to Southern California, we played together a lot and he could see my potential of becoming an elite player and he eventually became my mentor over the years.

I was the chairperson for 2^nd NRAD tournament to be played in California in 1995. It was the first and only time NRAD has used two racquetball clubs for our national tournament. One venue had a huge seating stadium with 4 glass courts. We had a great turn out!

In that same year, an Ektelon representative made an offer to me to become an Ektelon Team Player and I continue to be a Team Player as of today.

For the 3^rd NRAD tournament to be played in California in 2006, I was a consultant to the chairperson, Ken Clark and his committee.

I am very fortunate to have both Scott Kramer (NRAD Board Member) and Ken Clark (NRAD Treasurer) living in Southern California as we all enjoy playing together at least once a month for 3 hours.

For my cherished wife, Marie and my daughter, Nadja, I also must thank them for their on-going support of my commitment to NRAD! They both understand the importance for me to get involved in the world of racquetball.

Long Live NRAD!

Stewie Gerlis

Naunet, NY

Coming soon

Ken Clark - Treasurer

Riverside, CA

I reside in Riverside, California since age 2 ½ years old. I have been playing racquetball for over 29 years. I remember when I was a junior in high school; Mark McCrory introduced me to racquetball. He creamed me horribly! I was both furious and humbled because I did not like anyone beat me. That was the start of my fascination with the sport, and when I went on to college, I was determined to play almost every day.

I heard the plans of setting up the unofficial NRAD organization through Jeff Dichter for the first time in 1981 when I was in college, and he encouraged me to go to the First Annual NRAD Tournament. At that time, I couldn’t make it due to hefty responsibilities during my college years. As years go by, Jeff Lubman had persuaded me to get involved in the tournament in 1995. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it due to a back injury which turned out to be a herniated disk. Four years ago, we met again, and Jeff refused to give up on me, so I went to Arizona for the first time to play and was also very impressed with the NRAD organization for being so friendly and treating each individual like a family. I thank Jeff for allowing me to get involved with that organization ever since. Last year I was the chairperson of the NRAD 2006 tournament in Fullerton, CA and became the NRAD Treasurer after the election. My last quote for our players about NRAD is that it is a good place where you can feel the warmth and easily make new friends as well as see old friends! Play hard and earn your reward!

Chris McQuaid - Secratary

Frederick, MD

Christopher “Chris” McQuaid was a life-long resident of Massachusetts until the family moved to Maryland in 2004. A loving husband to Debra Earnest of San Jose, CA and a proud father of 4 children - Sarah, Michelle, Christy and Chris. As a 1984 graduate of Gallaudet University, he spent a career in Information Technology and is now embarking on becoming a business owner in the field of network marketing. It was at Gallaudet that Chris was introduced to racquetball taking Basic Racquetball and Advanced Racquetball classes under the tutelage of Dr. Bob Jackson. He has been involved in many non profit organizations as a board member in various capacities one of which is the Greater Boston Racquetball for the Deaf committee (where he met his wife in 1987) from 1987 to 1992 as Secretary, Treasurer, advisor and player. He, along with his wife, also, participated in hosting the 9^th National tournament in Boston in 1992 which is considered one of the best planned tournaments. Chris had the fortune to work with great leaders on the planning committee! In addition, it was memorable for Debra and Chris because their daughter, Christy, was born one day after the tournament was over! He is looking forward to working with a great group of people on the NRAD Board and contributing to the sport of racquetball!

Scott Kramer

Irvine, CA

When I first met late Solly Brandt ( a legend racquetball player), he introduced me to racquetball at CSUN during the summer of 1975. I started playing racquetball seriously in 1979 at the age of 29. It was a gift from Judy, my wife who said that I should go out and play. Thanks to her!

After playing with an older heavier weight man, who beat me easily. I felt humiliated and realized that it's more than just playing racquetball. So I wanted to challenge myself with others by joining the leagues. Then I became a better player who had learned different skills and techniques.

I then met Jeff Dichter, one of the NRAD founders, he told me about NRAD. So I went to its 2nd racquetball tournament in Olathe, Kansas in 1984. My first impression was that there are many other Deaf racquetball players from all over the country. I was the Vice President of the unofficial NRAD before 1985. When NRAD became official with its bylaws, I was their first president of the organization. I was the board member for one term. NRAD is the place where the great Deaf racquetball players challenge and socialize with one another!

May the best player win! May NRAD stay strong!

Bill Milbach

Silver Spring, MD

Member of United States Racquetball Association (USRA), United States Racquet Stringing Association (USRSA), American Professional Racquetball Organization (AmPRO) as an certified racquetball instructor and a Tournament staff member on various tournaments including US Open (Memphis, TN) which is the largest racquetball tournament other than the National Singles Tournament. Bill plays out of the Aspen Hill club in Silver Spring, MD and is well known to the racquetball community. With severe hearing loss at birth that doctors didn't think he could play sports or have a sense of balance, Bill overcomes many challenges to play at a high level. Wilson Racquetball sponsors Bill with all of the equipment he needs to play with for a good match of racquetball. I'm sure there's a lot more to say. Just ask! :-)

Jon Hudson

South Jordan, UT

Coming soon

Tara Miller Women Commissioner

Where you do live?

I live in “Cheese State” Wisconsin.

When did you get involved playing racquetball? When did you start playing racquetball?

A girlfriend of mine introduced me to play racquetball at her club when we were young and played on and off for fun. Then I met Rick Nell who was former deaf racquetball player of NRAD in year of 1988-1989. We have been playing together for fun. He was the one that told me about NRAD and I have been involved since 1989.

What kept you playing racquetball for years?

I became fascinated with racquetball since my hearing girlfriend introduce me to that sport. If wasn't for her I don't think I would ever be part of this sport. I enjoy it because it is a good stress reliever sport as well the opportunity to meet new players who enjoy this kind of sport. Racquetball is always going to be in my heart forever and want to continue to encourage other women players to compete the sport.

How did you hear about NRAD organization?

As I mentioned above (Rick Nell who is former deaf racquetball player back in sometime in the 80’s) that I got addicted with racquetball which inspired me to join this organization. I was also glad to be part of this NRAD nationally racquetball event.

When you first impression (like about) about NRAD when you first came to play?

I thought it was awesome experiences and thrilled to meet other deaf racquetball players. Although, we only meet once a year and feel like they are all my part of my second family. I always look forward going to this event every year as always and meet new deaf racquetball players. I also try to encourage more deaf women to join the NRAD.

What did you do for NRAD in the past years?

I have been board member for NRAD for 3 years (2002- 2006) and participating the voting and help make improvements for the NRAD. Wisconsin has hosted NRAD tournament twice (1990 and 2002) successfully. I was on a committee for the Wisconsin tournaments which has the knack for providing the best homemade food to feed all players (yummy). I would love to host another tournament in the future and provide a great hospitality. I have been offered a position within NRAD board of committee as the Commissioner for Women Racquetball Players created by the NRAD Board. I’m honored to accept this position. I feel I can contribute NRAD, help recruit women and young players to this NRAD community and finally will continue to support NRAD.

Your last quote for our players about NRAD...such as “Long-live to NRAD!”

Nothing is impossible. Racquetball is a sport that keep deaf players together like a family.

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