USA Racquetball has announced the recipient of the 2014 John LoMonaco Grant. Josh Paul of Bettendorf, IA has been selected from among a record 29 applicants to receive the all-expense paid trip to compete in the 2014 U.S. National Singles Championships in Fullerton, CA. As an active-duty police officer, Josh also qualifies to compete in the Heroes Divisions.
Not many players can say that the greatest accomplishment of their racquetball career is helping save a life. Josh Paul can say he has helped save two.
Josh is a police officer and trained first responder. In October 2013 at the US OPEN he was on the scene when Rick Schacht suffered a heart attack while competing. Josh was the first to perform CPR on Rick and along with a team of good semaritans and trained professionals helped save Rick's life that day beyond all odds.
In a way, Josh has helped save his own life through racquetball. After beginning work in the sedentary occupation of law enforcement, Josh saw his weight balloon to 240 pounds. After returning to racquetball, a sport he picked up in college, he now sweats away calories five days a week playing racquetball at three different clubs. He's back in shape and has shed 40 pounds.
Josh also makes significant contributions to the sport at the local level. He promotes leagues, assists in directing two annual tournaments, maintains local and state racquetball websites and volunteers as Treasurer of the Iowa Racquetball Association. Having contributed so much to racquetball by the young age of 32, the sky is the limit for his future in the sport.
Josh has long dreamt of participating in the USA Racquetball National Singles Championships. Thanks to the John LoMonaco Memorial Grant, he'll live that dream this year. Josh will be documenting his experience with images and stories to share with the USA Racquetball family.
About the John LoMonaco Memorial Grant: John LoMonaco passed away suddenly in May of 2009 at the age of 57. John played several times per week and had many wins to his credit, including a 55-A championship at the 2007 U.S. National Singles Championships. In memory of John, an anonymous friend established and funds the grant in his name that provides for an all expenses paid trip to a deserving candidate to the U.S. National Singles Championships.
About National Singles: National Singles will be held over the Memorial Day Weekend, May 21-25. Events to be contested include the National Team Qualifier, Hall of Fame & Annual Awards Ceremony, doubles play, Ladies Night Out, Focus on Amateur Players, Casino Night with Great Prizes and a special welcome to all manufacturers. Information: http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Racquetball
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