Kadena NCO takes 2nd in U.S. Racquetball Championships

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- A Kadena NCO recently took second in the U.S. National Singles Racquetball Championships held in Houston, Texas.

Tech. Sgt. Shaun Stone, 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron, joined the Air Force Varsity Racquetball Team for the second time to compete in the tournament, which drew 700 players from around the world.

Sergeant Stone competed against 42 players in the "B" skill division and 27 others in the over 35 "A" skill division. He earned the silver medal for the "B" division and the gold for the over 35 "A" division.

Sergeant Stone called it an honor to represent Kadena Air Base and the Air Force at a national event.

"It was an honor to wear the mess dress uniform while presenting the colors at the banquet and then receiving a five-minute standing ovation," he said.

This 5-foot 7-inch, 180-pound racquetball player said he began playing with his dad at the age of 10. Since joining the military in 1994, he took advantage of the free racquetball courts offered by the Air Force and started playing three to four times a week.

"Racquetball can be played by anyone," said Sergeant Stone, "and you immediately feel the workout when you play someone at your own level."

Sergeant Stone intends to move up to the "A" division in the upcoming year. He believes the Air Force physical training program can help him achieve this goal by improving his strength and endurance.

The NCO said he also appreciates the fact that the Risner Fitness Center is open 24-hours-a-day and that regular racquetball groups meet every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Additionally he enjoys the one-day shootout tournament every quarter, which gives all island players a chance to get together and test their skills.

If interested in the racquetball groups, call the Risner at 634-5128.