The official site of the Jamaica National Racquetball Team
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Height |
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5' 8" |
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Play |
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right-handed |
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Career Highlights |
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Played in the World championships in Mexico for Jamaica. |
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Titles/Honors |
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Certified Instructor |
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Occupation |
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Information Technology consultant |
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Residence |
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Lincoln Nebraska, USA |
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Birthplace |
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Mandeville Manchester |
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Favorite Thing About Jamaica |
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Favorite ting bout Jam Down - De Food, de music, de land mon!! |
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Advice to New Players |
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Cross train and do practice drills by yourself. ALWAYS play at your best level even when playing less skilled opponents. Respect your opponent on and off the court. Drink lots of water. |
Ken Teape
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Height |
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Play |
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right-handed |
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Career Highlights |
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Past New York State Champion |
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Titles/Honors |
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1996 World Championships player |
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Occupation |
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Psychologist for New York State |
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Residence |
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Kings Park, New York, USA |
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Birthplace |
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Kingston |
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Favorite Thing About Jamaica |
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My favorite thing about Jamaica is the beauty of the Island and the flavours of the food. |
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Advice to New Players |
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Take lessons from a certified teacher on an individual or group basis in order to learn correct techniques and strategies. Attend a camp, a weekend or week long camp, taught by certified teachers because there is so much more to learn about playing the game correctly than you realize. This is true even for experienced players. Whenever you learn something new, that changes your game, you will always experience a regression in your game. Stick with it because you will always come out the other side a better player. |
Jacqueline Gopie 
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Birthday |
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August |
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Height |
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5' 5" |
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Play |
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right-handed |
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Career Highlights |
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At one point, number one woman in the U.S. Army. |
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Titles/Honors |
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Second place Women's A regionals, quarter final finisher 2001 National Singles, women's open 40+. 2002 NYS Mixed Doubles Champion with fellow teammate John Edwards. |
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Occupation |
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Retired: U.S. Army - Medical Policy |
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Residence |
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Florida, USA |
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Birthplace |
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Kingston, Jamaica W.I. |
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Favorite Thing About Jamaica |
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Just knowing that no matter what - I am a Jamaican - and no matter where I roam... there are other Jamaicans out there too, far away from home... who will gladly sit down over a Guiness stout and talk about yard. |
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Advice to New Players |
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Take a lesson (from an AMPRO instructor), learn the basics of the game, develop your own style, play hard, have fun... it's just a game. |
John F. Edwards
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Birthday |
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January |
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Height |
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6' 2" |
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Play |
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right-handed |
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Career Highlights |
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Founder and Captain of the Jamaica National Racquetball Team. Competed in every World Championship from 1996-2004. Medal winner in the 2000 Mexico games. |
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Titles/Honors |
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President of the Jamaica Racquetball Federation. AmPro certified instructor. 2 time New York State Doubles Champion. 2002 NYS Mixed Doubles Champion with fellow teammate Jackie Gopie. |
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Personal Notes |
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Father of 4. Professionally Certified in 2 other sports. |
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Occupation |
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Learning & Development. Also- John Edwards motivational speaker, consultant and conference trainer, author of motivational book Snap Into It. |
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Residence |
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Vestal, New York, USA |
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Birthplace |
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Born and raised in Kingston |
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Favorite Thing About Jamaica |
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how bout di pace of life, di smell of curried goat and di feel of a carribean breeze. |
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Advice to New Players |
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The challenge is with you rather than against your opponent. The game will last for an hour - the friendships will last for a lifetime. Conduct yourself in the same way that you want to be remembered. Enjoy being underestimated! Teach the kids. |
Lurine Barnes (Renie)
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Birthday |
December | |
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Height |
4' 11" | |
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Play |
right-handed | |
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Career Highlights |
Medal winner in the 2002 World Championships; First Jamaican Woman to join team; Participated in Bolivia World's Championship in 1998; Junior Racquetball Instructor for 3 years |
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Titles/Honors |
Participated in Mexico 2000 World's Championship: Won silver & bronze medals |
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Personal Notes |
Petite/fun loving individual who enjoys acting, singing and performing. Local singer/jazz performer in Rochester, NY. RB is a great work out and motivator to get things accomplished! |
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Occupation |
Xerox Corporation, Demand/Supply Planner/Analyst |
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Residence |
Rochester, New York, USA | |
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Birthplace
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I was born in Clarendon. Spent most of my life there in May Pen area. |
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Favorite Thing About Jamaica
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My favorite thing about JA= "Free To Be." As a kid I remember the vastness of the land and being so happy I felt free to be me along with ackee salt fish and sour sop. |
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Advice to New Players |
When the going gets tough, pull deep and remember you are part of a team so you can't just quit. Dig deep and pull from your inner strength and the strength of the team. Remember to have fun! |
Marie Birmingham (Former member)
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Birthday |
May | |
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Height |
5' 5" | |
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Play |
right-handed | |
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Career Highlights |
2000 Women's "A" Regional Champion, '99 & '00 US Open - 3rd Place in Mixed 30+ Doubles | |
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Titles/Honors |
Medal winner from 2000 World Championships | |
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Occupation |
Past Vice President of Jamaica Racquetball Federation |
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Residence |
Houston, Texas, USA | |
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Birthplace
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I was born in Kingston and that is where I spent most of my time growing up. My Mother was raised in the Mandiville area and I had several relatives that lived in that area too. So I did spend some time there as well. |
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Favorite Thing About Jamaica
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The wonderfully gracious people, the awesome food and the deep history and culture of the island. |
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Advice to New Players |
Drill, play hard, and have fun! |
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Birthday |
March | |
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Height |
6' 2.5" | |
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Play |
right-handed | |
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Career Highlights |
10 years Gold Medalist Florida Police & Fire Games incl International Games in Vegas & Florida. | |
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Titles/Honors |
University of Miami Shootout A Division 2000 | |
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Occupation |
Deputy Sheriff |
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Residence |
Plantation, Fl | |
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Birthplace
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I was born in Kingston. |
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Favorite Thing About Jamaica
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Advice to New Players |
