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Ektelon’s 'Three R’s' Rocky, Rhonda and Ruben Cap Dream Season

Bordentown, NJ — What a year it has been for Team Ektelon and in particular, the Company’s “three ‘R’s”, Rocky Carson, Rhonda Rajsich and Ruben Gonzalez.

Perhaps most exciting, Ektelon is proud to now have both the #1 ranked male and female players in the world in Rocky Carson and Rhonda Rajsich. In addition, racquetball living legend Ruben Gonzalez wrapped up one of his most successful year’s on tour with two Grand Slam titles.

“This has been a uniquely remarkable year and marks a very exciting time for the Ektelon brand,” said Scott Winters, Vice President of Indoor Sports at Ektelon. “We are proud of all of our players, but it only appropriate to recognize and celebrate having both the #1 players in the world on the men’s and women’s pro tour and one of the greatest players of all time in Ruben continuing to succeed at the highest levels. The three R’s are not only great players, but wonderful ambassadors for the brand and the sport both on and off the court. We are extremely proud and feel very fortunate to have them playing Ektelon products.”

For the trio, it all started in Memphis where each took home a US Open singles title in their respective divisions - Rocky in the men’s Pro, Rhonda the women’s Pro, and Ruben in the Classic Pro Racquetball Tour event.

For Rhonda, her year-end ranking marks the third straight year she has finished at #1 in the world on the Women’s Professional Racquetball Tour. In addition to her title in Memphis, Rajsich went on to win the other most prestigious event in the sport - taking home the WPRO Nationals in New Orleans as well. Rhonda was also recognized as the 2007 USRA Player of the Year at the National Singles Championships banquet in Houston in May.

“Rhonda is without question the most athletic and exciting player in our sport. She is a true racquetball ambassador and a role model for other players,” said Andy Roberts, Manager of Team Ektelon Pro Staff. “Her incredible athleticism is matched only by her work ethic and her character and sportsmanship both on and off the court. We look forward to a long relationship with Rhonda and look forward to seeing her make it four years in a row at number one.”

Carson, the 29 year-old Californian, completed one of the most dominating seasons in recent racquetball history. The US Open was one of seven events he won during the year and the second of two Grand Slam titles, along with Colorado Springs in September. Carson also won the 2008 USRA National Singles and National Doubles titles which qualified him to compete on the US National Team in Ireland this summer.

“This has been an incredible year for me and one I will never forget,” said Carson. “It is a thrill to end the year ranked number one in the world, and very cool to have two Ektelon players in the top spots, playing the same racquet and both representing the US Team and the brand this summer at the 2008 World Championships in Ireland.”

The O3 White, the current racquet choice of both Rocky and Rhonda has become one of the sports most popular racquets at retail, exceeding sales expectations and solidifing O3 as one of the most impactful racquet technologies ever introduced in the sport.

Rocky and Rhonda’s success on indoor courts was matched by their play outdoor as well. Both players ended the year ranked #1 on the WOR Tour and plan on defending their 2007 WOR singles and doubles titles at the upcoming championships in July in Huntington Beach, California.

Ektelon’s third “R”, Ruben Gonzalez, continues to amaze fans as well as players with inspired play. Playing with his signature Ektelon racquet, the O3 RG, the legend had yet another career year winning two Grand Slam events on the Classic Pro Racquetball Tour (CPRT). First, he joined Rocky and Rhonda in capturing the US Open title Memphis and then he took home the CPRT National Championship held in Las Vegas. In addition, Gonzalez was also named player of the year on the CPRT Tour.

“It is scary to think about, but Ruben seems to be improving,” said Roberts. “To have all three of these players on one team is truly remarkable. It was an incredible season for the entire Ektelon pro staff and we look forward to carrying this momentum into 2008-2009 season.”

About Ektelon

Based in Bordentown, New Jersey, Ektelon is a division of Prince Sports, Inc. Ektelon has enjoyed the longest, most successful reign of dominance in the sport of racquetball. Ektelon’s heritage includes the introduction of more revolutionary technologies and programs to the sport of racquetball than any other company. Ektelon innovations include oversized racquetball racquets, the Racquet Taper System (RTS), Power Ring® racquets and Total Racquet Customization. In 2005 the Company introduced its O Tech platform by launching O3 racquet technology. Since then, O3 has led to many successful Ektelon racquet launches propelling the company’s market share to its highest in over a decade. For more information please contact us at 800-283-2635 or log onto our website at ektelon.com.

Posted on June 16, 2008
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