"Smokin Hogan” is considered to be the greatest player to ever play the game.  He started his career in 1975 and played on the pro tour for 20 years.  He was named to the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, the US Jewish Hall of Fame, World Racquetball Hall of Fame, and the Ladue High School Sports Hall of Fame.  He was ranked the #1 player in the world from 1976-1981 and in 1989.  He was an 8 time Professional National Champion, a 1975 USRA National Champion, 1975 Junior National Champion, and 1976 Canadian National Champion.  He has won National Doubles three times (1994, 1996, and 2001).  In 1997, he won the state championships and in 1999 won the seniors at the US Open. 

He was named racquetball player of the year six times and voted Athlete of the Year by Racquet Magazine along with Chris Everett.  He has the highest winning percentage in a professional racquetball career and in a season.  He has authored many publications and videos and has made numerous national T.V. and publication appearances including ABC’s Superstars, CBS news with Dan Rather, Sports Illustrated, People, US, GQ, and Time magazine.

Hogan who was born and raised in St. Louis and currently makes his home in Chesterfield, MO with his wife and two kids.

Steve Serot was one of the top players of all time.  He was the first St. Louisan to become a racquetball superstar.  In 1973, at the age of 17, he upset Charlie Brumfield to win the first pro stop ever and took home the top prize of $1500.00 for first place.  He also holds the title of the youngest player ever to win a pro racquetball tournament.  Considered to be the first real power player, he held the #2 ranking in singles  finishing in the semis or better 50 times. He held the #1 ranking in doubles for both indoor and outdoor winning 4 International Doubles championships between the years of 1973-1976.  He won the sportsmanship of the year award in 1978.  Even today, Steve’s backhand is considered one of the best of all time.  Currently, Steve is President of the financial services company Steve Serot and Associates.  He lives in West County with his wife Debbie and 2 stepsons Jeffrey 15, and Connor 10.  His daughter Julie, 26, is getting her PhD in Marine Biology at Hong Kong University.

Jerry Hilecher grew up in St. Louis, graduating from Parkway West High School in 1972 and receiving his Undergraduate degree in Economics at the University of Missouri in 1976.    Considered one of the 10 best racquetball players of all time, he played in the finals of over 100 professional events.  He has performed in over one thousand clinics and exhibitions around the world and has 10 National and International titles including the World Racquetball Professional Championships in 1976.  Jerry was ranked in the top 4 on the Pro Tour for 10 years in a row, and held the #1 ranking in the world in 1981.  Jerry has served as president of the Professional Players Association.  He has also coached the United States Junior Olympic racquetball team in 1992 & 1993.  He has been inducted in the Missouri Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, and the USA Racquetball Hall of Fame.  He currently is President and Owner of Gateway Telnet, a Communications and Data company and resides in Northridge California.

Rita was the first female pro from Missouri.  She was voted by the USAR as one of the top 32 female players of all time.  She played her first pro tournament in December of 1976.  She was quickly known for her power and was one of 5 women players that originated the Women's Professional Racquetball Association in 1978.  Rita was consistently ranked in the top 3 nationally on the pro-tour from 1978-1983 and won 7 professional tournaments.  She gave lessons & clinics for kids and adults at Coryell’s, the Spauldings, and finally the old Town & Country (currently MAC).  She participated in many charity exhibition matches with pro athletes from around the area. She currently lives in the St. Louis area and works as a manager at Mike Shannon’s Steaks & Seafood.

Chris Wright started playing racquetball at the age of 14. He started playing Men’s Open at the age of 15 and won his first Open tournament at the age of 16.   He held the #1 position for High School Racquetball with a record of 53-1.  The highlights of his career include being a Gold Medalist with wins as 25+ National Champion, 30+ National Doubles Champion, 30+ National Mixed Doubles Champion, and the 35+ U.S. Open Champion.  In 1996, he was first alternate to the U.S. team.  He is a 7 time State Champion in the Open division and a 5 time Regional champion.  He has also coached Lafayette High School to 3 state championships.  He has won over 50 Open tournaments.  He currently resides in St. Louis with his lovely wife and 3 children.

Iona was responsible for starting the High School Programs in St. Louis.  She was the pioneer of the High School League as we know it today.  She was first introduced to racquetball in 1971.  She fell in love with the sport and became the first woman’s director of Spalding racquetball clubs.  She not only taught racquetball, but also knew directors at each club.  She began all the youth programs for Spaulding.  She wrote a large manual for both women’s and youth programs that were used by 22 clubs.  She began the High School league and nurtured it till the program grew to include 26 boys school and 22 girls schools.  After leaving Spaulding, she coached the Parkway West girl’s team and watched her daughter win the Missouri State Championships.  She has won many Gold & Silver medals in the Senior Olympics and Masters tournaments.