JB MDL hosts Joint Forces North East Regional Racquetball Tournment Published March 2, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Bryan Swink Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- More than 60 people competed in the Joint Forces North East Regional Racquetball Tournament on Saturday and Sunday here to qualify for the national tournament. The two days of play consumed the atmosphere at the McGuire Sports and Fitness Center as local players, and participants from around the East Coast, battled to win first place in their respective brackets. "The tournament was a great success," said Chris O'Donnell, tournament coordinator. "We had a much larger turnout than expected and the level of play was excellent. I think everybody had a great time." The competition was broken up into three singles brackets based on skill level and another bracket for teams competing in doubles matches. The 'A' bracket was designated for players at a high skill level while the 'C' bracket was for beginners or people new to the sport. "The tournament was fun," said Rob DiGirolamo, Air Force veteran and 20-year racquetball player. "I met a lot of nice people and the level of play was great." The winners of each bracket, including DiGirolamo who won the 'A' bracket, qualify for the All Military National Racquetball Championship held in San Diego, Calif., in November. The National Championship's matches will be played on top of an aircraft carrier at Naval Base San Diego. According to the official website, the Military Racquetball Federation is a non-profit organization created to organize, promote, serve and grow racquetball and fitness throughout all branches of the U.S. military worldwide. Active Duty, retired, Reservists and National Guard servicemembers, veterans, Department of Defense identification card holders and dependents at least 16-years-old are eligible to participate in MRF events.