January 2012…A Running Start
Here we are in January 2012 and my “Championship Team” has had a great start. The first weekend in Janaury 5-8, Rocky Carson, Paola Longoria and Taylor Knoth all made it into the finals in the Coast-to-Coast California Open IRT/WPRO Pro Stop in Canoga Park, CA.
Rocky Carson…IRT Pro Finals took 2nd place. Rocky beat Taylor in the 16’s, Shane in the quarter’s, Ben in the semi’s, but lost to Kane in the finals in a close 4 game match 7-11, 11-1, 11-8, 11-8. Rocky had his chances in games 3 and 4, but couldn’t convert. All I know is the gap is getting smaller.
Paola Longoria…WPRO Pro Finals took 1st place. Paola beat Adrienne in the semi’s and Rhonda in the finals in 3 straight games. Paola has beaten Rhonda in every tournament she’s played in this season and continues to hold the #1 WPRO ranking.
Taylor Knoth…IRT Qualifier earned a spot in the Main Draw to play Rocky. This has been great for Taylor as he has played Kane, Rocky, Ben, Jose and Andy already in his short professional career giving him the experience he needs to one day be on top by beating these players. He also played in the Men’s Open Division and won by beating Jose Diaz another up and coming junior superstar.
The second weekend in January 12-15, Rocky Carson, won the Salon Cactus NYC Pro Am in Long Island, NY after beating Andy in the quarters in 4 games and Chris in the semi’s in a grueling 5 set match. Rocky beat Kane in the finals after Kane had to forfeit due to a back injury in the first game with Rocky having a 6-2 lead.
What’s coming up in February and March?
Rocky Carson…Salt Lake City, UT; National Double Championships in Tempe, AZ (partner none other than Ben Croft) and San Diego, CA
Paola Longoria…Local events in Mexico; photo shoots and Denver, CO
Taylor Knoth…San Diego, CA and National Intercollegiate Championships in Tempe, AZ
Sharon Jackson…Cinncinati, OH; National Double Championships in Tempe, AZ and National Intercollegiate Championships in Tempe, AZ
