Imagine winning a national
championship in a sport. Now imagine winning three straight. Now imagine being
able to do that with your identical brother by your side. Few people can fathom
such a feat. For Rick and Ryan Charbonneau, it is a reality.
“Winning nationals with my brother
is something I will remember for the rest of my life. We are hoping to make
some more history this spring by becoming the first class to win nationals four
years straight” Ryan said.
Rick and
Ryan have been playing racquetball competitively for 14 years and they have
played matches in Oregon and all the way to North Carolina as well as being
given the opportunity to meet people from all across the world.
They have been on the Oregon State
University Club team for the past three years. The club team has won the
previous eight of nine national championships and Rick and Ryan are hoping to
bring home a ninth this spring. While in
high school the brothers were four-time all-Americans and they have been
three-time all-Americans and now are on the quest for their final award.
Make no mistake; with this much
success comes a fierce competition between the brothers. “Having my brother
playing with me of coarse I am always trying to be better than him. When we
play against each other we both raise our game, compared to when we are playing
against other people,” said Rick. Just three weeks ago the brothers went head
to head in a tournament. Ryan said “There is definitely a rivalry between us.
We know how each other play so that makes things interesting on the court. I’m
pretty silent when I play against other people but when I play Rick all hell
breaks lose, we don’t hold back any emotions.”
Not many people know of this
dynamic duo because the NCAA does not sanction their sport. Racquetball is
never shown on television despite having a loyal fan base. “Yes, it bothers me that we aren’t allowed to
receive scholarships. I realize we don’t bring money to the school but we do
bring exposure, positive representation and marketing” said Rick.
When asked if he is nervous about
nationals Ryan said, “I don’t get nervous” as he chuckled, “I’d say I’m anxious.
I just love competing.” Their desire for competition means a strict training
schedule. The brothers train five times a week as well as lifting two of those
days.
The brothers also volunteer in their
free time at Timber Hill Athletic Club, Eastside Athletic Club and the Boys and
Girls Club.
