Bellingham Athletic Club

Northwest Open Re-Cap

Jake-court
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 45th Annual Northwest Open. The tournament was very successful this year, thanks to our sponsors: Rod Jackson of Industrial Supply, Dean Hendrickson of Resers & Scott Wheeler of Lithtex. We had a great weekend of racquetball to say the least! The Men’s Open division definitely did NOT disappoint the crowd. Jimmy Lowe came to us from Hawaii and took third place after losing to B.C’s Tanner Mattson in the semi finals, but beating Bill Napier to take third.

BAC’s own, Jake Birnel made it to the finals for the first time in this tournament! He has been playing in the Northwest Open for as long as he can remember and this was his year to take the cake! The final match between Jake and Tanner was an incredible display of sportsmanship, passion for the game and good racquetball. They battled to the very end of the tiebreaker, Jake coming out on top 11-8.

I’ve been at BAC for almost 10 years, watching the Birnel boys grow up. There was something really special about being able to watch this match and hand Jake that prize money!

We ended up with 72 participants, smaller then the past but very fun and intimate. We had all matches at BAC, and didn’t even have to use court 6, we ran on time all weekend and were out of the club before closing both nights those items alone make it a successful weekend in my book.

Again, thanks to all of our sponsors and the staff of BAC that helped keep things on track, we couldn’t do it without you!

Jimmy-Jake

Jimmy

rocco

Jimmy-T

Easter Hours

Easter will be on March 27, 2016 this year and our hours will be as follows:
7:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m. Cordata
7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Downtown
No classes either club.

Movements for Strength and Mobility Workshop

We often limit ourselves to repetitive common patterns rather than going through the full range of available motion in our neck and shoulders. Poor movement patterns can cause repetitive damage to the tissues in our shoulders even from simply using it in normal everyday activities (desk work, computer work, gardening work, construction work to name a few) Particular causes of injuries can range from the obvious (trauma from a fall) to the more intricate (nerve irritation decreasing muscle strength, leading to improper joint positioning). Whether it is specific muscle weakness, or flexibility problems (both too much and too little) at muscles, ligaments, and within the joint itself, these all lead to impaired movement patterns (and pain). In this mini workshop we will explore tips and tactics for improving our shoulder flexibility, motion and strength. The intention is to open our shoulders into new positions that allow a freer movement pattern. These improved motions can decrease stress to irritated tissues and also make our chosen recreational activities/exercise smoother and easier to perform. Bring a note pad to jot down ideas and create your own shoulder recovery routine! We will also engage in neck exercises that will make our neck muscles stronger. In this way, we are less likely to suffer a cervical sprain/strain. These exercises can prevent arthritis in the neck and degeneration in the neck joints from progressing. You will learn: Neck Pain Relief, to Stretch the neck muscles, to restore the full range of motion in the neck and or maintain mobility if you have arthritis/ degeneration of the cervical spine, decrease neck stiffness and prevent neck pain and upper back pain at the end of the day when you work on the computer all day.

Where:  Cordata Studio
When:  March 26, 2016
Time:  10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Cost:  $20 – members $30 – non-members

Referral Month!

Did you know that this month BAC members who refer a new member will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a free personal training package or dinner for 2!

Northwest Open

It’s hard to believe that it’s almost here already! Mark your calendars now for March 10-13, 2016. This is Washington’s biggest tournament of the year and pulls people in from as far as Hawaii. We enjoy hosting this event each year and hope that YOU will come play with us. This tournament is open to both members and non-members, and beginners all the way up to pros. There are cash prizes, good food and good, souvenirs that come along with your entry fee. Contact Jessie Scott if you have any questions.

R2 Sport Link

Leagues Starting

Mark your calendar. Winter Basketball League will start January 5th and Winter Racquetball League will start January 6, 2015.

Winter Shootout

Next up on the racquetball calendar is the annual Infusion Solutions Winter Shootout. This tournament is sponsored by Rowena Birnel at Infusion Solutions. Reserve the date…this tournament will be January 29nd-31th, 2016.
R2 Sports Link

Holiday Hours

Saturday, December 19th both clubs close at 5:00 PM

Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24th
Both Clubs close at 2:00 PM

Christmas Day, Friday, December 25th
Both Clubs closed

Saturday, December 26th
Cordata open 7:00 AM — 7:00 PM
Downtown open 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Holiday Class at 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM, Cordata
Kids Club open 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

New Years Eve, Thursday, December 31st
Both Clubs close at 5:00 PM

New Years Day, Friday, January 1st
Cordata open 7:00 AM — 7:00 PM
Downtown open 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Holiday Class 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM, Cordata

Saturday, January 2nd
Regular Hours and Classes

Holiday Master Class

Please join us for our annual Master Class to benefit families in need for the holidays. We combine a portion of all our classes into one festive celebration of fitness! There will be treats, door prizes and more!

Saturday, December 5th
9:30am-11:00am
Cordata Gym
Open to everyone
Suggested donation: $20
Regular class schedule is canceled on Saturday

Junior Lesson While School is Out

There will be a special short session of lessons for juniors during December while schools are on break:
December 28, 29 and 30. Sign up is for all three days, a total of three classes. Choose mornings or afternoons.
Morning Session: 9:30 – 10:30 am (one group for beginners, one group for intermediates)
Afternoon Session: 3:00 – 4:00 pm (one group for intermediates only)
All gear provided.
Three classes are $24.00
Sign up at the front desk of our Cordata facility.

January lessons will be in the standard four week format, twice a week for four weeks. Classes for beginners, interemediates and advanced.