Ben Croft
Encyclopedia
Ben Croft is a professional racquetball player (born February 11, 1985). Croft was the #6 player on the International Racquetball Tour
at the end of the 2009-10 season, which was a career high and the fourth season he'd finished in the IRT's top 10 players. A native of Illinois, the right handed Croft has an aggressive playing style. Despite a slight build, he often dives to keep the ball in play - sometimes more than once in a rally.
) has gotten to the semis or better in each of the 2010-11 events. From these results, he is now ranked 3rd in the IRT rankings (October 15, 2010 IRT Rankings).
He has played on Team USA twice. Both times Croft played doubles with Mitch Williams and they won gold in both the 2010 Racquetball World Championships
and the 2009 Pan American Racquetball Championships
.
Croft won the World Junior Racquetball Championship in Boy 18 and under in 2003 and 2004. He was the 4th player to do so, and the previous three (Rocky Carson
, Jack Huczek
and Sudsy Monchik
) all went on and became #1 on the IRT.
Finally, Croft was an intercollegiate champion three times, from 2005 to 2007, while he was a student at Colorado State - Pueblo. He also won two intercollegiate doubles titles with Chris Barton in 2004 and 2005.
in Pueblo, Colorado. Has been dating girlfriend Sarah Spinks since 06'.
International Racquetball Tour
The International Racquetball Tour is the professional series that features the world's best racquetball players and the most important pro events, mostly played in the USA....
at the end of the 2009-10 season, which was a career high and the fourth season he'd finished in the IRT's top 10 players. A native of Illinois, the right handed Croft has an aggressive playing style. Despite a slight build, he often dives to keep the ball in play - sometimes more than once in a rally.
Professional career
Croft has been on the IRT full time since the 2006-07 season. He made his first final at the Mexico Open, which was the last tournament of the 2009-10 season. Croft has followed that up with semi-finals appearances in each of the four events in the current season; only one other player (Kane WaselenchukKane Waselenchuk
Kane Waselenchuk is a professional racquetball player from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Waselenchuk finished the 2010-11 season as the #1 player on the International Racquetball Tour for the 6th time. He was undefeated on court in 2010-11, with only a default loss due to illness. It was the second...
) has gotten to the semis or better in each of the 2010-11 events. From these results, he is now ranked 3rd in the IRT rankings (October 15, 2010 IRT Rankings).
Domestic and international career
Croft has won two US National Doubles titles both with Mitch Williams. They won in 2007 and 2010.He has played on Team USA twice. Both times Croft played doubles with Mitch Williams and they won gold in both the 2010 Racquetball World Championships
Racquetball World Championships
The World Racquetball Championships, organized by the International Racquetball Federation , were first held in 1981. The second World Championships were in 1984, and have been held every two years since.The World Championships have two parts...
and the 2009 Pan American Racquetball Championships
Pan American Racquetball Championships
The Pan American Racquetball Championships are held annually in the spring with play ending on the day before Easter. Originally called the Tournament of the Americas, the Pan American Championships are hosted by the Pan American Racquetball Confederation....
.
Croft won the World Junior Racquetball Championship in Boy 18 and under in 2003 and 2004. He was the 4th player to do so, and the previous three (Rocky Carson
Rocky Carson
Rocky Carson is an American professional racquetball player . Carson is the current racquetball World Champion, a title he also won in 2008. Carson was the #1 player on the International Racquetball Tour at the end of the 2007-08 season., and finished ranked 3rd at the end of the 2009-10 season...
, Jack Huczek
Jack Huczek
Jack Huczek is an American professional racquetball player. Huczek was the #1 men's professional player at the end of the 2006-2007 International Racquetball Tour season, and was #3 at the end of the 2008-09 season. Retired from Professional Racquetball on May 24, 2011...
and Sudsy Monchik
Sudsy Monchik
Sudsy Monchik , is an American racquetball player. As a five-time Pro World Champion, Monchik is considered by many to be the greatest player in the history of the sport. Monchik was known for his power and speed, as well as his shot-making ability, especially his backhand, which many believed...
) all went on and became #1 on the IRT.
Finally, Croft was an intercollegiate champion three times, from 2005 to 2007, while he was a student at Colorado State - Pueblo. He also won two intercollegiate doubles titles with Chris Barton in 2004 and 2005.
Personal
Croft attended Colorado State UniversityColorado State University
Colorado State University is a public research university located in Fort Collins, Colorado. The university is the state's land grant university, and the flagship university of the Colorado State University System.The enrollment is approximately 29,932 students, including resident and...
in Pueblo, Colorado. Has been dating girlfriend Sarah Spinks since 06'.