EXTRA
joys working in that area. All of us at AMF Head look forward to a very pro fitable relationship with the Minstar Corporation~'
AMF Head does not forsee any changes in the current structure of the company and a name change is highly unlikely considering the success of the AMF Head products. The headquarters will remain in Princeton, New Jersey.
Dream Factory and Omega Sponsor Tournament
Hilecher Signs With AMF Head Jerry Hilecher, the world's #4 ranked racquetball player, has signed a yearly renewable sponsorship contract with the AMF Head company. National Racquetball contacted Jerry at home for his comments on the new deal. "We've been talking to each other off and on for about a year and a half noW;' stated Hilecher, "and it all came to a head, so to speak, when I won the Baltimore pro stop this last spring. I've always thought that Head made excel lent products and I'm happy that I can represent them this next year~ ' One interesting clause in the contract mentions Jerry's court behavior. It is well-known that Jerry's temper had been volatile in the past, but, as he said to us, "I've changed. These past two years have mellowed me out quite a bit. AMF Head was impressed with my on court manners throughout this past season and I'm sure that was part of the reason I got the contract. That part of the contract doesn't bother me at all. I think it's right that Head should pro tect their image against bad behavior. It's just good business~' Another interesting development is a direct result of Hilecher's new contract. Jerry will be playing with Head's new mid-sized Radial racquet that hits the stores this fall. (See the Radial in our New Products section.) 0
"They suggested I try the racquet out;' explained Hilecher, "but they didn't pressure me into using it. I just liked it. Believe it or not, I can hit a backhand now!" Jerry said he will use the racquet for the first time at the Stockton, CA, pro stop this September. Fran Davis, John Egerman, Doug Cohen and Jim Cascio are other top pros who will be playing with Head's mid-sized racquets this season. 0
Omega Racquets and the Dream Fac tory will co-sponsor a tournament to benefit terminally and chronically ill children. The tournament which will be held September 27-29 in Olathe, KS, ex pects over 200 amateur racquetball players to participate. For applications and information regarding this event, write Omega Sports, Inc., 9200 Cody, Overland Park. KS 66214 or call 913-492-3994.0
Minstar Buys AMF Companies Minstar Corporation, whose holdings include Beekins Moving and Storage Company and the Wellcraft Boating Company, has purchased some 30 divi sions of the AMF Company of which AMF Head is subsidiary. A company spokesman for AMF Head told Na tional Racquetball that AMF Head, which manufacturers a full line of rac quetball racquets and shoes, is excited about the new management which is headed by Erwin Jacobs, Chairman of the Board for Minstar. "Mr. Jacobs has a record of increas ing the profits of the companies he heads;' commented our source. "He is a very shrewd businessman and his pur chase of the AMF companies bodes well for us. He has made it known to us that he has been involved with leisure industries for some time now and en
44/ National Racquetball / September 1985
NR Promotes Jean Sauser Jean Sauser, our Associate Editor in charge of the fitness section for Na tional Racquetball, has been promoted to the position of the mid-west Adver tising Sales Representative. Ms. Sauser, who was a nationally ranked profes sional racquetball player is an athletic club owner. She brings years of ex perience and know-how to our sales staff. Jean will also continue her editorial responsibilities in conjunction with her new sales position.O