The rejuvenated popularity of racquetball is bouncing its way back to Ames. Scott White, associate director of recreation services, said there has definitely been a renewed interest in all racquet sports.

“In the ’80s, people would be lined up waiting for court space,” he said. “It’s good to see people getting interested in racquetball again.”

Racquetball was introduced in 1949 by a man named Joe Sobek. Sobek combined the rules of squash and handball, producing a high-speed game of exercise and strategy. The game was a sensation.

It has been estimated that 7.5 million people play racquetball on a regular basis in the United States. When comparing this statistic to the ’70s when only 50,000 people played the game, it is easy to see the growing trend.

“People have been calling a day in advance to reserve court space,” said Karen Heath, building coordinator at the Lied Recreation Center.

Lied has seven courts while Beyer Hall has six.

“The courts at Beyer Hall do need remodeling, such as new lighting and new paint,” White said.

“However, the estimate of doing so is estimated to be around $50,000. Right now, we’re looking at projects to remodel.”

Lee Hansen said one reason he plays racquetball is the way it makes him think.

“I enjoy the strategy and the competitiveness of this game,” said Hansen, an avid four-time-a-week racquetball player. “It’s also a lot more fun than running.”

As two players dash back and forth, smacking the ball in various corners or positioning themselves for the return, Chris Knight, president of the ISU racquetball club, said it’s a great workout. The sport has been known to help a player burn up to 700 calories per game.

“The game is an excellent way to burn calories,” Knight said. “In addition to that, it also is a great tension reliever from studying or any stress.”

Knight said his club originated with the idea of players meeting more people and competing against them. The club, having reorganized last semester with only a handful of people, has 30 members.

Members challenge each other by using a continuous bracket of competition, either by playing the seat ahead or behind one’s position. This system allows everyone a chance to play his or her way to the top of the ladder and to have a lot of fun.

Knight is also optimistic about competing against other schools, having talked with the University of Minnesota. He urges anyone to see what the club is all about.

The club meets from 6 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday at Beyer Hall and from 4 to 6 p.m. every Sunday at the Lied Recreation Center.