Frankenstein’s monster would have to contend with those big, clunky boots and long sports coat. Dracula would probably have other things on his mind, like his opponent’s blood, and the wolfman’s famed athleticism just might not translate.

But the sporting shortcomings of the monsters isn’t stopping the Lakenheath gym from hosting its annual Halloween racquetball tournament all this weekend, where us normal humans have a chance to battle it out on the courts for bragging rights.

The racquetball tournament has been running for about 10 to 12 years, according to organizer Lorraine Botwright. Another tourney is centered on Valentine’s Day.

Botwright said the racquetball action is open to military ID holders throughout Europe in order to broaden the level of competition.

"As a community, you end up playing among the same people," she said. "It’s nice to get everyone together and to stretch the players."

So far, players from the Mildenhall, Lakenheath and Fairford communities have signed up, she said.

Once all competitors are registered, players will be broken into divisions, with advanced players competing in the "A" division and average players in the "C" division, so there’s a level of play for everybody, she said.

All players will receive T-shirts, and the first- and second-place winners will get trophies, she said.

The event is scheduled around Halloween because it’s worked well in the past, Botwright said.

Racquetball, and its British pseudo-cousin squash, are pretty popular among the American communities here, she said. It’s a fun and competitive way to get some exercise.

But most importantly, which Halloween monster does Botwright think would rule the tournament, if the no-monster ban was lifted on base?

"Maybe a witch if she’s on her broomstick," Botwright suggested. "Maybe she could get around the court quickly and make those hard shots."