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USHA Mission Statement: To Organize, Promote and Spread the Joy of HANDBALL: The Perfect Game

Volume 59, No. 3

Publisher: Mike SteeleAdvertising: Vern Roberts, Naty AlvaradoExecutive Director: Vern RobertsDevelopment Coordinator: Matt KruegerAccounting: Karen PotterMarketing: Matt StampCustomer Service: Sonya Lammers

The USHA staffHandball (ISSN 0046-6778) is publishedbimonthly by the USHA, 2333 N. TucsonBlvd., Tucson, AZ 85716. Membershipsare $45/year ($120 for three years). Foreignmembers include $15/year additional forpostage. Periodicals postage paid at Tucson,Ariz., and additional mailing offices. CanadianPost Publications Mail Agreement #40065056.

The magazine

June features

4. Dr. John Aronen enters the USHAHall of Fame as a contributor.

5. Florida organizer Pete Overeemcaptures USHA Kendler Award.

5. One-wall champion Cesar Salaearns respect on and off the court.

11. Door is wide open at nationals:Who will step through and win?

28. It's a sin not to follow these TenCommandments of court etiquette.

32. Ben Thum interviews one-wallcommissioner Howie Eisenberg.

36. Who are the best one-wallers ofall time? Dan Flickstein lists his.

54. The roots of player developmentare in local organizations.

58. Oregon uses rebate program tobenefit state association, USHA.

59. Josh Reese brings passion, talentto his role as USHA volunteer.

63. Changes will ensure continuationof top-notch hospitality in Toledo.

64. Questions and answers about thePortland World Championships.

June 2009 INSIDE THE COURT

HANDBALL 1

Canadian Return Address: DP Global Mail,4960-2 Walker Rd., Windsor, Ontario N9A6J3.Postmaster: Send address changes to Handballat 2333 N. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716.Editorial communication: Send to Editor,2333 N. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716.Phone: 520-795-0434Fax: 520-795-0465E-mail: handball@ushandball.orgUSHA Web site: www.ushandball.org

Departments

2. USHA president Mike Steeleon getting involved in handball.

12. Men's pro four-wall rankings.13. Women's pro four-wall rankings.26. Carom shots.40. USHA contributors.56. Women's commissioner LeaAnn

Martin on a unique tournament.56. State membership list.68. Obituaries.70. Mailbag.71. International report.

71. PaulBrady isinterviewedafter his Irishnationalsvictory.

Instructional/health

57. A look at scientific evidenceregarding protein and exercise.

60. There are lots of ways to keepthe pressure on your opponent.

66. Emphasizing fundamentalsclears the path to victory.

Tournament results

14. National Masters Singles.21. Hall of Fame/pro qualifier.42. Regional Report.52. Anchorage, New Orleans Pro

Entries

31. National one-wall.35. National one-wall big ball.53. National juniors one-wall.55. National juniors three-wall.62. National three-wall.64. World championships.

On the cover

David Chapman racks up a victory overSean Lenning at the Concord pro stop.Coverage begins on Page 6.

Next issue

Material for the August issue of Handballshould be submitted by June 15.

21. EddieMorales firesoff the back

wall in hisvictory over

Armando Ortizat the Hall

of Famepro qualifier.

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FROM USHA PRESIDENT MIKE STEELE

2 JUNE 2009

Idon’t watch much television program-ming that involves things like “Ameri-can Idol” or the like. It often devolves

into silliness and damaged psyches.Give me a good handball game instead.But something has recently gripped our

British cousins, and it merits attention. I amreferring to the recent starburst known asSusan Boyle.

If you haven’t checked out her perfor-mance on the UK program called “Britain’sGot Talent,” you’ve missed something. It’savailable on YouTube.

Simon Cowell is there, at first his usualsneering, scowling self. Boy, is he in for abig surprise. He arches his eyebrows as thenext contestant walks out — a middle-agedwoman, a bit on the frumpy side, withfrazzled hair and thick, dark eyebrows thatmatch her equally thick Scottish accent.

We learn that she has a cat. She’s unem-ployed. She wants to be a professionalsinger, but no one has given her a chance.

The panel sort of pokes fun at her. Shefires back. The woman has spine. Cheeky.

Then she sings ... “I Dreamed a Dream”from “Les Miserables.”

Words cannot do justice to her perfor-mance. She is confident, firm and blessedwith a stunning voice that has suffered intotal obscurity in a small town in Scotland.

Do yourself a favor and watch her per-formance. It may not beat a good handballgame, but it’s impressive, soul-stirring.

Perhaps you’re wondering why I’m dis-cussing Susan Boyle. Well, if an unem-ployed cat lover with a divine voice cancome out of total oblivion to suddenly gar-ner 18,900,000 Google hits in a matter ofweeks — anything’s possible.

Do we really know where breathtakingtalent comes from? If we did, it would be aneasy matter of just dialing it up.

“Let me have one order of world-classtalent, right over here! Come and get it!”

My guess is that most people, like Su-san Boyle, hide their talents, or never havean opportunity, or no one appreciates what’sright there under their nose ... or some com-bination of these.

Susan Boyle has probably never seen ahandball game. But she is instructive for usnevertheless because we should not be soquick, like Simon Cowell, to dismiss or ig-

nore the potential for talent that any per-son may have.

With his first glance, he saw an aging,plain woman with a thick accent. In spite ofthat snub, Susan Boyle seized her opportu-nity. May she be blessed for the rest of herlife.

Where are the Susan Boyles of the hand-ball world? What small American city har-bors a hidden talent, someone who canteach the game to the future stars of thesport? Someone who can lead a municipaleffort to build one-wall or three-wall courts?Someone to take the baton from a retiringhandball community leader in order to main-tain continuity? Someone to help coach anew college team?

Susan Boyle was surely nervous. Butshe also had nothing to lose. She looked toher left and gave a signal to the musicians.And with that little gesture, she controlledher own fate.

That’s the point for the handball com-munity. Take that first step. Don’t fear fail-ure. Ignore the critics. Be cheeky. What haveyou got to lose?

We live in a world where the naysayers

and critics seem to have all the advantages.It’s easy to snipe from the sidelines. It’sreally easy to pontificate when you don’thave all the facts. I see it all the time.

And it does nothing whatsoever to ad-vance the game of handball.

The Simon Cowells of the world have iteasy — putting people down, acting supe-rior, dismissing people with a mere flick ofthe wrist.

For the long-term health of the game, it’snot the Simon Cowells we need. No, indeed.We need the heroic Susan Boyles to emergefrom obscurity, to have faith in their owntalents, to take the deep breath and plungeinto any of those many activities that serveto promote the good health of handball.

Doing so may entail some hard work,but it’s mostly fun. And there’s the greatsensation of “the helper’s high.”

The USHA will be glad to assist in theeffort. We are constantly on the lookout forthe handball equivalent of Susan Boyle.One of the most rewarding aspects of myjob is that surprise when someone notknown to me writes and offers help.

As the governing body of the game, theUSHA not only sponsors or sanctions hun-dreds of tournaments, from juniors to octo-genarians, from Maine to Hawaii and allpoints in between.

Its committees also establish the rules,set the specs for the balls and the variouscourts, vet Hall of Fame nominees as wellas those for other national and regionalawards ... and do many other things.

With your crucial support, we maintainthe Hall of Fame and its many exhibits andkeep the archives that record, in words, pic-tures and moving images, the amazingachievements of the legends of the past.

Handball’s Susan Boyle doesn’t haveto sing. There are so many other ways toget involved.

The key is to move out of an observerstatus and become a giver. Help with a do-nation to the First Ace fundraiser program.Support a kids program at your club or inthe local school district. Run a tournament.Become a distributor. Handle the member-ship program for your state (see JoshReese’s article on Page 58).

Who knows? Maybe even Simon Cowellwill come over from the dark side.

Steele, addressing the crowd at thebanquet during the national juniorschampionships, believes that handballplayers can learn a valuable lesson fromthe once-obscure Susan Boyle.

No time for American idle: Get involved

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USHA NATIONAL MASTERS SINGLES

HANDBALL 3

The gorgeous Tennessee River was the backdrop for some of the entertainment at the USHA National Masters Singles in Chattanooga.

A beer-tasting event featured live music,with Art Avalos helping out, and the

Saturday night party was staged at aChattanooga Lookouts baseball game.

A perfect Ten(nessee)

Masters Singlescoverage beginson Page 14

Peter Service and Vance McInnis werehonored as the most recent Grand Mastersfor having won at least 10 national age-group titles. Left, Rob Pearse and HerbHooper welcome everyone to town.

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USHA NEWS

4 JUNE 2009

The founder of the USHA’s sportsmedicine team in 1984 and officialhandball medical consultant over

the last 25 years, Dr. John Aronen will jointhe game’s other great contributors in theUSHA Hall of Fame at the banquet at thismonth’s four-wall nationals.

As former USHA president Bob Hickmanhas noted, “There are four things a con-tributor must demonstrate” for induction:

A mission or purpose that will furtherthe game of handball.

A strong impact and effect from that mis-sion or purpose.

Unselfish dedication to the mission orpurpose.

Longevity and dedication in achievingthe mission or purpose.

As the founder of the USHA’s sportsmed team and the medical consultant andcontributor to Handball magazine for nearlya quarter-century, Dr. John, as he’s affec-tionately known, has earned the highestrecognition the USHA can offer on a na-tional level.

Dr. John’s mission and purpose has beento educate handball players about sportsinjuries, their prevention and proper treat-ment.

In addition to the articles Dr. John au-thors, he is proud to provide his House Callservice. In that program, members are in-vited to call him for advice and opinions onproper treatment. The only cost to the mem-ber is Dr. John’s request that a donation bemade to the Development Fund.

First and foremost, all of his patientslearn that they need to be fit before return-ing to the court or a relapse or re-injury willlikely occur. His advice and work has helpedthe game’s best players compete to the bestof their ability at the national champion-ships, but he has also helped keep playerson the court and helped them return with-out injury during the course of the year.

To give you an idea of the trickle-downeffect Dr. John has had on our community,take a look around at the various clubswhere handball is played and take note of

the number of incline boards that have beenassembled on Dr. John’s advice for calf-stretching.

While Dr. John credits Ray Chronisterand Kevin Regan for keeping players onthe court during nationals week, Dr. Johnhas been at the forefront of the miraclesbeing conducted each June and has donemore to change handball players’ outlookson physical fitness than anyone in the game.

Dr. John Aronen will become the 23rd individual inducted into the USHAHall of Fame as a contributor. Here is the list:

Dr. John’s mission and purpose has been to educate handball playersabout sports injuries, their prevention and proper treatment.

In 2006, RayChronister, Dr.John Aronenand KevinRegan receivethe USHA'sfirst Carl PorterAward from(who else?)Carl Porter.

He'll be joining the giants

The right medicine: Dr. John in Hall of Fame

1955: Frank Garbutt1957: Bob Kendler1957: Charles O’Connell1959: Al Schaufelberger1961: Les Shumate1963: Joe Shane1964: Hyman Goldstein1965: George Lee

1969: George Brotemarkle1973: Bob Davidson1976: Mort Leve1979: Joe Ardito1985: Steve Subak1987: Pete Tyson1988: Mike Dau1989: Ken Konkol

Dr. John Aronen gets together with USHAstalwarts Norm Young and Jud Heathcote.

The efforts of the team members were rec-ognized in 2006 with the first Carl PorterAward. And now Dr. John takes his placealong with the giants of the game in theHall of Fame.

Having served as the team physician fornumerous varsity sports at the U.S. NavalAcademy, Dr. John knew that handball play-ers could benefit from the same type of carethe Midshipmen received during competi-tion. Many handball players agree, includ-ing Naty Alvarado Sr., who credits Dr. Johnand the trainers for a few of his titles, as domany age-group titlists.

For Dr. John, it has been an opportunityto stay involved with the people and gamehe has loved for most of his life. While hehas served his many friends in the sportand gained many new ones, it’s the playerswho can now show their love by helpingcelebrate his induction this June.

1995: Carl Porter1995: Alvis Grant1995: Ron Emberg1997: Bob Peters2001: Joe McDonald2005: Tommy Burnett2009: John Aronen

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Kendler Award winners

1991: Morris Levitsky1992: Don Quinlan1993: Tony Huante1994: Mickey Blechman1994: Jack Gordon1994: Ralph Weil1996: Charles Mazzone1998: Tom Sove1999: Marty Singer2001: Tom Easterling2004: Charlie and Joan Wicker2005: Sol Aber2009: Pete Overeem

USHA NEWS

Cesar Sala’s titles

USHA national singles: 2001, 2008USHA national doubles: 2000, 2006, 2007World Championships singles: 2000YMCA national singles: 2003

HANDBALL 5

If you’re a handball player in Florida,and it’s springtime, you’re thinking Me-morial Day weekend at the three-wall

championships in Ormond Beach.For the last 32 years, it has become a

tradition — one that has involved greatcompetition, camaraderie and food at Peteand Dottie Overeem’s home Saturday night.

If you’ve ever been to the event, youknow what the fuss is about. For many, it’slike an annual family reunion, thanks toPete. Once a player comes to one of Over-eem’s events, he’s hooked for life.

So it should be no surprise that PeteOvereem is this year’s winner of the USHARobert W. Kendler Award, presented inrecognition of outstanding, unselfish ser-vice to handball on a regional level.

Overeem started playing handball at 12in New York. When his family relocated toFlorida, Overeem took time away from thegame because he couldn’t find any courts.

When he finally did hear of handballcourts, he had to go check them out. But hedidn’t recognize what he saw. He had neverseen anything but one-wall courts, and

By Ben Brighton

There is an expression about a personentering a room whose presence lights

up the area. Whether it is their smile, per-sonality or accomplishments, they are no-ticed and command attention and respect.

Handball certainly has had its share ofcharismatic figures, such as Joe Durso andRookie Wright. But while these stars arebrash, bold and outspoken, current USHAnational one-wall singles champion CesarSala commands the same respect and ad-miration with his quiet, understated andhumble nature.

He has already built an impressive re-sume, including two national singles titlesand three doubles titles with longtime part-ner Joe Kaplan. He has also representedthe U.S. in competitions around the world

and is a great ambassador for the sport. Salaalso has a world singles championship.

Natural athleticism, supreme skills andgreat work ethic have him at the top of hisgame. Entering his prime years, a string oftitles is within his grasp. That would ce-ment him as one of the all-time greats.

But more than his caliber of play, it ishis approachable demeanor, friendly atti-tude and innate goodness that make him afan favorite. At his home courts on ConeyIsland, he elevates the status of routinegames by his participation, as other play-ers are inspired by his presence. When notplaying, he can be found coaching the nextgeneration of young players who comedown to Coney Island.

As a member of the New York PoliceDepartment, he is one of New York’s fin-est — on and off the court.

these had three walls.But when Overeem walked around the

corner and saw a sign reading “For Hand-

ball Use Only,” he knew he had to be in theright place. The rest was history.

When those courts were torn down,Overeem and a group of other local play-ers persuaded the local recreation depart-ment to build new ones at the Nova Recre-ation Complex, where the tournament be-gan and is still held today.

Overeem has been playing handball for58 years and has been the go-to guy forFlorida handball ever since he took chargeof the Daytona/Ormond Handball Associa-tion. That leadership has also led to Over-eem hosting several USHA national cham-pionships, from juniors to masters and fromOrmond Beach to Orlando.

When praised for his untiring efforts topromote handball, Overeem is quick to re-spond, “I do it because I want to.”

Never one to grab the glory, Overeempraises wife Dottie and his friends whopitch in to make the events a huge success.

The Overeems met in high school, andshe has been supportive of his handballhabit ever since.

“Dottie didn’t like me much when wefirst met, but after 47 years, she’s gottenused to me,” Pete jokes.

From all the people who have come toenjoy the great Memorial Day traditionin Ormond Beach as well as the other tre-mendous events Overeem has hosted,thanks for the wonderful memories andkeep up the good work!

Sala: Quiet but respected leader

Deservedly,Overeem winsKendler Award

Florida’s Pete Overeem and wife Dottie.

As the defending champion, Sala will bethe top seed at this summer’s nationals.

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CONCORD PRO STOP

6 JUNE 2009

Shooting

Lenning pounds the ball from the back court, but he didn’t haveenough in his arsenal to overcome Chapman in the Concord final.

When it was allover, Chapmanindeed had theBig C court allto himself. Hisperformanceboosted hisconfidence goinginto the nationals.

CourtneyPeixoto

shockedAnna

Engelefor the

women’stitle. SeePage 10.

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CONCORD PRO STOP

HANDBALL 7

By Matt Krueger

Ever since David Chapman steppedaway from handball in 2004, specu-lation has raged about his succes-

sor.Some of the game’s youngest and bright-

est stars have risen meteorically duringChapman’s time off. Sean Lenning, LuisMoreno and Emmett Peixoto have won prostops and national championships.

But for one April weekend at the Big CAthletic Club in Concord, Calif., elderstatesman Chapman went through them all,finishing with a 21-13, 21-13 victory overLenning.

While Chapman regained his swaggerand championship form, he gave fans aglimpse of why he holds eight national four-wall singles titles and numerous other wins.

Chapman, currently the active leader inopen championship titles, was facing thesame question he had dealt with late in hiscareer: Could he keep pace with better-con-ditioned players?

But conditioning never appeared to bea problem, as Chapman dictated the paceto any player who wanted to speed thingsup inside the court.

For the final, Chapman wanted to slowthings down and keep Lenning out of thefront court, where the Pacific Northweststar possesses lethal rally-ending abilities.Chapman was able to neutralize Lenning’spower early on. And, as in so many ofChapman’s pro stop finals, he jumped to alarge lead, leaving no doubt to the firstgame’s outcome.

At 17-6, Chapman was searching for hisfinal four points to finish out the first game,but Lenning started a run that kept the gal-lery glued to its seats. Lenning flattened aball from deep in the back court to end arally and draw a gasp from the crowd. The

down young guns

next six points were all Lenning’s, as hepicked up the intensity and speed of thematch and narrowed Chapman’s lead 17-13.

Not wanting to let the first game slipfrom his grip, Chapman called a timeoutafter a Lenning kill shot. A shirt change ontop of the timeout gave Chapman more timeto regroup. More importantly, it cooled thehot-shooting Lenning from his offensivespree.

Both players re-entered the court, andChapman abandoned his easy lob serve tothe left and started putting the ball downmore, since Lenning had jumped on every

The USHA pro stop was held inconjunction with the Northern

California regionals.Players enjoyed the beautiful Big

C Athletic Club’s accommodationsand an outstanding banquet Saturday.

The USHA extends a big thankyou to Tom Sove, Chris Tico, theNCHA, the Big C’s Dave Ruybalidand staff, and all the pro sponsors.

Newly re-energizedveteran Chapmanrips pro field, nailsLenning in final

Among the young players Chapman put away was Peixoto in their semifinal match.

Thanks for makingthe big event happen

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CONCORD PRO STOP

8 JUNE 2009

ball offered his way. The strategy allowedChapman to finish the last four points andtake Game 1.

Still, many wondered if Chapman’s mo-mentum would hold in the second game orwhether Lenning would be able to force atiebreaker.

“Sean’s a great player,” Chapman saidat the end of the first game. “He’s going tomake his shots, and that’s what he startedto do.”

In the second game, it became a battleof wills: Would Lenning be able to increasethe pace and intensity, or could Chapmanmaintain his steady, methodical run?

Chapman came out in the second game

the way he had started the first — pushingthe ball deep into the left corner to forceLenning into offering setup returns.

“He wasn’t doing well with the back-wall shots at all, so I kept putting the ballback there and taking advantage of my set-ups,” Chapman said. “[Sean] has to play ina rhythm and fast-paced, so anytime hestarted getting anything, I was able to stophis momentum.”

Lenning agreed.“My timing stunk!” he said. “My back-

wall game was not happening, and whenthat part of your game is off, it will hurtyou.”

Since Lenning couldn’t quite get into a

rhythm, Chapman finished the match witha duplicate second-game score of 21-13.

Chapman was very complimentary ofhis adversary and knew the two would faceeach other soon.

“I don’t think we’ve played each otherat our best yet,” Chapman said. “Going intothe nationals, he’s definitely my toughestchallenge.”

Lenning repaid the compliment.“[Chapman’s] a confident guy,” he said.

“He can bring out your worst. People justcrumble when they play him.”

On their road to the championshipmatch, Chapman avenged an earlier prostop semifinal defeat as he outdueled hisdoubles partner, Emmett Peixoto, in thesemis. Lenning turned away Armando Ortizin two games.

Ortiz earned his spot opposite Lenningwith a thrilling upset of Allan Garner in thequarterfinals, and Chapman ousted Dallaspro stop winner Moreno in two games.

In the drop-down bracket, Dan Armijocruised into the final. But there he paid theprice, being unable to play because of acombination of a shoulder injury and a flubug. As a result, Tyler Hamel collected theconsolation victory as well as the extraranking points.

Not wanting the handball fans whoshowed up to get shortchanged, David Finkagreed to play an exhibition match with

Lenning drives the ball (above) andshoots the corner against Chapman. Buthe was limited to 13 points in each gameof the championship match in Concord.

Chapman and Lenning receive their pro stop checks from NCHA President Roy Buksteinand Dave Ruybalid, respectively, after the championship match at the Big C.

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CONCORD PRO STOP

HANDBALL 9

The Northern California Handball As-sociation Regional Championships

were held in conjunction with the pro stopat the Big C Athletic Club.

Sam Kass of San Jose, who was the run-ner-up in his last year of eligibility for the19-and-under singles at the USHA NationalJuniors Championships last winter, de-feated Raul Jasso to walk away with theNorCal open crown.

Kass rallied from a 21-14 loss to Jassoin Game 1 and won the second and thirdgames 21-5, 11-5.

Mike McDonald/Shane Goyt beat LuisDiaz/Jesse Harris to capture the opendoubles championship.

Open: Sam Kass d. Raul Jasso (14), 5, 5.A: Juan Lopes d. Albert Negrete 15, 15.B: Mauricio Lopez d. Steve Contreras 12, 20.C: Eoin Lehane d. Dylan Raintree (10), 10, 0.Novice: Phillip Brenner.40+: Mike Linnik d. Ray Graham 12, (19), 7.50+: Roy Bukstein d. Geoff Smyth 17, 18.60+: Roberto Chavez d. Peter Wong 9, 1.70+: Mike Miller.Juniors: Boris Lillge d. Tony Perez 12, 15.Juniors drop-down: Tyler Fibbs.Open doubles: Mike McDonald/Shane Goytd. Luis Diaz/Jesse Harris.A doubles: Dave Kennedy/Tom Parkinson.B doubles: Adam Coronado/Leo Havener.50/60+ doubles: Roberto Chavez/Rich Polson.

The Ken Hofmann Handball Trophy gracesthe entrance to the club at the Big C.

Kass takes open in NorCal regionals

Hamel in place of the drop-down final.But as people filed out of the Big C Ath-

letic Club, all the talk was about Chapman.Most fans thought he looked like he hadcaptured his old form, and many were mak-ing him the clear-cut favorite for the na-tionals.

When asked to give his prediction ofwhat would happen at Los Caballeros inJune, Chapman didn’t hesitate.

“Yeah,” he said, “I’m gonna win it.”

Round of 16: Sean Lenning (Shoreline,

Wash.) d. Chris Tico (Berkeley, Calif.) 6, 9;David Fink (Pittsburgh) d. Eddie Morales(Springfield, Mo.) 19, 13; Armando Ortiz(Springfield, Mo.) d. Tyler Hamel (Kingwood,Texas) 13, 7; Allan Garner (San Antonio)d. John Bike (Hesperia, Calif.) 16, 4; LuisMoreno (Tucson) d. Dan Armijo (Albuquer-que) 9, 12; David Chapman (Weldon Spring,Mo.) d. Ricardo Diaz (San Jose, Calif.) 3, 6;Marcos Chavez (Yorba Linda, Calif.)d. Tommy Little (Mound City, Kan.) 14, 12;Emmett Peixoto (Berkeley, Calif.)d. Abraham Montijo (Tucson) 6, 4.

Quarters: Lenning d. Fink 8, 11; Ortizd. Garner (20), 9, 8; Chapman d. Moreno16, 9; Peixoto d. Chavez 13, 19.Semis: Lenning d. Ortiz 16, 13;Chapman d. Peixoto 6, 16.Final: Chapman d. Lenning 13, 13.Drop-downQuarters: Morales d. Tico (13), 9, 8;Hamel d. Bike 0, 5; Armijo d. Diaz 12, 12;Montijo d. Little, inj. def.Semis: Hamel d. Morales 3, 4;Armijo d. Montijo (2), 13, 2.Final: Hamel d. Armijo, inj. def.

Getting low for a kill shot was a staple ofChapman’s all weekend as he rolledthrough four rounds of pro competitionwithout losing a single game.

John Bike wasback on the courtin the pro field, butyoung Allan Garnerdispatched him intwo games in theopening round.

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CONCORD PRO STOP

10 JUNE 2009

By Matt Krueger

With the outcome of the women’sround robin seemingly decidedearly, two matches on the last

day completely reversed the fortunes of allfour players involved.

Courtney Peixoto shook off an opening-day loss to Tracy Davis, rallying to defeatAnna Engele in a tiebreaker to claim firstplace 21-8, 20-21, 11-6.

Peixoto was looking at third place witha loss and needed the win against the un-defeated Engele. As soon as the first ballwas served, Peixoto came out playing witha sense of urgency. Peixoto jumped on theboard early, building a large lead that shemaintained for a surprising first-game vic-tory.

In the second game, Peixoto’s torridpace continued as she jumped to anotherbig lead, making the outcome seem anti-

climactic. At 20-13, Peixoto had matchpoint and was about to close it out with asetup off the back wall. But she misjudgeda bounce, giving Engele the serve and somenew life.

The error energized Engele, who ampedup her play and intensity. Regaining herform and confidence, Engele scored eightunanswered points to force a tiebreaker.

But in Game 3, Peixoto re-establishedher early dominance, while Engele forcedshots that didn’t end rallies as they had atthe end of the second game.

In the other match, Jennifer Hinmanstepped up big to defeat Davis in two games21-19, 21-19. The win vaulted Hinman intothird place.

This off-the-wall finish to the roundrobin wouldn’t have been a story had therenot been some opening-day drama.

In the first match of the event, Peixotowas gasping for air. It wasn’t from a lackof conditioning.

Trailing Davis in the second game,Peixoto called a timeout and tried to take abreath. But her lungs didn’t answer. Peixotowas suffering from an asthma attack. Worseyet, she realized she had forgotten her in-haler.

“I had an attack and was about to passout,” she said. “I couldn’t feel my hands,and I couldn’t stop hyperventilating.”

While Peixoto took an injury timeout totry to catch her breath, her dad Jim lookedfor her inhaler. The medical gear arrivedbefore the tiebreaker, and Peixoto was able

to settle her asthma down, but it seemed toaffect her for the rest of the tournament.

“I was really tired the whole weekend,”Peixoto said. “I had to take all my timeouts,which I usually don’t do unless I’m frus-trated. I definitely did not forget my inhaleragain.”

Matters didn’t immediately improve forPeixoto, since Davis was playing well.Davis continually exploited her up-frontpower to pass Peixoto consistently, mak-ing her run for anything she didn’t kill.Davis went on to rout Peixoto in thetiebreaker 7-21, 21-18, 11-2.

1: Courtney Peixoto (Tucson) d. Anna Engele(St. Paul) 8, (20), 6; d. Jennifer Hinman(Hood River, Ore.) 16, 3; lost to Tracy Davis(Brooklyn, N.Y.) (7), 18, 2.2: Engele d. Hinman 7, 12; d. Davis 11, 3.3: Hinman d. Davis 19, 19.

Peixoto pullsoff final-dayturnaround

Engele sets up for a back-wall shotin her loss to Peixoto on the last day.

Peixoto windsup for a shotagainst Engele,then joins heropponentoutside theclub for aKodak moment.

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THE PRO CORNER

HANDBALL 11

A pick-’em nationalsWith the pro season marked by the emergence of several young stars

and the comeback of an older one, it’s shaping up as ...

The skinny

What: USHA National Four-WallChampionships

When: June 8-14 Where: Los Caballeros Racquetand Sports Club, Fountain Valley,Calif.

Banquet: Thursday, June 11 Defending men’s champ: PaulBrady (right)

Defending women’s champ:Megan Mehilos (left)

More information: 520-795-0434or www.ushandball.org

It has been almost 40 years since the ad-vent of the pro tour, and this year’sUSHA National Four-Wall Champion-

ships will be the most wide-open affairsince the inaugural year of pro handball.

Back then, any one of eight players weretouted to win the national championship.Not only did six players win stops on thefirst tour, but two more made for eight dif-ferent players to make the finals in the ’73-74 season.

Since last year’s nationals, where PaulBrady continued his string of titles by win-ning his fourth with a thrilling 11-9 deci-sion over Tony Healy, the pro events havebecome as tightly contested as that tiebreak-er.

When you win title after title by such aclose margin, sooner or later someone dif-ferent has to come up with the final shot.And that has been happening a lot lately.

This season has produced the same kindof variety for Sunday pro finals across thecountry — and Ireland, for that matter.

Let’s back up to the biggest prize-moneyevent of the season, the Simple Green U.S.Open. There, Healy made his big break-through with his first pro victory on U.S.soil. When Luis Moreno upset defendingchamp Brady, the door was left open. AndHealy made the most of it, defeating SeanLenning in the title match. Semifinalistswere Moreno and Emmett Peixoto.

Just a week later, a number of the U.S.pros headed to Idaho for Jake Plummer’sHalloween Bash. Naty Alvarado Jr. cameout on top with a final victory over AllanGarner. Peixoto and David Chapman werethe semifinalists.

A week after that, Moreno made hismark again, defeating Chapman in the fi-nal of the Yes 2 Kids event in Tucson,which marked Chapman’s first pro eventfinal since 2004. Peixoto and Lenning werethe semifinalists.

After a break for the holidays, the proswere back at it in St. Joseph, Mo., for theJon Symon event. Local favorite Chapmanmoved up to his first victory in a prize-

money tournament since his return, defeat-ing Garner in the final. Moreno and Peixotowere semifinalists.

Paul Williams and the Inner City Hand-ball Association offered comparable prizemoney for the men in conjunction with theWomen’s Classic, and Peixoto earned thetop prize with a final victory over Moreno.Peixoto’s weekend was especially impres-sive, considering he added the doubles titleas well with Chapman. Singles semifinal-ists were Garner and Lenning.

At the February USHA pro event inDallas in conjunction with the George LeeInvitational, Moreno earned the title witha tiebreaker victory over Peixoto. Charley

Among notable early season upsets wereMoreno (left) winning the Tucson event andBrady taking the Simple Green U.S. Open.

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THE PRO CORNER

12 JUNE 2009

USHA men’s 4-wall rankings

Number in parentheses represents thenumber of events played among the last six.

1. Sean Lenning (Shoreline, Wash.) (6) 2. Paul Brady (County Cavan, Ireland) (3) 3. Emmett Peixoto (Berkeley, Calif.) (6) 4. Tony Healy (County Cork, Ireland) (3) 5. David Chapman (Weldon Spring, Mo.) (4) 6. Luis Moreno (Tucson) (5) 7. Allan Garner (San Antonio) (6) 8. Naty Alvarado Jr. (Spring Valley Lake, Calif.) (3) 9. Tyler Hamel (Kingwood, Texas) (5)10. Tommy Little III (Mound City, Kan.) (5)11. David Fink (Pittsburgh) (6)12. Charlie Shanks (Co. Armagh, Ireland) (4)13. Marcos Chavez (Yorba Linda, Calif.) (2)14. Armando Ortiz (Springfield, Mo.) (2)15. Dan Armijo (Albuquerque) (3)16. Nelson Quintero (Miami) (3)17. Jonathan Iglesias (Aventura, Fla.) (3)18. Ricardo Diaz (San Jose, Calif.) (3)18. Chris Tico (Berkeley, Calif.) (4)18. Octavio Silveyra (Glendale, Calif.) (1)21. Eddie Morales (Springfield, Mo.) (2)22. Tyree Bastidas (Brooklyn, N.Y.) (2)23. Joe Hagen (Minneapolis) (2)24. Dane Szatkowski (West Chicago, Ill.) (1)25. Abraham Montijo (Tucson) (1)25. Vince Munoz (La Habra, Calif.) (1)27. Danny Bell (Quebec) (1)27. Ricky McCann (Belfast, N. Ireland) (1)27. Billy O’Donnell (Bayside, N.Y.) (1)27. Miles Paine (Santa Barbara, Calif.) (1)31. John Bike (Hesperia, Calif.) (1)31. Matt Hiber (Roseville, Minn.) (1)31. Tony Krocak (Wauwatosa, Wis.) (1)31. Suhn Lee (Lake Forest, Ill.) (1)31. Bill Mehilos (Chicago) (1)31. David Munson (Buffalo Grove, Ill.) (1)

way into the semifinals. But it was Chap-man who was back on top with a final winover Lenning. Missouri State’s collegiatechamp, Armando Ortiz, and Peixoto werethe semifinalists.

With training time running out — as wellas events to make their marks — Lenningtook the top prize at the Boston Open bybeating Chapman in the final. Fink and yetanother up-and-comer, Tyree Bastidas,were the semifinalists.

In case anyone is wondering, each ofthese events is offering at least a $1,000difference between first and second places—and in handball terms, that’s a lot. Noone is taking the final lightly.

As the nationals near, Brady has provedhe’s still the one to fear. He took the Irishnationals over Kennedy, who posted a semi-final win over new first-time father Healy.Dessie Keegan was the other semifinalist,and we’re expecting Brady and Healy tobe in Orange County, while the rest of theIrish travelers were uncertain at press time.

No doubt, Kennedy and a few others willmake their marks if they can travel.

With just the Canadian nationals inWinnipeg and the Rodney Fink Classic yetto be played, it looked doubtful that a bigfavorite who doesn’t plan to compete atthese two could emerge from the field.

While the men’s title is up for grabs, thewomen’s field has seen a similar splitting

Sean Lenning goes to Los Cab rated No. 1.

Shanks made the trip from Ireland, upset-ting Lenning and joining Chapman in thesemifinals.

The Irish don’t make it across to the U.S.as often as we’d like, and the events overthere will have meaning in the nationalsdraw, as the successes of Brady, Healy andShanks have assured.

The Irish seniors were held in Febru-ary, with Brady defeating Eion Kennedy inthe final. Michael Gregan and Shanks weresemifinalists.

The U.S. pros made a big trip to Alaskaat the beginning of March. Alvarado Jr.came out of his earlier announced semi-re-tirement to beat Chapman in the final, whileLenning and Moreno were semifinalists inthe eight-man field.

Chapman continued his comeback witha win at the Mardi Gras in New Orleans,defeating Garner in the final. Peixoto andMoreno were semifinalists.

Just when you think you have the likelycandidates for this year’s title and a trendwith Chapman emerging, David Finkjoined the fray at the top of the pro heapwith a win at the New York Athletic Club,defeating Chapman in the final. Lenningand Moreno were the semifinalists.

When the larger prize purse was up forgrabs at the USHA pro stop in Concord,Calif., another up-and-comer worked his

Though semi-retired, Naty Alvarado Jr.won the Plummer and Alaska events.

No. 3 Emmett Peixoto slammed in the proevents run with the Women’s Classic.

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THE PRO CORNER

USHA women’s4-wall rankings

1. Lisa Gilmore (Winnipeg) 2. Anna Engele (St. Paul) 3. Megan Mehilos (Lombard, Ill.) 4. Jennifer Schmitt (New Braunfels, Texas) 5. Jessica Gawley (Regina, Saskatchewan) 6. Courtney Peixoto (Tucson) 7. Samantha England (Rochester, N.Y.) 8. Tracy Davis (Brooklyn, N.Y.) 9. Jennifer Hinman (Hood River, Ore.)10. Ashley Prendiville (County Kerry, Ireland)11. Theresa McCourt (Brooklyn, N.Y.)12. Allison Roberts (St. Augustine, Fla.)13. Pauline Gallagher (County Mayo, Ireland)13. Sydell Lewis (Charlotte)15. Maria Daly (County Kerry, Ireland)16. Jean Kasamoto (Hillsboro, Ore.)17. Emer Coyle (Co. Roscommon, Ireland)17. Niamh Egan (County Westmeath, Ireland)17. Kristen Steele (Beaverton, Ore.)17. Sabrina Zamora (Fontana, Calif.)

Although Megan Mehilos is the defendingwomen’s champion, she won’t find the

going easy at Los Caballeros. Among hertop competitors will be four women who

— like this year — are always near the topof the rankings: (clockwise from top left)Anna Engele, Courtney Peixoto, Jennifer

Schmitt and Lisa Gilmore. How willit all turn out? We’ll know the answers

before the middle of June.

HANDBALL 13

of victories. Defending champion MeganMehilos, Anna Engele, Lisa Gilmore andCourtney Peixoto all have won an event ortwo through the year. Add former two-time

champ Jennifer Schmitt, and we’ll see howthe youngsters do against the veterans againthis year.

With such varying results over the

course of the season, the handball worldwill enjoy the most unpredictable nation-als since the beginning of the pro tour.

If you’ve made your plans to attend, becertain to buy a seat to watch the action upclose on the Los Caballeros exhibitioncourt.

For those of you who can’t make it, besure to join the poll at www.ushandball.orgto cast your vote on who will win and pickyour top eight finishers for a chance at theTeam USA handball shirt we’re giving awayto the winner.

In addition, plans are still being final-ized to Webcast the event, so you can fol-low along from home.

Your help in buying a raffle ticket forthe beachfront vacation home will go a longway toward supporting the national tour-nament. Buy one online or call 520-795-0434 to purchase one today.

David Fink won in New York and figuresto be in the mix for the pro championship.

Back with a flourish, David Chapmanwill look to win his ninth pro singles title.

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USHA NATIONAL MASTERS SINGLES

14 JUNE 2009

Rob Pearse and the Chattanoogagroup put out the red carpet for thehandball players and their families

who attended this year’s edition of theUSHA National Masters Singles the lastweekend of April at the SportsBarn.

“That’s why players come back,” saidEd Ellett, a veteran bulwark of Chattanoogahandball. “We show ’em a good time.

“Rob is something else and can do any-thing when he puts his mind to it. And don’tforget the club owner and manager, DavidBrock, who makes us feel at home. We suremake the club look busy.”

Janet Wasetis and friends served foodnon-stop at the club, where players couldwatch handball videos or photos on DVDfrom the weekend’s events on the big

screen in the courtside lounge.A steak fry, beer tasting on the foot-

bridge over the Tennessee River and tour-nament banquet at the Chattanooga Look-outs stadium before Saturday night’s base-ball game made for a special weekend.

And even if you weren’t fortunateenough to win a framed photograph of theChattanooga skyline as the tournamentprize, all the players will have great golfjackets to commemorate their beautifulspring weekend in Tennessee.

“We’ll start working on the next one,”said Brock, though Pearse said he mightneed some time off before planning the nextbig event in Chattanooga.

Anyone who made this one will cer-tainly be back.

Kendell Lewis got off to a slow startbefore rallying to defeat Chris Watkins

for the fiercely contested 35-plus title.“My legs felt like concrete at the begin-

ning,” Lewis said. “Then they loosened up,and I was able to slow him down by mov-ing him around and keeping the ball inplay.”

Lewis had reason to be a little stiff onthe morning of the final. He had finishedoff a late tiebreaker against Nelson Quin-tero the day before and agreed to play earlyso Watkins could make his flight back tothe West Coast.

At 8:30 a.m., Watkins was ready to go,and Lewis was having trouble keeping theball in play. But once he got loose, Lewis’uncanny power from awkward positionshad Watkins reeling and off balance the restof the match.

Rallying from a 17-4 deficit in the firstgame to tally 14, Lewis had his game plan,working the left glass on his lob serve andpowering the ball from side to side to takethe steam out of Watkins’ shots.

Dejected after his second finals loss intwo years, Watkins had a new plan.

“Two seconds in a row,” he said. “GuessI’ll have to come back next year and hopethe third time’s a charm.”

The final wasn’t the first time Lewis’power had worn down an opponent. Hetook Quintero out of his game after theMiami star had shot his way to a first-gamevictory.

“Kendell just kept coming,” Quinterosaid.

The plan to slow down Watkins was thesame plan that tournament host Rob Pearsetried in the semis, but he couldn’t pull it off.

“Watkins isn’t just good,” Pearse saidafter getting taken out in two games. “He’sdarn good.”

Todd Bargman made the trip down fromOntario, Canada — where Pearse grew up— with a group of friends for golf andhandball. Bargman made the most of it witha win in the drop down over Matt Jorgen-sen.

First round: Brian Clarke (Chattanooga)d. Keith Thrower (Columbia, S.C.) 7, 7;Jason Morgan (New York) d. Todd Bargman(Toronto) 20, 14; Oliver Boyd (Memphis)d. Bret Moldenaur (Chattanooga) 1, 1.Quarters: Chris Watkins (Hesperia, Calif.)d. Clarke 9, 0; Rob Pearse (Chattanooga)d. Morgan 12, 6; Kendell Lewis (Charlotte)d. Boyd 15 ,13; Nelson Quintero (Miami)d. Matt Jorgensen (Chattanooga) 7, 8.

Chattanooga’s mayor, Ron Littlefield,addresses the players with Pearse nearby.

Snoozing early, Lewis awakensto storm back and take 35+ title

Semis: Watkins d. Pearse 12, 4;Lewis d. Quintero (13), 17, 7.Final: Lewis d. Watkins (14), 15, 3.Drop-downSemifinals: Bargman d. Thrower;Jorgensen d. Moldenaur.Final: Bargman d. Jorgensen 8, 13.

Rob Pearse presents very cool awardsto winner Lewis and runner-up Watkins.

Canada’s Bargman ventured southand won the drop-down over Jorgensen.

In Chattanooga, ‘a good time’ all the time

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USHA NATIONAL MASTERS SINGLES

HANDBALL 15

Though they both live near thenation’s capital, Alan Frank and JayMiller don’t meet much in singles

play. However, they do get together on thethree-wall court in the summer.

“That’s to my advantage outside,” saidFrank before the 45-plus final. “Jay’s beenplaying with the hard-hitting Andersonboys and works as hard on his game as any-one, so I’m not sure what to expect.”

Miller’s game has made big strides thelast few years. The effort to travel and com-pete has paid off for the fit masters player.But Frank’s solid two-handed attack wastoo much for Miller, as he won with a pairof 21-9 outcomes.

“I’m not used to playing so hard forthree days in a row,” Miller said. “I’ve gotblisters on my feet that are bleeding, and Iwas just flat-footed in there.”

Former champs Steve Dykes and SteveTilles lost in the semifinals to Miller andFrank, respectively.

Pointing to a strong field, the final fromthe last National Masters Singles in Chat-tanooga between Dykes and Cary Gibsonwas replayed in the quarters this time, andwith the same close result in two games.

For Miller, it was the same experienceas Chris Watkins experienced in the 35-plus— two straight finals losses that he’ll betrying to rectify next year.

Bruce Frankenfield took the drop-downtitle over Steve McTaggert.

First round: Tom Benton (Chattanooga) d.Miguel Chavez (Atlanta) 13, 12; Cary Gibson(Chattanooga) d. Steve McTaggert (Charlotte)13, 9; Steve Dykes (Columbus, Ohio) d. PatBoyd (Atlanta) 8, 13; Steve Tilles (High Point,N.C.) d. Donna Coleman (Chattanooga) 8, 13;

Bruce Frankenfield (Cleveland) d. RobertPullen (Nashville) 4, 9; Shawn Massey(Memphis) d. Jim Wohl (Cincinnati) 14, 9.Quarters: Jay Miller (Washington, D.C.)d. Benton 9, 2; Dykes d. Gibson 18, 18;Tilles d. Frankenfield 20, (9), 8; Alan Frank(Ellicott City, Md.) Massey 9, 6.Semis: Miller d. Dykes 4, 8;Frank d. Tilles 9, 17.Final: Frank d. Miller 9, 9.Drop-downSemis: McTaggert d. Pullen 5, 10;Frankenfield d. Chavez.Final: Frankenfeld d. McTaggert 14, 6.

Known more for his three-wall game, Frank had it working indoors against Miller.

Scott Kelley “hung in there,” in hiswords, to defeat Canadian kingpin Pe-

ter Service in the final of the very tough50-plus singles event.

Kelley enjoyed a bit of a home-court ad-

Rob Birrell congratulates drop-downfinalists Frankenfield and McTaggert.

3-wall standoutFrank exhibits4-wall expertise

vantage on the rugged left-side glass wall,but Service adapted well and had plenty oftime on it over the weekend.

The court time may have been anotherfactor in the tiebreaker, which was close

from start to finish before Kelley pulled itout 11-8.

While Kelley had the hometown fans onhis side, Service had the partying Canadi-ans behind him. The most competitive

50+ champ Kelley makes hometown fans happy

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USHA NATIONAL MASTERS SINGLES

16 JUNE 2009

match of the weekend also drew the mostfan interest. In a grueling three-gamer,Kelley laid down the back-wall shots whenhe needed them to pull it out.

Getting the serve back against Serviceis key, and Kelley did that after the firstgame, pushing Service deeper in the courtand forcing the rallies.

While Kelley escaped with a 21-20 sec-ond-game victory in the semis over defend-ing champ Dan Acosta, Service had to ex-pend a lot of energy to knock off anotherformer champ in David Steinberg in threegames. No win over Steinberg is easy, andthese two went at it for two hours beforeService emerged the victor.

In a very strong draw, three-wall starPhil Kirk drew Kelley in his opener andwas relegated to the drop-down. There headvanced over last year’s runner-up, KarlStundins, and Dave deLeon.

First round: Art Avalos (Toronto) d. DavedeLeon (Atlanta) 13, 12; Leo Havener (ElkGrove, Calif.) d. Bill Bullock (Memphis) 11, 14.Quarters: Dan Acosta (Houston) d. Avalos9, 2; Scott Kelley (Chattanooga) d. Phil Kirk(Toledo) 8, 12; Peter Service (Toronto)d. Karl Stundins (Dallas) 8, 5; David Steinberg

(Portland, Ore.) d. Havener 5, 9.

Kirk

Semis: Kelleyd. Acosta 7, 20; Serviced. Steinberg 9, (15), 5.Final: Kelley d. Service(13), 13, 8.Drop-downSemis: Kirk d. Stundins;deLeon d. Bullock.Final: Kirkd. deLeon 14, 10.

Kelley lines up a left-handed drive againstService in the 50-plus championship match.

Chattanooga was the perfect place to promote the 2009 World Championshipsin Portland, Ore., and that’s what Peter Service, David Steinberg and Rob Pearse did.

Brickell getspast fellowTennesseanfor 55+ title

Tennessee handball is clearly asstrong as any state’s, when you con-sider how well the state’s players

performed on National Masters Singlesweekend.

In fact, the 55-plus came down to an all-Tennessee final, with Jim Brickell facingoff against Mac Husband.

The hard-charging pair have a long his-tory, with Brickell’s serving holding anedge over Husband’s aggressive offense.With Husband enjoying regular workoutsagainst young powerhouse Nick Mattioni,many thought the edge would go to Hus-band. And when he took the first game, hisconditioning would also seem to be a stron-

Vance McInnis is acting his age thesedays, at least in the way he enters tour-

naments. Long known for playing down adivision or two, McInnis has entered two60-plus events since becoming eligible thisyear ... and now he’s 2-for-2 after a solidvictory over defending champ Greg Raya.

Both are newcomers to the Grand Mas-ters club of players who have won 10 na-tional age-group titles. And McInnis with-stood a late rally by Raya to win this final intwo games.

“If it had gone three, it was looking tobe in Raya’s favor,” said Charlie Wickerafter the final. “Raya was running Vanceall over the court.”

McInnis was devastating through thefirst game of the final, holding everyone,including Raya in that game, to 11 or fewer.

“He looks like a machine, a robot,” saidTom Benton as he watched McInnis dropin kills from every angle and height withnumerous strokes and swings against

McInnis staysperfect in 60+

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USHA NATIONAL MASTERS SINGLES

HANDBALL 17

ger weapon than the big-hooking serves ofBrickell.

But Brickell rallied in the first game af-ter falling behind and held that momentumthrough the next two to take the final witha strong 11-5 win in the deciding game.

“He brought out the big serve and tookit to me,” Husband said.

Semifinalist Tim Murray said Brickell

“did the same thing to Husband that Macdid to me yesterday. Jim just overpoweredhim.”

Brickell also overpowered his semifinalopponent, Bob Lohmueller of Cincinnati.

“I just couldn’t get him out of the frontafter the serve,” Lohmueller said.

Jim Delanis worked his way through thedrop-down field, finishing with a semifi-

nal win over Mike Kavkewitz and a 21-6,21-16 final victory over Dwight Parker —both of whom are Chattanoogans.

Round of 16: Jim Brickell (Memphis)d. Jim London (St. Louis) 11, 13; Lee Ratner(St. Louis) d. Mike Kavkewitz (Chattanooga)12, 14; Ron Guevara (Roseville, Calif.)d. C.W. Stewart (Cullowhee, N.C.) 8, (11), 2;Bob Lohmueller (Cincinnati) d. Jim Delanis(Nashville) 5, 17; Tim Murray (Coral Gables,Fla.) d. Dwight Parker (Chattanooga) 5, 5;Greg Resler (Chattanooga) d. Jeff Metzger(Cincinnati) (2), 15, 6; Art Hemmerlein(Maryville, Tenn.) d. Rob Birrell (Atlanta) 6, 9;Mac Husband (Nashville) d. Dave Hixson(Chattanooga) 2, 1.Quarters: Brickell d. Ratner 7, 2; Lohmuellerd. Guevara 9, 7; Murray d. Resler 17, 16;Husband d. Hemmerlein 8, 7.

Chattanooga’s Al Wasetis in the semis.Defending champs never go down eas-

ily, and Raya is known for his ability to rallywith his great control and stamina. Theother half of McInnis’ recent nationaldoubles championship team, Ed Campbell,was the first to test that stamina, winningthe first game over Raya before succumb-ing to the tour of the court that Raya isknown to offer his opponents.

Lefty Bob Snyder earned the drop-downtitle over one of the players Mayor RonLittlefield cited in his address to the play-

ers. Gary Smith is a recent transplant to Chat-tanooga, enjoying the great weather, scen-ery and many things to do, including hand-ball.

First round: Ted Pritchard (Toronto) d. GarySmith (Chattanooga) 9, 2; Chris Diminico(Chelmsford, Mass.) d. Bob Snyder (NewportNews, Va.) 7, 3; Ed Campbell (Auburn, Calif.)d. Tom Robertson (Creve Coeur, Ill.) 8, 8;Joe Milligan (Atlanta) d. Johnny Walker(Simpsonville, S.C.) 9, 16; Al Wasetis(Chattanooga) d. Rich Seal (Cincinnati) 14, 17;

Mike Tindell (Chattanooga) d. Mike Thrower(Nashville) 11, 15; Vance McInnis (Dunlap, Ill.)d. Jerry Kuhn (Chattanooga) 3, 2.Quarters: Greg Raya (Delray Beach, Fla.)d. Pritchard 16, 9; Campbell d. Diminico 5, 11;Wasetis d. Milligan 16, 10; McInnis d. Tindell6, 5.Semis: Raya d. Campbell (11), 12, 7;McInnis d. Wasetis 11, 4.Final: McInnis d. Raya 2, 18.Drop-downSemis: Snyder d. Thrower; Smith d. Kuhn.Final: Snyder d. Smith 16, 9.

Brickell follows the ball around the corner in preparation to shoot in his 55-plus champi-onship victory over Husband. Brickell rebounded from a Game 1 loss to win the match.

Delanis

Semis: Brickelld. Lohmueller 10, 14;Husband d. Murray 5, 9.Final: Brickell d. Husband(18), 10, 5.Drop-downSemis: Parker d. Stewart;Delanis d. Kavkewitz.Final: Delanis d. Parker.

Smith and Snyder after their 60-plusdrop-down final went in Snyder’s favor.

The top-seeded Raya

trains his eyeon the ball, butit was McInnis

who won thechampionship.

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USHA NATIONAL MASTERS SINGLES

18 JUNE 2009

Harry Scott has been on a roll in the65-plus events, winning his thirdconsecutive title in Chattanooga.

A smooth two-handed shooter, Scott hasbeen on a tear. He won the invitational andfour-wall nationals last year and didn’t dropa game en route to this year’s 21-10, 21-15championship win over Jim Smith.

“Scott’s amazing,” Charlie Wicker said.“And to think he turns 70 next year is evenmore amazing.”

Considering most players are losing theedge at the end of the five-year age cat-egory, Scott’s play is remarkable.

“Staying healthy is key,” Scott said.Being the guy to beat also has its ad-

vantages, as Scott’s court demeanor has be-come more confident as the winning comesmore easily. Nothing got him excited inChattanooga. He shrugged off any misses,perceived bad calls or hinders with a smile.

While Smith credited “watching the ballbetter” for his mild 11-10 tiebreaker upsetof Wayne Neumann in the semifinals, hehad no answer for Scott’s shooting in the

championship match.“I couldn’t get him out of the front

court,” Smith said.Scott defeated another smooth hitter in

his semifinal in Jim Crews.Coming back from an arm injury, Crews

got the No. 5 seed, which surprised strong

local player Les Dawson.“He’s an awfully good player, and it’s

hard to imagine the other guys being bet-ter,” Dawson said after their quarterfinal.

Steve Kraft earned the drop-down titleand was pleasantly surprised with his playand the great artwork that came as the prize.Kraft beat Ted Kuhn and then Dick Barry.

First round: Ted Kuhn (Shelbyville, Ky.)d. Charlie Pruett (Chattanooga) 10, 2.Round of 16: Harry Scott (Dallas) d. DickBarry (Merrimack, N.H.) 2, 9; Doug Clark(Tucson) d. Steve Kraft (Grand Forks, N.D.)5, 5; Jim Crews (Riverside, Calif.) d. JohnLenoir (Knoxville, Tenn.) 0, 9; Les Dawson(Huntsville, Ala.) d. Don Henson (Springfield,Ill.) 2, 9; Jim Smith (Watsonville, Calif.) d.Bill Nye (Wilmington, N.C.) 4, 2; Dennis Uffer(Syracuse, N.Y.) d. Gene Hubbuch (Chatta-nooga) 11, 11; Vince San Angelo (Tucson)d. Mike McAfee (Chattanooga) 12, 7; WayneNeumann (Houston) d. Kuhn 9, (17), 1.Quarters: Scott d. Clark 16, 10; Crewsd. Dawson 17, 10; Smith d. Uffer 14, 9;Neumann d. San Angelo 15, 16.Semis: Scott d. Crews 10, 12;Smith d. Neumann (12), 19, 10.Final: Scott d. Smith 10, 15.Drop-downSemis: Kraft d. Kuhn 8, 10;Barry d. Hubbuch.Final: Kraft d. Barry 16, 13.

Norm Young was devastating when heneeded it the most in the 70-plus final

against Mike Driscoll.“I didn’t know what would happen,”

said Young. “I was tired from the semifi-nal with Jon Charneskey but not sore.”

Young had to be pleased with his 21-1,21-6 rout of Driscoll.

“I haven’t had a game like that in a longtime,” Young said. “I’m not sure why Iplayed so well. I thought Mike was a bitstiff, but he didn’t make any excuses, say-ing he felt fine.”

Uncanny with his entire repertoire ofshots in the championship match, Youngnoted that his left-handed shot to the rightcorner was spot on for the quarters and fi-nal but he “only made one of those in theentire match against Charneskey.”

What made Young’s performance evenmore impressive was the turnaround fromthe day before. In age-group play, the player

with a grueling semifinal goes into the fi-nal with a huge disadvantage.

Such was the case for Young, who sawan 11-8 advantage in the first game disap-pear against Charneskey.

“He just kept cracking the serve out inthe first game, but it came out to my leftfist in the second,” Young said of the splitin the first two games.

In the tiebreaker, Young grabbed a 9-4advantage. But that nearly disappeared, andYoung survived 11-9.

The quarters also brought on a case ofthe nerves for Young.

“I had never beaten [Jim] McKee insingles before,” Young said.

But McKee had undergone heart, kneeand prostate setbacks in recent years. SaidMcKee: “I’m happy to be playing. Myknee’s been bad for a while, but I didn’tbother having it taken care of until I wasconfident I was going to live for a while.”

Terry Comina is one of the fittest play-ers in the event and proved that in the drop-down, beating local Mike White in the final.

First round: Bill Bohr (Mohnton, Pa.)d. Ken Sheets (Chattanooga) 7, (20), 1;Herb Hooper (Chattanooga) d. Derrell Jones(Washington, Ill.) 10, 7; Tom Kezlan (KansasCity, Mo.) d. Mike White (Chattanooga) 2, 9;George Kelley (Miami) d. Bruce Mock (Wilm-

65+ championScott remainsuntouchable

Shawn Massey with Scott and Smith.

Drop-down finalists Kraft and Barry.

Driscoll and Young after the 70-plus final.

Young saves his best for last in 70+

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USHA NATIONAL MASTERS SINGLES

HANDBALL 19

ington, N.C.) 2, 4; Jim McKee (Memphis)d. Terry Comina (Des Plaines, Ill.) 9, (20), 2.Quarters: Mike Driscoll (Dallas) d. Bohr 4, 9;Kezlan d. Hooper 14, 7; Jon Charneskey(Elgin, Ill.) d. Kelley 9, 5; Norm Young(Lansing, Mich.) d. McKee 10, 15.Semis: Driscoll d. Kezlan 4, 11;Young d. Charneskey (11), 9, 9.Final: Young d. Driscoll 1, 6.Drop-downFinal: Comina d. White 12, 12.

Icing down in various places after each match in the 75-plus,Kevan DelGrande knew he was rusty after recent foot surgerythat had kept him off the courts for most of the year.

Deciding to compete in Chattanooga at the last minute,DelGrande had played just a handful of times. And despite thefoot surgery, his mobility is what brought home another title.

“He wasn’t moving as well as last year,” Charlie Wicker said.“But who is?”

DelGrande made a believer of three-wall star Ben Marguglioin the quarters.

“I don’t see any other 75-year-old guys who can move likethat,” Marguglio said after their match.

In the semis, DelGrande and Lew Buckingham played even inboth games up to a certain point, when DelGrande’s athleticismtook over. In the first game, the turning point came at 9-9; in thesecond, it was at 15-15.

In the final, DelGrande kept sharp-serving Jack Cherringtonoff balance in Game 1 but found out why the newcomer had bestedformer champ Bill Strawn in the semis.

“When [Cherrington] gets that low, hard serve to the left go-ing, there’s not much you can do,” DelGrande said.

With his serve cranking in the second game, Cherrington wentback and forth with DelGrande before DelGrande earned the titlewith a 21-17 decision.

Walking stiffly to his gate at the airport, DelGrande said hewas happy with the win and that the soreness was no worse thannormal despite the short time to train for this one.

Marguglio, who was in his first national four-wall event and

Tournament director Rob Pearse wantedto give anyone and everyone a chance

to play in the Southeast’s big event of theyear, so he offered a Contenders event forplayers of any age.

Nick Mattioni made the trip with MacHusband, and when the event took shape,Vern Roberts entered to see if he could stillhang with the young guns.

Mattioni, a former juniors champ whowent on play professional baseball, has tal-ent galore.

“But I need to play some new people,”Mattioni said after the final, when he ral-lied from a 20-16 deficit to win the firstgame and cruised in Game 2. “This is great.”

Roberts did enjoy a couple of moral vic-tories when Mattioni called all four of thetimeouts during the match and used hismaximum of three in the first game.

“Those were strategic timeouts,” thetwo-handed powerhouse claimed.

First round: Sergio Arroyo (Atlanta)d. Ross Padgett (Sewanee, Tenn.) 2, 2;Jacob Kavkewitz (Knoxville, Tenn.)d. Jim London (St. Louis) 3, 2; Vern Roberts(Tucson) d. Todd Bargman (Toronto) 10, 10.Semis: Nick Mattioni (Franklin, Tenn.)d. Arroyo 6, 4; Roberts d. Kavkewitz 7, 10.Final: Mattioni d. Roberts 20, 8.Drop-down: Bargman d. Padgett, def.

Drop-down finalists Comina and White.

knew they couldn’t all be this good, won the drop-down title overMike Baggetta and Bill Myers.

First round: Ben Marguglio (Cold Spring, N.Y.) d. Ed Ellett (Chatta-nooga) 6, 12; Ed Fisher (Chattanooga) d. Bob Maletich (Johnson City,Tenn.) 0, 6; Ralph Weil (Cincinnati) d. Bill Myers (Cape Point, N.J.) 17, 9.Quarters: Kevan DelGrande (Los Gatos, Calif.) d. Marguglio 12, 9;Lew Buckingham (Greencastle, Pa.) d. Mike Baggetta (Huntington

Semifinalist Bill Strawn and club owner David Brock flank75-plus runner-up Cherrington and champion DelGrande.

Newly repaired DelGranderelies on mobility in 75+

Marguglio

Beach, Calif.) 7, 13; Jack Cherrington(Redmond, Wash.) d. Fisher 5, 10;Bill Strawn (Leawood, Kan.) d. Weil 5, 12.Semis: DelGrande d. Buckingham 9, 15;Cherrington d. Strawn 8, 18.Final: DelGrande d. Cherrington 9, 17.Drop-downSemis: Myers d. Maletich; Marguglio d. Baggetta.Final: Marguglio d. Myers, 14, 6.

Mattioni’s fastball too hot to handle

Champ Mattioni and runner-up Roberts.

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USHA Handball Aces

Do you know a someone that deserves recognition in Handball Magazine for volunteering, supporting, community building,teaching and/or playing the game at an exceptional level? Let us know about it. Tell us the who, what, where, when, why and howand we’ll consider featuring them in this space. Don’t forget the pics!

Brian Poffenroth continues topromote Handball in the PacificNorthwest by hosting tourna-ments and mentoring newplayers.

Do you know someone who is a Super Ace?

Tom Sove and Chris Tico: The USHA was lookingfor another great venue for a pro host for the current sea-son and board members Tom Sove and Chris Tico steppedup to the plate and went to work. In conjunction with theNorthern California regionals held at the beautiful Big C inConcord, Calif., the second USHA pro event of the yearoffered $20,000 in prize money, thanks to Tom and Chris.“Chris (Tico) said if we were going to be asking for money,we’d want to be able to say we were in,” Sove said, as heand Tico kicked off the fundraising.

Nominated by USHA

Brian Poffenroth: The Pacific Northwest’s Regional Commissioner and Club Green Meadowshosted the 2009 Regional Championships the first weekend in May. Tournament control wasoperated by Brian’s wife Bonny and his sister-in-law Jan who kept things under control and run-ning smoothly.

Club Green Meadows is an excellent venue for a tournament partly because of Brian’s efforts.After being a member of Green Meadows for some time, Brian went to the club management andexpressed that it would be an excellent place to host tournaments, with some work. Brian spent timedoing research to find out the best way to resurface the courts, what finish to use, and how to prepthe walls for the proper paint. Working with the management and their excellent maintenance staffthey brought the courts up to first-rate condition, and since then they have hosted several tourna-ments.

However, readying the club for handball competition was not enough. Brian then took on theresponsibility of teaching new junior players who competed in last year’s junior nationals. One ofhis junior players, Jordan Taylor, was a fair player for the amount of time he’d been on the court. But,due to Brian’s excellent tutelage Jordan has improved tenfold from December until this year’sregionals.

Brian is truly one of our unsung heroes and deserves recognition from the handball community.

Nominated by Ken Starcher

20 JUNE 2009

Rob Pearse: Hosting the National Masterssingles will be a tough act to follow as Rob Pearserolled out the red carpet for players who traveled toChattanooga in April. Everyone agreed that this isone of their favorite venues, considering the greatclub, small town feel and hospitality and and theextra-curricular activiies Rob organizes. From golfoutings to beer tasting to ball games, this is onespot that draws everyone back. Thanks, Rob!

Nominated by USHA

Rob Pearse, the Sports Barn,and the Chattanooga playersput on another great show forthe Masters Invitational.

Chris Tico and Tom Sove spearheaded fundraising efforts to host a ProStop with the NCHA Regional Championships in Concord, Calif..

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USHA HALL OF FAME TOURNAMENT/PRO QUALIFIER

HANDBALL 21

By Matt Krueger

The sun hadn’t quite hit the CatalinaMountains as Eddie “Chip” Mo-rales awoke to prepare for the final

of the Tucson pro qualifier in March.Before Charlie Wicker was setting up

the tournament desk and the fans’ chairsfor the Hall of Fame final, Morales hadbegun his warmup and stretching. The ex-tra preparation paid off as Morales stayedloose and played sharp in a 21-13, 21-20victory over Armando Ortiz.

The two players from Missouri via Cali-fornia put on one of the best qualifier finalmatches in recent memory. With the pres-sure of qualifying for the Concord pro stopout of his mind, Morales simply wanted toclose out his great tournament by beatinghis sparring partner and Missouri Stateteammate.

No doubt Morales overheard the talk ofbystanders and fans, thinking Ortiz —whohad slammed at the national collegiates themonth before — would easily walk overMorales. To answer his doubters, Moralesmade certain he was prepared, but he kepthis head strong.

“I had to get up early and be ready,” he

said. “He’s strong. I knew what I was upagainst. I wanted to go for broke, but I alsodidn’t want to think too much, just havefun and get a good workout.”

Both players started fast, crowding themiddle court and trading close-range shots.

Ortiz jumped on the board first, throw-ing down a winner down the right side, buthe followed with a hand error, giving Mo-rales the serve.

Early on, Morales pushed the ball to theceiling, executing defensive shots to moveOrtiz, a player who loves to fly-kill andshoot, to the back of the court. The strat-egy worked, as Morales sprang on a deepOrtiz left-front kill attempt to rekill the ballon the right. But Morales couldn’t converthis good reflexes and good fortune to pointsor any kind of a lead.

Ortiz enjoyed a 4-1 advantage andlooked ready to pull away, but Moralesdidn’t let that happen by heating up his ser-vice game.

An ace to Ortiz’s left followed by a re-verse for another winner tied the score 4-4. With the momentum swinging his direc-tion, Morales worked his game plan.

“I wanted to move [Ortiz] side to sideand play steady,” Morales said.

The two played dangerously close in thefront court, and Morales was able to pushOrtiz toward the walls with defensivecounters. The tactic kept Ortiz runningdown the side for returns and minimizedhis offensive firepower.

“We were both fighting for position inthe front court,” Morales said.

Said Ortiz: “You have to own the frontcourt to win the match.”

Countered Morales: “I wanted to getaround him as quick as I could and passdown the sides.”

For the most part, Morales was able toexecute this strategy, and he started to builda small lead. A Morales rekill to get an 11-4 lead prompted Ortiz to burn a timeout,and that was enough to settle Ortiz down,as he scored his first point in nearly 10minutes to cut the gap to 12-5. Two Ortizpasses down opposite walls made it 12-7before Morales killed the ball in the rightcorner for the sideout and called a timeout.

Like Ortiz after his timeout, Moralesseemed to benefit from the short rest. Hepassed Ortiz down the right and followedthat with another right kill, giving him a14-7 lead. The next rally was ended byMorales with another kill in the right front.

The frustration began to mount for Ortiz,who yelled to himself, “Are you serious?Losing a game like this?”

Ortiz motivated himself for two quickpoints, the second being a Morales shot into

Winning formula: Moralesmakes preparation pay off

Morales gets ready to lay one down against Montijo in the semifinals of the qualifier.

Ortiz gets aggressive in his semifinalvictory over the veteran Bike.

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USHA HALL OF FAME TOURNAMENT/PRO QUALIFIER

22 JUNE 2009

the floor. While Morales positioned for thereturn, Ortiz shouted, “Let’s go!” andclapped to motivate himself.

The ensuing exchange summed up therest of Game 1, as a long rally ended withMorales diving to make an incredible getand Ortiz shooting the ball into the floor.Although Ortiz killed a ball from 38 feet,those gems were too few to make a seriousrun.

Morales continued to match Ortiz’sshots, maintaining his lead and closing thefirst game 21-13.

Ortiz knew he had to come up big in thesecond game to force a tiebreaker, butMorales answered the bell first and stormedto a 9-0 lead. An ace down the right sidegave Morales a 10-0 advantage, and itlooked as if he would roll to an easy vic-tory.

But Ortiz quelled his opponent’s energywith a pass down the left wall and followedwith a left-front kill just out of Morales’reach for his first point. Ortiz seemed tofind some liveliness from just getting onthe scoreboard.

At this point, both players clearly raisedtheir intensity but for different reasons.Ortiz wanted to claw his way back into thematch. Morales knew he was only 11 pointsfrom victory.

With three kills followed by a Moraleserror, Ortiz cut his deficit to 10-5. As thecourt temperature raised and the sweatstarted pouring, both players began to showsigns of tiring, drawing three consecutivehinder calls. At this point, Ortiz resignedhimself to the fact that Morales was goingto get to his shots for rekills, so he knew hehad to switch up his game.

“Even though I felt good from the be-ginning, Chip got hot and stayed hot,” Ortizsaid. “I couldn’t get going to slow himdown. My kills were popping up, and hewas there to rekill them.”

Ortiz started to use his power game withpasses to score points and get back into thematch by tying the score 12-12, and at thispoint, Ortiz started to look more confidentwith his shot selection.

Ortiz built a 17-15 lead. However, Mo-rales remained steady, while Ortiz commit-ted untimely hand errors, giving Moralesmatch point at 20-17.

Morales couldn’t quite close the deal asOrtiz scratched out three more points to tiethe score at 20. Neither player wanted to

concede game or match point to the other,as they traded sideouts an exhausting fivetimes.

On the fifth try, Morales placed a huggeralong the right wall that Ortiz couldn’t re-turn. The two dog-tired teammates ex-changed a handshake and hug as the crowdcheered in appreciation.

Ironically, Morales credits his opponentwith advice that helped him qualify and winthe tournament.

“Throughout the tourney, my finessewas off,” Morales said. “I was trying to hitthe ball too hard.

“Armando kept telling me, ‘Let the balldrop. These are fast courts.’ So I tried toremember that.”

The two enjoy a camaraderie that’s com-mon among handball players, but that didn’tstop them from entertaining the gallery withan exceptional final.

Morales earned his spot in the final withan equally tough win over Tucson’sAbraham Montijo.

Last year’s Hall of Fame open singleswinner and home-crowd favorite, Montijobrought down the house with an intensecomeback win over Dan Armijo to qualify.

It seemed Montijo was well on his wayto a Game 1 win, holding an 18-13 lead.But Armijo showed he still has a danger-ous repertoire, scoring eight unansweredpoints to steal Game 1.

Armijo jumped to a big lead in the sec-ond game, as Montijo still looked to shakehis first-game collapse. Down 10-2,Montijo found his groove and climbed backinto contention. The two played evenlythroughout the rest of the game, neitheryielding more than a two-point lead. ButMontijo, smelling the tiebreaker, closed outthe win to force Game 3.

In the tiebreaker it was all Montijo, ashis home crowd supporters carried him toan 11-3 win.

Two-time national singles champ JohnBike earned one of the qualifying spots bydefeating Tucsonans Rick Hatcher andDaniel Perez.

Bike showed he still possesses awesomepower and can cover the court well. Bikedrew the attention of many fans who hadnever had the chance to see him play.

“Wow, I never realized how big he was!”said one fan who had not seen Bike play inperson before.

“Thank you, that’s my son!” MaureenBike said proudly.

Bike eventually lost to Ortiz in the semis,and the younger man was appreciative ofthe opportunity to play Bike in a tourna-ment and approached Bike as they left thecourt.

“Thank you,” Ortiz said. “It’s an honorto be on the court with you.”

First round: Raul Felix (Tucson) d. EdgarMedina (Phoenix) (14), 10, 3; Alex Pastor(Phoenix) d. Victor Espinosa (Tucson) 1, 9;Rick Hatcher (Tucson) d. Armando Nevarez(Phoenix) 19, 10; Luis Estrella (Tucson)d. Lupe Marquez (El Paso, Texas) 18, 6.Round of 16: Dan Armijo (Albuquerque)d. Felix 5, 5; Abraham Montijo (Tucson)d. Steven Caro (Phoenix) 13, 12; Jim Karner(Albuquerque) d. Omar Felix (Tucson) 7, 12;Eddie Morales (Springfield, Mo.) d. Pastor12, 5; John Bike (Hesperia, Calif.) d. Hatcher3, 5; Daniel Perez (Tucson) d. Sam Kass(Davis, Calif.) 19, (15), 5; James Bardwell(El Paso, Texas) d. Nick Tovar (Tucson)(19), 16, 7; Armando Ortiz (Springfield, Mo.)d. Estrella 7, 5.Quarters (qualifying round): Montijod. Armijo (18), 19, 3; Morales d. Karner 19, 8;Bike d. Perez 13, 5; Ortiz d. Bardwell 2, 4.Semis: Morales d. Montijo 17, 20;Ortiz d. Bike 6, 12.Final: Morales d. Ortiz 13, 20.Drop-down: Kass.

The qualifiers:Bike, winnerMorales, Ortizand Montijo.

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USHA HALL OF FAME TOURNAMENT/PRO QUALIFIER

HANDBALL 23

By Matt Krueger

Two of Phoenix Handball’s Suc-cess4Kids products battled it out forthree games before Ruben Caro fin-

ished Jonathan Carrillo in an 18-21, 21-7,11-0 tiebreaker to win the A singles at theHall of Fame Tournament.

Caro and Carrillo played closely the en-tire first game, but Carrillo was able to closeout a three-point victory.

Game 2 showed a warmed-up Caro start-ing to get into the flow of the game. Carolooked more comfortable putting the ballaway and started converting on his offen-sive setups. It was enough for a big win toforce the third game.

Caro’s energy from Game 2 transformedinto an avalanche in the tiebreaker.

Although Carrillo overcame a tiebreakerin the semifinals over David Munoz, hecouldn’t mount a serious threat to Caro af-

ter the first game.Caro himself overcame a tiebreaker in

the quarterfinals against Gary Eisenboothbefore defeating Tedd Neff in the semifi-nals.

Playing his three-game contest oneround earlier might have made for a fresherCaro as he rolled to the 11-0 tiebreaker win

against Carrillo.

Round of 16: Harry Scott (Dallas)d. Raul Hernandez (Phoenix) (13), 6, 10;Tedd Neff (Flagstaff, Ariz.) d. Ken Hartnett(Tucson) 15, (19), 5; Ruben Caro (Phoenix)d. Raymond Ortiz (Tucson) 11, (12), 7; GaryEisenbooth (San Diego) d. John Sanchez(Thousand Oaks, Calif.), def.; GerardoMartinez (El Paso, Texas) d. Victor Trujillo(Tucson), def.; David Munoz (Phoenix)d. Edgar Pacheco (Gilroy, Calif.) 9, 15;Jonathan Carrillo (Phoenix) d. Martin Felix(Tucson) 20, 13; Sam Ortega (Goodyear,Ariz.) d. Moises Avila (Gilroy, Calif.) 15, 17.Quarters: Neff d. Scott 19, (17), 2; Carod. Eisenbooth 18, (18), 3; Munoz d. Martinez15, 1; Carrillo d. Ortega 12, 15.Semis: Caro d. Neff 18, 5;Carrillo d. Munoz (6), 20, 1.Final: Caro d. Carrillo (18), 7, 0.Drop-down: Avila.

Vince San Angelo presents the awardsto A division champion Caro andrunner-up Carrillo after the final.

By Matt Krueger

Bob Bardwell had circled the dates hewould be in Tucson and knew he

wanted to play in the USHA’s Hall of FameTournament.

However, he might not have expectedthe long weekend of play, as he poundedthrough three rounds of competitors to winthe Hall of Fame B singles in a 21-14, 21-7 decision over Steven Heylinger.

At first, Bardwell wasn’t sure which di-vision to even sign up for, since this year’sHall of Fame included only skill divisions.Once he saw some of the kids playing, hewasn’t sure how he’d fare.

“So I get some points because of my age,right?” Bardwell joked. “Look at some ofthese kids play!”

But the former national three-wall su-per masters champion didn’t need anypoints. He just employed his court savvyagainst all the “youngsters.”

In the final, Bardwell kept Heylinger onthe run and picked his scoring opportuni-ties. The young Heylinger, playing in his

first tournament final, couldn’t mount aserious threat to Bardwell’s leads in eithergame.

After a 21-18, 21-15 triumph over FrankHernandez in his opener, Barwell droppedthe hard-hitting Kevin Tallis in the semis21-19, 21-15. On the other side, Heylingerstopped Dave Coulie 21-17, 21-4.

First round: Frank Hernandez (El Paso,Texas) d. Brian Stinar (Albuquerque) 0, 1;Don Northcraft (Auburn, Kan.) d. RichieEstrella (Tucson), def.; Kevin Tallis (Tucson)d. Chris Le (Phoenix) 5, 0; Cara Arsenault(Springfield, Mo.) d. Angel Estrella (Tucson),def.; Steven Heylinger (Phoenix) d. Ron Kroll(Tucson) 16, 9; Chuy Manuel (Tucson)d. Mario Castillo (El Paso, Texas) 11, 11.Quarters: Bob Bardwell (Downington, Pa.)d. Hernandez 18, 15; Tallis d. Northcraft 18, 9;Heylinger d. Arsenault 2, 7; Dave Coulie(Albuquerque) d. Manuel (11), 6, 10.Semis: Bardwell d. Tallis 9, 15;Heylinger d. Coulie 17, 4.Final: Bardwell d. Heylinger 14, 7.Drop-down: Kroll.

Lots of impressive youngsters,but Bardwell’s savvy is too much

Vince San Angelo gets together withchampion Bardwell and runner-upHeylinger after the B championship.

Cara Arsenault receives the 2009 MartyDecatur Sportsmanship Award from VernRoberts. The effervescent Arsenault alsoadvanced to the quarters of the B event.

Success4Kids brings success to these kids

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USHA HALL OF FAME TOURNAMENT/PRO QUALIFIER

Every year, the Hall of Fame Tourna-ment showcases junior players with a

special event. Players are paired and placedin unique brackets so they get the best ex-perience for their young handball careers.

Youth handball coach John Ross doesan exceptional job of running this eventeach year.

“We were very pleased with the turn-

24 HANDBALL 2009

By Matt Krueger

Ashley Moler and Ward Andersonmight have logged the most milesto the Hall of Fame event — a com-

bined 7,456 round-trip, via MapQuest —and they made sure they logged the mosttime on the court in their C final.

Moler made a remarkable comeback,defeating Anderson 21-10, 19-21, 11-9.

Moler started fast and played well forthe entire first game. Anderson was steadybut couldn’t mount points on his serves.

“I think I got more fired up than I’veever played before,” Moler said.

That fire almost went out in the secondgame, as Anderson discovered he couldscore by keeping the ball along the walls.

By Matt Krueger

Like many players in the D division, IvanLugo hasn’t been playing handball

long. But he’s a quick study, and he ran thetable without dropping a game.

His 21-0, 21-5 victory over Colleen Sti-nar in the final was an early birthdaypresent, as Lugo won his first handball tro-phy one day before he turned 17.

“I love the running in handball,” Lugosaid. “I play soccer, and I love to be able torun down each ball.”

Lugo also mentioned his love of otheraspects of the game: He loves to serve, andhe loves to attack opponents’ weaknessesby hitting to their off hands.

Lugo was never seriously threatened.

Youth coach sums up juniors: ‘Itout,” Ross said. “It was a nice surprise. Itwas a great division this year.”

Lauren Guerra of El Paso Youth Hand-ball took the Junior A division with greatform and steadiness, while Stephen Larsonand Carlos Espinoza finished second andthird, respectively.

In what might aptly be called the Cam-era/Press Row Division, since many par-ents and relatives are recording their kids’first handball match, the Junior B playersLeft, John Ross with Lauren and Stephen.

That strategy forced a tiebreaker.Anderson built a seemingly insurmount-

able 8-1 lead. But after a timeout, Molerstarted amping up her play by settling down.

“He sent the ball down the right side,where I couldn’t get it,” Moler said. “I justtried to slow down my swing and takesmarter shots.”

Moler credited Fred Lewis as the onewho helped her strategy during the match.

“Having a Hall of Famer give me ad-vice doesn’t happen every day!” she said.“And I told myself I wasn’t going to lose.”

The advice and determination workedas Moler’s deliberate strokes helped hermake a 10-1 run to snag the victory.First round: Ashley Moler (Burlington, Iowa)d. Allen Gast (Gila, N.M.) 14, 9; Ward Anderson

(Lakewood, N.Y.) d. Humberto Lara (Phoenix)9, 4; Michael Park (Pinetop, Ariz.) d. Luis Lara(Phoenix) 8, 12.Semis: Moler d. Angel Marquez (El Paso,Texas) 15, 5; Anderson d. Park (9), 7, 9.Final: Moler d. Anderson 10, (19), 9.Drop-down: Marquez.

Stinar shook off a first-game shutout tomake a small run in the second. But Lugowas simply too good and cruised to the win.

Lugo learned handball at the new Free-dom Park three-wall court. He has beencoached by Abraham Montijo, who starteda program there through Tucson Parks andRecreation. And Lugo was quick to givecredit to his coach.

Handball has given Lugo another sport,as it is great for cross-training.

First round: Reynaldo Centero (Tucson)d. Rachel Fleming (Phoenix) 0, 2.Quarters: Ivan Lugo (Tucson) d. Centero2, 2; John Miranda (Tucson) d. Lorenzo Tovar(Gilroy, Calif.) 8, 6; Eddie Zermeno (Tucson)d. Roberto Miranda (Phoenix) 3, 0; Colleen

Stinar (Silver City, N.M.) d. Mikey Moya(El Paso, Texas) 7, 4.Semis: Lugo d. Miranda 5, 9;Stinar d. Zermeno, def.Final: Lugo d. Stinar 0, 5.Drop-down: Maleyna Moriel.

Charlie Wicker with Moler and Anderson.

Charlie Wicker with Lugo and Stinar.

Maximizing her highway miles

Runner runs away with D crown

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USHA HALL OF FAME TOURNAMENT/PRO QUALIFIER

Fred Banfield and Vern Roberts survived, though not unscathed,from a competitive round-robin field to take the legends doublesat the Hall of Fame Tournament.

It was the second successive Tucson doubles vicory for Banfield/Roberts, but it didn’t come easily.

The champions opened with a close two-game triumph over even-tual runners-up Mike Bonnell/Pete Jorgensen and followed that with a21-19, 21-20 victory over third-place finishers Mark Thomson/AndyWills.

When Jeff Healam hurt his back the first night, Dennis Healy steppedin to team with Tom Daniels. Even though they were winless to thatpoint, Daniels/Healy took the final match of the event over Banfield/Roberts.

While it didn’t matter in the results, it clearly mattered on the court,as not one of the four players wanted to go out with a loss.

Bonnell/Jorgensen took second with a big effort in their tiebreakerwin over Thomson/Wills.

1: Fred Banfield/Vern Roberts d. Mike Bonnell/Pete Jorgensen 14, 18;d. Mark Thomson/Andy Wills 19, 20.2: Bonnell/Jorgensen d. Thomson/ Wills (15), 11, 6;d. Jeff Healam/Tom Daniels 10, (14), 1.3: Thomson/Wills d. Healam/Daniels (18), 8, 3.

battled while playing two-bounce (ormore!) handball. As the more talented play-ers advanced through more “rounds,” theyconverted to the one-bounce game.

Products of Abraham Montijo’s Free-dom Park program in Tucson were two ofthe best players at day’s end. Pedro Murillooutlasted Barront Quintero to take first.Paxton Ortega and Otto Krueger, the twoyoungest at 6 and 7, tied for third.

It was clear the young handballers en-

joyed the experience. As video cameras fol-lowed both players off the courts, the firstquestion they delivered to John Ross was:“When’s the next handball tournament?”

Juniors A1: Lauren Guerra.2: Stephen Larson.3: Carlos Espinoza.Juniors B1: Pedro Murillo.

John Ross with Pedro and Barront.

2: Barront Quintero.3 (tie): Paxton Ortega and Otto Krueger.

By Matt Krueger

Doug Clark and Vince San Angelo are a proven doublesteam at many National Masters events. They continued

their success in the Hall of Fame doubles as they defeatedPaul Flasch/Doyle Arnett by default.

The disappointed Clark/San Angelo claimed their trophiesand took their picture at the club.

“You hate to win like this, but we’ll take it,” San Angelosaid.

Both teams performed well in their semifinals and appearedto be primed for a great final.

Clark/San Angelo disposed of the Texas team of CarlosSantos/Jonathan Chavez 21-7, 21-3. Flasch/Doyle defeateda team from Silver City, N.M, in Don Stinar/Ryan Coleman21-8, 21-11.

Flasch and Arnett concerned many at the tournament deskby phoning in that they couldn’t make the final. Fortunately,both were spotted later in the day, upstairs at the Club Res-taurant and Bar, in good condition and fully recovered!

First round: Carlos Santos/Jonathan Chavezd. Mike Gardner/Phil Butler 12, 17.Semis: Doug Clark/Vince San Angelo d. Santos/Chavez 7, 3;Paul Flasch/Doyle Arnett d. Don Stinar/Ryan Coleman 8, 11.Final: Clark/San Angelo d. Flasch/Arnett, def.

was a great division this year’

Charlie Wicker congratulates legends doubles runners-up Bonnelland Jorgensen and champions Banfield and Roberts.

Banfield/Roberts emergein balanced legends field

Clark/San Angelosnare doubles title

Joan Wickerjoins doubles

championsSan Angelo

and Clark.

HANDBALL 25

Untitled-8 5/13/2009, 9:19 AM5

CAROM SHOTSCAROM SHOTS

HANDBALL 27

New Jersey handball player Al Schneid-erman used to work in enamel and floss

as a dentist.But since his retirement, he has been

working in stone and marble as a sculptor.He has entered some of his work in local

competitions and has won several first pri-zes. When he works in stone or marble, ittakes hours of labor with a chisel, plus sand-ing and polishing.

But he stepped out of his comfort zoneand made a special plaque for fellow hand-ball player Alan Greenzweig. Schneider-man’s creative effort, called Handball Ace,is made of USHA handballs mounted on aplaque. The unique creation is shown be-low.

This will look great long past its six-month checkup.

Afacility in west suburban Chicago thathosted many handball events over the

last 30 years is gone.Killshot Ltd., which later became the

Athletic Club of Bloomingdale, was demol-ished over the winter. In its place is to rise a28-unit town home development, accord-ing to the Business Ledger of SuburbanChicago.

Handball player Gary Danno, an equitystakeholder of the building, is the devel-oper of the town home project. With thehandball facility falling into disuse, Dannotold the publication that transforming it totown homes was “very bittersweet. But wedo have to look to the future.”

The original Killshot was built by thelate Frank Szatkowski, whose sons Dane,Adam and Frank became top players. Be-sides indoor courts, the building had twothree-wall courts.

So what does a retired NFL quarter-back do to stay busy — besides playhandball, that is?

In the case of Jake Plummer, he takesover as the quarterbacks coach at SandpointHigh School in Idaho.

The former Denver Broncos and Arizona

Cardinals QB threw for more than 29,000yards in a 10-year pro career. He has be-come a fixture at handball tournaments inthe Northwest. But now he is heading backto work as an assistant on the staff of headcoach Mike Mitchell.

Mitchell told Idahosports.com: “We

have acquired the services of Jake Plummerto add to our football staff. We are excitedto have him join us.”

Mitchell joked that Plummer probablywouldn’t earn as much as he did in the NFL.

Plummer, 34, is a native of Boise, Idaho,and now lives in Sandpoint.

Honor for Joffe

Milt Joffe receives a watch fromUSHA executive director VernRoberts for his efforts in runningthe Roadrunner Tournament in PalmSprings, Calif. Joffe has retired after18 years as tournament director.

The New York Public Schools AthleticLeague has named its new handball

commissioners. George A. Diaz will over-see the boys program, and Michael Trow-bridge will be in charge of the girls.

Diaz was born and raised in Puerto Rico,where he received his bachelor’s degree inphysical education from the University ofPuerto Rico–Mayaguez.

Over the last six years, Diaz has beenworking as a health and physical educatorfor the New York City Department of Edu-cation. He is also a certified PSAL coachwith experience in bowling, basketball andbaseball besides handball, and he hasworked as a site supervisor for the NewYork City Big Apple Games.

Diaz obtained a master’s degree in move-ment sciences with a specialization in ap-plied physiology from Teachers College atColumbia University. He is now pursuing adoctorate in curriculum and teaching ofphysical education at the same institution.

Trowbridge, a teacher for 19 years, worksat Leon M. Goldstein High School for Sci-ences at Kingsborough Community Col-lege. He is assistant athletic director andvolunteer assistant handball coach there.

Previously he taught English as a sec-ond language at PS 90 in Coney Island andspent his afternoons playing handball orchess at the nearby West 5th Street hand-ball courts. He played and practiced withindividuals such as Joe Durso, Joe Kaplan,Tracy Davis, Ken Ginty and Cesar Sala.

Trowbridge, who loved playing singleswith the Red Ace, has endured three kneeoperations. He has played three-wall in Ohioand four-wall at the Yonkers YMCA.

Plummer’s newest pursuit: Coaching football

Diaz, Trowbridgeselected to runPSAL handball

Suburban Chicago clubmakes way for homes

Appeal of thisspecial awardwill never decay

Untitled-10 5/13/2009, 9:31 AM1

CAROM SHOTS

By Ron Roberts

The Wisconsin Handball Hall of Famehas inducted its inaugural class,consisting of Ray Neveau of Osh-

kosh, Tom Schoendorf of Milwaukee andErnie Virgili of Racine.

The event was held March 17 at the Wis-consin Athletic Club in Milwaukee. The pre-sentation came before the start of the an-nual Irish Open tournament, and dinner fol-lowed.

It was an extra-special day for the Nev-eaus. Ray’s son Brian and doubles partnerSean Doyle defeated pro qualifier TonyKrocak and Tony McCudden in the opendoubles final.

Schoendorf and Virgili are USHA GrandMasters by virtue of having won at least 10national age-group championships. Schoen-

The Southern California Handball Hallof Fame inducted three new members

— Danny Carrillo, Jack Hulick and MikeKogan — in a recent ceremony at the MainDining Room of the Los Angeles AthleticClub.

About 120 friends of handball gatheredto honor Carrillo, Hulick and Kogan, whoare welcomed into the Hall of Fame by GabeEnriquez in the photo at left.

Before the induction ceremony, all joinedin a chorus of “Happy Birthday” to forever-young Wafe Risner, who turned 97 the daybefore the event.

Gary Cruz

The first stop on the pro frontwall tourwill be held June 6 in Central Park in

New York.The competition will include 24 players

from several countries, including WilliePolanco and Rookie Wright from the U.S.

The game is billed as a combination ofdifferent ball games such as handball, pelotaand other games. The leather ball is calledvery fast, and hand protection is unneces-sary.

Matches are two games to 10 points, witha five-point tiebreaker if necessary.

dorf has won 21 and Virgili 15.Neveau won four national titles, includ-

ing two open doubles championships, andwas a finalist in open singles. He also wonthe Canadian open doubles title and was afinalist in the world open doubles.

In addition, Neveau captured 27 Wis-consin open division titles — 13 in singlesand 14 in doubles — along with 20 stateYMCA open titles — 10 singles and 10doubles.

Neveau, Schoendorf and Virgili are nowvoting members of the Wisconsin Hand-ball Hall of Fame. They will be introducedannually and sit alongside each year’s newinductees.

Next year’s Hall of Fame ceremony willalso be held at the Wisconsin Athletic Club,perhaps in conjunction with the state singlesor doubles.

Some important handball scholar-ship winners have been named.

Chris Patton of Texas A&M andAnabel Aviles of Southwestern Uni-versity have won 2009 Charles R.Maher Scholarships from the Hous-ton Handball Club. And Leo Cullenhas won a Sabo Scholarship.

Wisconsin Hall of Fame inductsNeveau, Virgili, Schoendorf

Carrillo, Hulick, Kogan honored

Something new:Frontwall hits N.Y.

Maher winners Patton and Aviles.

Leo Cullen gets his Sabo Scholar-ship check from Bill Kennedy.

3 scholarshipwinners selected

26 JUNE 2009

The Irish Opengang honorsHall of Fame

inductees(seated)

Schoendorf,Virgili and

Neveau.

Untitled-10 5/13/2009, 9:31 AM2

COURT ETIQUETTE

By Dan Flickstein

Becoming 65 on my next birthdayhas added much to my life: consid-erably more gray hair, increasingly

visible scalp, more noticeable sagging fleshthan I’d care to admit, occasional lapses inmemory and, just perhaps, a tad more wis-dom.

It is this last characteristic of aging thatI need to address, for at least a moment,while I still remember the message of theparagraphs to follow.

This “wisdom” gained through thou-sands of handball games played and ob-served has emboldened me to create onpaper, not stone, my Ten Commandmentsof Court Etiquette.

While the Lord did not have to justifyhis Commandments, lest some may think Iam creating a sacrilege, I had better justifymine.

These rules came to me after many yearsof dealing with poor court etiquette and,earlier in my life, providing a considerableamount of it.

I. Thou shalt wear eyeprotection while playing

I have floaters in each of my eyes fromhaving been hit by line drives off powerfulhands. Both men who struck me felt awfulabout the suffering they caused me. But hadI been wearing eye protection — which weall know is required by USHA rules — Iwould have experienced mere bruisingwhere the goggles would have pressed tomy skin from the force of the ball insteadof massive swelling, intense pain and long-lasting contusions far down my face toreach below the neck line.

I have also been struck in the eye whenwearing goggles, feeling only temporaryshock and minimal effect. I was, in eachcase, able to complete my handball activi-ties for the day. Refusal to wear eye protection in an erawhen tournaments mandate it not onlyplaces you in jeopardy (I was fortunate tohave escaped with only floaters as long-term residue of having been struck). But ina modern world, it also inhibits opponentsfrom playing with abandon and at their best.

II.Thou shalt change thyuniform and/or equipmentwhen they affect play

I have played both supervised and un-supervised matches during which oppo-nents did not change perspiration-soakedgloves. They earned several points on skidsbefore it was brought to their attention. Ona more devious note, some changed glovesbut retained a wet T-shirt or headband be-fore serving. Tsk! Winning by any sort ofcheating is not winning.

III. Thou shalt be willingto replay when disputes arise

Growing older has helped me realizethat playing is better than not playing. Whenpeople spend time disputing a call, they arenot playing.

Moreover, winning is not as importantas maintaining friendships and enjoying theexercise of a fierce handball match. Ofcourse, if a player continues to argue andyou must always give in, it might be best tofind someone else to play. In the last few years I’ve actually arguedbad calls some of my opponents have madeon themselves. For example, when an op-ponent calls his own shot out and I see itgood, I will insist the play be redone. Mostof my opponents reciprocate. I guess an ag-ing player can’t trust his vision. And noneof the guys I play with wants a false win.

IV. Thou shalt contributea new ball to a game —at least occasionally

There was a time in my life when moneywas scarce. Using the same ball for a dozengames was common. I recognize that noteveryone can donate handballs with regu-larity. Occasionally, however, each playerinvolved in a group that plays frequentlyshould contribute a ball, even if it’s everythree or four months. Often enough it’s notthe person with empty pockets who doesn’tcontribute. Too often it’s the one who canbest afford a can of balls who sponges offthe others.

V. Thou shalt not overstaythy time on a court, eventhough thou continue to win

When only one court is available andseveral players are waiting to challenge, itis reasonable for a winner to stay on for amaximum of two games. This avoids play-ers waiting many hours to play only onematch. In the 1960s and early ’70s, chal-lengers would arrive at Coney Island asearly as 6:30 a.m. to “punch in.” Arrivingat 7 would mean a wait of at least an hourand a half. To arrive at 7:30 might mean athree- to four-hour wait. On several occa-

28 JUNE 2009

Ten Commandments of sportsmanship: It

An unspoken Commandment is to choosea great partner, which author Flickstein(center) did when pairing with Al Torres towin the national 60-plus doubles in 2007.Dick David congratulates the winners.

If it’s a close call, just agree to play it over.

Untitled-13 5/13/2009, 9:40 AM2

COURT ETIQUETTE

sions I managed to begin at 6:30 and finishat noon thanks to three different partners Iremember well: Julie Stack, Ron Berkowitzand Marc Goldberg. What I once consid-ered glory, however, I now recognize aspoor court etiquette.

VI. Thou shalt not challengeon a court with competitionthat is too superior or tooinferior to thine ability

When protocol allows any player tochallenge on any court, one should usecommon sense and courtesy. It is poor eti-quette for players to insert themselves ingames above or beneath their skills levels— unless they are invited.

While the former occurs with greaterfrequency (people overestimate their abili-ties), the latter does exist. I knew a coupleof fellows in the ’70s who never lost a gamebecause they never played anyone theycouldn’t beat. Moreover, they’d declinewhen asked to join games with more skilledplayers. But more often in my experience are theplayers with egos much greater than theirabilities. I have witnessed the disappointedlooks on the faces of four strong playerswhen a lesser competitor joins the chal-lenge just to see how well he’ll fare. Nevermind that it lowers the level and enjoymentfor the two guys who just won the previ-ous game, and the two guys who just lost,who now have to play with this fool andthe partner of the fool. Never mind that thecourt is not the only one running, and twocourts down there is a game where the guyfits in perfectly and the other players wouldbe happy to have his competition, if not hispersonality. To be reasonable, I am aware that therehave been some good players without elit-ist attitudes, willing to take on all challeng-ers. The legendary Obert brothers at Or-chard Beach in the Bronx were that way. Ihave also heard that Satish Jagnandan, thetop-ranked one-wall singles player, willplay the best opponent or the worst withthe same intensity.

From my point of view, that offers nofun for either player. I remain firm that thisCommandment be honored.

VII. Thou shalt not discussdisadvantages thou sufferbefore, during or after a game

All people suffer physical and emotionalstress. It is part of the human condition.Discuss yours with your handball compad-res only in a polite exchange of informa-tion.

I hate hearing from my opponent beforea game that his arm hurts, he hasn’t prac-ticed in weeks or that he was up all nightbecause his girlfriend just broke up withhim. You know what? Last night I was uphalf the night because my car broke downand I had to push it a mile to a garage. Thiscaused me, in addition to the aggravation,a sprained back.

If I show up to a tournament, I don’treveal excuses. First, it gives me a ratio-nale to lose, and I don’t want to do that.Second, it undermines my opponent’s vic-tory if he should prove better than me onour day of competition. Therefore, keep your injuries or yourlack of practice time or your emotional up-

heavals to yourself. If someone asks howyou are, minimize your distress. Then getout on the court and do your best — andsuffer like the rest of us. Only do it in si-lence.

VIII. Thou shalt notintentionally hurtan opponent

In the early ’80’s while playing the rightside, I was in a constant struggle for front-court position against the late Marc Gold-berg. When Marc became frustrated frombeing unable to gain an advantage, he in-tentionally roundhoused me, close-fisted,in the middle of the back. Quietly I walkedoff the court, not in terrible pain but withthe message that my best friend might doanything to win. While taking off mygloves, I was approached by Marc, whofeigned shock while asking me what I wasdoing.

“I quit,” I succinctly responded.“Why, because I hit you?” he asked

again in overly dramatic mode.“No,” I said, “because that shot was a

warning — and, by the way, we’re not play-

HANDBALL 29

shalt behoove you to behave at all times

Perennial national champion SatishJagnandan is known for his willingness toplay with competitors of any ability level.

Even superior three-wall referee Jim Smithwould likely have encountered troubledealing with certain obstinate players.

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COURT ETIQUETTE

ing football out there.”“You’re right,” Marc cleverly retorted,

“but it ain’t golf either.”We did finish the match after Marc

swore to limit the rough stuff. In another instance, once frustrated inmy inability to get in front of 6-foot-5-inch,275-pound Paul Williams, I swung with allmy might at a ball that narrowly passed hisleft hip. I returned the ball to the wall whileat the same time blasting him in the backwith my right forearm. (This was while Iwas still undergoing a maturation process.)Paul never said a word, not even “ouch.”But it put me out of commission for a week!

I do not deny that handball, especiallyone-wall, can make for some nasty inju-ries. Some roughness is part of our sport.But it should not occur with intent to hurt.

Some players, Goldberg among them,were known for rough play. The best ex-amples from the past are former masterschamps Al and John Austin. These broth-ers did not have gifted hands, nor did ei-ther hit with power. They made up for thoseshortcomings with hustle and maintainingfront-court position, swinging wildly andfrequently bumping opponents. A refereehad his hands full calling their games,which always lasted several hours becauseof the many blocks and hinders created.Nevertheless, I liked and respected themand knew that neither meant to hurt any-one intentionally. There are some, I believe, who literallyenjoy mixing it up with opponents, and thatis the key word — enjoy! We are there forthe workout, the excitement, the challengeand the enjoyment. I doubt that many, asidefrom sadists or masochists, enjoy beingstruck on purpose or striking someone withintent. Keep your anger for the ball. Maimit, not your opponent.

IX. Thou shalt not disparagean opponent’s win over thee

I learned long ago that no one wins ev-ery game. Part of the purpose of sports isto attain victory over a worthy opponent,someone good enough to beat you if youare not at your very best, someone who maybeat you even if you are at your best. Thereis surely no glory in defeating someone whois not in your class. After many years of playing handball, Ibecame comfortable in my belief that I was30 JUNE 2009

and remain a very good player — notamong the very best, but assuredly verygood. If a man beat me in a fair game, Iknew that, at least on that day, he had to bebetter. He had to be to beat me!

Commandment No. 7 precludes onefrom making excuses. And the comment“You got lucky” is equally gratuitous andeven illogical. Can a player have gottenlucky for all 21 points? And if an opponentdid get lucky for a few points, don’t youcount the few points you made by luck? Ifyou lose, congratulate your opponent.You’re a good player. If he beat you, hehad to be better ... at least on that day.

X.Thou shalt not take morethan a reasonable numberof rest periods

A tournament match is different from agame in the park, despite opponents whotry to re-create tournament conditions inunsanctioned games. The simple fact is thateven when you have to chase a ball thatgets away, it becomes a rest period for theplayers.

I have never been troubled by opponentswho need many rest periods, perhaps be-cause there have been occasions when Ihave needed more timeouts than tourna-ment rules permit. Or maybe I would justrather win on the court. I do not want myopponent losing on the technicality of abus-ing the timeout rule.

Yet I can understand players who wouldbe upset. Early in his Hall of Fame career,before becoming a superb offensive player,Steve Sandler won most of his matches bywearing down opponents with brilliant vol-leying and relentless retrieving. Withoutrules for rest periods, Sandler might havelost several championships to another Hallof Famer, Howie Eisenberg, by Sandler’sown admission a more talented player butwith only adequate endurance.

Once, when Sandler was at his peak, heboasted that he could beat my partner, MarcGoldberg, and me by himself. We had al-ready been national semifinalists, ulti-mately finalists in 1983. On the day weplayed him in 95-degree heat, he catapultedto a nine-point lead in a 25-point game. Heshot well and caused us to miss in his typi-cal fashion.

But we caught him at 20. Although bothMarc and I were very aggressive players,

we had become aware that we didn’t haveto shoot anymore. Long volleys alonewould net us the win. Then, between the20th and 25th point, Steve sat down at leasta dozen times, and for at least a minute eachoccurrence. It was absurd. Not only did itgive him added strength, it irritated both ofus and affected our play. He mustered upenough strength to win by a single pointand thoroughly embarrass us.

Part of any handball match involvesstamina. Maintaining fitness and pacingoneself during competition have oftenmade the difference between winning andlosing. What is the point of fitness trainingif an opponent can take 10 rest periods?Why not 20? In fact, why not say, after 10points, that you need a rest and will returntomorrow to try to finish? Otherwise you’llbe back the day after tomorrow and finishthen?

I do feel that allowances beyond therules should be tolerated. Yet they must bereasonable. Of course, “reasonable” is avery tricky word. The savvy player, how-ever, knows how to gain extra rest time:wiping the face and eyes, equipmentchanges, getting up slowly from a spill, atimely dispute with a ref, utilizing all 10seconds before serving. In a friendly game between tough com-petitors, leniency should be provided. It is,after all, the workout and the fun — notthe win — that remain paramount. But ifyour pal takes too many rests and throwshis win in your face, mention what it’s liketo play under tournament conditions.

Put your handball gear down and leavethose courtside chairs empty! Stay out onthe court and play. Don’t take overly longrest breaks and irritate your opponent.

Untitled-13 5/13/2009, 9:40 AM4

U.S. Handball AssociationNational One-Wall Championships

Aug. 5-9 (Wed.-Sun.) in Brooklyn, N.Y. Deadline is July 20Site: Surf Avenue and West 5th Street, Brooklyn, N.Y. In the event of rain, tournament matches

will be held indoors at the Hebrew Educational Society, but go to outdoor courts first.Entry fee: New this year: $10 refund when referee duty completed.

Men's open: $72 per person for first event. Women's open: $62 for first event, $35 for second event.All other events: $57 per person for first event, $20 for second event. Special $40 entry fee for juniorsand college students under age 23 ($20 for second event). Special entry fee not applicablefor prize-money events. Maximum of two events and non-refundable after deadline.

Deadline: Entry must be in our possession by midnight Monday, July 20. Entry with credit cardavailable for additional $10 by calling 520-795-0434.

Mail entry: Make check payable and mail to USHA One-Wall, 2333 N. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716.Awards: There will be $9,400 in prize money. Open events will have cash prizes (see list on Web site).

Awards to first two places in other championship categories.Eligibility: Open to all current USHA members who meet age and skill requirements. Current USHA one-wall

rules and regulations will apply. Players entered in two events must be prepared to play back-to-backmatches. Losers must referee next available match. Eye protection is mandatory.

Check-in: Players should plan to arrive in plenty of time before their match to allow for travel and parking delays.Start times: Call the USHA one week before tournament. Times will also be posted at www.ushandball.org.Hotel: • Golden Gate Inn, at Knapp Street and Shore Parkway, Brooklyn. Phone: 718-743-4000.

• Comfort Suites, 3218 Emmons Ave., Brooklyn (Sheepshead Bay). Phone: 718-368-3334.Attractions: Brighton Beach, New York Aquarium, Coney Island

amusement parks, Brooklyn Cyclones baseball.Hospitality: Meal ticket, tournament shirts, etc.Information: http://www.ushandball.org/onewall/html/nationals.htmlNote: Matches may be shortened at director's discretion.

Name _______________________________________________ Age ______ Phone ________________________Address ______________________________________________________________________________________City ________________________________________________ State _____________ Zip ___________________Partner’s name _______________________________________ Age ______ Phone ________________________Address ______________________________________________________________________________________City ________________________________________________ State _____________ Zip ___________________

( ) If my event is combined with a younger or higher-skilled division, I still want to play.( ) If my event is combined with a younger or higher-skilled division, I want my entry refunded.

Waiver and release: In consideration of the acceptance of my entry into the 2009 National One-WallChampionships to be held at the Surf Avenue and West 5th Street Courts, and/or indoor facilities used, Ihereby for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, waive and release any and all rights for claimsfor damages against the USHA, the one-wall committee, any indoor facility used and the City of New York,their agents, successors or assignees, for any and all injuries I may incur during said tournament.

Signature ______________________________________________________________ Date ___________________

( ) Golden singles (50+)( ) Golden doubles (50+)( ) Super singles (60+)( ) Super doubles (60+)( ) Veteran super singles (65+)( ) Veteran super doubles (65+)( ) Diamond singles (70+)( ) Diamond doubles (70+)

( ) Open singles ($)( ) Open doubles ($)( ) Women's open singles ($)( ) Women's B singles( ) Women's open doubles ($)( ) A singles( ) A doubles

( ) B singles( ) B doubles( ) C singles( ) C doubles( ) Seniors singles (35+)( ) Seniors doubles (35+)( ) Masters singles (40+)( ) Masters doubles (40+)

HANDBALL 31

Partial prize list Men's open Women's open First: $2,000 First: $800 Second: $1,200 Second: $400

Untitled-14 5/13/2009, 9:44 AM1

Q&A WITH HOWIE EISENBERG

By Ben Thum

Howie Eisenberg is a true handballlegend and one of the game’s greatplayers. He is the USHA’s one-

wall commissioner and an articulatespokesman for the game he has been play-ing for more than 60 years. Here are ex-cerpts from a recent interview.

Who taught you the game?

My brother-in-law, Arty Niederhoffer,who joined the New York Police Depart-ment after passing the bar in 1941 becausethere weren’t many positions open for at-torneys in the Depression. Many policemenand firemen played handball in those daysand for years afterward.

Arty was just one level below the topplayers. Starting in 1945, when I was 6, hewould play with me against another cop,Marty “Ace” Rosenfeld, and his son Jef-frey, who was about my age.

Arty was an excellent athlete whoseright arm was damaged blocking for quar-terback Allie Sherman, later coach of theNew York Giants, on the Brooklyn Collegefootball team. Niederhoffer, adapting to hisinability to swing freely, developed an Irishwhip serve that gave me fits until he taughtme to read hooks, including those of CarlObert, whose huge hooks used to decimateme. Once Arty’s analysis of slow-motionfilms of Carl revealed the “tell” in Carl’smotion, I never lost to him again. This tu-telage continued until Arty’s death in 1981.

After his serve would elicit a weak re-turn, Niederhoffer would go off the wall andfly-kill that return whenever he could. Thatalso became an integral part of my game.

Arty’s support and coaching at every im-portant match I played — starting with myfirst 12-and-under Brighton Beach cham-pionship at age 10 through my New YorkParks Department 17-and-under juniorswin over Marty Decatur to my last two na-tional USHA open titles in 1979 and ’80with Joel Wisotsky — contributed greatlyto whatever success I enjoyed.

What role does handball playin your life now as opposed toin your prime champion years?

In my competitive years, there was a

Iappreciate the opportunity topresent my views and reminisce

about memorable players and mo-ments. With the first combined na-tional one-wall Challengers and Mas-ters invitational completed, and withone-wall tournaments in North andSouth America, Europe and Austra-lia, our game is growing in popular-ity and stature.

I hope and expect that the upcom-ing Big Ball Team Championships atthe World Championships in Port-land, Ore., will be another major stepin our game’s progression.

Howie EisenbergCoach Arty Niederhoffer advisesEisenberg at a competition in 1962.

single-minded motivation: to win. Finish-ing second was abject failure. The internalpressure to always win precluded my trulyenjoying the game. It may even have sappedsome of my limited stamina.

I tended to regard my opponents as theenemy, especially my primary opponentsearly on, the Obert brothers. In retrospect,I can now appreciate that it was an accom-plishment to be No. 2. If not for those 21second-place finishes in national open tour-naments, I probably wouldn’t have been in-ducted into the Hall of Fame.

When I came out west, I started playingfour-wall with Dick Cias, Wayne Nordlundand Danny Ane, guys who also tried to winbut for whom winning was secondary. En-joying the game and joking and the cama-raderie was what it was all about. This wasinfectious, and after 40 years of my win-ning-is-the-only-thing attitude, I trulystarted to enjoy playing the game.

Now in addition to the camaraderie thathandball affords, I recognize its exercisevalue. Apart from some light swimming,handball is the only exercise I get, so evenwith my two hips that are bone on bone, Istill play three times a week when I can,even though it means that I limp aroundthe days following.

Also, with my election to the USHAboard of directors and my reincarnation asone-wall commissioner, I have renewed in-

terest in propagating the game. Playing apart in far greater national and especiallyinternational exposure of handball via tele-vision and Webcasting and through expan-sion of pro events leading to inclusion ofour game as an Olympic sport is a drivingpassion of mine.

Who was your firsthandball hero?

Vic Hershkowitz. Watching him playand dominate his opponents, many ofwhom were great handball players, andbeing told that he was the best player in theworld, I wanted to be national AAU cham-pion like him before I knew the differencebetween an A and a U.

One notable exception to that domina-tion was Moey Orenstein, who many feltwas better than Vic in doubles, especiallywith money on the line. But it was Vic’spower, speed, ambidexterity, serve and shot-making that captured the imagination.

Who had the most handballability of any player you haveever seen or played against?

Tati Silveyra. He was exceedingly fast,agile, hit just about as hard with both handsas anyone who ever played and was physi-cally stronger than any of the other greats.Tati would sometimes fade 15 feet beyondthe long line on a three-wall court and hit

32 JUNE 2009

A past of excellence, a future of promiseA note of thanks fromthe 1-wall commissioner

Untitled-15 5/13/2009, 9:55 AM2

Q&A WITH HOWIE EISENBERG

kill shots with his off hand 6 inches off theground.

His great agility and athletic ability wasdemonstrated in a one-wall match playingwith me in the 1996 nationals against two-time defending doubles champs Eddie Mai-sonet and Paul Williams. Paul was sprawledlengthwise on the ground in front of Sil-veyra, having just returned a kill shot witha diving rekill. Silveyra dove over the 6-foot-4-inch Williams, whose outstretchedarms added another couple of feet for Tatito dive over as he rekilled the ball.

That shot was the most fantastic returnthat I have ever seen. We lost 21-20, butSilveyra, whose totality of previous one-wall experience was a few practice gameson a makeshift court, almost succeeded indethroning Maisonet and Williams playingwith a 57-year-old Eisenberg who was morethan a quarter-century past his prime.

How can the USHA best growthe game of one-wall?

One-wall is truly a great form of thegame, requiring physical skills that are valu-able but not as essential in four-wall. I be-lieve that recognition is gradually takinghold in the handball community.

The programs the USHA has to teachthe game begin with one-wall, so that’s agood thing. However, I believe the en-trenched attitude has been that one-wall isa means to an end — namely, a way to in-troduce four-wall.

Big ball is the game that is growing inpopularity not only in New York but wher-ever courts exist. A greater proportion ofthe limited funds available to the USHA needto be committed to the promotion of one-wall and to one-wall clinics, exhibitions andpro prize money.

Some other things to be done are en-hanced support of major one-wall tourna-ments, junior events, more exposure inHandball magazine and on the USHA Website and international one-wall events. Cre-ation and distribution of videos of one-walltournaments to schools and other juniorprograms would stimulate interest. Promo-tion of interscholastic and intercollegiatehandball competition should be pursued.

The answer to growing all forms of thegame is money. There needs to be far moreeffective ways of publicizing the game andsecuring sponsorship. What Dave Vincentand Jeff Kastner are accomplishing in

webcasts accessible on home computersand reportedly broadcast on cable to mil-lions, creating wide exposure of the gameto both the uninitiated and devotees alike,is a tremendous step in that direction.

Is one-wall the future of thegame, even though it’s mainlya New York phenomenon?

No question, and it’s no longer just aNew York phenomenon. It is being playedin various parts of this country, from Penn-sylvania to Florida to Texas to California,and is really breaking out internationally.

There were 17 countries playing big ballalong with other forms of handball in anevent in Ecuador last year, and a differentset of nine additional countries — plusBelgium, which played in both — compet-ing at the Federation Cup in Italy. One-wallis now being played on five continents.

What can be done to improvethe fate of four-wall?

Though its numbers have declined, thereare some promising developments in four-wall these days, namely re-creation of thepro tour, Webcasting to millions, more than350 entries in the national collegiates andgrowing numbers in junior events. All ofthe following apply to promotion of four-wall as well as one- and three-wall:

Continue and expand the youth devel-opment programs of the USHA and otherorganizations like the ICHA.

Supply equipment and training for in-structors and players.

Provide free or subsidized club mem-berships for kids.

Hold exhibitions and clinics by the pros.Conduct more youth tournaments, with

articles and photos in Handball magazineand on Web sites.

Provide college scholarships.Proliferate exposure by Webcasting and

televising pro events and other pro athletesplaying handball.

You have been a part of thisgame for well over half acentury. Talk about the greatplayers you have witnessedand played against.

It has been my consuming passion for67 years. The best I ever saw, in order:

One-wall singles: Vic Hershkowitz, KenDavidoff, Moey Orenstein, Steve Sandler,Oscar Obert, Howie Eisenberg, Satish Jag-nandan, Marty Decatur, Carl Obert, Al Tor-res, Joe Durso, Cesar Sala, Albert Apuzzi.

I never saw many of the greats of the’30s and ’40s play singles, but Joe Garber,Morty Alexander, Harry Goldstein, SollyGoldman and others all could possibly havebeen better than many if not all of the play-ers I just named.

One-wall doubles: Orenstein, Hershko-witz, Morty Alexander, Oscar Obert, WallyUlbrich, Eisenberg, Davidoff, Joel Wisot-sky, Irving Kirzner, Davy Small, MarvinHecht, George Baskin, Ruby Obert, Decatur.

Three-wall singles: Hershkowitz, VinceMunoz, Silveyra, Marty Decatur, Naty Al-varado Sr., Fred Lewis, Lou Russo, JohnBike, Jim Jacobs, David Chapman, VernRoberts, Steve August, Paul Haber, OscarObert, Jaime Paredes, Carl Obert. I haven’tseen Sean Lenning or Emmett Peixoto playthree-wall, but judging from their four-wallgames, they might fall between Oscar Obertand Paredes.

Three-wall doubles: Munoz, Decatur,Alvarado Sr., Oscar Obert, Bike, Roberts,

Eisenberg lunges for a shot with big Paul Williams already having hit the deck.

HANDBALL 33

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Q&A WITH HOWIE EISENBERG

Chapman, Dave Dohman, Wisotsky, RubyObert, Haber, Russo, Richard Lopez Valen-zuela, Billy Archival, Marcos Chavez, Au-gust, Ulbrich, Davidoff, Eisenberg.

Four-wall singles: Alvarado Sr., Jacobs,Chapman, Haber, Silveyra, Paul Brady,Lewis, Johnny Sloan, Tony Healy, Hersh-kowitz, Stuffy Singer, Naty Alvarado Jr.,Lenning, Peixoto, Dennis Hofflander, BobBrady, Pat Kirby, Decatur, Buzz Shumate.

Four-wall doubles: Jacobs-Decatur,Alvarado-Roberts, Sloan-Phil Collins,Lewis-Gordie Pfeiffer, Chapman-Munoz,Silveyra-Bike, Oscar and Ruby Obert, Wis-otsky-Eisenberg.

There were other great players who, ifpaired with any number of players, wouldhave been among the best doubles teams.They include Haber, Hershkowitz, Singer,Russo and Alvarado Jr.

One-wall appears to be takingroot in Europe. Is this a newdevelopment?

It dates to 1994, when Tom O’Connorof Ireland, though never having seen one-wall, postulated that as the most elementalform it would be easiest to adapt to forpeople playing disparate forms of the gamein different countries and therefore was thebest medium for international competition.

He arranged for a one-wall demonstra-tion at the ’94 worlds, laying out a 20-by-34-foot one-wall court in Dublin. Tom hadnot decided what ball to use when on a visitto Ireland I suggested using racquetballsbecause they were the easiest to adapt to.

The demonstration featuring Paul Will-iams and protégés Kendell Lewis and JoeKaplan was well received. The Irish, Welsh,Basques and others started playing one-wall big ball, and other countries followedsuit.

You attended the 2008 one-wall championships in Italy.Was it a success? Does itbode well for one-wall’s futureas an international game?

No question. The relatively low cost ofconstruction of one-wall courts and the ba-sic simplicity of the game — requiring greatathletic abilities together with its exercisevalue — has made it attractive to govern-ments promoting exercise as well as hand-ball organizations.

The success of the tournaments in Nizza

and Ecuador are dramatic examples ofwhere this game can go. The USHA boardhas voted to recommend that men’s andwomen’s team championships be held atthe upcoming World Championships inPortland, adopting a Davis Cup format: twosingles, one doubles. I believe that as manyas 20 countries will participate in this eventas well as in individual one-wall events.

With more and more countries playingone-wall big ball, the minimum 40 coun-tries needed for consideration as an Olym-pic sport probably will be attained within afew years. And it is within the realm of pos-sibility that handball will become an Olym-pic event in the foreseeable future.

Does the USHA plan to embraceand promote one-wall as a wayto also help four-wall?

The USHA has certainly not come to theconclusion that one-wall is the only avenuetoward sustaining handball, but it has madedefinite strides over the years in recogniz-ing one-wall as a valid form of the gameand acknowledging its best players. Withthe induction into the Hall of Fame of ArtieReyer, Wisotsky, Torres, Davidoff, Ulbrich,Joe Danilczyk, Apuzzi and me, the USHA

has made that acknowledgment.The coverage of one-wall in Handball

magazine has gone from just a few pageson the nationals once a year to many pagesnot only on the nationals but on many othertournaments throughout the year. Increas-ing numbers of stories by and about one-wall players are printed. National junior tour-naments are held on a continuing basis, andthe first national big ball championshipswere held last year and will be a fixture go-ing forward. The board recently approvedthe national 21-and-under and 23-and-un-der Challengers and Masters Invitational.

My feeling is that one-wall is the besthope for promulgating awareness of thegame. The USHA is devoting more re-sources to one-wall than it had previously.As long as the preponderance of USHAmembers and contributors are four-wallplayers, the primary emphasis will be onfour-wall.

As one-wall is propagated, the USHAconstituency will change, and thus the em-phasis will go in that direction. Four-walland three-wall are great games, each withits own inherent attraction. These gamescan also coexist and even flourish if pro-moted properly.

Eisenberg (hitting) with Frankie Pallazola facing off against Joe and Charlie Danilczykat the 1961 three-wall tournament — clearly, before eyeguards were mandatory!

34 JUNE 2009

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2nd USHA One-Wall Big Ball ChampionshipsAug. 20-23 in Brooklyn, N.Y. Deadline is Aug. 4

Site: Surf Avenue and West 5th Street, Brooklyn, N.Y. In the event of rain, tournament matches will be held indoors at the Hebrew Educational Society, but go to outdoor courts first.

Entry fee: Men’s pro: $50 per person for first event. Women’s pro: $50 for first event, $25 for second pro event. All other events: $32 per person for first event, $15 for second event. Special $25 entry fee for juniors and college students ($10 for second event) under 23. Special entry fee not applicable to prize-money events. Maximum of two events; non-refundable after deadline.

Deadline: Entry must be in our possession by midnight Tuesday, Aug. 4. Entry with credit card available for additional $10 by calling 520-795-0434.

Mail entry: Make check payable and mail to USHA One-Wall, 2333 N. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716.Awards: Prize money in men’s and women’s pro events, dependent on the number of entries and any

sponsorship garnered. Awards to first two places in other championship events. Invites to the World Championships in Portland and other international events will come from the top finishers in the pro and juniors events. Trips can include free room, some meals and Team USA uniforms.

Eligibility: Open to all current USHA members who meet age and skill requirements. Junior memberships are $15. Current USHA one-wall rules and regulations will apply. Players entered in two events must be prepared to play back-to-back matches. Losers must referee next available match. Eye protection is mandatory.

Check-in: Plan to arrive in plenty of time before matches to allow for travel and parking delays.Start times: Call the USHA one week before tournament. Times will also be posted at www.ushandball.org.Hotels: • Golden Gate Inn, Knapp Street at Shore Parkway, Brooklyn (718-743-4000).

• Comfort Suites, 3218 Emmons Ave., Brooklyn/Sheepshead Bay. (718-368-3334).Attractions: Brighton Beach, New York Aquarium, Coney Island amusement parks and Brooklyn Cyclones.Hospitality: Tournament shirts, Gatorade, fruit, bagels.Information: http://www.ushandball.org or e-mail handball@ushandball.orgNote: Matches will be one game to 25 points.

Name _______________________________________________ Age ______ Phone ____________________Address _________________________________________________________________________________City ________________________________________________ State _____________ Zip _______________Partner’s name _______________________________________ Age ______ Phone ____________________Address _________________________________________________________________________________City ________________________________________________ State _____________ Zip _______________

( ) If my event is combined with a younger or higher-skilled division, I still want to play.( ) If my event is combined with a younger or higher-skilled division, I want my entry refunded.

Waiver and release: In consideration of the acceptance of my entry into the 2009 National Big BallChampionships to be held at the Surf Avenue and West 5th Street Courts and/or indoor facilities used, I herebyfor myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, waive and release any and all rights for claims for damagesagainst the USHA, the one-wall committee, any indoor facility used and the City of New York, their agents,successors or assignees, for any and all injuries I may incur during said tournament.

Signature _________________________________________________________ Date ___________________

( ) Men’s pro singles ($)( ) Men’s pro doubles ($)( ) Women’s pro singles ($)( ) Women’s pro doubles ($)( ) Men’s open/A drop-down singles( ) Men’s B/C drop-down singles( ) Women’s A/B drop-down singles

( ) Men’s B/C drop-down doubles( ) Men’s 45+ singles( ) Men’s 55+ singles( ) Boys 19-and-under( ) Boys 17-and-under( ) Boys 15-and-under( ) Boys 13-and-under

( ) Girls 19-and-under( ) Girls 17-and-under( ) Girls 15-and-under( ) Girls 13-and-under

HANDBALL 35

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ONE-WALL

36 JUNE 2009

By Dan Flickstein

It was 35 years ago that Handball maga-zine published my list of the 10 bestone-wall singles players I had ever

seen. I made no claims back then that thoseplayers were the best ever, only the best Ihad witnessed.

Now, in 2009, my views have changed.Today I have more concrete criteria in mindthan in ’74. I realize that there have beenother top-of-the-line players since I havebeen playing and observing one-wall. ButI do believe that the 10 on the present listwould have defeated, most of the time, allof them.

In ’74, my criteria were only subjective— even, in fact, nebulous. This time, how-ever, I’ve been a bit more thoughtful in myjudgments. For example, I have consideredeach player only at the top of his game. Lon-gevity in the sport was not a criterion. I havemade notable exceptions for two playersregarding “at the top of his game” becauseI never witnessed either one in his prime. Iadded their names based on opinions ofmany other one-wall pundits, and I extrapo-lated what I believe they might have beenwhen they were at their best.

I did not consider, although I will touchon, which of these men might have wonhad they played one another in a head-onmatch.

I did consider skills and weaknesseseach brought with him to the court. I alsoconsidered only sanctioned tournamentplay and three-game matches, not park playwhere rules are often disregarded.

It is essential that I mention the currentone-wall commissioner, whom I had rankedNo. 7 on my list in 1974. I am placing hima quarter of a notch below my new list, orNo. 11. Not to mention Hall of Famer How-ie Eisenberg among great singles playerswould be a gross oversight and an injus-tice to the man.

On a given swing, Eisenberg hit the ballharder than anyone I have ever seen. Healso hit with unusual action, not unlike abowler hooking the ball into the pocket.Howie’s serve might also have been the bestI’ve ever seen. Struck with ferocious power,it hooked either way, and he disguisedhis serves to make the weird bounces even

Way back then ...

How Dan Flickstein saw the top10 in 1974: 1. Steve Sandler 2. Ken Davidoff 3. Vic Hershkowitz 4. Moey Orenstein 5. Oscar Obert 6. Winfield Ballance 7. Howie Eisenberg 8. Marty Decatur 9. Carl Obert10. Ruby Obert

more deceptive. If a player managed to re-turn an Eisenberg serve, Howie would drawback his right arm and blast a bottom-boardkill seemingly a mile from an opponent.

But Eisenberg had obvious weaknesses.Too often he got himself out by serving offthe court or hitting a shotmaking opportu-nity well off the court. Howie was erratic,and for so great a player had only a fairopposite hand. But Howie’s most glaringfault was lack of endurance, of which hewas well aware. His keen mind must haveknown that none of his toughest opponentshad stamina issues.

This is not to suggest that Howie neverwon a three-game singles match. But thefact is he didn’t win many. Nonetheless,Howie Eisenberg is among the greatestsingles players I have ever seen and a fabu-lous one-waller to watch because of thetremendous power and grace in his longswing. If my criteria included one-gamematches, he might be as high as No. 2 oreven No. 1 on my list.

10. Satish Jagnandan

I have added to my new list, even in frontof Eisenberg, a sure future Hall of Famer,Satish Jagnandan. His four straightchampionships from 2004-07 tab him as thebest singles player of his generation.

Satish has, without doubt, the best serveof his day. He is capable of striking the ball2 feet high on the wall. Yet this serve mightsail over the long line at that same height.

He brings a totally ambidextrous ap-

proach to the court. With his left, he candrive or kill with a natural swing fromanywhere on the court to anywhere on thecourt. He has marvelous speed and doesnot fatigue.

A weakness I see in his style includesfailure to shoot fly kills, which seems a for-gotten ploy of all of today’s best players.Moreover, his total game seems somewhatone-dimensional, with efforts to flatten ev-erything in sight. When he is at his best,however, he seems to do just that.

Satish is a treat to watch because of hisgreat serve and two amazing hands.

9. Winfield Ballance

Experiencing perhaps only five years asa tournament player, with a couple of thosein the junior division, Winfield Ballancewas without doubt the fastest man I eversaw on a one-wall court. His reflexes wereas quick as his feet. Not only did he seemto catch up to nearly everything, even someof Eisenberg’s offerings, he short-hoppedhis returns for kills with regularity.

Winfield was not around long enoughto learn to read hooks, which was one ofhis weaknesses.

His major flaw, however, was his ownserve. Ballance seemed content merely toput the ball in play, then accept the chal-lenge of retrieving every ball in sight untilan opponent missed or he short-hopped abottom-boarder.

His style frustrated many of the stron-gest players of his day. He was an incred-ible talent, faster, I think, than the lens of acamera. He was also a great crowd-pleaserand lots of fun to watch.

8. Mark Levine

There may be some who will balk at mychoice of Mark Levine as one of the bestI’ve ever seen. The reason is that Levine,unlike Jagnandan or Ballance or Eisenberg,was not spectacular to watch.

He did not hit hard. His stiff-armed op-posite hand was used mainly for defense.He did not serve aces. Yet no spectatorcould know what it was like being on asingles court with Levine.

Mark was one of the rare players “as

Best 1-wallers ever: Let the argument start

Sandlerwas ratedNo. 1 in theoriginal list.

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HANDBALL 37

good in the outfield as in the infield,” anexpression Steve Sandler used about him-self. It was difficult to score on him. Thefact is that Levine did not have to hit hard.His innate understanding of the game andamazing reflexes enabled him to be in po-sition to select shots that were good enoughfor point makers. While his kills may nothave been spectacular, they were effective.

Levine had fine endurance, and he didnot ruffle in tight games. He is among thesmartest of the players on this list, thesingle quality that makes up for what seemsto be less natural talent than others.

Mark compensated for what seemed likeweakness by standing in the right spots andadjusting to how others played him. Makeno mistake. Levine could wear down anopponent, frustrate him and obliterate him!

7. Carl Obert

Though Levine might have defeatedCarl Obert in a head-on clash because ofhis ability to read hooks, I believe Carl re-tains a slight edge on Mark in the totalanalysis of a player, mainly because of hisamazing hook serves. Those huge hops of-ten enabled Carl to establish 10-pointleads without much work because oppo-nents could barely return a ball to the wall.This could force an opponent to play therest of a game less aggressively for fear ofrelinquishing more points on unforced er-rors and poor shot choices. Playing cau-tiously with Carl was a sure way to lose,

for the wiry lefty was very aggressive andvery smart.

Score didn’t seem to concern Carl. Hewas as sharp at 20-20 as he was at thegame’s beginning. He simply didn’t rattle.

Carl also had a tremendous will to win,an important intangible for a champion. Hewas and needed to be exceptionally fast tocover for a barely adequate opposite hand,well below the level of the rest of his fabu-lous skills.

He was a great performer, a bundle ofexcitement and energy, with incrediblehooking serves.

6. Joe Durso

The self-proclaimed “greatest” had avirtually complete array of handball skills.Durso dominated the singles scene forabout a decade. That is not an easy task fora player who does not make points with asingle swing. But Joe brought an abundanceof other skills to a match, which more thancompensated for a shortage of aces.

He was the hardest hitter of his day, withpossibly the greatest variety of shots I’veever seen, ranging from an overhand spikethat could rise 10 feet above an opponent’soutstretched hand to numerous under-handed tapped rolling kills with either hand.

Durso chased his opponents not onlyfrom side to side but also from front to back.He could blast kills from way behind thelong line.

Joe was also the best volleyer of his era,

capable of keeping the ball high on the walland driving it past opponents. His defensewas fabulous. He had terrific loft with ei-ther hand on serves hit hard and shallow orhard and deep.

He did, however, have difficulty withhooks. His several losses to Hall of FamerAl Torres are evidence of that. It may betrue that at Durso’s best the competitionwas not particularly challenging, with fewtalented singles players on the scene.

Like boxer Rocky Marciano, Joe had tobattle many top players who had passedtheir primes. Durso acknowledges this butadds that if he had had more and better com-petition, he would have risen to the occa-sion and improved his game to an evenhigher level. This observer agrees.

Joe Durso may very well have been thesingle most naturally talented player of all.Returning hook serves aside, Joe’s mainweakness was lack of focus. On more thanone occasion his emotional tirades mighthave proven his downfall. This negativecharacteristic would affect him if he had toface any of the other men on this list.

How well Joe would actually have doneunder the intense pressure all the guys couldapply, no one will ever know. I believe he’dhave been unable to defeat several of themen on this list, including all of those tofollow.

Joe Durso was an incredible player towitness, unless he was making a fool ofhimself with gratuitous outbursts consist-ing of absurdities and expletives. When at-tending to the business of beating up on anopponent, however, he was totally awe-some.

5. Moey Orenstein

I saw Moey Orenstein play singles onlyonce. He was over 40 — and overweight.He spotted newly crowned AAU championSteve Sandler three points and first servein front of a huge crowd. Then he pro-ceeded to trounce the younger man 21-10.

But they played only the one game, andit was not under tournament conditions.Moey was famous for his expertise inblocking opponents both legally and ille-gally.

Watching him play that afternoon, I be-came aware that he did not hit hard. Nordid he make any effort to ace the serve. Buthe was nearly perfect in shooting, with few

Oscar Obert, ranked fourth, with hisbrother Carl Obert, ranked seventh.

The flashy, one-of-a-kind Durso, rated sixth.

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38 JUNE 2009

if any unforced errors. Both of his handsseemed like stone. He brought everythingback to the wall, especially shots thatseemed about to roll. And he placed all hisshots in front of his wide, immovable body.

Hall of Famer Ken Davidoff said ofMoey, “At Lincoln Terrace Park, Moey wasconsidered a god.”

But Ken’s reference was to Orenstein’sability to play doubles. The late MartyCushman, a fine singles competitor, oncetold me that Moey was the best singlesplayer he ever saw because Moey knewwhere to position himself and had the in-stinct to sense where his opponent was go-ing to hit the ball.

In 1949, Moey won his only nationalsingles tournament, defeating defendingchamp Morty Alexander. I don’t believeMoey entered many other singles events.I’ve seen photographs of him in his prime.His thick arms were matched by equallyhuge calves. His limbs were not comple-mented by a 45-inch (or larger) waist backthen.

But even past 40, when toting a big belly,Moey remained a serious challenge for any-one in one park game. I can only imaginethat he was faster and had more endurancewhen he was at his best. For these reasons,I place him high on my list.

I marveled at how super strong Oren-stein was and how fabulous his hands were,but his illegal maneuvers made him physi-cally intimidating to opponents during parkgames in which gambling was involved. Iwas grateful for this when Moey opposedmean-spirited competitors. It was not en-joyable to witness when he engaged in areal athletic contest pitting hisskills against a formidable challenger.

4. Oscar Obert

Ruby Obert, the youngest of the threesensational Hall of Fame Obert brothers,once told me of Oscar: “He has all thestrength and aggression of a completely fo-cused animal on the court.”

Ruby used the term “animal” with thebest of intentions, to suggest someonestronger, better equipped than a typicalhuman. Oscar was like boxers Roberto Dur-an and Joe Frazier, all aggression.

It wasn’t that Oscar didn’t have goodhands and amazing reflexes. When in a lessthan difficult challenge, Oscar shot kills

between his legs or behind his back. But ina tough match, he was strictly business, andhis business was to hit hard and flatten kills.

On one given shot, Howie Eisenberg hitharder than Oscar. But Oscar hit everythinghard and with either hand. He could takea ball on the fly near the long line and driveit past an opponent or bury it in an areawhere his opponent was not waiting. Flykilling was his specialty, which he accom-plished righty and lefty and at any time.

Nothing seemed to upset him or breakhis concentration. He put enormous pres-sure on all challengers. If an opponent hitanything easy to Oscar, the next shot wasgoing to roll.

I don’t remember if Oscar was fast. Heseemed always to be making his opponentsrun. On a shooting streak, Oscar appearedinvincible, but he did make occasional un-forced errors.

He is not at the top of my list becausehe lacked an ace serve. Most of his pointswere scored after blasting a serve betweenmidcourt and the long line, somewhat likeDurso, then either on a bounce or a fly bury-ing the return into the sector of the courtwhere his opponent was not running.

Perhaps Oscar didn’t need to serve aces,which could have helped conserve some ofhis energy. It was irrelevant. Oscar was themost tireless competitor I’ve ever seen.When his strongest of opponents would callfor a rest period, Oscar would stay warmthrowing the ball against the wall until hisopponent returned to play.

Of all the great players to watch, OscarObert remains my favorite: super talented,all business.

3. Vic Hershkowitz

Undisputed best all-around handballgreat, the late Vic Hershkowitz, Mr. Hand-ball and a Hall of Famer, was, perhaps themost ambidextrous champion of all hand-ball players. (Those who have marveled atJagnandan’s approach might debate that.)

Like Moey Orenstein, Vic becameknown to me after he was past 40. The firsttime I watched him flash his wares, he de-feated AAU singles champ Steve Sandler25-23 in one game.

Immediately following, Vic accepted thechallenge of Howie Eisenberg. Howie wonthe coin toss and, in his inimitable way,earned six quick tallies. Less than 10 min-

utes later, however, the match was over, andEisenberg still had six. I think Vic ran all21 points on his first service.

It was a phenomenal performance. Vic’sserve was hit almost as hard as Howie’s,with hooks just as big, and both ways. Eachwas placed deep in the court, most toEisenberg’s weak hand, with a few deep tothe right.

Eisenberg firmly believes that Vic wasthe best singles player to ever play one-wall.Many would agree. It may be because I sawVic past his prime that causes me to ranktwo players higher than him.

I place him a notch above Oscar for thesimple reason that he had a better serve.Vic hit hard and with deadly accuracy. Thelate Irv Rosenblatt told me that when Vicwas young, his nickname was “the Cat”because of his great speed.

To analyze Vic’s game in his prime, Iobviously need to use my imagination. I cansee him defeating all the other men on thislist most of the time, and the two remain-ing some of the time, maybe even half thetime. His ambidexterity made him an awe-some spectacle to observe.

2. Steve Sandler

“I’m not as good as all those other guys,Howie, Kenny, Oscar, Vic, so I have tomake up for it with super effort,” SteveSandler once told me.

It was that super effort that has causedme to regard Hall of Famer Sandler as thesecond-best one-wall singles player.

Like Levine, Sandler was not easy to

Hershkowitz is ranked third in one-wall,though the best in all-around handball.

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spot by the spectator as a champion, ex-cept perhaps for his retrieving. He neverhit especially hard, and it wasn’t until about10 years into his career that he developeda great serve. Before that his serve wasnearly ineffective.

No one else, with the possible excep-tion of Winfield Ballance, could have com-peted successfully against so formidable agroup of champions with so meager aserve. He was once called by the late SamSilvers “the kid who has nothing … hejust wins.”

Being on a singles court with Sandlerwas much different from watching him asa spectator. A typical Sandler opponent,who seemed to have more physical equip-ment, would shortly be rendered helpless.Shocked that his best attempts were beingreturned and ultimately tapped in for kills,such a competitor would generally wind upfrustrated, striking shots out of bounds andthoroughly exhausted.

Somehow those dinky stiff-armed left-handed shots Sandler made tended to be infront of his small but compact, barrel-chested body. Like the Oberts, Sandlernever rested despite being involved in somany long rallies. Even early in his career,his volley game was top-notch. Like Durso,he used the entire wall, not just the bottomfew inches.

He never needed to be on a shootingstreak because his game was not solelyabout aggression, like Oscar or Vic. But hisshooting was remarkably accurate. WhenSandler bent to kill, he didn’t miss. Some-how he managed to get to the ball early,which preserved for him an additionalsecond to shoot in an area of the courtwhere his opponent was not running:“Hit ’em where they ain’t!”

And when he chose to drive the ball athis opponent, without the intimidatingpower of Eisenberg or Oscar Obert orother strong players of his era, his ball rose,most of the time winding up near thatopponent’s solar plexus. I can’t think ofanyone who can return a ball arriving inthat area of his body.

By 1969, Sandler had added an ace serveto his arsenal. Formerly best in the outfield,with his new serve he became even betterin the infield.

The new offering was not struck withgreat pace. Nor did it hop or hook in anyway. But it was placed with pinpoint accu-

racy. The man stood near the short line, 2feet or less from the left line, then servedthe ball behind him between his body andthe left line consistently. If an opponentcheated to the left, Sandler, with the samemotion, would serve deep in the right cor-ner.

By 1970 the field of strong singles play-ers approached 40 men, but Carl, Oscar andHowie were not the same men. Oscar wasall but retired from tournament play, side-lined with a bad back. Carl was concen-trating on doubles, partnered with Ruby.Howie had begun to experience defeats atthe hands of men previously not consid-ered in his class.

Sandler, with his new serve, catapultedhimself way beyond the best of the early’70s. Yet even without that fabulousweapon, Sandler had been among the bestof the early and middle ’60s. With mainlyan incredible will to win, he had defeatedEisenberg. And in ’61 he won the AAUchampionship by beating Ruby in the quar-ters, Oscar in the semis and Carl in the fi-nal.

What would he have done to the one-world world back then had he had that pre-cision serve he ultimately was able to ex-ecute? It is for this reason I see SteveSandler as nearly invincible. He knew howto find a way to win.

1. Ken Davidoff

As great as Sandler’s serve became, Hallof Famer Ken Davidoff’s serve was evenbetter. In one-wall the serve is believed bymany to be 70 percent of the game. David-off’s was placed with the same kind of ac-curacy as Sandler’s, with a two-way hookand much more velocity.

In a match using only opposite hands,no one was Steve’s equal because he couldmake plays with his backhand that manycould not make with their strong hands. Butin an even-up singles game, the left-handedKen’s right was as good as Sandler’s left.He could drop in stiff-armed shots or anglekills and drives with a natural swing.

Like Sandler, he could loft service re-turns high on the wall. He did not relin-quish front-court position once he attainedit, and with his powerful bullwhip of a left,he could drive past anyone and kill to anysector of the court.

His greatest victory was a 21-9, 21-6

annihilation of Oscar in the championshipround of the ’63 AAU nationals. Obert wasin his prime.

I can imagine no other player beatingKen more often than Ken would beat him.The man had no weaknesses. I can’t imag-ine that even Sandler at his peak would havefrustrated Davidoff with superior retriev-ing. Like Sandler, Davidoff was patient anddid not rattle.

At his best, Ken Davidoff was the bestone-wall singles player I have ever seen.

Postscript

Invincibility is not attributed to any ofthe men on this list. Surely, on given days,any could have beaten any of the others.

Davidoff had plenty of trouble withBallance, though he never lost to him.Ballance was trounced by Carl in the onlyfaceoff they had. At Sandler’s peak he losta championship match to Marty Decatur.In that same event Marty also beat CarlObert. Mark Levine came within threepoints in the third game of defeatingSandler in a championship match in ’71.In a one-game match, Al Torres once heldSandler to a single point. And in ’73, 17-year-old Joel Davidson knocked Sandlerout in the semis. Levine, as smart as he was,lost matches to men not in his league. Dursolost in a semi to Ed Golden and in a final toAl Apuzzi.

The top guys, as I see it, are at the topbecause they won most of the time and be-cause each brought a level of play bothunique and brilliant to one-wall singles.

Davidoff, rated first, in Alvis Grant’sHall of Fame portrait of him.

Untitled-17 5/13/2009, 9:57 AM5

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The USHA will continue to honor earlier contributions to the Player Development Campaignand Capital Campaign (Hall of Fame Building) funds in print in this magazine on at least an annualbasis. It's a pleasure to continue thanking those who have made the headquarters, hall of fame anddevelopment fund a success since the humble beginnings of our fundraising efforts in the early 1980s.

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Untitled-2 5/18/2009, 3:21 PM2

REGIONAL REPORT

Upcoming major events

For information on these events, see entry formson the following pages or contact the USHAat 520-795-0434 or handball@ushandball.org

June 8-14: National four-wall championships, Fountain Valley, Calif.

June 25-28: National one-wall juniors, Brooklyn, N.Y. Page 53

July 16-19: National three-wall juniors, Venice Beach, Calif. Page 55

Aug. 5-9: National one-wall, New York. Page 31 Aug. 20-23: National one-wall big ball, New York.

Page 35 Sept. 3-7: National three-wall, Toledo. Page 62 Oct. 4-11: World championships, Portland, Ore.

Page 64 Dec. 27-30: National four-wall juniors,

Des Plaines, Ill. Feb. 24-28: National collegiates, College Station,

Texas.

Send tournament results to USHA,2333 N. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716.Or e-mail to handball@ushandball.org

USHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

42 JUNE 2009

The year shown in parentheses after USHA officials’ nameson Regional Report pages indicate when their terms expire.

Cecil Delcher presents awards to open winner NelsonQuintero and runner-up Kyle Greenhalgh at the FloridaFour-Wall Championships. For full coverage, see Page 51.

Whether your passion is one-wall, three-wall or four-wall, you’ll have national championships to attend

over the next few months. Just check the USHA calendarbelow, and you’re sure to find something to your liking.

And it’s not limited to adults, as national juniors champi-onships in one-, three- and four-wall also are on the docket.It’s a great time to be a handball player!

No excuses: Get on the court!

President: Mike SteeleAt-Large (2011)2936 Watercrest Rd. (2011)Forest Grove, Ore. 97116503-352-2806steelem@pacificu.eduVice President: LeaAnn MartinWomen's Commissioner (2010)237 Terrace Pl.Bellingham, Wash. 98225360-650-3054leaannm@ushandball.orgSecretary: Joe HagenCentral Region (2011)4529 Nokomis Ave.Minneapolis, Minn. 55406206-920-3392joe_hagen@hotmail.comTreasurer: Mike DriscollSouthwest Region (2011)2013 Dublin Rd.Parker, Texas 75094972-235-9547mdriscoll@mdd.net

DirectorsPat BoydSoutheast Region (2009)6625 Hiway 53 E, No. 410-7Dawsonville, Ga. 30534404-819-7282peachtreeopen@yahoo.comStan DunlavyRocky Mountain Region (2011)2979 S. Olympia CircleEvergreen, Colo. 80439303-670-0363SDunlavy@eraqc.comSteve DykesMid-America Region (2011)130 Beech Ridge DrivePowell, Ohio 43065614-430-0430sdykes@lspt.comHowie EisenbergAt-Large (2009)24300 Caris St.Woodland Hills, Calif. 91367949-689-9444hpeisenberg@mdimaging.comSteve GrowAt-Large (2010)2843 NE 51st Ave.Portland, Ore. 97213503-416-8313stevengrow@serverlogic.comRay LeidichNorthwest Region (2009)7010 NW Cardinal Dr.Corvallis, Ore. 97330541-745-5937leidichray@comcast.net

Victor LoPierreNortheast Region (2011)78-11 Kew Forest Ln., Apt. 3 EAForest Hills, N.Y. 11375718-807-8151Victor.Lopierre@gmail.comJohn NottinghamSouthern California (2011)22805 MacFarland Dr.Woodland Hills, Ca. 91364818-225-0636jgnottingham@cyberhotline.comCarl Porter Jr.At-Large (2010)2523 Dustin Rd.Okemos, Mich. 48864517-364-8801cporter@medsport.orgTom SoveNorthern California Region (2009)3008 Highgate Rd.Modesto, Calif. 95350209-575-2758toms@ushandball.orgChris TicoAt-Large (2011)1716 Stuart St.Berkeley, Calif. 94703415-793-3967ChristopherTico@aol.comRod WattersonAt-Large (2009)186 High St.Hampton, N.H. 03842603-926-1926r.watterson@comcast.net

USHA CommissionersExecutive director: Vern Roberts2334 N. Tucson Blvd.Tucson, AZ. 85716520-795-0434Vernr@ushandball.orgHall of Fame: Mike Dau1176 Lynette Ave.Lake Forest, Ill. 60045847-615-1958dau@lfc.eduJuniors: Don Quinlan300 E. Northwest Hwy.Des Plaines, Ill. 60016847-296-3376don_quinlan@ymcachgo.orgRules and Referees: Pete TysonUniversity of TexasGregory GymAustin, Texas 78712512-471-8587Collegiate: vacant

Untitled-18 5/13/2009, 10:23 AM1

REGIONAL REPORT

Northwest Region

Regional commissioner (2010):Brian Poffenroth (Vancouver, Wash.)360-571-0501 or ponyehs@aol.com

Alaska chair (2011): Rich Curtner(Anchorage) 907-646-3412or Rich_curtner@fd.org

Ambassadors:Steve Hamrick (Anchorage) 907-240-5250Joe Liska (Anchorage) 907-564-2223JR Lugo (Anchorage) 907-562-5846Lou Sinnett (Anchorage) 907-561-0121Ron Todd (Anchorage) 907-345-0206Felix Martinez (Kenai) 907-229-3392John Phillips (Fairbanks) 907-347-3471David Graham (Sitka) 907-752-0808

Idaho chair (2011): Bill Morse (Boise)208-342-0992 or morsewilliam@aol.com

Ambassadors:Don Helander (Sandpoint) 208-263-6633Brad Marker (Boise) 208-941-9332

or joisboy@aol.com

Montana chair (2011): Jeff Jamison(Missoula) 406-721-4032or montanahandball@msn.com

Ambassadors:Todd Timboe (Great Falls) 406-727-6439Jack Cavanaugh (Butte) 406-782-0542

Oregon chair (2011): Tim Dean (Rogue River)541-761-1556 or tldean8190@yahoo.com

Ambassadors:Rocky Benevento (Portland) 503-310-4996Chatten Hayes (Portland) 503-241-1503Curt Heiting (Coresham) 503-752-1601Ed Grossenbacher (Portland) 503-286-3218

or murderfist@comcast.netRay Leidich (Corvallis) 541-745-5937Mike Steele (Forest Grove) 503-357-9114Walt Middlecamp (Portland) 503-222-2968Matt Steele (Forest Grove) 503-750-6056Steve Grow (Portland) 503-416-8313Larry Brown (Eugene) 541-683-5216Sean Beall (Cheshire) 541-953-6059 or seanbeallbtc@aol.com

Washington chair (2010): Jon Hohol(Southworth) 360-990-5889or jnhohol@yahoo.com

Ambassadors:Joe Cox (Seattle) 206-935-9266LeaAnn Martin (Bellingham) 360-650-3054

or LeaAnn.Martin@wwu.eduJ. Simpson (Mercer Island) 206-679-6610Jud Heathcote (Spokane) 509-443-0237Bud Nevers (Spokane) 509-879-2691Glenn Carden (Bremerton) 360-377-5923Barry Burlison (Brush Prairie) 360-901-2926

Regional calendar

Oct. 4-11: World Championships at Multno-mah Athletic Club and Sunset Athletic Club,Portland. Contact info@handball09worlds.comDec. 4-6: Robert O. Smith MemorialTournament at Salem (Ore.) Family YMCA.Contact Josh Reese at 503-364-6225

Idaho

BOISE — The Idaho State Champi-onships were held April 24-26 at the Trea-sure Valley Fitness Club. Eighty players,including eight former national title-hold-ers, made it the largest state tournament inIdaho history. Mike McDonald won theopen singles over last year’s champ, EricPlummer. But Plummer teamed withbrother Brett to take the open doublescrown. Winners of the best court attire wereBrad Marker and John King. Winner of thebest handball shirt worn at the Saturdaynight banquet was Joe Cox. Thanks to Ronand Carol Jones, Mark and Sheri Kadell,Mary Capell, Bill Brubaker and John Falk.

Open: Mike McDonald d. Eric Plummer.Consolation: Brett Plummer.A: Joe Dethman d. Pat Hessler.Consolation: Mark Kadell.B: Mike Anderson d. Nate Knaggs.Consolation: David Fishburne.C: Michael Brother d. Carly Doan.Consolation: Chris Guarino.Golden: Greg Bassett d. Joe Cox.Consolation: John Yano.Super: Doug Wood d. Joe Cox.Consolation: Gary Bellinger.

Diamond: Gail Miles d. Bill Phillips.Consolation: Ron Jones.Open doubles: Eric Plummer/Brett Plummerd. Ryan Luttman/Jake Plummer.Consolation: Trent Gardner/Jason Jones.A doubles: Lou Barberini/Art Wardd. Rob Friesen/Ed Garcia.Consolation: John Yano/Greg Bassett.B doubles: Nate Knaggs/Vic Montavalod. Mike Shrauger/Doug Thompson.Consolation: Chris Lien/Tim Kitch.C doubles: Richie Snider/Carly Doand. Jeff Van Sickel/Mike Brother.Consolation: Trent Guarino/Chris Guarino.Golden doubles: Terry Nett/Lewis Lambertd. Jay Capell/Bill Morse.Consolation: Don Helander/Bruce Sletager.Super doubles: Gary Bellinger/Bill Morsed. Vic Aissa/Ed Dullea.Consolation: Bob Sevieri/Bob Dethman.Diamond doubles: Bill Phillips/Dennis Kooyd. Chuck Barberini/Mike O’Brien.Consolation: Ron Jones/Chuck Fishburne.

Montana

BOZEMAN — Some 40 teams partici-pated in the Montana Doubles Champi-onships at the Ridge Athletic Club in April.

OpenSemis: Steve Maier/Jeremy Mortond. Andy Tucknott/Mike Monahan 12, (11), 3;Joey Urbani/Suhn Lee d. Neil Bolton/Chris McVeigh 18, (5), 9.Final: Urbani/Lee d. Maier/Morton 16, (19), 6.Third: Tucknott/Monahan d. Bolton/McVeigh14, 0.Consolation: Jay Balkenbush/JustinBalkenbush d. Pat Huff/Bret Badovidac 7, 2.MastersSemis: Jay Balkenbush/Randy Jollife d. DanBersanti/Bob Bersanti 6, 10; Pat Huff/ChrisMcVeigh d. Scott Salo/Jim Anderson 18, 13.Final: Balkenbush/Jollife d. Huff/McVeigh13, 5.Third: Bersanti/Bersanti d. Salo/Anderson19, 12.Consolation: Steve Maier/Robin Petersd. Nick White/Eric Howe 9, 18.GoldenSemis: Jeff Jamison/Rick Harrington d.Dick Fox/Garth Kallevig 8, 3; Sam Baldridge/Mike Barrigan d. Mike Meyer/John Larson.Final: Jamison/Harringtond. Baldridge/Barrigan 19, 15.Third: Meyer/Larson d. Fox/Kallevig 16, 3.

HANDBALL 43

Winners for best court attire at the Idahostate tourney: Brad Marker and John King.

Idaho C doubles winners Snider and Doan.

Untitled-19 5/13/2009, 10:25 AM1

REGIONAL REPORT

Consolation: Scott Salo/Tom Madrazod. Ron Deriana/Bob Nessit 9, 6.SuperSemis: Russ Whitten/Dan Scilleyd. Clyde Carroll/Carl Warren 16, 2;Frank Cikan/Dan Hurd d. Paul Polzin/Dan Ferriter 5, 4.Final: Whitten/Scilley d. Cikan/Hurd 7, 14.Third: Carroll/Warren d. Sandy Gagnon/Joe Urbani 5, 9.Consolation: Tom Morris/Jerry Kriskovichd. Polzin/Ferriter 7, 12.B: Jim Hutchins/Mike Wilmerd. Wendell Morrill/Mark Morrill.

Oregon

SALEM — The Oregon State Doublesattracted 54 players to the event March 13-15, held for the first time at the CourthouseAthletic Club (Lancaster). Proceeds ofmore than $400 were donated to the Or-egon State Handball Association for youthdevelopment and player support. In addi-tion, players contributed $65 to support theOSHA. Thanks to Phil Crock, Frank Ikard,Cheryl Chastain, Josh Reese and Frank,Sean and Dalton Beall.

Open: Jeff Kastner/Matt Steeled. Ryan Grossenbacher/Bob Herrera.Third: Rich Berger/Doug Makey.Consolation: Tim Dean/Rob Angelo.A: Jarrad Krueger/Steve Maltmand. Sean Beall/Reid Ertsgaard.Third: Angel Frutos/Tom Montgomery.Consolation: Darrell Roeder/Antonio Villanueva.Masters: Dave Delaney/Steve Growd. Ken Goe/Pat Hartford.Third: Walt Kastner/Mike Wecker.Consolation: Sean Beall/Darrel McNair.Super: Jerry Berger/Vern Holstadd. Jay Latona/Ed Mann.Third: Don Riddell/Craig Chambers.Consolation: Phil Horton/Frank Ikard.Women: Jennifer Hinman/Leah Deand. Kristen Steele/Cindy Matsubara.Third: Kirstin Rice/Julie Dennis.

Tim Dean

Northern California Region

Regional commissioner (2009):Cherylann Mendonca(Sacramento) 916-392-3323

Northern California chair (2010):Bill Conlon (Palo Alto) 650-906-9229

Ambassadors:Tom Bridges (Sacramento) 916-383-1262Larry DeBoer (Redding) 530-549-3393Vern Rutherford (Pleasanton) 209-402-1916Amerigo Giovannoni (Stockton) 209-952-3075Dave Green (Merced) 209-389-4656Everett Leon-Guerrero (Modesto)

209-543-9242Joe McDonald (San Francisco) 650-697-3808Ken Moeller (East Bay) 925-939-8152Jim Peixoto (Watsonville) 831-724-0937Tom Sove (Modesto) 209 575-2758Frank Zuniga (Fresno) 559-225-0684Armando Redondo (Fresno) 559-442-4738Roy Bukstein (San Mateo) 415-356-2012Bob Kass (San Jose) 408-248-1254

Northern Nevada ambassador:John Harris (Reno) 775-852-6616

Regional calendar

None reported for scheduling

California

SACRAMENTO — The 31st annualSacramento Open was played March 27-29 at three sites: Sacramento Elks Lodge#6, the Riverside Athletic Club and theCapital Athletic Club. More than 130 play-ers participated. Thanks to Ron Domingos.

OpenSemis: Allie Abdulla Jr. d. Jesus Delgado15, 6; Sam Kass d. Mike McDonald 16, 3.Final: Abdulla d. Kass 20, 14.ASemis: Augie Herrera d. Patrick Aguiar(16), 5, 6; Marco Coromac d. Jeff Cardinal, def.Final: Herrera d. Coromac (13), 6, 7.BSemis: Alex Tico d. Robert Comacho 5, 11;Ned Corrigan d. Chad Packin4, 10.Final: Tico d. Corrigan 7, (19), 2.Consolation: Robert Maich d. Omar Sanchez31-28.CSemis: Anthony Rivas d. Tony Ragusin12, 10; David Bond d. Lance Soto 10, 4.Final: Rivas d. Bond 20, (17), 0.Consolation: Kent Nunley d. Abe Jacobo 31-2.JuniorsSemis: Robert Bell d. Edgar Ortiz 10, 19;Alex Guadarrama d. Chris Comacho 5, 19.Final: Bell d. Guadarrama (17), 14, 2.Consolation: Arturo Lopezd. Juan Utribe 31-13.Mixed 40+: Chris Patatan d. Jacob Rodriquez.40+Semis: Jaime Fabian d. Roy Perez 18, 15;Ron Strausbaugh d. Dave Nava 9, 5.Final: Fabian d. Strausbaugh11, 17.

Consolation: Raul Carmonad. Henry Homous 31-27.50+Semis: Ed Campbell d. Robert Carel17, (7), 4; Rich Goosmann d. Steve Bell 11, 7.Final: Campbell d. Goosmann 14, 9.Consolation: Cliff Dahm d. Dan Cimino 31-9.60+Semis: John Sutkus d. Mark Hashell 19, 6;Jim Story d. Ron Marquez 15, (15), 7.Final: Sutkus d. Story, inj. def.Consolation: Dave Rios d. Larry DeBoer, def.Open/A doublesSemis: Anton Wilson/Jason Coronadod. Travis Coronado/Leo Havener 5, 13;Shane Goyt/Danny Solario d. Arturo Suarez/Raul Jasso 11, 10.Final: Wilson/Coronado d. Goyt/Solario 7, 15.A doublesSemis: David Kennedy/Bill Oliverd. Martin Carvillo/Uriel Lopez 14, (20), 6;Nievis Chavez/Abe Jacobo Jr. d. Sam Kass/Derrick Alcanter, inj. def.Final: Kennedy/Oliver d. Chavez/Jacobo 9, 9.B/C doublesSemis: Mark Bradley/Troy Martind. Mark Harkell/Tony Ragusin 18, 18;Marco Coromac/Tyler Martind. Gerrald Bynoe/Mike Cima (20), 7, 6.Final: Bradley/Martin d. Coromac/Martin 17, 7.C doublesSemis: David Bond/Chris Galente d. TonyCima/Jeff Gilmore 6, 10; Carlos Taverez/AbeJacobo Sr. d. Matt Barkiewicz/Bill Vogel, def.Final: Bond/Galente d. Taverez/Jacobo12, (19), 4.40+ doublesFinal: Carlos Buzo/Jaime Fabiand. Stan Hampton/Roy Perez.50+ doublesSemis: Allie Abdulla Sr./Ray Grahamd. Wayne Salo/Kevin Soulis 4, 9;Ed Campbell/Cub Eldridge d. Mike Flores/Rudy Guzman (13), 13, 10.Final: Abdulla/Graham d. Campbell/Eldridge7, (14), 4.Consolation: Dan Cimino/Cliff Dahmd. George Bianco/Kent Nunley 31-29.60+ doublesSemis: Richard Polson/Bob Bradfordd. Doug Chandler/Jay Latona 19, (20), 7;Dave Rios/David Ackermand. Steve Graham/Guy Hoover (7), 20, 8.Final: Polson/Bradford d. Rios/Ackerman(15), 3, 8.Consolation: Rich Ramirez/Victor Fabionard. Ed Means/Mike Murietta 31-29.

44 JUNE 2009

Untitled-19 5/13/2009, 10:25 AM2

REGIONAL REPORT

Southern California Region

Regional commissioner (2010):Stephanie Hathaway(Fullerton) 714-325-7040

Southern California chair (2010):Gary Cruz (Newport Beach) 949-722-1727

Ambassadors:Miguel Paredes (San Luis Obispo)

805-549-7430 or migpslohb@aol.comRick Herrera (Thousand Oaks) 805-495-1688

or 805-901-2394or handballrick@hotmail.com

Ruben Ramirez (Santa Clarita) 661-252-6432or handballrub@aol.com

Pete Davis (Riverside) 909-793-2373or pdavis@davisandgraeber.com

Marc Penick (San Diego) 619-249-1800or marc@tbpenick.com

Mark Shelgren (Orange County) 714-251-3839

Hawaii chair (2011): Donn Carswell (Lihue)808-245-7877

Ambassadors:Brett Wiggins (Honolulu) 808-538-1990Bill Kish (Kailua-Kona) 808-325-5381

or billkish@earthlink.net

Nevada chair (2012): Bruce Handelman(Las Vegas) 702-523-2110

Ambassadors:Bob and Joe Harris (Las Vegas) 702-796-0135

or Edwin.joe.harris@wachoviasec.com

Regional calendar

June 8-14: USHA National Four-WallChampionships at Los Caballeros Racquetand Sports Club, Fountain Valley, Calif.Contact the USHA at handball@ushandball.orgJune 20: So-Cal Summer Slam Three-WallBig Ball Doubles Tournament at Venice Beach(Calif.) Rec Center. Contact Venice BeachRec Center at 310-399-2775 July 16-19: USHA Three-Wall Juniorsat Venice Beach (Calif.) Rec Center. Contactthe USHA at handball@ushandball.orgAug. 22: Pacific Coast Challenge Three-WallSmall Ball Singles at Venice Beach (Calif.) RecCenter. Contact Venice Beach Rec Center at310-399-2775

California

PALM SPRINGS — The SouthernCalifornia Handball Association Re-gional Doubles Championships tookplace April 4-5 at the Palm Desert AthleticClub. Mark Egan/Luis Gaytan won theopen division.

Open: Mark Egan/Luis Gaytan.B: Raul Villenueva/Javier Adape.100+: Mark Zamora/Red Gastelum.120+: Rob Nichols/Steve Sand.

Gary Cruz

Rocky Mountain Region

Regional commissioner: Vacant

Arizona chair (2010): Lou Paul(Gilbert) 480-497-4899

Ambassadors:Jerry Bernard (Phoenix) 602-943-2727

or jerry@bernard-stallman.comCharlie Wicker (Tucson) 520-298-0034Richard Hatcher (Tucson) 520-631-1337

Colorado chair (2009): Michael Pederson(Denver) 303-888-1941or mlped@qwest.net

Ambassadors:Bob Hickman (Denver) 303-863-9484Dennis Madden (Ft. Collins) 970-225-2823Rusty Ludwig (Grand Junction)

970-245-8118 or lennon125@attbi.comRon Bronner (Denver) 303-290-9124

or 720-270-4404 or ronbronner@msn.comLouie Lambert (Colo. Springs) 719-338-2183Fred Sycuro (Evergreen) 303-679-9041

New Mexico chair (2009): WilliamCervantes (Albuquerque) 505-294-3779

Ambassadors:Dave Coulie (Albuquerque) 505-293-0966

or davecoulie@aol.comRand Marco (Santa Fe) 505-603-0382

or metalsquared@cybermesa.comBob Parker (Los Alamos) 505-661-3002

or rfparker@lanl.gov

Utah chair (2011): Mike Fendrick (Ogden)801-391-5114 ormichaelfendrick@hotmail.com

Ambassadors: Lon Stalsberg (Salt LakeCity) 801-363-9995 or 801-712-3729

John Wainwright (Bountiful) 801-296-2399or JPWCPW@msn.com

Wyoming chair (2009): Jesus Saldivar(Casper) 307-266-6299

Ambassador: Dan Price (Gillette)307-682-2793

Regional calendar

None reported for scheduling

ColoradoDENVER — The Colorado State

Singles Tournament was held April 16-

19 at the Denver Athletic Club with almost100 players in 11 divisions. The tremen-dous participation was highlighted by 20entries in the C, a very competitive juniorsgroup who formed both open and contend-ers divisions, and more than 10 players inthe 65-plus and 70-plus age divisions. Theopen final included perennial state cham-pion Bear Meiring and newcomer TylerStevens, who moved from Ohio at the be-ginning of April. Stevens advanced to thefinal by beating previous state championMark Hammond, while Meiring defeatedCody Parker. In the final, Stevens prevailed21-18, 21-15 to capture the title. Thanks toCorey Ahrens, Ron Bronner, Bob Brown,Don Stewart, Gene Schneider, BearMeiring, Jay Temple, Rick Woodward, JimHale, Cindy Miller, Brad Mrolsa, GregOyler, Dan Price, Stan Wolpoff, JackFeingold, Bob Hickman, Kevin Dowling,Robin Carlsen, InCheck, Stan Dunlavy andJohn Bannister.

OpenSemis: Bear Meiring d. Cody Parker 3, 10;Tyler Stevens d. Mark Hammond 14, (20), 5.Final: Stevens d. Meiring 18, 15.ASemis: Alex Ibarra d. Matt Valdez 13, 17;Andy Newman d. Jed Seigle (20), 10, 2.Final: Newman d. Ibarra 13, 17.BSemis: Nick Mosely d. Tony Rocco (20), 14, 8;Luis Perez Jr. d. Alejandro Ibarra 20, 8.Final: Mosely d Perez 10, 8.CSemis: Brandon Bush d. Rafael Ibarra 20, 11;Ryan Ashley d. Ryan Byron 7, 19.Final: Ashley d. Bush 15, 9.40+Semis: Mike Kearney d. Stan Dunlavy 2, 8;Gary Scogin d. Lloyd Garcia 10, 11.Final: Scogin d. Kearney 15, 10.50+Semis: Jay Temple d. Fred Sycuro 6, 4;

HANDBALL 45

SCHA 120-plusfinalists DonEyman, GregStansbury,Rob Nicholsand SteveSand.

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John Roder d. Mike Hallowell 6, 15.Final: Temple d. Roder 15, 9.50+ BSemis: David Nava d. Bob Brown 9, 8;Jim Roberts d. Dennis Parker 7, 8.Final: Nava d Roberts (16), 6, 1.60+Semis: Terry Nett d. Bill Scharton 14, 5;Dan Price d. Lewis Lambert 4, 12.Semis: Price d. Nett 12, 14.65+Semis: Bill Reich d. Ron Bronner (20), 14, 6;Jim Starr d. Mike Held 11, 13.Final: Reich d. Starr 12, 11.70+Semis: Jerry White d. Mack Roberts 11, 14;Lee Cooper d. Pat Francomano 17, (9), 6.Final: Cooper d. White, def.Juniors contendersSemis: Eli Gordon d. Sergio Martinez;Damasjae Carrington d. Saul Martinez.Final: Gordon d. Carrington.Juniors openSemis: Kevin Wake d. Damasjae Carrington;Justice Middleton d. Eli Gordon.Final: Wake d. Middleton.

Southwest Region

Regional commissioner (2011):Mike Driscoll (Parker, Texas)972-235-9547 or mdriscoll@mdd.net

Arkansas chair (2010): Jerry Wall(Fayetteville) 479-443-3096

Louisiana chairs (2010): Joe Drolla(New Orleans) 504-831-2607and Bob Caluda (Metairie)504-452-9255

Oklahoma chair (2011): Dan McKenzie(Tulsa) (918) 622-0601

Ambassador: Gary Miller (Tulsa)918-492-8243

Texas chair (2011): Jeff Swoboda(San Antonio) 210-824-9849

Ambassadors:John Edgell (San Marcos) je02@swt.eduJason Jones (Corpus Christi) 361-993-2009Larry LeCompte (Austin) 512-288-1193Kevin Wier (Plano) 214-435-4855Alvis Grant (Dallas) 214-327-4762Lance Lowy (College Station) 409-845-3109Chuck Nicolette (West Texas) 915-362-7963Dave Parsons (Conroe) 936-524-6537Chuck Reeve (Houston) 832-567-1079

or chuckreeve@sbcglobal.netBeth Rowley (Austin) 512-632-8454Pete Tyson (Austin) 512-471-8587Jim Garner (San Antonio) 210-867-4999

or jgarner7@satx.rr.comFrank Swehosky (Ft. Worth) 817-247-8947

Regional calendar

Feb. 24-28: USHA NationalCollegiate Championships at Texas A&M,College Station, Texas. Contact Ozzie Burkeat ozzieleads@verizon.net or the USHA at520-795-0434 or handball@ushandball.org

Louisiana

HARAHAN — The Mardi Gras Tour-nament was held March 27-29 at ElmwoodFitness Center. In addition to the men’s andwomen’s pro competition (see full reporton Page 52), several other events were held.

A/BSemis: Dave Vincent d. Jim Brickell;Morgan Stevens d. Michael Morgan.Final: Vincent d. Stevens 18, 12.A/B consolationSemis: Rex Waller d. Drew Warren;Gary Weissert d. Sally Kenworthy.Final: Waller d. Weissert.SeniorsSemis: Vic Aissa d. George Kelley;Robert Williamson d. Phil Fairchild.Final: Aissa d. Williamson.Seniors consolationSemis: Charles Doyle d. Mike White;Joel Levy d. Walter Block.Final: Levy d. Doyle.Pro consolationSemis: Todd Feisel d. Matt Phillips;Eric Hillgren d. Chip Morales.Final: Hillgren d. Feisel.A/B doublesSemis: Tom Benton/Dwight Parkerd. Shawn Massey/George LeWallen;Dave Vincent/Sally Kenworthyd. Gary Weissert/Rex Waller.Final: Vincent/Kenworthy d. Benton/Parker.B doubles: Michael Morgan/Morgan Stevens.

Bob Caluda

Texas

HOUSTON — David Chapman de-feated Allan Garner to win the open singlesat the 50th annual Houston DowntownYMCA Tournament. Garner and AdamBerliner teamed up to win the doubles.Also, the winners of the Charles R. MaherScholarship for 2009 are Anabel Aviles ofSouthwestern University and Chris Pattonfrom Texas A&M (more on Page 26).Thanks to John Egbert, Ron Cole, SandyGaitz, Ron Emberg, Barney Gershen, NedKovas, Sam Lucas, Max Esses, GeorgeEynon, Boris Orlin, Wayne Neumann andChuck Reeve.

Open: David Chapman d. Allan Garner19, 16.Consolation: Alex Carpenter.B: David Lozano d. James Grogan15-9, 1-15, 11-4.Consolation: Oscar Aviles.C: Drew Warren d. Brandon Bush.Consolation: Ty Tindell.Women: Beth Rowley d. Sally Kenworthy15, (20), 4.Consolation: Anabel Aviles.60+: Jim LeBoeuf d. Mike Lundy.Consolation: Ozzie Burke.Open doubles: Allan Garner/Adam Berlinerd. Tyler Hamel/Cory Medrano.B doubles: Chris Patton/Joel Riced. Jack Flores/James Grogan.100+ doubles: Chuck Reeve/Dan Acostad. Charlie Bokelman/Stan Melnick.120+ doubles: Ron Cole/Charlie Bokelmand. Jerry Garcia/George Cooper.

Central Region

Regional commissioner (2011):Steve Johnson (Forest Lake, Minn.)651-341-3666

46 JUNE 2009

Bob Caluda presents trophies to A/Bdoubles champs Vincent and Kenworthy.

Chuck Reeve presents checks and awardsto Houston open runner-up Garner as wellas champion Chapman.

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REGIONAL REPORT

Illinois chair (2011): James Komsthoeft(La Grange) 708-482-0234

Ambassadors:Bob Peters (Vernon Hills) 847-996-0040Mike Dau (Lake Forest) 847-735-5297Steve Matheny (East Peoria) 309-698-6454Don Quinlan (Des Plaines) 847-296-3376Ron Stopka (Frankfort) 815-469-2225Dave Dohman (Munster) 219-838-4230

Iowa chair (2010): Tony Heiting(Panora) 515-577-9400

Ambassadors:Jerry Lee Hall (Ames) 515-233-6049Randie Moler (Burlington) 319-752-7600

or hawkeyehandball@aol.comTerry Petersen (Des Moines) 515-265-7096Lew Bolton (Des Moines) 515-327-8916Jim Hartzell (Des Moines) 515-274-4141

or jwhartzell@aol.comJohn Gruening (Des Moines) 515-278-5230

Kansas chair (2009): Lou Serrone(Kansas City) lserrone@blockandco.com

Ambassadors:Tom Little (Mound City) 913-795-2027Jim Cosentino (MIssion) 816-589-3239

Minnesota chair (2010): Gary Rohrer(Minneapolis) 952-942-8369or garyrohrer@gmail.com

Ambassadors:Sheldon Silberman (Golden Valley)

612-209-4418Matt Hiber (Roseville) 612-626-7836

Missouri chair (2011): Lary Bozzay(St. Louis) 314-965-7377 or 314-578-3215

Ambassadors:Tommy Burnett (Springfield) 417-883-3605

or tommyburnett@missouristate.eduMatt McLaughlin (Kansas City) 913-894-1306

Nebraska chair (2010): Don McPherson(Lincoln) 402-475-8222

Ambassador:Terry Knapp (Lincoln) 402-423-0212

North Dakota chair (2011): Neil Reuter(Grand Forks) 701-772-1769

Ambassador: Bill Kelly (Fargo) 701-232-5064

South Dakota chair: Vacant

Wisconsin chair: (2011) Ron Roberts (Appleton) 920-427-9399Ambassador:Charlie Keller (Milwaukee) 414-241-5489

Regional calendar

July 24-25: Sunflower State Games HandballTournament at Downtown YMCA of Topeka,Kan. Contact Chuck Smrha at 785-379-9384or csmrha@msn.comDec. 27-30: USHA National Juniors Four-WallChampionships at Lattof YMCA, Des Plaines,Ill. Contact Don Quinlan at 847-296-3376or the USHA at 520-795-0434or handball@ushandball.org

Illinois

DES PLAINES — Dane Szatkowskicaptured the open title at the Illinois Hand-ball Association Singles Championshipsthe weekend of Jan. 15-18 at Lattof YMCA.

Open: Dane Szatkowski d. Suhn Lee.A: Oscar Zamora d. Kevin Greco.B: Steve Frederick d. Tim Cohen.40+: Joe Ardito d. Mike Battealia.40+ B: Vito Brunelli d. Bert Connolly.50+: Steve Childs d. Eli Seaman.50+ B: Art Gray d. Gus Mehilos.60+ round robin: Tom Gack.

DES PLAINES — Mike and Dave Mun-son won the Illinois Handball AssociationDoubles Championships the weekend ofFeb. 12-14 at Lattof YMCA.

Open: Dave Munson/Mike Munsond. Bill Mehilos/Adam Szatkowski.B: Steve Frederick/Tom Dwyer.C: Brian Connolly/Asa Reyonlds.40/50+: Steve Childs/Gary Danno.40/50+ B: Tom Allen/Bob Anderson.60+: Tom Gack/Jon Charneskey.Women: Megan Mehilos/Terry Mehilos.Women’s B: Hannah Michal/Sara Brusig.

Mid-America Region

Regional commissioner (2010):Rick Stevens (Toledo, Ohio)419-861-1042 or kutunga@toast.net

Indiana chair (2010): Tim Zender(Fishers) 317-488-8800

Ambassador: Kevin Hill (Indianapolis)630-334-4985

Kentucky chair (2009): Clark Kidwell(Lexington) 859-421-5517or clark@its501c3.com

Michigan chair (2010): John Schandevel(Troy) 248-813-8856

Ambassadors:Carl Porter Jr. (Okemos) 517-364-8801Herm Kiewiet (Paw Paw) 269-598-0133Bill Cantwell (Troy) 248-649-6644 ext. 104

Ohio chair (2009): Mario Dolciato (Cleveland)330-819-7379 or gotomario@adelphia.net

Ambassadors:Steve Dykes (Columbus) 614-430-0430Bruce Frankenfield (Northern Ohio) 216-226-7148Jack Prather (Southern Ohio) 513-741-1927Ralph Weil (Cincinnati) 513-521-1536Dick Zaveson (Akron) 330-928-9395James Corrigan (Cleveland) 216-939-9929

or jcorriganjr@aol.comJeff Patterson (Youngstown) 330-533-6273George Miller (Swanton) 419-826-2451

Western Pennsylvania ambassadors:Rodney Fink (Pittsburgh) 412-937-5400Andy Joseph (Pittsburgh) 412-337-1540

Regional calendar

June 13-14: Bob Caples Memorial Three-WallTournament at Veterans Park, Cincinnati.Contact Bob Bardeau at 937-832-0079,937-750-0565 or bardeau.bt@pg.comSept. 3-7: USHA National Three-WallChampionships at Lucas County Rec Center,Maumee, Ohio. Contact the USHAat handball@ushandball.org

Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS — The 34th annualCircle City Tournament was held over theweekend of Feb. 6-8, with a total of 80 play-ers competing in 16 different events. High-lights of the weekend included three slams.Aimee Ulbert won the women’s open sin-gles and then teamed with Emily Zender towin the doubles. Eli Seaman won the 50-plus singles and paired up with Tom Bem-bynista to earn the 50-plus doubles crown.Tom Gunnill/Jim Scholler won not only the60-plus doubles title but also the B doubleschampionship. Thanks to Zender LLC andMartin Louis.

Open: Suhn Lee d. Bill Mehilos.A: Eric Matiasek d. Marty Clemens.B: C.J. Laffey d. Riley Kloss.C: Ralph Cherry d. Kyle Kloss.50+: Eli Seaman d. Tom Bembynista.60+: Rick Stevens d. Bob Hammond.70+: Terry Comina d. Derrell Jones.Women’s open: Aimee Ulbert d. Maria Dugas.Women’s A: Nicole Moser d. Hannah Michal.Women’s B: Samantha Zenderd. Anneliese Szutenbach.

HANDBALL 47

Circle City women’s open runner-upDugas with champion Ulbert.

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Open doubles: Dave Munson/Bill Mehilosd. Nikolai Nahorniak/Riley Kloss.B doubles: Tom Gunnill/Jim Schollerd. Jim Knapp/David Goldberg.C doubles: Steve Matiasak/Kyle Klossd. Matt Anderson/Lucas Wesley.50+ doubles: Eli Seaman/Tom Bembynistad. Mark Heithoff/Joe Neidlinger.60+ doubles: Jim Scholler/Tom Gunnilld. Richard Laughlin/Doug Blankemeyer.Women’s open doubles: Emily Zender/Aimee Ulbert d. Maria Dugas/Alex Charron.

Tim Zender

Michigan

EAST LANSING — The MichiganHandball Association State Four-WallSingles Tournament was held the firstweekend of April at the Michigan AthleticClub. Pete Hanover made it to the finalsfor the seventh consecutive year and wonthe championship for the third time, defeat-ing Pete Brown. Dylan Graham took theyouth event. Thanks to Norm Young, CarlValentino, Mike Stock, Keith Thode, CarlPorter and Dick Sheldon.

OpenSemis: Pete Hanover d. Pat Oliver 3, 5;Pete Brown d. Mike Fagan, inj. def.Final: Hanover d. Brown 16, 5.50+Semis: Garyt Dahl d. Jim LaFleur 6, 3;Steve Fase d. Joe Ivy 13, 8.Final: Fase d. Dahl 13,6.60+Semis: Larry Price d. Norm Young 5, 5;Rick Graham d. Carl Valentino 5, 5.Final: Price d. Graham 14, 12.70+ round robin1: Bob Plater d. David Dodds (9), 8, 2;d. Carl Porter (Lansing) 8, 12.2: Dodds d. Porter 12, 7.BSemis: Jeff Kanake d. P.K. Sims 12, 17;Matthew Paul d. Dale Chimenti 6, 3.Final: Paul d. Kanake 12, 7.CSemis: Tom Pritchard d. Charlie Doyle(20), 4, 4; Sketter Kittle d. Roger Drummond14, 19.Final: Kittle d. Pritchard (15),14, 5.YouthSemis: Dylan Graham d. Tyler Sickmiller8, 14; Max Fagan d. Emmet Kulka 13, 8.Final: Graham d. Fagan 13, 13.

Pennsylvania

SHARON — The 10th annual DonGodfrey Shootout was held Feb. 20-21 atthe Buhl Community Recreation Centerwith more than 60 players participating.The original tournament was put togetherto honor the late Don Godfrey, who servedfor decades as an ambassador of the gamein the Sharon area. This year the eventhosted three ranked pros, and DavidChapman prevailed with hard-fought vic-tories against David Fink and Aaron Gar-ner.

Pro round robin1: David Chapman d. David Fink 13, 13;d. Allan Garner 20, 17.2: Fink d. Garner 18, 12.Open: Chris Sammaroned. Michael Semplice (15), 17, 6.A: Norm Wilson d. Ed Donnelly 13, 6.Open/A consolation: John Thield. Jay Cattron 31-17.B: Kurt Hebel d. Joe Guerini (20), 9, 2.C: Andrew Fedele d. Tim Coutant 14, (8), 2.B/C consolation: Louis Finneyd. Regis Smith 31-19.60+: Rick Stevens d. Dan Sindlinger 6, 12.Open doubles: Kent Fusselman/Kevin Hoagd. Michael Semplice/Rod Fink 14, 5.55+ doubles: Jerry Speers/Will Josephd. Doug Glass/Rick Stevens 5, 10.

Norm Wilson

Northeast Region

Regional commissioner (2011): RaulRetian (Jersey City, N.J.) 917-692-4938

Connecticut chair (2010): Gary Grossman(Trumbull) 203-336-0055or printandpost@aol.com

Maine chair (2011): Tom Adams (Portland)207-846-5690 or 207-838-3662or highjinxontherox@yahoo.com

Ambassador: Ron Kramer (Cape Elizabeth)207-939-8233 or rkramer@acshq.com

Massachusetts chair (2009): KeefeSheppeck (South Boston) 617-670-1657

Ambassador: William Ortiz (Worcester)508-892-5349

New Hampshire chair (2011): Dick Barry(Merrimack) 603-880-3731

New Jersey chair (2009): Tom Ciasulli(Scotch Plains) 908-232-6344

Ambassador: Bill Kennedy (Glen Ridge)973-743-4710

New York chair (2009): George Brandeburg(Hudson Valley) 845-897-2526

Ambassadors:Elliot Nadel (Brooklyn) 718-372-6490Mike Watson (Queens) 718-651-4563Paul Williams (Brooklyn) 718-703-7699Artie Fuchs (Brookyn) 718-332-4251Jon Arem (Honeowy Falls) 585-582-2877Michael Meltzer (New City) 845-461-3936

Rhode Island chair: Vacant

Vermont chair (2009): Ralph Abeling(Essex Junction) 802-878-5260

Ambassador: John Pellerin (Barnet)802-782-4716

Regional calendar

June 13: Rockland Open Junior One-WallTournament at South School, Rockland,Maine. Contact Joel Dempseyat jdempsey@msad5.orgJune 25-28: USHA National Juniors One-Wallat Big Bush Park, Brooklyn, N.Y. Contact theUSHA at ushandball@handball.orgAug. 5-9: USHA National One-Wall Champ-ionships at Coney Island, Brooklyn, N.Y.Contact the USHA at ushandball@handball.org

48 JUNE 2009

Sharon opendoublesfinalists Hoag,Fusselman,Sempliceand Fink.

Sharon pros Garner, Chapman and Fink.

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HANDBALL 49

Aug. 20-23: USHA National One-Wall Big BallChampionships, New York. Contact the USHAat ushandball@handball.orgSept. 25-27: Northern New England Tourna-ment at Executive Health and Sports Center,Manchester, N.H. Contact Jim Prendergastat jim@jcpfamily.com

Massachusetts

BOSTON — Sean Lenning stormed tothe open championship at the 33rd BostonOpen the weekend of April 24-26 at theBoston Athletic Club. Lenning won thechampionship two years ago and was asemifinalist last year, and he was in a zoneall weekend, ripping David Chapman 21-4, 21-3 in the final. David Fink took third.Shane O’Neill of Ireland improved on lastyear’s A division runner-up finish to de-feat Jurell Bastidas for the title. O’Neill wasalso the recipient of the Willy WinslowPrize for the best performance, on and offthe court, by an under-25 player. The awardis given annually to the player who best per-sonified what Willy brought to the game— joy and competitiveness. Thanks toDave Vincent, Martin Kerr, Sam Jacksonand Jimbo Daly.

OpenSemis: David Chapman d. Tyree Bastidas15, 5; Sean Lenning d. David Fink 16, 7.Final: Lenning d. Chapman 4, 3.A: Shane O’Neill d. Jurell Bastidas 20, 13.B: Eugene O’Reilly d. Steve Miley 4, 19.C: Roberto Laureano d. Don Gazzaro 15, 12.Masters: John McDonoughd. Tom Coute 12, (12), 4.Super: Dan Martin d. John Pellerin 7, 20.

New York

ALBANY — The Court Club hosted theNortheast Regional Championship onMarch 28-29. Tyree Bastidas slammed inthe open events, pairing up with his brotherJurell in the doubles. Paul Alteri alsoslammed in the B events. Thanks to FredSeestadt, Bill Kennedy, Tom Doughten, JimGiner, Randy Wolfe, George Cavooris, BobFivel, Glen Hall, Ray Peter, RosemaryBellini and Shye Evan.

Open: Tyree Bastidas d. Mike Schneider.B: Paul Alteri d. Mark Alteri.C: Shye Evan d. Joseph Matzner.40+: Ken Crespi d. Mitch Milone.50+: George Brandeburg d. Dave Schmelz.

60+: Jerry Yee d. Marc Seigle.65+: Jim Prendergast d. Dan Martin.Open doubles: Tyree Bastidas/Jurell Bastidas d. Mike Schneider/Dan Vera.B doubles: Paul Alteri/Mark Alterid. Peter Lynam/Scott McNulty.C doubles: Kristopher Grimmer/ChristopherLaroe d. Bill Huff/Mike Stones.40+ doubles: Ray Estevez/Mark Occhipintid. Dan Vera/George Brandeburg.50+ doubles: Rick Anderson/Glen Halld. Ken Greco/George DeGonzague.60+ doubles: Rich Rose/Tom Doughtend. Hugh Graber/John Getchell.65+ doubles: Bill Kennedy/Jim Prendergastd. Bill Huff/Larry Grimmer.70+ doubles: Al Green/John McNultyd. Bill Bohr/Ed Woerner.

Raul Retian

BROOKLYN — The second annual JoeAmacio Memorial Tournament was April19 at the Hebrew Educational Society.PeeWee Castro/Willie Polanco defeatedTony Roberts/Robert Sostre in the opendoubles final. The game was tied 19-19before Sostre’s layoff appeared to catch upwith him, as he seemed fatigued as Castro/Polanco rolled off the last six points. The35-plus invitational doubles title went toRene Caraballo/Al Torres, who opened acommanding 22-7 lead over Matt Abbati-ello/Mike Grabowski and held on to win25-18. Thanks to Artie Fuchs, Jack Feld-man, Juned Khan, Ron Florez and AdamGittlitz.

Open doublesSemis: PeeWee Castro/Willie Polancod. Dave Rojas/Rookie Wright 25-16;Tony Roberts/Robert Sostred. Saul Gonzalez/Luis Rodriguez 25-20.Final: Castro/Polanco d. Roberts/Sostre 25-19.

35+ doublesSemis: Matt Abbatiello/Mike Grabowskid. Reggie Langston/Jason Morgan 25-22;Rene Caraballo/Al Torres d. Mike Lipman/Felix Zilberbrand 25-6.Final: Caraballo/Torresd. Abbatiello/Grabowski 25-18.

Albert Apuzzi

Mid-Atlantic Region

Regional commissioner (2010):Bob Dyke (Fairfax, Va.) 703-818-4595or rdyke2@csc.com

Delaware chair (2010): Henry Gunther(Wilmington) 302-654-1034

Ambassadors:Bill Bohr (Selbyville) b6361@aol.comCharles Rector (South Bethany) 302-541- 4438 or 410-251-5366 or cvr4438@cs.com

Maryland chair (2011): Dan Zimet(Ellicott City) 410-740-8202or mdhandball@hotmail.com

Ambassadors:Murzy Jhabvala (Baltimore) 301-854-2574Howard Kolodny (One-wall) 301-949-9169

or ekolodny@starpower.net

Eastern Pennsylvania chair (2009): MikeRaszkiewicz (Reading) 610-678-5003

Ambassador: Earl Savino (Chadds Ford)610-842-0882

Virginia chair: Don Brodie (2011)(Northern Virginia) 703-440-0471

Regional calendar

June 6: Maryland No-Frills Three-WallDoubles at Centennial Park, Columbia.Contact Dan Zimet at 410-740-8202or mdhandball@hotmail.comAug. 21-23: Maryland Three-Wall EasternRegionals at Centennial Park, Columbia.Contact Dan Zimet at 410-740-8202or mdhandball@hotmail.comCaraballo and Torres won the 35-plus.

Amacio open champs Castro and Polanco.

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50 JUNE 2009

Maryland

SEVERNA PARK — The tournamentseason kicked off with the Maryland StateSingles on April 4. A low draw was boostedby the addition of six novice players. DanZimet repeated as the open champion,marking the first time a player had done sosince Roger Berry won a string of titlesduring the 1990s. Joe Gunzelman launchedinto the championship circle with a solidwin over Howard Kolodny in the 70+/B di-vision. This division is handicapped forage, so at 84, Gunzelman started with a 7-0 lead. Sam Worchesky mowed down allopposition in the new novice division, go-ing undefeated in the round robin. Thanksto Nathaniel and Alan Frank.

OpenSemis: Alan Frank d. Logan Foley 20, 18;Dan Zimet d. Josh Ho 2, 8.Final: Zimet d. Frank 8, 15.Open drop-down: C.J. Raymondd. Josh Osborne.40+/B: Tim Grieshaber d. Wm. Vargas 13, 18.50+Semis: Bob Maguire d. Peter Peart;Stephen Bossung d. Jed Alexander.Final: Maguire d. Bossung 9, 4.60+Semis: Dan Ho d. Savino 5, 10;Bob Bardwell d. Parsons.Final: Ho d. Bardwell (14), 17, 2.Third: Savino d. Parsons.70+: Joe Gunzelman d. Howard Kolodny 2, 7.Novice1: Sam Worchesky.2: N.P. Frank.3. Keith Strofregen.

SEVERNA PARK — The MarylandState Doubles was played Dec. 13 at theSeverna Park Racquet and Fitness Club.This year was particularly special as 13-year-old Nathaniel Frank single-handedlybrought enough players for the event’s first-ever Youth Division. Besides sweeping thecompetition, Nathaniel has exposed thegame to his peers, organized a player listand financial receipts and learned how tomanage the tournament desk.

Open: Rick Anderson/Jay Millerd. Dan Zimet/Adam Zimet.40+/50+: Dan Ho/Bob Maguired. Joe Berman/Rob Landy 19, 10.60+: King Stablien/Roy Weinstockd. Karl Lady/Steve Metzger.

B: Josh Osburn/Keith Neihartd. Jed Alexander/Bill Tebbenhoff 16, 20.

Pennsylvania

SINKING SPRING — The Pennsylva-nia State Singles was held March 7 at theColonial Sports Center. Tyree Bastidas wasthe center of attention as he lost only onegame on his way to the open title. Thanksto Frank Dehel, Bill Bohr, Randy Wolfe,Bo and Cheryl Sites, Larry Shankweiler,Dan Ramsdell, Bob Foster, Jim Hartmanand Tom Raszkiewicz.

Open: Tyree Bastidas d. Mark Occhipinti.B: William Kasulis d. Eric Podietz.Masters: Tom Howard d. Dan Ramsdell.Masters B: Frank McKnight d. Doug Tusten.Golden: Bob Bardwell d. Keith Neihart.Super: Mike Raszkiewicz d. Dennis Uffer.Diamond: Bill Bohr d. Larry Shankweiler.Consolation: Will Bardwell.

Michael Raszkiewicz

Virginia

LEXINGTON — Eighteen doublesteams played in the 15th annual De WorrellMemorial Tournament on April 11 at Vir-ginia Military Institute. The tournamentwas created in 1995 to honor Worrell, aprominent local businessman, civic leaderand VMI alumnus who died in an airplaneaccident in 1994. The tournament is alwaysheld during VMI’s annual Spring SportsWeekend. Worrell used to spend that week-

end greeting parents, athletes and spon-sors all over campus. Proceeds from the tour-nament go to the Worrell Memorial Schol-arship Fund. His family — wife Carolyn,daughter Mindy and sons Rob and Stewart— made sure the event ran smoothly. Inthe round robin, each team played one 21-point game against each of four other teamsin its division. Then each division’s fourtop-scoring teams advanced to the semifi-nals, followed by the finals. Notably, thiswas the first time three players made up adoubles team. Thanks to Bill Kirk, Associ-ated Asphalt and VMI.Intermediate BFirst round: Bill Kirk/Ed Couvrette/Bill Morrisd. Eddie Willis/Stuart Brown 12.Final: Kern Lunsford/Jim Bishad. Kirk/Couvrette/Morris 12.Intermediate ASemis: Cy Aman/Jim Sherman d. Pat Clerkin/Peter Clerkin 13; Dan Sable/John Hodockd. Dave Fleming/Phil Kennedy 15.Final: Sable/Hodock d. Aman/Sherman 20.Open BSemis: Harry Brown/Akshay Sharmad. Joe Callier/John Sherburne 20;Steve Cox/Chester Powelld. Gerry Kittner/Bill Tebbenhoff 15.Final: Brown/Sharma d. Cox/Powell 16.Open ASemis: Bob Dyke/Joe McCue d. John Egnor/Joe Sadonis 19; Josh Osburn/Keith Niehartd. Andy Hudick/Jeff Rea 16.Final: Osburn/Niehart d. Dyke/McCue 15.

A large group gets together at the De Worrell Memorial Tournament at Virginia Military.

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HANDBALL 51

Southeast Region

Regional commissioner (2010):Rob Pearse (Chattanooga, Tenn.)423-280-7885

Alabama chair (2009): Quentin Brown(Birmingham) 205-212-3900

Ambassador: Tim Kelley (Birmingham)205-276-6028

Florida chair (2011): Pete Overeem(Daytona Beach) 386-255-5593

Ambassadors:Tom Kienlen (Marco/Naples) 239-774-5121

or tkienlen@mindspring.comJohn Keena (Ft. Lauderdale) 954-587-6341Robert L. Williams (Jupiter) 561-746-4925Denny Fehr (Melbourne) 321-960-1449Joseph Lanza (New Port Richey)

727-375-7129 or 914-715-2947or jlanza@westnet.com

Joel Levy (Pensacola) 719-201-3591or jlevy@emcst.com

Georgia chair (2009): Patrick Boyd(Gainesville) 404-819-7282or psboyd60@yahoo.com

Ambassadors:Robert Laarhoven (Atlanta) 770-717-8666Lance Wachholz (Atlanta) 404-717-7813

Mississippi chair (2011): Joel Levy(Biloxi) 719-201-3591

Ambassadors:John James (Ocean Springs) 228-875-6929Pat Boland (Jackson) 601-540-7442Russell Kenworthy (Long Beach)

228-234-4959

North Carolina chair (2009): Joe Noto(Kure Beach) 910-367-3931or beachcoma@charter.net

Ambassadors: Randy Lanier (WesternNorth Carolina) 828-293-9223

Steve Brown (Arden) 828-231-8248C.W. Stewart (Cullowhee) 828-743-5440Pete Akse (Raleigh) 919-878-0687

or psakse@bellsouth.net

South Carolina chair (2009): Ray Curtis(Columbia) 803-782-7440

Ambassador: Will Gorman (Hilton Head Island)843-682-3977 or 443-880-3417

Tennessee chair (2009): Robert Pullen(Nashville) 615-353-1028

Ambassadors: Ed Ellett (Chattanooga)423-875-0835

Shawn Massey (Memphis) 901-461-7070Brian Clarke (Chattanooga) 423-265-2960Joel O'Connor (Nashville) 615-883-7457Matt Jorgensen (Chattanooga) 423-255-8286

or handballmatt@hotmail.com

Regional calendar

Sept. 25-27: Bud Kelley Memorialat SportsBarn, Chattanooga, Tenn.Contact Rob Pearse at 423-280-7885or robpearsefas@mindspring.com

Oct. 16-18: Vic Hershkowitz Memorial Tourn-ament at Jewish CC, Davie, Fla. Contact Len-ny Tieman at 954-275-2329 or 954-621-5211Oct. 16-18: Jack Morris/Ben Presant CoastalClassic at Wilmington (N.C.) YMCA. ContactNeed a Name at xxx-xxx-xxxx

Florida

TAMPA — The Florida Four-WallChampionships were held March 20-22at the University of South Florida Rec Cen-ter. Nelson Quintero won the open.Open: Nelson Quintero d. Kyle Greenhalgh11, 9.Women: Carly Van Ostrand d. Emily Karszen.B: Morgan Stevens d. Mike Morgan 7, 7.C: James McGill d. Stephanie Miller 7, 5.50+: George Brandeburg d. Jim Hennesey5, 11.60+: Eugene D’Alessio d. Tom Veal 12, 7.65+: Joel Levy d. Bill Bonbrake 5, (20), 7.70+: J. Grofcsik d. Dale Zeigler 15, 9.60-under consolation: Jarod Buchanan.60+ consolation: Karl Lady.Open doubles: Kyle Greenhalgh/Bob Morrisd. A.J. Arem/Zach Arem (10), 6, 3.B doubles: Morgan Stevens/Mike Morgand. Eric Mueller/Matt Rosshiem 17, 10.C doubles: Stephanie Miller/Emily Hughesd. Quinlin McHale/Kevin Wichlin.50+ doubles: Tim Murray/Mike McGrawd. Eugene D’Alessio/Tom Wyand 9, 4.60+ doubles: Mike Monroy/Gerry Donnellyd. Dave Wilderman/Tom Meiczkowski19, (18), 5.70+ doubles: Gerald Scovin/George Kelleyd. Cecil Delcher/Dave McTaggart 8, 7.

SARASOTA — The fifth annual Sara-sota YMCA Doubles Tournament was con-

ducted during the weeks of March 2-9.Snowbirds from the Midwest and North-east descended on the Sunshine State tocompete, with 10 teams in two round-robinclasses.

A1: Kit Peterson/Bob Cecil.2: Joe Rebhan/Don Christenson.3: Bob Lyman/Bob Doherty.B1: Reed Smalley/Charles Ray.2: Bud Philipp/Dick Gagliardi.3: George Myer/Todd Thorslund.

Buzz Farm

International

Canada ambassadors:Brian Goto (president) bgoto@cogoco.caMike Wilson (Toronto) 905-683-9479 or 647-404-3751Bob Husband (Victoria, B.C.) 250-472-2405Monte Snow (Halifax) 902-445-2458 ext 226

Ireland ambassador: Lorcan O'Rourke(Dublin) 011-353-18364-186 or ihc@tinet.ie

Britain ambassador:John McGrath (London) john4wall@aol.com

Belgium ambassador:Ranger Russell (Brussels) 011-32 65 600393

or rangerrussell@hotmail.com

Germany ambassador:Alan Gerber (Worms) gerbinworms@aol.com

Japan ambassador:John Dolan (Tokyo) jd@gol.com

Regional calendar

None reported for scheduling

Canada

BURLINGTON, Ontario — NewUSHA Grand Master Peter Service won theopen title at the Ontario ProvincialChampionships the first weekend of May.Thanks to Richard Stybak Sr., Chris Rey-nolds and the Wilson family.

Open: Peter Service d. Larry Martin.Drop-down: Jordan Fromsteind. Ryan Bowler.Masters/B: Rick Kempf d. Wally Oprzedek.Drop-down: Ivan Elliott d. Rick Jackiw.60+: Fred Bowler d. David Dodds.Drop-down: David Doyle d. Al Campbell.Women: Natasha Golding d. Jenine Wilson.

Runner-up Bonbrake and winner Levyafter the 65-plus championship match.

Untitled-19 5/13/2009, 10:25 AM9

By Joe Cox

The Alaska Handball Shootout andWPH Showdown III featured eightof the top 16 men and four of the

top women pros in the world.The tournament was played March 6-8

at the Alaska Club Midtown in Anchorage.In the men’s division, semifinal wins

were notched by Naty Alvarado Jr. overSean Lenning and by David Chapman overLuis Moreno.

The final pushed both players to thelimit, with the first game alone taking morethan an hour and a half to reach a conclu-sion.

But in the end only four points separatedthe combatants, and the match went toAlvarado 21-20, 21-18.

The athletic display and the tenacity

WPH PRO EVENTS

Courtney Peixotowon the Mardi Gras

Open/WPH Pro Stop thelast weekend of March.This was her first-everpro victory.

Peixoto was focusedthe whole weekend andespecially in the final,

Final: Peixoto d. Engele 18, 3.MenRound of 16: Luis Moreno d. RussellKenworthy 4, 6; Dan Armijo d. Eddie Morales19, 9; Allan Garner d. Todd Feisel 4, 8;Sean Lenning d. Rob Pearse 9, 13; DavidChapman d. Jeff Kastner 3, 5; David Finkd. Eric Hillgren 11, 12; Tyler Hameld. Matt Phillips (14), 13, 8; Emmett Peixotod. Oliver Boyd 0, 10.Quarters: Moreno d. Armijo 12, 16;Garner d. Lenning 17, 18; Chapman d. Fink17, (20), 6; Peixoto d. Hamel 11, (18), 3.Semis: Garner d. Moreno 12, 4;Chapman d. Peixoto (8), 10, 4.Final: Chapman d. Garner (7), 10, 1.DoublesQuarters: David Chapman/Emmett Peixotod. Pete Orlando/Robert Caluda; Matt Phillips/Rob Pearse d. Eric Hillgren/Russell Kenworthy;Todd Feisel/Dave Vincent d. Jeff Kastner/Oliver Boyd; Allan Garner/David Fink, def.Semis: Chapman/Peixoto d. Phillips/Pearse;Garner/Fink d. Feisel/Vincent.Final: Chapman/Peixoto d. Garner/Fink.

Peixoto

where she stayed the course to upset top-seeded Anna Engele.

With Game 1 tied 18-18, Peixoto scoredthe last three points for the victory. She thenblew away her veteran opponent 21-3 inGame 2.

On the men’s side, David Chapmanplayed in his fourth WPH-sponsored cham-pionship final — Alaska, Bob Symon andY2K before the Mardi Gras Open — andnotched his second pro stop victory. Heoutlasted Allan Garner 7-21, 21-10, 11-1in the final as the newly unretired veteranwon his second $3,000 top prize of the sea-son, following his win at the Bob Symon.

In addition, Chapman paired up with

Emmett Peixoto to takethe doubles title, theirthird big doubles winsince Chapman’s return.They switched sides fre-quently, depending onwho had the hot hand.

This time they beatAllan Garner/David Fink

in a thrilling and controversial 11-9 tie-breaker. Their other two wins came at theY2K pro stop and the four-wall nationals.

Thanks to the Elmwood Fitness Center,Rex Waller, ACI Hotels, Gary Weissert,Stacey Normand, Jim Garner, Jeff Kastner,Jean Kasamoto, Todd Feisel, Tyler Hameland David Fink.

WomenFirst round: Jean Kasamotod. Emily McMahill 13, 11; Jennifer Hinmand. Sally Kenworthy 2, 7; Courtney Peixotod. Kayla Jones 5, 7.Semis: Anna Engele d. Kasamoto 4, 10;Peixoto d. Hinman 11, 3.

Chapman

Peixoto breaks into win column; Chapman slams

shown by both players brought the packedgallery to a standing ovation at the conclu-sion of the match.

The women’s final was another hard-fought match between the top-rankedwomen in the world, Anna Engele and LisaGilmore. Engle came out on top 21-13, 21-17.

A strong showing was made by ninth-ranked Jennifer Hinman.

Featured events included four clinics:

A juniors clinic run by Chapman andMoreno.

A men’s clinic hosted by Danny Bell andAlvarado.

A women’s clinic attended by all thewomen pros.

A referee’s clinic conducted by Joe Cox.Team Alaska would like to thank all

those individuals and groups who helpedbring professional handball back to Alaskaagain.

Alvarado tipsChapman inAlaska final

The crowd inAlaska showsits apprecia-tion for thepros at theWPH event.

52 JUNE 2009

Untitled-23 5/13/2009, 10:28 AM2

USHA National One-Wall Juniors ChampionshipsSponsored by Assemblywoman Marge Markey, June 25-28

Site: Big Bush Park, bounded by 61st and 64th Streets, Queens Boulevard and the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Secondary site is C.C. Moore Homestead Park, at Broadway, 45th Avenue and 82nd Street. Indoor courts (if needed) will be provided.

Directions: By train: No. 7 to 61st and Woodside, walk south. By car, take the BQE to Queens Blvd./65th Pl. exit (south). Aviation High’s home.

Entry fee: $30 for two events, and must be received by June 11. Non-members in both cases will receive a membership. $10 late fee for anyone allowed in after deadline. Entry fee reimbursed if traveling more than 250 miles one way.

Hospitality: All entrants to receive WPH Webcast pass and tournament souvenir. Also drinks and lunch will be provided.

Rules: USHA one-wall rules will apply. All players, coaches and parents must abide by the USHA Code of Conduct (see www.ushandball.org). Gloves and eyeguards required. Metro Handball reserves the right to make any changes necessary for efficient running of this event.

Ball: USHA Red Ace for boys events 15 and older. USHA White Ace for boys 13 and under and all girls events.

Deadline: Entries must be received by June 11.Mail to: USHA, 2333 N. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716. Fee must accompany

entry form. Make checks payable to the USHA.Awards: Trophies to top two finishers in each division.Eligibility: Must be eligible for age division through June 28. Must have proof of age at event and be current

USHA member. Divisions may be combined if entries dictate. Minimum of 3 matches in singles!Information: Send an e-mail to Onewalljuniors@gmail.com or call directors listed below.Start times: Draws posted at www.ushandball.org or call USHA at 520-795-0434 after noon June 23.Directors: Michael Watson (718-578-9846) and the USHA (520-795-0434).

If my event is combined with a younger or higher-skilled division, I want to play ( ) or entry refunded ( ).

Name Age PhoneAddressCity State ZipBirth date Shirt size Partner’s name

Boys singles Boys singles Boys doubles Girls singles Girls doubles( ) 19 Open/A ( ) 19 B/C ( ) 19 ( ) 19 ( ) 19( ) 17 Open/A ( ) 17 B/C ( ) 17 ( ) 17 ( ) 17( ) 15 Open/A ( ) 15 B/C ( ) 15 ( ) 15 ( ) 15( ) 13 Open/A ( ) 13 B/C ( ) 13 ( ) 13 ( ) 13

Waiver/release: In consideration of acceptance of this entry, I, the undersigned, do hereby for myself, my heirs, successors,assigns, executors and administrators, waive and release any and all rights and/or claims for damages against MichaelWatson, City of New York and all agencies, boroughs and departments, Maspeth Federal, Kiwanis Club of Maspeth, B.P.O.Elks and Antlers of Queensborough, Metro Area Handball Association, the USHA, their officers, directors, representatives,employees and agents, in connection with my entry in this tournament, and I assume all risks incurred by my participation.By entering, player, parent and coach agree to abide by USHA Code of Conduct as seen at www.ushandball.org.

Signature DateParent or guardian’s signature Date

Ardito awards: Juniors traveling more than 250 miles one way eligible for travel funds after writing thank-you letter.

HANDBALL 53

*Special Scheduling Note*FIrst matches at noon June 25.Summer school will be accom-modated if at all possible. Con-tact director with your schedule.

Untitled-24 5/13/2009, 10:29 AM1

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

54 JUNE 2009

For the third semester, handball has beentaught at Gonzaga University, and 14

students learned to play The Perfect Gamein the spring semester.

In addition to learning basic skills andplaying in singles and doubles tournaments,the class enjoyed an exhibition doublesmatch from some top players.

The exhibition match featured JayBalkenbush and Pete Svennungsen fromSpokane, Wash., against Jake Plummer andRyan Luttmann from Sandpoint, Idaho.Balkenbush/Svennungsen prevailed in apair of 21-11 games.

Thanks to these fine players for sharing

By Gary CruzUSHA Player Development Director

Why handball is not growing ech-oes across the country when-ever current and former players

meet and recollect about days gone by.Memories of tournaments with draws

well into the hundreds are remembered. Soare the days when league matches wereplayed late into the evening and court timewas hard to come by.

Unfortunately, much of what was in placein the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s is no more. Forinstance:

The local YMCAs where kids abound isoften no longer a mainstay in the handballcommunity, and they must compete withfor-profit enterprises. Incredibly, there areeven YMCAs that restrict youth member-ships. Many fitness clubs are not open toyouths at all.

Schools are anything but consistent.Fewer states require physical education,and class sizes are increasing, with classtime decreasing.

It is the rare college or university thathas any physical education requirement,and the college student taking a voluntaryclass is even more rare.

The days of going to the local park tojust play and hang out are long gone, withmore and more structured activities foryouths.

The military once used handball for fit-ness training, but today it does not.

Coaches used to use handball for cross-training, but today many do not.

Each of these obstacles taken separatelywould have less impact if it were not for thefact that they have to be taken in their total-ity.

Perhaps the biggest change for hand-ball is the differences in how generationslearn. Baby Boomers, Generation X, Gen-eration Y and soon Generation Z haveunique characteristics and approaches toall things, including sport.

Many players learned handball from trialand error, some were fortunate to have men-tors and some were more gifted than oth-ers.

What is important to accept as a BabyBoomer handball player teaching anothergeneration is that how they learned is nothow other generations learn. This is a chal-lenge to someone who learned handball bytrial and error or from a patient mentor.

The USHA First Ace curriculum hasbeen expertly drafted by LeaAnn Martin

and Pete Tyson, and the core of that cur-riculum is how to teach handball in “devel-opmental” stages. The clinics that supportthe curriculum are constantly updated toassist instructors in how to implement newteaching strategies for new generations.

But how to grow handball remains theissue. The First Ace program is targeted tosupporting the growth of handball, but theprogram can do very little without local in-volvement.

In the list of what was in place duringprevious decades, one item was purposelyleft off.

The local handball organization is thefirst line of player development, and todaythere are fewer local organizations. It is notsurprising to find that where you do have astrong local organization, you may well finda strong player development program.

Many times individuals find the time toput together a group to complain when amore appropriate action would be to groupup to act.

Please consider taking a look at your lo-cal group of players. If you have a strongorganization, make player development apart — or bigger part — of your mission. Ifyou do not have an organization, considerstarting one.

The players along with the students enjoy the handball activity at Gonzaga. Learningfrom top players has been an effective method to help students appreciate handball.

their time, talent, experience and sportsman-ship with our handball-playing students

here at Gonzaga University.Paul Buller

Gonzaga classdraws insightfrom exhibition

Taking player development to its local roots

Untitled-25 5/13/2009, 10:30 AM1

Venice Beach Rec Center/USHA Three-Wall JuniorsJuly 16-19 at Venice Beach Recreation Center

Site: Venice Beach Recreation Center, 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice Beach, CA 90291. Phone: 310-399-2775.

Ages: 9-and-under, 11-and-under, 13-and-under, 15-and-under, 17-and-under, 19-and-under events, coed and/or boys and girls. Final divisions will be determined by number of entries; coed if entries dictate. Consolation events will be held. Players cannot turn 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 or 20 in respective age brackets before July 20. Must have proof of age (bring a document with proof) and be current USHA members (memberships will be available on site at $15 a year for juniors).

Fee: $15 per player, one singles event only. $5 for second event. Payment required with entry. Entry fee includes tournament T-shirt.

Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday, July 10. No phone or fax entries accepted. No registration on day of tournament. Tournament directors reserve the right to cancel or combine divisions or reclassify any player.

Mail entry: Venice Beach Recreation Center, 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291. Attn.: Junior Nationals. Make checks payable to L.A. City Recreation and Parks.

Awards: First- and second-place trophies. Medals to semifinalists and first place in consolation events.Rules: USHA rules govern tournament. Tournament director has final decisions. Eye protection

is mandatory for all players. Losers must referee the next match on an assigned court.Start times: Available after 1 p.m. July 15 at 310-399-2775. Play may start at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 16.Host hotel: Marina International Hotel, 4200 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292. Call 310-301-2000

for special rate of $112/night.Hospitality: Entry fee entitles each player to refreshments, continental breakfast and lunch Saturday.Committee: Venice Beach Recreation Center (Fred) 310-396-6764, USHA 520-795-0434 and SCHA 949-722-1727.

Name ___________________________________ Age _____ Gender _____ Phone _________________________

Address _______________________________________ City ___________________ State _____ Zip _______

Birth date ________________ Shirt size _______ Coach __________________ Coach’s phone _____________

Boys( ) 13-under( ) 15-under( ) 17-under( ) 19-under

Waiver: In consideration for being permitted by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks to participate inthe said registered activity, I do hereby waive, release and discharge any and all claims for personal injury, death or propertydamage which may have or may hereafter accrue as a result of participation in said activity. This release is intended todischarge in advance the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, its officers, employees, agents andvolunteers, from any and all liability arising out of or connected in any way with my participation in the said activity, eventhough that liability may arise out of negligence or carelessness on the part of the persons or entities mentioned above.It is understood that this activity involves an element of risk and danger of accidents, and knowing these risks I do herebyassume these risks to be binding on my heirs and assigns. I hereby agree to indemnify and hold the persons and entitiesmentioned above free and harmless from any loss, liability, damage, cost or expense which may incur as a result of thedeath or any injury or property damage I may sustain while participating in said activity. Participation shall constitutepermission to use the name, likeness, or any other identification of the participant for advertising, publicity, instructional andany other purpose in connection with the program or the business of any of the releases in any medium at any time withoutcompensation to or right of prior review or approval of the participant or his/her parent or guardian. I have read this agree-ment, waiver and release and fully understand its contents. I am aware that the City of Los Angeles Department of Recre-ation and Parks does not carry insurance, and I sign of my own free will.

Signature _____________________________ Date ________ Parent/Guardian ____ __________________

Reg. No. ________ R.R. No. _________ $ Amt. __________ Cash ______ Check No. ______ Date _______ Staff ______

Girls( ) 13-under( ) 15-under( ) 17-under( ) 19-under

Coed( ) 9-under( ) 11-under

Doubles( ) Boys 15-under( ) Boys 19-under( ) Girls 19-under

All events will use White Ace except boys15, 17, 19. All minors should be accompaniedby an adult or coach. Neither USHA, Venice BeachRec Center nor SCHA will provide adult supervision.

HANDBALL 55

Great format for juniors!

All age brackets will have competi-tion against players of like abilitywith a double-drop-down format insingles that guarantees threematches, much like Women'sClassic, with open, A and B titles.

Untitled-27 5/13/2009, 10:32 AM1

FROM USHA WOMEN’S COMMISSIONER LEA ANN MARTIN

Membership by statesApril June

California 1,199 1,198New York 912 938Texas 426 432Illinois 361 349Florida 322 314Washington 308 306Arizona 280 265Ohio 228 218Minnesota 209 209Oregon 208 209Colorado 204 201Michigan 191 195Missouri 165 165Pennsylvania 147 140Kansas 142 131Wisconsin 124 116New Jersey 109 109Virginia 109 106Massachusetts 93 86Montana 82 77New Mexico 75 77Maryland/D.C. 75 76Nevada 69 70Tennessee 69 72Indiana 68 66North Carolina 59 57Georgia 53 55Iowa 53 52Idaho 46 47Maine 47 47Oklahoma 44 44Alaska 43 42Connecticut 43 41Utah 41 38North Dakota 35 33South Carolina 26 25Louisiana 24 24Wyoming 26 24Nebraska 25 23Hawaii 20 20Kentucky 17 18Vermont 16 16New Hampshire 14 15Alabama 14 14South Dakota 9 9Arkansas 8 8Delaware 8 8Mississippi 6 6Rhode Island 3 3West Virginia 2 2Canada 123 120Ireland 159 146Foreign 27 27Total 7,166 7,089

Contact the USHA to findout how to get moreplayers in your area!

56 JUNE 2009

At this event, you’re welcome— and for that we give thanks

Every year in mid-April, a very spe-cial tournament occurs. It all hap-pens in Friday Harbor, Wash., and

is hosted by Jane Hutchison and the SanJuan Island Fitness Club.

There are a lot of unique aspects to thislittle one-day doubles tournament.

First, it is a ferry ride for many of theplayers, which means the scenery and com-mute are spectacular.

Second, when participants enter, theyindicate which side they prefer to play indoubles. Players learn their doubles part-ner’s name and the draw when they arrive.The strongest players are always pairedwith those of lower skill and experience tocreate a tournament bracket that any teamcan win.

Perhaps the most amazing thing aboutthis competition is the welcoming and funattitude of all the players.

This year, a group of us jumped on theferry at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18, to headto Friday Harbor. Our group consisted ofseveral seasoned players, a couple of just-out-of-college players and one current col-legian who had been on a handball courtno more than four times. Still, AddisonRogers was welcomed with open arms.

If there is a female on the court, the WhiteAce is used — no questions, no complaints,but plenty of encouragement. There are noreferees, just four players in the court hav-ing a great time.

This Saturday-only tournament is a dayfull of camaraderie, fun, food, beer, boast-ing, joking and great handball. This wasthe first year I had the opportunity to par-ticipate, despite hearing about its merrimentfor years. My partner, Frank Imhoff, and Imanaged only two matches, but that didn’tmatter.

Fred Loffer, longtime handball guru, isthe king of creative scheduling. That doesnot mean he accommodates participants’schedules. It means the brackets are unlikethose ever seen in a USHA sanctioned tour-nament.

Not only could there be just one semifi-nal (another team gets a bye from the quar-ters to the final), but we jokingly refer to thedraw as “liquid,” meaning it can change

forms at the drop of a hat.So you eat pizza for lunch because, ac-

cording to the draw, you don’t play for threehours. But one team is running behind, soyou are switched in the bracket to play nowso courts don’t sit empty. However, it is allin good fun.

The competition was fierce, but thebeauty of the tournament was the fact thatit is all about friendship and handball.

You lose? Bring on the beer. Hungry?There is food everywhere. Your partner getshurt or has a time conflict? No problem;grab someone else to play with.

You win? That’s when it becomes magi-cal. Fred leads everyone in “The Song.”Winners get to hear a somewhat originalpiece that goes something like this:

“Here’s to Addison, she’s first-class.“Here’s to Addison, she’s a horse’s

%#&.”Of course, it is always sung with smiles,

laughter and hefty applause.What made this day so special was the

support each player felt. From men whohave played four or more decades to womenwho have played only a handful of times,players are cheered, teased and hailed.

I hear so many times that “no guys willplay with the White Ace.” Addison was ad-mittedly nervous to play in the tournament,having such limited experience. But afterthe day was over, she realized how fun hand-ball and handball players can be.

The guys at Friday Harbor welcome allplayers, regardless of ability, gender ortype of preferred handball to this extraordi-nary tournament. Thanks, Friday Harborhandball folks, for supporting and promot-ing handball for all.

LeaAnn Martinrecommendsthe FridayHarbortournament,especially forwomen andnew players.

Untitled-28 5/13/2009, 10:34 AM1

HEALTH

PRO-ICE wraps can be used to sootheaching knees and sore shoulders,among other handball ailments.

2 ways to help yourself

If you have a question about any injury that is affecting your game, give Dr.John Aronen a call as part of the House Calls program at 858-485-9488 before 9

p.m. Pacific time. The House Call is free, but Dr. John will ask you to make a donationto the Development Fund if you like his service.

Also, Dr. John recommends PRO-ICE. This quality, reusable ice-therapy productis available for use on shoulders, elbows, backs and knees. For information or topurchase PRO-ICE, contact the USHA at 520-795-0434.

HANDBALL 57

By Martin J. Gibala

Athletes, coaches and scientistshave recognized for decades thattraining and nutrition are highly in-

terrelated in improving performance.Nutrition intake right after exercising

may benefit the athlete in that it aids thesynthesis of muscle protein and the replen-ishment of muscle glycogen.

Similar to the effect seen after resistanceexercise, consuming protein with carbohy-drate during recovery from endurance ex-ercise promotes muscle repair. This may bedue to a direct effect of amino acids on sig-naling pathways that control muscle pro-tein synthesis.

A more controversial issue is whetherconsuming protein with carbohydrate en-hances muscle glycogen resynthesis dur-ing the first several hours of recovery fromprolonged exercise.

Most evidence suggests that ingestinga high amount of carbohydrate at frequentintervals negates the benefits of added pro-tein. However, if an athlete does not eatenough carbohydrate during recovery, thenconsuming protein with carbohydrate mayaugment glycogen synthesis.

Thus, similar to the effect on endurancecapacity, the beneficial effect of ingestingprotein with carbohydrate on glycogen stor-age may be due to higher nutrient intakeper se rather than any unique physiologi-cal mechanism.

A key issue for some athletes is whetherconsuming protein with carbohydrate dur-ing recovery improves subsequent endur-ance performance. One study reported thatingesting a carbohydrate-protein drink dur-ing recovery from glycogen-depleting ex-ercise — activity lasting more than 90 min-utes — markedly improved time to exhaus-tion during a subsequent exercise bout, ascompared to a sports drink.

However, the carbohydrate-protein drinkprovided about three times as many calo-ries as the sports drink, and thus the im-proved endurance capacity could havebeen due to the higher energy intake.

Another study that did not match en-ergy intake compared chocolate milk, a di-luted carbohydrate sports drink and a drinkmatched to chocolate milk in terms of pro-

tein and carbohydrate content.Endurance capacity was improved with

chocolate milk and the sports drink com-pared to the third beverage, even thoughthe latter provided carbohydrate and pro-tein equivalent to chocolate milk and morecarbohydrate and energy than the sportsdrink. The mechanisms that might explainthe rather surprising findings are unclear.

Studies that have compared a carbohy-drate-protein drink with a carbohydratedrink that provided the same amount ofenergy showed no difference in a subse-quent 5-kilometer running time trial or atimed run to exhaustion.

So there is no compelling evidence thatsuggests consuming protein with carbohy-drate during recovery has a direct effect onsubsequent exercise performance.

Nonetheless, given that protein hasbeen shown to promote muscle recoveryafter strenuous exercise, it seems prudentfor athletes to consume protein with carbo-

hydrate as part of their recovery strategy.These conclusions can be drawn:Some studies have suggested that con-

suming protein with carbohydrate duringexercise improves endurance performance,while other studies have reported no ben-efits. There is no established mechanismby which protein intake during exerciseshould improve performance.

Recent evidence indicates that whenenough carbohydrate is consumed duringexercise, adding protein provides no per-formance benefit and does not enhancemuscle glycogen synthesis after exercise.

Consuming a small amount — 10 to 20grams — of high-quality protein after exer-cise promotes muscle protein synthesiscompared to carbohydrate alone and mayenhance long-term training.

For more information on health-relatedtopics, visit the Gatorade Sports ScienceInstitute at www.gssiweb.com.

Protein and exercise: What does science say?

Untitled-30 5/13/2009, 10:36 AM1

By Josh Reese

How would you like to increaseUSHA membership in your state,province or country while at the

same time making a little money to spendon your own youth development or playersupport?

It can be done.Since 2003, the USHA has authorized a

membership rebate program in Oregon.Here’s how it works.

The USHA mails annual membershiprenewal requests to the Oregon member-ship representative, who sends a personalletter to each player on the USHA list ex-plaining the rebate program. This mailingalso includes the USHA membership re-newal form plus an addressed return enve-lope.

For every USHA renewal or new mem-bership that is sent through the representa-tive, Oregon receives rebates in the follow-ing ways:

A one-year renewal at $45 provides a$5 rebate. A new membership gains Oregon$10.

A three-year renewal at $120 providesa $15 rebate. A new three-year membershipgains $20 — and the player gets a $15 dis-count too!

Discounted junior and student member-ships at $15 are not eligible for rebates.

Oregon currently has 209 USHA mem-bers, up from 183 when the rebate programstarted in 2003. Ranking 10th in USHAmembership, Oregon handball has receivedan average of $800 a year from the USHArebates.

Some people renew directly with theUSHA, so Oregon gets no rebate, but theimportant thing is that they have renewedtheir membership, thereby supporting theUSHA. Keep The Perfect Game strongwith rebates!

As a result of a slow building of reservesthrough rebates and other donations fromindividuals and clubs, Oregon has been ableto provide $600 to $800 of support per yearfor youth development, team support to thecollegiates, the Women’s Classic, indi-vidual player support and other small ex-penses.

This year Oregon has been able to do-

nate $2,000 to the World Championshipsin Portland this October.

All this takes a bit of work: re-mailingforms, receiving renewals, accounting,managing databases, creating renewal listsand financial reports, setting up and man-aging a dedicated checking account. But it’sworth it.

As Oregon’s representative, I gladly vol-unteered in order to support the USHA andOregon handball.

I believe that membership is the lifebloodof handball and that anyone who plays regu-larly should pay regularly to keep this greatgame alive. To make it work, someone needsto be willing to send letters and e-mails and

58 JUNE 2009

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

make phone calls to remind busy peoplethat they should support their sport.

Every state certainly will have one ormore handball supporters who would bewilling to take on this effort, which can bevital to the state group.

Please talk it up in your area and givethe rebate program a chance to help yourregion financially. And you can contactUSHA membership for more informationat 800-289-8742.

Your state doesn’t have to do it all thesame way, but having an organized, focusedperson in your area helping the USHA withmembership will bring great benefits tohandball in your vicinity.

Rebate program boosts USHA membership

The Women’sClassic hasprosperedfrom Oregon’sprogram,as the stateassociationhas helpedsend playersto the annualevent.

Untitled-31 5/13/2009, 10:37 AM1

By Jerry Berger

After Josh Reese completed morethan 23 years in the military, he re-turned to his hometown of Salem,

Ore.Since his return, he has made signifi-

cant contributions to local handball, Oregonhandball and, for the last six years, theUSHA.

Upon returning to Salem in 1981, theretired Marine lieutenant colonel was in-strumental in starting the Salem TurkeyTournament. Those lucky enough still havein their closets a T-shirt with the world’sugliest rendition of a turkey.

Reese has been the director of that tour-nament, now called the Robert O. SmithMemorial Tournament, for 28 years.

He is the self-proclaimed president ofthe Salem YMCA Handball Club and haskept track of expenses, tournament bro-chures, volunteers, donations and every-thing that makes a tournament a success.In fact, most years a donation to the USHAhas been made from the revenue of eachtournament.

In 1995, Reese became treasurer of theOregon Handball Association, which at thattime had a whopping total of $90 in its ac-count.

By 2009, through donations, tournamentrevenue and the rebate program throughUSHA memberships, the association hashelped players in several ways. For ex-ample, it has assisted players in going tonational tournaments. And just recently, the

HANDBALL PEOPLE

association donated $2,000 to help offsetthe costs of running the World Champion-ships, which will be staged this October inPortland, Ore.

In addition to the annual Salem tourna-ment, Reese has hosted and directed fourstate singles and three state doubles tour-naments.

A highlight of all those tournaments ishis welcome to the players and the rules tobe followed. Though extremely humorous,players follow the rules or they have to facethat old fighter pilot and adjust their ways.

Players especially like that the rules ap-ply equally to the novice and the nationalchampion. Reese treats players with re-spect, and he expects the players will alsobe respectful.

In March 2003, Reese assumed the roleas USHA state chairman in Oregon. As ofJune, Oregon had the 10th-highest numberof members of all the states with 209. Forperspective, Oregon is the 27th-largest statein total population.

If California had the same percentageof USHA members, it would have 2,037members instead of 1,199. If all of the statesmatched Oregon’s percentages, USHAmembership would be 9,048 instead of 7,089.

Why does he work so hard on member-

ship?“I wanted to help in keeping our game

alive,” Reese said. “Players need to sup-port USHA efforts in this endeavor.”

He has accomplished these numbers byclearly explaining why joining is important.He cajoles, pleads and even lectures play-ers so their memberships are started and,equally important, renewed.

Reese gets no compensation for hiswork other than his love of The PerfectGame. His commitment, organizationalskills and positive relationships with Or-egon players have made a huge differencein the USHA.

In addition to directing tournaments andmaintaining memberships, Reese has man-aged to keep playing the game he loves.Just this year he won the state 70-plussingles championship. With reluctance, heacknowledges that he has won four statetitles as well as a number of local tourna-ments.

Reese continues to play regularly onMondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at theSalem Family YMCA. If his knees are upto it, he also plays on Sunday afternoons.

He is a great friend and a wonderful am-bassador to the handball community.

Reese, a former Marine fighter pilot, has done great things for Oregon handball.

Pilot landsin Oregon,and handballjust takes off

HANDBALL 59

‘I wanted to help in keeping our game alive. Players needto support USHA efforts in this endeavor.’

—Josh Reese on why he works so hard on the local level

Josh Reese does it allfor the love of the game

Untitled-32 5/13/2009, 10:38 AM1

INSTRUCTIONAL

By Terry Muck

Players dread facing certain oppo-nents. “He really takes it out of me,”is how that dread often is expressed.

Perhaps you have noticed how somematches against certain players tire youmuch more than matches against other play-ers, no matter the score, win or lose.

Well, forget winning or losing for a mo-ment.

Against some opponents, you come outof the court gassed.

Against others, you come out relativelyfresh.

Pressure applied makes the difference:Some players apply it, others don’t.

Pressure can come in two forms, physi-cal and mental:

You can apply physical pressure by thetypes of shots you hit, where you placeyour shots and your level of physical con-ditioning.

You can apply mental pressure throughyour undivided attention and concentra-tion, your confidence in your ability andthe tempo you establish.

Applying pressure makes your oppo-nent work as hard as possible on each andevery point.

The more pressure you apply, the betteryour chances of winning, especially thoselong, close matches when fatigue plays amajor role in the outcome.

Numerous ways exist to apply pressureon your opponent. Try to master the onesthat work best for you and your style ofplay.

Very few of us have the complete reper-toire of shots that the great players pos-sess. However, we all have our own “pet”shots that we can control effectively to scorepoints when we get the opportunity.

The trouble most players run into is notusing their good shots often enough. In-stead of hitting shots they have mastered,they attempt shots beyond their level ofcompetence.

For example, it takes a great deal of pow-er, precision and practice to kill the ball fromdeep court with a high percentage of suc-

cess. Yet many players who have not de-veloped the necessary skill shoot ball afterball into the floor from deep court. Insteadof applying pressure to their opponent,they heap it upon themselves by ruiningtheir confidence while building their oppo-nent’s.

Moving the ball

The solution to this common problem isto practice a wide variety of shots, then usethem intelligently during a game.

Determine which shots score points foryou and which shots consistently cost youpoints. This is a simple matter of determin-ing your percentage of success with theshots in your repertoire. Don’t make lifeeasy for your opponent by attempting low-percentage shots.

A good rule of thumb in shot selectionis to choose the shot that makes your op-ponent move the longest distance for hisreturn.

Your shot may not end the rally, but inthe long run you will gain more points thanby attempting shots that will allow your op-ponent to get set before he hits.

“Hit ’em where they ain’t” was the mostcommon instructional advice in the earlydays, and it still applies. Driving pass shotsto the opposite side of the court from your

opponent’s floor position will really take atoll, much like body punches in the boxingarena.

Every club or YMCA has an older playerwho gives the younger players fits. This isnot because he hits the ball hard or findsthe bottom board with consistency, but be-cause he maneuvers the young bucks allover the court.

Meanwhile, the older player never seemsto leave center court, cutting off shots andplacing them down the side walls so theyend up in the rear corners. His younger op-ponents come out of the court gasping forbreath, while he barely breaks a sweat. Thisolder player has mastered the art of maneu-vering his opponent.

Stamina wins handball games and theimportant matches. Anyone who has everplayed the game knows this. Running youropponent out of gas is the greatest of allpressure. If you can fatigue your opponent,you should be in good enough shape totake advantage.

Keep the ball in play to avoid giving youropponent any cheap points and accompa-nying rest periods. Try to maneuver him

60 JUNE 2009

Load up the holster by packing pressure

Forcing the pace or slowing it down canboth result in extreme pressure on youropponent. The key is to know when tochoose which approach, then execute.

Concentration is many things ... including the will to win, desire, energy and single-mindedness.

Untitled-43 5/13/2009, 11:17 AM2

INSTRUCTIONAL

around the court, making him travel longdistances for every return. Watch for signsof fatigue in his game and, most importantly,get yourself in shape to take advantage ofyour opponent’s fatigue.

These types of physical pressure are es-sential to being a consistent winner.

Psychological pressure

But mental pressure can spell the differ-ence between two evenly matched players.Under mental pressure we include the in-tangibles, such as concentration, confi-dence and the ability to change the tempoof the game.

You can also apply pressure via games-manship or psyching, but this is such a con-troversial and wide-ranging topic that wewill do no more than mention it here. Someplayers can have you so irritated before youwalk onto the court that you can’t play upto, or even close to, your potential. But thesefolks don’t usually make for best friends.

Concentration is everyone’s instruc-tional cliche, no matter what the game is.Everyone talks about it. Few practice it. Noone can teach it.

Concentration is many things to manypeople, including the will to win, desire,energy and single-mindedness. Concentra-tion also is hard work, so you must be ingood physical condition to practice it. Youmust want to win badly enough to expendthe energy to concentrate on your goal, sodesire is also essential.

All outside thoughts must be blockedfrom your mind once you walk through thedoor of the court. Think of nothing else butthe match you are playing – how you canwin the match, how you can score your nextpoint.

Concentration means total devotion toyour game plan and playing good hand-ball, nothing else.

As an example of how you can improveyour concentration skills, how hard do youconcentrate on placing your ceiling shotsinto the rear corners?

We all have the ability to concentratewhen attempting to kill a setup. Our eyesbulge out of their sockets, we visualize thekill and we flatten it.

But all too often when we’re forced touse our defensive strokes, especially theoverhand, we lazily send the ball back upwith no intention of placing it into the deep

corner. Yet it would be a sure bet that you’dscore more points with well-placed ceilingshots than you would by killing setups overthe course of a game.

Controlling the tempo

You can apply pressure on your oppo-nent by speeding up or decreasing thetempo of play, whatever is more to yourliking and not to his.

If he seems very comfortable playing ata slow pace, speed up the tempo. If he seemscomfortable playing a fast tempo, slow thepace.

If you are the one controlling the tempo,you will feel comfortable whether it’s fastor slow. And your opponent will begin tofeel manipulated, which is exactly what ishappening. When you can play at a tempothat is uncomfortable for your opponent,he will certainly feel the pressure mount.

Taking the ball out of the air, either fly-killing or fly-passing, and maintaining yourposition in the front court will increase thetempo. It takes a lot of quick side-to-sidemovement and great anticipation to cut offyour opponent’s returns in the front court,so you’ll have to be in good condition tomaintain a fast tempo.

Only the best-placed pass shots and ceil-ing shots will force you to retreat to deepcourt and allow your opponent a breather.When you use this tactic well, the pointscan add up in a hurry while your opponentis huffing and puffing.

Control players invariably try to estab-lish a slower pace with accurate placementof their ceiling shots and passing shots.Keeping the play in deep court will force

HANDBALL 61

your opponent into errors when he losespatience and tries to force a shot. Again, asetup for you at the end of each long andgrueling rally is the likely outcome if you’recontrolling the tempo.

All good players learn to play both fastand slow tempos, but all prefer one or theother when they are in control. In develop-ing your game, experiment with speedingup the pace and slowing it down for an in-valuable edge when it comes to tournamentplay against a wide variety of playing styles.

Confidence

Your opponent can tell when you haveconfidence in your game, and your confi-dence can plant seeds of doubt in his mind.Openly display your confidence, notthrough outright cockiness but in subtleways.

Look like a champ when you step ontothe court, with your head high and goodequipment. Don’t express anger at yourmissed shots or any calls that might goagainst you. Let your opponent know thatyou can win in spite of any bad breaks.Remember, your opponent will build confi-dence on your lack of confidence.

Don’t do anything that will indicate yourconfidence is cracking. If you miss a good-percentage shot, don’t rant and rave. Justmake sure you convert the next similar op-portunity. Everyone will be convinced thatthe miss must have been a fluke. Of course,you can also build your confidence on ev-ery shot in your repertoire by practicing inthe court alone.

And may all your opponents dread play-ing you!

If you control the pace, you'll likely leave your opponent vulnerable and out of energy.

Untitled-43 5/13/2009, 11:17 AM3

( ) Veteran golden (55-plus) singles( ) Super (60-plus) singles( ) Super (60-plus) doubles( ) Veteran super (65-plus) singles( ) Diamond (70-plus) singles( ) Diamond (70-plus) doubles( ) Veteran diamond (75-plus) singles( ) Women’s open singles( ) Women's *B singles( ) Women’s doubles( ) Women’s (35-plus) seniors( ) Juniors 19-under( ) Juniors 17-under( ) Juniors 15-under( ) Juniors 13-under

( ) Open singles( ) Open doubles( ) *A singles( ) *A doubles( ) *B singles( ) *B doubles( ) Seniors (35-plus) singles( ) Seniors (35-plus) doubles( ) Masters (40-plus) singles( ) *Masters B (40-plus) singles( ) Masters (40-plus) doubles( ) Veteran masters (45-plus) singles( ) Golden (50-plus) singles( ) *Golden B (50-plus) singles( ) Golden (50-plus) doubles( ) Sponsor a junior with $25 donation

Waiver: In consideration of acceptance of my entry into the national three-wall tournament at Lucas County Recreation Center, I hereby for my-self, heirs, executors and administrators waive and release any and all rights for claims for damages against USHA, Lucas County RecreationCenter, indoor facility and Toledo Handball Club, their agents, successors or assignees, for any and all injuries I may incur in said tournament.

Signature __________________________________________________ Date ________________________________

59th USHA NationalThree-Wall Championships

Sept. 3-7 at Lucas County Recreation Center, Maumee, OhioSite: Lucas County Recreation Center, Maumee, Ohio, just outside Toledo in southwest suburbs.

This is the best three-wall facility in the country, featuring eight regulation courts with lights. The complex has something for everyone, so bring the family. In case of rain, a local club is available.

Entry fee: Men's open: $88 for first event. Women's open: $78 for first event. Amateur events: $73 for first event. Second events are $25 for all. $40 for juniors and college students under 23.

Amenities: Entry fee entitles player to tournament souvenir, daily hospitality and banquet (guests additional).Deadline: Entry must be in our possession by midnight, Aug. 17. Entries received after deadline or without fee

will not be accepted. To enter by phone for $10 extra with Visa or MasterCard, call 520-795-0434.Mail entry to: USHA Three-Wall, 2333 N. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716. Make checks payable to USHA.Playing times: Players can call the USHA at 520-795-0434 on Friday, Aug. 22. No postcards will be mailed.Awards: Trophies to first two places in championship categories (four in juniors) and first place in consolation

events. There will be $11,400 ($2,000 more than last year, thanks to Steve Dykes and Mid-America players!) in prize money. In men's open singles, $2,500 for first place and $1,500 for second. In women's open singles, $1000 for first, $500 for second. Men's and women's doubles increased, too!

Rules: Open to all current USHA members. Entrants must meet age requirements where applicable. Current USHA rules and regulations will apply. If two events are entered, player must be prepared to play back-to-back matches. Losers referee next match on same court. Eye protection is mandatory.

Lodging: Hampton Inn, 1409 Reynolds Rd., 419-893-1004. Specify handball tournament to receive special rate of $78 per night if you call by Aug. 18.

Name Age Phone

Address

City State Zip

Partner Age Phone

Address

City State Zip

Adopt-a-LunchThe Toledo Handball Club'sAdopt-a-Lunch program willbe offered again this year. Thisprogram allows the additionof so many extras to thetournament. The club thanksthose who have participatedin the past. If you would liketo support a lunch this year inadvance of the tournament, thedonation is $50. Free hospital-ity and a sponsor's shirt go toanyone helping with this year'sevent. Send Adopt-a-Lunchsponsorships to:

Toledo Handball Club316 N. Fulton St.Swanton, OH 43558

NameAddressTownShirt size

62 HANDBALL 2009

( ) If my event is combined with a younger or higher-skilled division, I still want to play( ) If my event is combined with a younger or higher-skilled division, I want my entry refunded

More Prize

Money for '09!

Untitled-34 5/13/2009, 10:39 AM1

By George Miller

During the 2009 Labor Day week-end, the Toledo Handball Club willagain be the host organization for

the USHA National Three-Wall Champi-onships.

This will be the 34th consecutive yearthe tournament has been held at the LucasCounty Recreation Center in Maumee. Theeight lighted courts are unmatched for qual-ity and condition, but the courts are only asmall part of what makes this a must formany handball players. Other factors thatmake this a player- and family-friendlytournament include:

Juice, coffee, bagels and fruit everymorning.

A no-limit lunch served every day from1-5 p.m.

Unlimited soft drinks and bottled wateravailable all day, every day.

Ice available on site for those nagginghandball injuries.

Saturday night banquet/picnic.Courtside Gatorade.Massage therapy available on site for a

small fee.And finally, the famous beer truck.All this is included in the entry fee for

players and their families. We place no lim-

its (just ask for common sense), do not is-sue hospitality wristbands or tickets and ex-pect people to do the right thing. We servethe equivalent of 3,000 meals over the fivedays. Doing the quick math, the entry feesdo not come close to covering the hospi-tality costs.

Fortunately, our Adopt-a-Lunch pro-gram has been a huge success. Players andspectators, most of whom are regular at-tendees at this tournament, contribute $50to $100 or more each year. It would be im-possible to do what we do without this help.We also receive contributions from peoplenot attending the tournament. I like to thinkit is because they respect our efforts.

Last year we had two off-court incidentsthat left a mark on the tournament. One wasa case of lost temper that resulted in a smallamount of damage. It was handled quicklyand resolved by the USHA.

The second was a serious breach of thetrust that must exist for us to function. Someout-of-town players invited a few of theirfriends attending a local university to jointhem at the tournament. What took placewas the abuse of the open serving we of-fer, including helping themselves to foodand snack items from our storage tent afterwe had closed for the night.

Even though this event takes place in a

USHA NATIONAL THREE-WALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

HANDBALL 63

public park, we have never before had aproblem with anyone violating our trust inthis way. Our concern in the past has beenthat we might have problems with peopleoutside the handball tournament who usethe park, or from the surrounding neigh-borhood. Never did we expect this disre-spect to come from within the handballcommunity.

We will not be discouraged by the fewplayers who do not respect the tournament.We refuse to issue hospitality wristbandsor put limits on soft drinks and bottledwater, as this would significantly changethe flavor of the tournament.

But we cannot expect our generousAdopt-a-Lunch donors to subsidize thesefew irresponsible and thoughtless people.

So some changes will be made. Hope-fully, they will be effective but barely no-ticeable. We’re hoping the handball com-munity will police itself and make any fur-ther changes unnecessary.

The Toledo Handball Club and theUSHA look forward to another great tour-nament this year with the usual great hos-pitality at a family-friendly facility. Con-sider this a personal invitation for our oldfriends to come back again this year. If youhave never attended this tournament, makethis the year you participate.

Changes on tap so a few won’t spoil it for allThe traditional daily hospitality at the national three-wall tournament is unmatched, but last year it was plagued by overt abuse.

Untitled-35 5/13/2009, 10:40 AM1

Waterford Crystal 2009World Handball Championships

Presented by Columbia SportswearOct. 4-11 in Portland, Ore., USA; deadline is Aug. 21

Rules: Official ball for four-wall is Red Ace except for juniors under-11 and -13, girls and women’s events,which will use White Ace. Official balls for one-wall will be USHA Red Ace and USHA Big Ball.

Eligibility: Players should be prepared to present proof of age. Masters must meet age requirement in 2009.Juniors must meet age requirement by end of event, Oct. 11.

Matches: Best of three, with two games to 21 and 11-point tiebreaker.Consolation: Everyone will be able to play more than one match.Prizes: Will be awarded for first and second in all events, including consolation.Cost: Players may enter one singles and one doubles in one-wall and in four-wall. Adults: first event $120;

$30 additional events, maximum of three and maximum of two one- or four-wall events. Juniors: $75for first event, $30 each additional. Celebration Banquet $48 adults and $12 for children12 or younger. All costs are quoted in U.S. funds.

Registration: Go to www.handball09worlds.com and click on the registration tab. Pay online by MasterCardor Visa by Aug. 21. Or use the registration form and mail to 2009 World Handball Championships,c/o USHA, 2333 N. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ, USA 85716. Only checks or money orders drawnin U.S. funds will be accepted via mail. Payment must be included with registration.

Payable to: Make checks or money orders payable to USHA 2009 World Handball Championships.Information: For more info, call 520-795-0434 or e-mail handball@ushandball.org or info@handball09worlds.com.Notes: Minimum of eight entries required per division. Categories may be combined or dropped

at the discretion of the Championships. All registrants must be members in good standingof their national handball associations.

WATERFORD CRYSTAL 2009 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Have a questionabout ’09 worlds?Try our cheat sheet

64 JUNE 2009

By Chatten Hayes

Organizations can identify strengthsand weaknesses in their communi-cations protocols by the questions

being asked, and your Waterford Crystal2009 World Handball Championships areno different!

Thanks to the many folks whose ques-tions have helped the host committee iden-tify areas to clarify, and sometimes provideinformation that’s just plain missing. Hereare a few frequently asked questions thatmay help you (or us!) with plans.

When will my division begin play?The USHA is creating the draw, and it’s

standard for singles to open the week anddoubles to wrap it up. That said, everythingdepends on the size of the draw in yourbrackets. With 800 players from 14 coun-tries expected to play small ball, big ball,one-wall and four-wall, who can say? Comefor the fun all week! You’ll be glad you did.

When can I check in?Our desks will open by 3 p.m. Friday,

Oct. 2. The desk will be open full days onSaturday and Sunday, and then some hourseach day until at least Tuesday evening.Late arrivals will have no trouble gettingtheir stuff as needed. Don’t sweat this one!

Will practice courts be available?Yep. You’ll be able to hit it with friends

and teammates Saturday and Sunday.What if the draw is huge?If the draw is really big, some prelimi-

nary matches may have to be played Sun-day afternoon, Oct. 4.

When is it all over?Your 2009 Celebration Banquet is Satur-

day night, Oct. 10, at the Multnomah Ath-letic Club. Some final matches will be playedSunday, so don’t fly out just yet. You’ll wantto say goodbye to all your new friends andwatch the very end.

Will I need a rental car?Weigh this one for yourself, but we’d

suggest not. Portland has excellent transitand a safe and accessible city center, trainsto and from the airport (direct from the bag-gage claim), and your 2009 hosts are bank-ing on dedicated shuttles between the Sun-set AC, the MAC and the University Placehotel. Those of you at the Paramount cancatch the train to the MAC (just a few min-utes’ ride) and then our shuttles. Don’t for-get: Besides the cost of rental are the inevi-table (and unenviable) chores of findingyour way, paying to park, filling with gas …while your pals all jump on the trains andbuses, free as birds.

How can I help?Glad you asked! If you’d like to donate

money, contact us on the Web and 2009 co-chair Jay Maxwell will happily, joyously takeyour money. He’s spending every pennycarefully to make 2009 memorable and fun!If you’re offering time, visit the Web siteand fill out the form to volunteer. That ad-dress: www.handball09worlds.com.

Untitled-36 5/13/2009, 10:42 AM1

Name ____________________________________________________________Address __________________________________________________________City ______________________ Province/state _________________________Country ___________________ Postal/Zip _____________________________E-mail address _____________________________ Phone _______________Age _________ Birth date ______________________Partner’s name ____________________________________________________City ______________________ Province/state _________________________Country ___________________ Postal/Zip _____________________________E-mail address _____________________________ Phone _______________Age _________ Birth date ______________________

4-wall singles event name _____________________ cost $ ______________ U.S.4-wall doubles event name _____________________ cost $ ______________ U.S.1-wall singles event name ______________________ cost $ ______________ U.S.1-wall doubles event name _____________________ cost $ ______________ U.S.Banquet # of tickets @ $45 ______ cost $ ______________ U.S.

Total $ ______________ U.S.I hereby waive any claims that I may have against the 2009 World Handball Championships Foundation, the United StatesHandball Association, the Multnomah Athletic Club, and the World Handball Council, their officers, directors, volunteers,agents and employees, for any personal injury, property damage or loss that I may sustain during the 2009 World HandballChampionships and any related events.

Signature _____________________________________________ (print name of player)

Parent or guardian if player under 18 ___________________________________ Date ______________________

MEN’S 4-WALL (Red Ace)Open singlesOpen doublesA singlesA doublesB singlesB doublesC singlesC doublesMen’s seniors (35+) singlesMen’s seniors (35+) doublesMasters (40+) singlesMasters (40+) doublesMasters (40+) B singlesVet masters (45+) singlesVet. masters (45+) doublesGolden (50+) singlesGolden (50+) doublesGolden (50+) B singlesVet. golden (55+) singlesVet. golden (55+) doublesSuper (60+) singlesSuper (60+) doublesSuper (60+) B singlesVet. super (65+) singlesVet. super (65+) doublesDiamond (70+) singlesDiamond (70+) doublesDiamond (70+) B singlesVet. diamond (75+) singlesVet. diamond (75+) doublesPlatinum (80+) singlesPlatinum (80+) doublesVet. Platinum (85+) singles

WOMEN’S, JUNIORS 4-WALLWomen’s open singlesWomen’s open doublesWomen’s A singlesWomen’s A doublesWomen’s B singlesWomen’s B doublesWomen’s C singlesWomen’s C doublesWomen’s seniors (35+) singlesWomen’s seniors (35+) doublesWomen’s masters (40+) singlesWomen’s masters (40+) doublesWomen’s golden (50+) singlesWomen’s golden (50+) doublesWomen’s super (60+) singlesWomen’s super (60+) doublesBOYS 4-WALL11-&-under singles13-&-under singles15-&-under singles15-&-under doubles17-&-under singles17-&-under doubles19-&-under singles19-&-under doublesGIRLS 4-WALL11-&-under singles13-&-under singles15-&-under singles15-&-under doubles17-&-under singles17-&-under doubles19-&-under singles19-&-under doubles

ONE-WALL (Red/White Ace)Men’s open singlesMen’s open doublesMen’s B/C singlesMen’s B/C doublesMen’s seniors (35+) singlesMen’s seniors (35+) doublesMen’s masters (40+) singlesMen’s masters (40+) doublesMen’s golden (50+) singlesMen’s golden (50+) doublesMen’s super (60+) singlesMen’s super (60+) doublesMen’s diamond (70+) singlesMen’s diamond (70+) doublesWomen’s open singlesWomen’s open doublesWomen’s B/C singlesWomen’s B/C doublesCoed 11-&-under singlesBoys 13-&-under singlesBoys 15-&-under singlesBoys 15-&-under doublesBoys 17-&-under singlesBoys 17-&-under doublesBoys 19-&-under singlesBoys 19-&-under doublesGirls 13-&-under singlesGirls 15-&-under singlesGirls 15-&-under doublesGirls 17-&-under singlesGirls 17-&-under doublesGirls 19-&-under singlesGirls 19-&-under doubles

HANDBALL 65

ONE-WALL (Big Ball)Men’s open singlesMen’s open doublesMen’s B/C singlesMen’s B/C doublesMen’s seniors (35+) singlesMen’s seniors (35+) doublesMen’s masters (40+) singlesMen’s masters (40+) doublesMen’s golden (50+) singlesMen’s golden (50+) doublesMen’s super (60+) singlesMen’s super (60+) doublesMen’s diamond (70+) singlesMen’s diamond (70+) doublesWomen’s open singlesWomen’s open doublesWomen’s B/C singlesWomen’s B/C doublesCoed 11-&-under singlesBoys 13-&-under singlesBoys 15-&-under singlesBoys 15-&-under doublesBoys 17-&-under singlesBoys 17-&-under doublesBoys 19-&-under singlesBoys 19-&-under doublesGirls 13-&-under singlesGirls 15-&-under singlesGirls 15-&-under doublesGirls 17-&-under singlesGirls 17-&-under doublesGirls 19-&-under singlesGirls 19-&-under doubles

Federation CupFederation CupFederation CupFederation CupFederation CupInternational teamsInternational teamsInternational teamsInternational teamsInternational teams

Men’s team: 2 singles, 1 doublesWomen’s team: 2 singles, 1 doubles(2, 3 or 4 players selectedby national associations)

Note: Minimum 8 entriesper event or categoriesmay be combined at thediscretion of theChampionships Committee.

Note: If my event iscombined with anotherdivision (age or skill level),I still want to play ( )or I want my entry feerefunded ( ).

Untitled-37 5/13/2009, 10:42 AM1

By Vern Roberts

Ever wonder why some players im-prove at a fast rate? Ever notice howthe good players seem to stroke the

ball effortlessly, but with power? The rea-son is proper fundamentals.

But just what are fundamentals? Andhow can you improve them?

The dictionary tells us that fundamen-tals are the base on which a structure iserected, and one of the minimum constitu-ents without which a thing or a systemwould not be what it is. Thus, in handball,fundamentals are the basis for your play, orspecifically, how you hit the ball.

If we were talking golf and the ball wassitting on a tee, hitting it would be mucheasier. But the similarities are far greater thanyou might expect.

Top handball players have the ability toget to a proper pre-shoot position that al-lows them to use the same stroke time aftertime. In fact, we sometimes say the pre-shootposition is achieved to “set the ball on atee” so the player can use the same strokeas often as possible. The better the player,the more often he uses his favorite strong-hand, sidearm stroke.

Thus, the first aspect of handball funda-mentals is the footwork needed to reach agood pre-shoot position that will put theball on a “tee” as you strike it.

When fans watch a handball match, theytend to follow the ball and watch the play-ers only when they are stroking the ball.That’s unfortunate, since the spectatorwon’t follow the player and notice how heruns–where he’s running from and wherehe’s running to–before he starts his stroke.

Actually, the better the player, the lessrunning you’ll see. Control of his shots,positioning and anticipation are the reasonsthat top players need not run much.

And the actual running might differ fromwhat you’d expect. Top players take manysmall steps on the balls of their feet, ratherthan long strides across the court. Thesesmall steps are the result of constant ad-justments as the player anticipates wherethe opponent is hitting his shot and wherehe will contact the ball.

The better players don’t need the longstrides necessary for mad dashes acrossthe court. They already have an idea ofwhere the ball is going before the oppo-nent strikes it. The shot you hit is the first

INSTRUCTIONAL

clue as to the shot your opponent will hit.He’ll have only so many options to choosefrom as he tries to return your shot.

Of course, the very first fundamentalcomes into play: Keep your eyes on theball, no matter where it is or who is hittingit. If you’re not watching the ball as youropponent sets to hit his shot, you’ll loseprecious seconds in getting to the all-im-portant pre-shoot position. As you followthe ball into your opponent’s hand, notehow he’s stroking the ball and where he’saiming.

If you hit a ceiling shot and your oppo-nent is setting up to use his overhand, youcan start backing up because you can tellthat your opponent also is going to the ceil-ing. But whatever you have provided foryour opponent, you’ll have a good idea ofwhere you should be if you follow the ballinto his hand. If you haven’t started mov-ing to a preliminary position yet, now is thetime.

Hopefully, just by getting this jump onthe ball, you’ll be in a good pre-shoot posi-tion. But the first step you take can be justas important as getting a good start. Fortu-nately, most of us already take an appropri-

ate first step when the ball is heading to-ward our strong side. When the ball is hitto our strong side, we pivot and face theside wall. However, most of us never devel-oped this good habit for our weak side.

This is an easy problem to correct withpractice. This is the main reason most of ushave never been able to adequately developour weak hands. When the ball is hit to ourweak side, we move to the ball but are stillfacing the front wall when we start ourstroke.

Now that we’re on the road to good foot-work and are keeping our eyes on the ballfrom the time the rally starts to the time it’sover, watching it as we make contact withour hand, it’s time to discuss the stroke.

The actual stroking motions are the easi-est part of fundamentals to groove. When-ever you’re in doubt as to how a strokeshould look and feel, whether it be the over-hand to the ceiling or sidearm kill, merelythrow the ball for the desired shot.

The throwing motion is how most of uswere told to learn the stroking motion withour weak sides. Well, it’s just as importantfor our strong sides.

The first thing to note when trying toget a feel for the proper stroking motion isthe movement toward the target your bodymakes when you’re throwing.

Again, this is easy when the ball is on atee or we’re throwing it. But it’s even moreimportant when we’re trying to get some-thing on our shots. We have to get our bod-ies into the shot, just as a batter in baseballhas to get his body into his swing.

As you try throwing the ball, you’ll besure to note a few things that are consis-tent:

You’ll note your body’s movement to-ward the target.

You’ll note a very consistent pattern ofjust two throwing motions–an overhand anda sidearm. The overhand will be used forceiling shots.

You’ll note an arch in the back, a bend inthe knees and a release of the ball fairlyclose to your ear. The arch in the back andbend in the knees are what propels the ballto the ceiling. The release fairly close to theear will be your correct point of contact forthe overhand.

You’ll also be sure to note that the side-

Fundamentally, executing

Keeping his eye on the ball and properfootwook for off-hand shots help makeDavid Chapman the champion he's been.

66 JUNE 2009

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INSTRUCTIONAL

arm throwing motion is much the same forserves, pass shots and kills. Also, they willall be released near the center line of yourbody, and that’s the proper point of con-tact for sidearm strokes.

The difference between these shots willbe the bend in the knees. There will be verylittle bending for pass shots, a little morefor your drive serves, and you’ll be bend-ing as much as possible for kills. Yet thearm is doing much the same thing for each.

Now that we’ve made that revelation,it’s time to groove this throwing motion andthen groove it as our sidearm stroking mo-tion. Then it’s up to our feet to have us in apre-shoot position that allows us to useour favorite sidearm motion.

If we can allow the ball to drop low, if wehave our opponent out of position and ifwe’re close enough to the front wall forsuccess, we can go for the kill. If we’re un-able to answer these questions affirmatively,the pass shot is the correct choice.

The best drill to groove our favoritestroke is the back-wall drill. Stand near theback wall and toss the ball to the back wallin the air. Allow the ball to bounce onceand travel past your body. Then take yoursteps into the ball and stroke it to the frontwall.

For practice, try to hit the front wall di-rectly in front of your floor position and atthe same height you make contact with theball. If you contact the ball at knee height,hit the front wall at knee height. This willallow you to self-critique your errant shots.

Assuming you are facing the side wall,if your shot went into the floor or traveledaway from your floor position, you madecontact behind the center line of your body.If you pulled the ball or lifted it too high onthe front wall, you made contact with theball in front of the center line of your body.

Once you have grooved your sidearmstroke on the back-wall drill and have expe-rienced the feeling of driving into yourshots, it’s time to start dropping the ball infront of your floor position and drive for-ward into the shot with the sidearm stroke.This is how we develop our service motion.

Again, stand near the back wall and dropthe ball in front of your floor position. Al-low the ball to bounce and then start yourforward thrust. Again, attempt to hit theball straight ahead at the same height youcontact the ball.

Once you’ve grooved the motion, startmoving forward in the court in 5-foot incre-ments. Soon you’ll find yourself in the ser-vice zone, using your favorite stroke to

the basics is how you win power your drive serves just past the shortline.

Like most of us, you’ll probably notethat this isn’t how you’ve been hitting yourdrive serve. Most of us try to let the balldrop too low before hitting the serve andthen have to lift it to get it over the line. Theresult is inconsistency, with numerousserves caroming off the back wall.

But if you contact the ball at a heightthat allows you to comfortably stroke theball straight to the front wall, and that heighthas your serve carrying just past the shortline, you have found the proper way to hityour drive serve.

Whenever I offer this advice, I’m re-minded of the first trip a few of the prosmade to a city where pro handball had neverbeen seen before. The pros were at theirbest, played their hearts out and went home.But the spectators weren’t as awed as theyhad expected to be.

Often after a pro stop, a few buzz phrasesstick in my mind. And when an exhibitionwas held in this city the next year, insteadof competing against each other, four proswere matched against the four best locals.

The buzz phrases came back to me then:“The pros don’t shoot like our guys.”“They must be off. They’re hitting a lot

of short serves.”“They don’t do anything differently.

They just don’t make errors and move bet-ter.”

Well, I didn’t feel any need to respondto the last phrase. But after the pros “luckedout” against the locals, almost withoutshooting, they offered some thoughts onthe game at an instructional clinic.

They explained the theory of offense,shooting when the shot is presented, notmaking errors by forcing a shot, playingthe percentages and the truth of the adage:Kill for show, pass for dough.

Then they explained that they weren’toff on their serves. If they lift their serveand it caroms off the back wall, they won’tget a second chance to serve because theopponent is good enough to end the rally.Whereas if they keep the serve short, bounc-ing before the restraining line, they’ll neverlose the serve by the opponent rolling outa back-wall shot. And if it does result in ashort, they still have a second chance withtheir second serve.

So that was the lesson. Rely on funda-mentals, and your game will improve.

With excellent pre-shoot position, Eion Kennedy winds up as he lets the ball dropinto his strike zone so he can rifle in a kill shot in a match against Tyler Hamel.

HANDBALL 67

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OBITUARIES

Bob Spann

Bob Spann of Corpus Christi, Texas, diedFeb. 27.

He was inducted into the SouthwestHandball Hall of Fame for his contributionsto handball in the Corpus Christi area over50 years. His participation in the Buc DaysTournament, which has been held every yearsince 1954, includes:

Contributing his own money.Playing in it most of those years.Raising funds to put on a first-class

event.Advertising the tournament as a family

event by promoting children playing in thegym, families going to the beach and at-tending the Saturday night fish fries.

Cooking and serving the food at the fishfry.

Mr. Spann was also active in putting onthe city’s other major tournament, the an-

nual Corpus Christi Labor Day Tournament,which in later years became the BayfestTournament.

To honor the Olmec people of Mexico,Mr. Spann and others started the OlmecHandball Tournament, which was won byhis son four of the five years it existed. TheOlmecs used a latex ball more than 3,000years ago as a precursor to the modern gameof handball.

He also introduced locally “bare-fistedhandball,” using a ball about the size of aracquetball but with more compression. Iteliminated bone bruises, a main detractionfor beginners.

Mr. Spann won the Corpus Christi citychampionship 20 consecutive years.

“After briefly feeling sadness at the newsof Bob’s passing, I was flooded with suchpositive memories of Bob that they literally

brought a smile to my face,” said KellyGreene, who has been involved with USHAvolunteer work for decades.

“Bob was a superb raconteur, and notone to blather on about banalities like theweather. Rather, he had an interesting andoften eccentric world view always basedon a common-sense, home-spun rationale.

“Above all, Bob loved to point out twosimple lessons in life that he had learned.

“The first was that, in the face of anypersonal setback, it was utterly counterpro-ductive to pout.

“The second was that the unfailing anti-dote to any temptation for self-pity shouldbe that, no matter how disastrous your situ-ation, that somewhere, somebody has itworse than you do.

“The handball community needs moreplayers like Bob Spann.”

Larry Walker of Southern Californiahas died of a rare form of leukemia.

Larry Walker

Larry Walker, 63, died March 8 of a rareform of leukemia with wife Zara by his

side at home in Anaheim.Nicknamed “Coach,” he had fought off

this disease, other cancers and numerousailments for years, and his victories overdisease were legendary.

Mr. Walker had many passions, but Zarasaid “it was handball that kept Larry alive”when Los Caballeros dedicated Court 6 tohim. He also loved to train hunting dogs,was an avid shooter and was head basket-ball coach and athletic director at ServiteHigh School. He was an outstanding highschool basketball player and was alsoscouted in baseball by the then-CaliforniaAngels.

Seldom a day went by at Los Cab with-

Ken Kania

Kenneth J. Kania, 66, of Darien, Ill., diedof liver cancer March 24 in St. Peters-

burg, Fla. Mr. Kania was as persistent anddetermined with his medical struggle as hewas in the handball courts.

Mr. Kania started playing handball in the1960s at the Austin YMCA in Chicago. Af-ter it closed in the 1970s, he moved to thesuburban LaGrange YMCA. Known as“Short Shoes” because of his short, quicksteps, he was a tireless competitor. In the

out Mr. Walker on Court 6. His mannerisms,such as the rolled-up ball of tape that hewould throw onto the court when he wasdone playing, were well known. He evengot married on a handball court. Gary Cruz

mid-1990s he lost his right eye because of atumor so then also answered to the nick-name “Hawkeye.”Even so, he continued toplay doubles.

He had a passion for philosophy andmaking beautiful creations with exoticwoods. He is survived by wife Dolores, sonPaul and daughter Mary Alyce. A memorialto celebrate his life will be planned at a laterdate.

Bill Bien

Bob Kenney

R.W. “Bob” Kenney of Portland, Ore.,died of natural causes March 30. He

was 75.He was a longtime member of the

Multnomah Athletic Club and father offormer Lake Forest College player Greg Ken-ney.

Following his service in the Navy, Mr.Kenney got into steel fabricating in Seattle.After moving to Portland, he opened hisown steel-fabricating business, the R.W.Kenney Co. Inc., which was instrumental inbuilding up the Portland metropolitan area.In the early 1980s he joined the circulationdepartment at the local newspaper, the Or-egonian, working there until retiring in No-vember 1996.

Mr. Kenney was a longtime member ofthe Downtown Lions Club, culminating inits presidency in 1973. A gifted athlete, hewas a highly ranked table tennis player, asoftball player so talented that he was of-fered a minor-league baseball contract, anda 7-handicap in golf.

His wife Judie preceded him in death. Heis survived by brothers Larry and RussellKenney; son Greg and daughters StephanieHitzroth and Rebecca Kenney; two grand-children and one great-grandchild.

Donations may be made to the USHADevelopment Fund, 2333 N. Tucson Blvd.,Tucson AZ 85716.

68 JUNE 2009

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OBITUARIES

John MacKenzie

John MacKenzie ofDallas died on March

5. He was 89.Mr. MacKenzie’s suc-

cessful business careerculminated in 1984 whenhe received the Decora-tion of Commander of theOrder of the Crown by

Tom Clifford

Thomas J. Clifford, a dominating pres-ence at the University of North Dakota

for a half-century and the university presi-dent for 21 years, died Feb. 4 at his home inGrand Forks, N.D. He was 87.

Mr. Clifford received many awards dur-ing his career, including several handballtitles. He won three state doubles tourna-ments and several city and regional titles inthe 1970s. He also promoted handball, send-ing UND students to the nationals.

Mr. Clifford was inducted as a chartermember of the North Dakota Handball Hallof Fame in 1978. Last year the state tourna-ment was named in his honor.

From 1943-45, he served as a Marine tankcommander in the Pacific in World War II,earning a Silver Star, a Bronze Star and a

Purple Heart and rising to the rank of major.In 1950, he was appointed dean of the Col-lege of Business at 29, becoming the young-est dean in UND history. His 21 years asuniversity president began in 1971. In 2002he was named to the North Dakota RoughRiders Hall of Fame, which is the highestaward in the state.

Bruce Smith, dean of John D. OdegardSchool of Aerospace Center, said: “He wasthe greatest North Dakotan who ever lived.I don’t know of anyone who had a greaterimpact than Tom.”

Gov. John Hoeven said: “As an educa-tor, entrepreneur, Marine, lawyer and pub-lic servant, Tom was a towering figure inNorth Dakota and beyond.”

Neil Reuter

Joe Armijo

Longtime handball player and supporterJoe Armijo died April 10 at home in Al-

buquerque. He was 83.Mr. Armijo was an insurance agent for

40 years, and he and his wife owned tworestaurants until 1986. He got a bachelor’sdegree from New Mexico and his master’sfrom Southern Methodist. He was an avia-tion cadet in the U.S. Air Corps from 1944-46. He was chairman of the Board of Re-gents at Eastern New Mexico University anda member of the American Legion, Elks Cluband the Albuquerque city goals committee.

Throughout his life he was involved insports. He participated in basketball, foot-ball, track, boxing, swimming and golf as ayouth and officiated high school football,basketball and baseball, later becoming anofficial in the Western Athletic Conferencefor 13 years.

Teaching and coaching swimming wereamong his passions. He coached AAU swimteams and won three straight state and re-gional championships. From 1980-87, hewas the commissioner of football and bas-ketball for high school officials in NewMexico. He also was the Albuquerque box-ing and wrestling commissioner.

He was inducted into the New MexicoSports Hall of Fame in 1998.

Mr. Armijo is survived by his wife of 62years, Mary Lou, as well as 11 children, 30grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Dave Coulie

Joe St. Pierre

Joe St. Pierre of Bos-ton died Jan. 20 at 87.

Some people called him“Mr. Handball of NewEngland.”

Mr. St. Pierre was dis-charged from the Armyat the end of World WarII, earning the Silver Star

Nevin Bowser

Nevin Bowser of Glenview, Ill., died April10 from complications due to Park-

inson’s disease. He was 83.Mr. Bowser was a longtime player at the

Lattof YMCA in Des Plaines, Ill., who wasregarded as a true gentleman and one ofthe best-conditioned athletes. He was aWorld War II veteran who became a banker.

He was preceded in death by his wife,Jocelyn, and is survived by a son, Scott,and daughter, Stacey Bernard; two broth-ers and two sisters. Memorials may be madeto the American Parkinson Disease Asso-ciation Inc., 2050 Pfingsten Rd., Suite 127,Glenview, IL 60026.

St. Pierre

for heroism by capturing 18 German sol-diers. He then worked at the Greater Bos-ton Central Branch of the YMCA for 50years. He was the aquatics director and di-rector of athletics in charge of the handballprogram.

Mr. St. Pierre was a champion swimmeras well as a professional boxer, competingin 29 fights. But he excelled in handball,which he believed was the “closest thingto a fight without blows being exchanged.”

He ruled the handball courts at the Bos-ton YMCA. Getting onto one of the threecourts was a challenge unless he “as-signed” you to a match.

Mr. St. Pierre helped organize scores oflocal tournaments, guided the growth of theBoston Open to its current standing andhelped develop many nationally ranked play-ers. If you took a day off from handball, Mr.St. Pierre would have a variety of workoutswith which to punish you. Anyone whoplayed handball in Boston eventually metthis man.

Fittingly, Mr. St. Pierre was laid to restafter his funeral at Our Lady of Victories inthe South End of Boston.

Mike Rusinak

MacKenzie

His Majesty, the King of the Belgians forhis many accomplishments on behalf ofBelgium.

Born in Scotland, Mr. MacKenzie in hisyouth swam and played baseball and soc-cer.

He continued to swim throughout hislife, but when he was in his 50s, he fell inlove with handball, which he played untilhis death.

In the mid-1980s, Mr. MacKenzie becamea member of the Dallas Handball Committeeand was an active member and large finan-cial contributor. When new players movedto the area, he was always one of the first tointroduce them to the local handball com-munity.

Mr. MacKenzie always enjoyed intro-ducing new players to handball, teachingthem how to play the game and preachingthe values of membership in the USHA.

In 2007, he earned the Southwest Com-missioner’s Award in recognition of his sta-tus as a significant contributor to handballin the Dallas area.

HANDBALL 69

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70 JUNE 2009

MAILBAG

Sufficiently chastened

Thanks to Ralph Weil for his observa-tions on my article about refereeing. I agreewith everything he wrote in his letter aboutsportsmanship and the integrity of the gameover victory. My words that disgruntled himwere more about the history of my experi-ences as I continued to mature and aban-don bad attitudes I developed as a kid wholearned to play handball at the notoriousgambler’s haven, Avenue P in Brooklyn.

Vern Roberts contacted me before send-ing the story to press, advising me that thereadership would not take lightly its impli-cations. But I told him it was what it was.

I coached high school handball for 10years, and I hope I instilled in my adoles-cents all that Ralph Weil mentioned in hisfine letter. Moreover, today I can say withconfidence that I am a trusted, respectedplayer as much for my integrity as for myability to play. His letter has made me real-ize even more how wonderful our game isand what it requires of us and inspires inus.

Dan Flickstein, Staten Island, N.Y.

Another critic on sportsmanship

I read with interest Dan Flickstein’s ar-ticle on officiating in the February issue.Basically, Mr. Flickstein tells us there is nomorality on the outdoor circuit. Anythingyou can get away with, you do.

In the two short paragraphs concerningindoor handball, he would “call playsagainst” himself, only because the refereecannot “see certain types of plays.” By in-ference he would not call plays against him-self because the outdoor referee can seeplays better than the indoor referee?

My question to you, Mr. Flickstein, is:What does the referee’s eyesight have todo with making a call that is true and hon-est — either by you or the referee?

Having said that, I would certainly notcall Mr. Flickstein an immoralist. From play-ing 25 years outdoors and about the sameindoors, I found the outdoor player rougher,cheats more and certainly yells more thanhis indoor counterpart. Why is this? Thatis grist for another article.

However, I will say that where I playedoutdoor handball in Long Beach, Calif.,there were only two courts, and the pres-sure to hold the “A” court as long as pos-

sible did contribute to Mr. Flickstein’s atti-tude of take ’em down any way you can.Would I ever call a two-bouncer on myselfif I had to wait two hours to get back on theoutdoor court if I lost? Hmmm.

Bruce Lemmon, Long Beach, Calif.

A true life-saver

Thanks to all of my husband KennyEng’s friends in the handball communityfor their kind thoughts, e-mails, phone callsand hospital visits. Kenny suffered a near-fatal heart attack after a handball game. BrianNelson just happened to be in town andwas his partner that day. He called me withthe news, met me at the hospital and hestayed with me until we knew Kenny wasOK.

Did I mention that Brian and I had notmet before that day? What a guy! I will neverforget all the messages of support we re-ceived in the following weeks. Kenny hadhandball visitors day and night at the hos-pital, and I know if I needed help of anykind, all I had to do was ask and any one ofthem would have been there for us.

I have been known to give Kenny grief

for playing too much handball. Now I amthankful that he will be able to play hand-ball again, and I will always be grateful thathe has such a great group of friends in thehandball community.

Adrian Eng, Vista, Calif.

Thanks for recognition

Our large family of one-wall players andtheir wives wish to thank the USHA for hon-oring our players at the four-wall banquet.

In the area of marketing our sport, I thinkwe have a new age group that I profitedfrom as I grew up. I am referring to the 5-and 6-year-old group, which is prone tostaying with any sport if started at an earlyage. This can help handball become a fam-ily sport, including the mom or sister whosupplies transportation. They attend themini-game, as compared to not attendingadult handball.

I started out this way at an early age. Ideveloped the Merrick Park group with ArtyReyer, Al Torres, Joe Danilczyk, MartyDecatur and others. We set up a handballstandard of having dinner or lunch threetimes a week, year-round for 40 years.

In closing, let me thank Howie Eisenberg,Mike Dau and Mike Steele.

Charlie and Betty Danilczyk,Southold, N.Y.

You’re looking good

I wish to commend the USHA for notonly continuing to improve the content andappearance of the magazine over the lastfew years, but lately the covers have be-come strikingly attractive. Some have a dif-ferent approach with regard to such thingsas layout, graphic design, colors, bordersand fonts.

My favorite so far is the April 2009 cover.It’s what publishers shoot for — to drawattention and make the reader anxious toopen the magazine.

Keith Thode, Detroit

How to reach us

Correspondence from members is wel-come. Write to us at USHA, 2333 N. TucsonBlvd., Tucson, AZ 85716. Or e-mail us athandball@ushandball.org. Letters must in-clude your name and address and are sub-ject to editing for space and content.

Gary Cruz was part of the team thatagain made the national collegiatetournament a huge success.

Great time at collegiates

Thanks to Gary Cruz and all thevolunteers for your hard work, dedi-cation and long hours in making thenational collegiates a success.

I realize there was a lot going onbesides the action on the floor, butthe USHA staff kept the tourney run-ning smoothly. Looking forward toTexas A&M next year.

Lou Signer, Berkeley, Calif.

Untitled-1 5/18/2009, 1:35 PM1

INTERNATIONAL REPORT

By Michael McGee

World champion Paul Brady wonthe Irish national title with an ex-citing victory over a determined

Eoin Kennedy on April 19 in Kingscourt.Surprisingly, it was only Brady’s second

victory in the national final. But more im-portantly, it made him Ireland’s open singlesrepresentative at the World Championshipsthis October in Portland, Ore.

Brady prevailed in a tightly contested21-15, 21-11 match barely a month after rout-ing Kennedy 21-10, 21-4 in the All-Irelandfinal. Obviously, Kennedy showed tremen-dous improvement.

“I knew that was going to happen,” Bra-dy said. “Eoin, as you would expect, gave agreat battle. He responded very well. Typi-fies Eoin. Such a competitor. I’m just happyto get the win.

“It was so warm in there that I thoughtat one stage I was going to cramp up. Mylegs were like jelly after some of the rallies.It is good preparation for later in the year,and I am happy with the win.”

So what’s next for Brady?“The U.S. nationals in June,” he replied.

“It was good preparation in there today.I’m happy I came through. My first goalwas the All-Ireland, and this was my sec-ond goal, the nationals. The next one is theU.S. nationals.”

Kennedy started with a great openinglead of 6-1, and the score was later tied 7-7and 10-10 before Brady pulled ahead 15-11.Showing great belief in himself and terrific

The last weekend of March marked theend of an era for the Victorian Hand-

ball Open in Australia.The last state titles were held at the CBC

St. Kilda courts, as they were due for demo-lition in April.

However, the event was blessed withsome wonderful weather along with ahealthy level of onlookers both old and new.

On the court, David Sticca returned to

the game after a one-year absence andshowed that his ability level had not beenhampered at all, winning the open singlesand teaming with Dylan King to take theopen doubles.

Jim Cormie traveled all the way fromAdelaide to participate and was runner-upin both open events.

Cedar Ferry slammed in the masters di-visions.

Open: David Sticca d. Jim Cormie 15-1, 15-10.Masters: Cedar Ferry d. Joe Santilli 21-7.A: Simon Fitzgerald d. Gareth Daley 21-7.Open doubles: David Sticca/Dylan Kingd. Jim Cormie/Sean King 21-8, 21-14.Masters doubles: Cedar Ferry/Joe Santillid. Eddy Scheruga/Serafino Marinelli 31-29.A doubles: Joe Santilli/Gareth Daleyd. Simon Fitzgerald/Serafino Marinelli 21-13.

Simon Fitzgerald

Sticca slams in final championships at St. Kilda

fitness, Kennedy came back within 16-14,but Brady’s late push clinched Game 1.

Brady had the better start in Game 2,going in front 3-0 before Kennedy pounced.Kennedy went ahead 8-4, but Brady re-sponded to tie the game 11-11. At that point,Brady’s sheer athleticism came into playwith scintillating pace and precise kills thateventually wore down Kennedy, who couldfind no way past the impenetrable Brady inthe 21-11 outcome.

Dave Vincent and Jeff Kastner from theWPH made the long journey from the U.S.to Webcast the finals worldwide, andChatten Hayes, co-chair of the World Cham-pionships committee, was a welcome guest.

Also of note was the ladies’ final, a re-peat of this year’s All-Ireland match betweenFiona Shannon and Aisling Reilly. Shan-non repeated her victory, this time 21-5, 21-11.

Shannon won her eighth national title in11 years and will be seeking her third worldchampionship in October.

Open: Paul Brady d. Eoin Kennedy 15, 11.A: Ger Coonan d. Darragh Daly 10, (18), 3.B: David Walsh d. Patrick O’Donnell18, (20), 7.

C: David Hope d. Barry Devlin 17, (16), 4.Masters A: Ducksy Walshd. Tom Sheridan 13, 18.Masters B: Canice Quigleyd. Ollie Flasey 20, 5.Golden A: Kevin Geraghtyd. Johnny Brennan 10, 9.Golden B: Eammon Riced. Dermot Doolin (12), 20, 3.Ladies’ open: Fiona Shannond. Aisling Reilly 5, 11.Ladies’ B: Lisa McAleerd. Catriona Casey 1, 15.Boys 19-under: Diramuid Nashd. Stephen Cooney (14), 7, 3.Boys 17-under: Jamie Lynchd. Killian Carroll 18, (18), 7.Boys 15-under: Padraig McKennad. Ciaran Malone (18), 17, 4.Boys 13-under: Darren Dohertyd. Barry Nash 6, (13), 3.Girls 19-under: Shauna Hilleyd. Leona Doolin 13, 1.Girls 17-under: Catriona Caseyd. Lorraine Havern (16), 11, 7.Girls 15-under: Lauren O’Riordand. Mary Phelan 7, 6.Girls 13-under: Cianna Ni Churraoind. Jennifer Fahey 14, 13.

Brady acceptshis winner’saward fromTony Hannonwith WalterO’Connor ofsponsoringEnvirogreenand runner-upKennedylooking on.

Brady wins 2ndIrish nationals,targets USHA title

HANDBALL 71

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INTERNATIONAL REPORT

72 JUNE 2009

By Michael McGee

Paul Brady confirmed his world No.1status with a devastating display ofpower in a comprehensive 21-10, 21-

4 victory over Eoin Kennedy in the All-Ire-land senior singles final March 14 in Ros-common.

The championship was Brady’s fifth in a

Brady joined a distinguished group withhis fifth in a row. Only Pat Kirby and DucksyWalsh have achieved that feat. He said thatmade him immensely proud.

Brady said he wasn’t “thinking of thatfact when I was going in to play. When thematch was over, I could reflect on that.

“I want to be back again to make it six,seven and eight in a row. I’m 28. Every final

Tony Hannon of the IHC with ladies’runner-up Reilly and champion Shannon.

Hannon presents the minor singles awardsto runner-up McConnell and winner Daly.

Brady’s jubilation is evident as he pumpshis fist and raises his award in triumph.

5th All-Ireland title in a rowputs Brady with Kirby, Walsh

row and sixth overall.“It will take something spe-

cial to knock Paul off his titlerun,” said Tony Hannon, presi-dent of the Irish Handball Coun-cil.

Brady said he was “obvi-ously delighted” and “prettyhappy with how things went. Iknew if I let Eoin into the game at all whathe is capable of. I tried to keep the pressureon from the start, not to let him get into it.Thankfully it worked out for me.”

Brady displayed a hunger that seemedto have been missing in the last couple ofyears. He attributed his fresh approach tohis loss in the Simple Green U.S. Open inOctober.

“I hadn’t lost in a long time,” he said. “Idon’t want to repeat that again. I neededthat loss to keep my hunger. But I’ve got topush forward from here for the Irish andU.S. nationals and the worlds.”

you play in, I suppose, there’smore urgency.

“Certainly a big part of meis eager to get back to Los An-geles [for the USHA nationals].I just concentrate on winningall the Irish titles, go for the U.S.nationals and then the worlds.That’s a big goal this year.”

Fiona Shannon tied the record with hereighth ladies title in 11 years when she beatAisling Reilly. Shannon’s victory equaledthe record set by Bernie Hennessy from1991-98.

In a repeat of last year’s USHA 17-and-under final, Caolan Daly again beat GaryMcConnell, this time in the minor singles.The last time a Tyrone player won this divi-sion was when Ciaran Curran did it in 1991.

Senior: Paul Brady d. Eion Kennedy 10, 4.Ladies: Fiona Shannon d. Aisling Reilly 14 , 11.Minor: Caolan Daly d. Gary McConnell 20, 15.

The Game 2 numbersdon’t lie: Brady rolled.

The Sherwood Park Sharks HandballClub hosted the Alberta Handball As-

sociation Junior Qualifying Tournament onFeb. 21 in Edmonton.

The tournament had 20 entries of jun-iors ranging from 7 to 18 and qualified play-ers for the Canadian nationals.

The Most Outstanding Female Awardwent to Sietske Van Der Heijde.

A: David Doucette d. Ben Lavin.B: Parker Dorothy d. Josh Lavin.B consolation: Syvat Koval.C: Myra Koval d. Ruben Baker.D: Mathew Luedtke d. Danika Forester.

Jacqueline and Mark Broverman

Edmonton hosts 20 talented Canadian juniorsSeveralof the juniorsat the tourneyin Edmontonget togetherfor somegood times.

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Untitled-45 5/14/2009, 9:29 AM1

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Untitled-42 5/13/2009, 10:55 AM2

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Untitled-42 5/13/2009, 10:55 AM3

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Untitled-42 5/13/2009, 10:55 AM4

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