We Play Handball Blog

Pro Players Set to Donate to Juniors- Letter from Dave Chapman

2008-11-24T08:26:00.000-08:00

Dear Pro Handball Player:

The WPH is proud to announce another pro stop, in conjunction with the Long Island Open, NY. The event will be at the same facility as the Women's Classic Jan 23rd thru 25th, 2009.

Here's the info: http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/wphl/vpost?id=3122480

You can enter online at: http://www.r2sports.com/tourney/home.asp?TID=4587

I am writing you today to:

1. Ask you to attend singles and doubles

2. To support the WPH with this new pro-stop

3. To make a donation to the ICHA Youth Foundation.

Dave Vincent, the WPH, and myself, plan on making a small donation of $500-$750 to the ICHA in YOUR name, the pro player, as we feel it is imperative that the pros give back to the juniors. Many people do not realize just how much we (the pro player) want the juniors and collegiates to prosper. In some circles the average handball fan doesn't think we do enough. I would like to change that notion and inspire others to follow suit. We realize that many of you have already donated to the ICHA. Thank you for that. But, if you could give $5, $10, or $15 more that would be great. For those that have never given to this or any other youth foundation please consider a $25-$50 dollar donation.

To make it easy you can paypal the money to us at: extremehandball@cs.com or send the cash to DV at:

Dave Vincent c/o WPH

Po Box 208

Rough and Ready,

CA95975

You, along with me, will present this check to Paul Williams and the ICHA in Long Island. If you have any questions please contact myself or Dave Vincent (davecvincent@cs.com).

Thank you-

Dave Chapman

WPH Player Rep.

World Federation Cup (Nov. 28-30)

2008-11-21T16:37:00.000-08:00

Gabcast! 2008 World Federation Cup of One-wall Handball. #1 - 2008 1-wall World Federation Cup

The 2008 1-wall World Federation Cup will be held in Nizza Monferrato November 28-30.

Frontball

2008-11-12T18:13:00.000-08:00

Clip-frontball
Uploaded by St00f64

W.O.W.!!! (World One-Wall )

2008-11-05T17:58:00.000-08:00

Front Ball Updates

2008-10-24T15:40:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

Once again I try my hand at this. Just some quick updates. The handball court was finished and polished up today. They put in the sound system, projector for sponsor displays on the court, spotlights, and brought in the cheerleaders...aahhh no chearleadears, but it's a thought..I have attached an updated picture of the court being cleaned up.

So far it has been very interesting. On Thursday Oct 23 was when the initial qualifying matches began. Just an FYI - the format of the tournament is 2 10 point games with a 5 point tie-breaker. One more point on how scoring works. It is scored by rally points. As soon as you miss (whether you are serving or not) it is a point for the other person. So basically you have to play until someone messes up. The 'chapa' (red line) where you can't kill the ball below does not help our cause. Last thing - you only get 1 serve. If you hit it short or long on the first try, you are out and the person also gets a point. It speeds up the game dramatically.

Peewee Castro had to play Cesar Sala for a spot. It was tough seeing two guys from the same location go at it, but Peewee pulled out the win in the end. He won in two games. There was another match with local players as well that evening. Peewee moves on to the quarter final round. Cesar had another shot at qualifying but fell short on the second game 10-8 to a Frence pelota player. The picture on the right shows the bracket for Saturday's finale.

I'll try to post some more stuff tomorrow if possible and provide a web address for the Television station's webcast site. Thanks all.

FrontBall Pro Tour

2008-10-24T01:23:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

This is William Polanco providing some information on a new mode of 1-Wall Handball being played in what is considered the Basque region of Northern Spain/Souther France. Currently myself and 3 other 1-Wall players of Open caliber have been given an opportunity to come and compete in this new format. The other players are John "Rookie" Wright, Yuber "Peewee" Castro, and Cesar Sala. We left New York City on Sunday October 19 and arrived in Saint Sebastian airport in the early afternoon after a connecting flight in Barcelona, Spain. The tournament is being held in the town of Anglet in the south of France.

Our host Jean Michel Idiart and his organization the Elite Pelota Basque (EPB) are bringing forth a completely new spin on the game of 1-Wall Handball and the Basque sport of Pelota. The game is a little longer than a standard 1-Wall court, but it is played with a ball the weighs about 2.5 ounces (70 grams) and the opening service is done from what we would consider the long line.
A picture of the court is attached. I am also attaching a quick video clip of the game being played between of the their professional players Pascal De Ezcurra II and our very own Cesar Sala. I will update in a few hours a bit more information on the tournament (bracket break down, pictures, vids).

Brady vs. Keegan in 1-wall

2008-07-05T05:33:00.000-07:00

Brady vs. Keegan in the 2008 Irish 1-wall Nationals

Interesting Handball Court

2008-05-13T14:19:00.000-07:00

I think this court is located in Florida.

Thanks to Steph for the photo.

Bay 8th Street Park Gets Better!!!

2008-05-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

Word is that a restaurant will be built on the golf course across the street from the handball courts. I've heard that it will open sometime in June or July and will be open to outsiders.

Renovations of the Garfield Street 1-wall Courts

2008-05-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

The Garfield Street 1-wall courts are located in Hollywood Florida. The site has 6 courts with great lights. It is adjacent to the broadwalk where plenty of activities take place. A new multi-level parking garage has also been built to ensure that there is plenty of parking available.

Thanks to Andy Here for providing the photos.

2008-04-17T07:25:00.000-07:00

2008-04-15T18:29:00.000-07:00

2008-04-12T11:02:00.000-07:00

2008-04-11T18:20:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Pete

2008-04-10T16:28:00.001-07:00

A few photos, taken with my cell phone, during Pete Pelligrini's 46th birthday celebration at the Seaside handball courts in Coney Island. Longtime friend Benny (in the USA shirt) picked up a cake and some wine to start the celebration off. Pete has won the 40+ doubles division of the USHA National 1-wall Championships 3 times so far.

2008-04-10T12:52:00.000-07:00

2008-04-06T13:57:00.001-07:00

2008-04-06T11:51:00.000-07:00

2008-04-05T17:34:00.001-07:00

DON'T THINK OF A PURPLE COW

2008-03-25T12:34:00.000-07:00

by Kia Kalil-Gibran

How often have you been influenced by what others think about you, or by what "you" think others are thinking about you as a handball player? Someone may say something about your skill level and you hold onto that statement rather than letting it go, or "learning" from it and letting it go. Now, ask yourself: HOW DO YOU DEFINE YOURSELF AS A HANDBALL PLAYER? Take a few minutes to answer that question...honestly. Because what you believe about yourself is what you manifest both in your athletic and personal life.
Your experiences throughout life are determined by how you perceive events and how you communicate those events to yourself. There’s nothing in life except the meaning you give it - and we each interpret life differently. That is why two people can witness the same event and give totally different descriptions.

People who succeed in the athletic arena are those who have learned how to take any challenge that life presents and communicate that experience to themselves in a way that causes them to successfully change things. As humans, our lives are so determined by our Internal Representation (how we interpret and filter external events) that it is not the events that matter most to us, rather it is how we interpret those events that determine how we think about ourselves and how we will respond.

The true measure of a person is not how s/he performs, It's how s/he stands at controversy and challenge.

How we communicate life to ourselves - the pictures we see and the words we say to ourselves - coupled with our emotional state, our awareness of how we feel, the "rules" we’ve established, all determine our behaviors and outcomes. People who determine their outcome are masters of communication - they have the ability to effectively communicate an outcome they want and then do whatever it takes to manifest the outcome.

Have you ever listened to the way you talk or think to yourself; how you communicate to others? Your language - both verbal and non-verbal - plays an important role in your perception of the world and how you function minute by minute.

DON’T THINK OF A PURPLE COW

What are you thinking about right now? You automatically think of a purple cow because your brain doesn’t hold negative commands such as don’t, won’t, and can’t. It is impossible for you to NOT consider what you are asked NOT to consider.
When you tell yourself, "Don’t hit that shot again" you are actually telling yourself to "Hit that shot again," because it is impossible for your unconscious mind to hold a negative command.

Here’s an Exercise:

Recall of a time when you were not performing as you expected: (1) Write down 5 to 10 diminishing thoughts that you frequently say to or about yourself regarding your performance. Leave a few lines after each statement. (2) Write 5 to 10 enhancing counter-statements below each diminishing statement. Each day focus your attention on the enhancing statements, making them your "truth" as you begin manifesting them into your daily experience.
Begin now - for the rest of your life - to become aware of what you are telling yourself to do, or NOT to do! What kind of language do you use on a regular basis? Are you telling yourself that you are wonderful; that you’re a highly evolved healthy individual who is capable of whatever you decide to do? Or are you consistently telling yourself you’re no good and don’t deserve to succeed/win, giving your unconscious mind instructions that are harmful and destructive.

The instant a negative, destructive thought enters your mind, replace it with an empowering command.

What you focus on is determined by how you are evaluating information you receive, and evaluations are merely the questions you are asking yourself, and then answering. Thinking is a process of evaluating, and what you are evaluating is based on the questions you ask yourself.
Your quality of life (and as a handball player) is determined by what you focus on, because what you focus on is what you believe and that is all there is! We each create our own world and fill it with limitations and beliefs. You are beginning to learn that by stretching yourself - eliminating negative beliefs and filling your mind with empowering and useful information - you will experience life in new ways which are spilling over into your daily experience.

Kia Kalil-Gibran, D.Sc. is an Evolutionary Coach who teaches individuals, athletes how to Achieve Peak Performance; Silence Negative Self-Talk; Eliminate Limiting Beliefs, Fear of Failure and Anxiety. www.unlock-the-block.com; kia@unlock-the-block.com. To purchase the book, UNLOCK THE BLOCK™, send $30.00 to: Kia Kalil-Gibran, PO Box 309, Nevada City, CA. Make note you want a copy of the "Athletic Edition."

Renovation of Garfield St. 1-wall Courts

2008-03-24T14:42:00.000-07:00

"Tennis Ball" Eddie has posted photos of the renovation in his online Flickr album.
Thanks Ed!!!!

Tour De Tundra: Toyota/World Pro Handball Bike Tour

2008-03-21T16:56:00.000-07:00

Toyota Tundra: Tour De Team

On May 19th, 2008, two world class athletes and personalities known simply as The Team will embark on a 3000 mile/15 city Bike Tour starting in San Francisco, California and ending in New York City to promote and play the extreme sport of handball across the Heartland of America. The Team is comprised of the devastatingly handsome and sublime professional musician, Emmett Peixoto, who is also the #3 ranked world handball pro and his eccentric side-kick, and strangely lovable best pal, David Fink. Fink is currently ranked #10 in the world, according to the World Pro Handball Rankings. The Team will be stopping in San Francisco, Berkeley, Sacramento, Reno, Salt Lake City, Denver, Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago, Detroit, Toledo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., New York City and others. The Team will not only impart their vast handball knowledge, prodigious handball talent and charm in various handball clinics and exhibitions, but will also be playing in the two most prestigious events on the handball calendar—The USHA 1 and 4-wall Nationals!

After biking through the Rocky Mountains and into the Midwest, The Team will arrive in Kansas City, Kansas, to compete in the USHA 4-Wall Nationals. Soon after, they will get back onto their bikes and make the trek across the Midwest spreading handball joy and awareness all the way to the 1-wall Nationals in the Big Apple. The Team will enter both events in the pro singles categories and will play as a “team” in the pro doubles.The Team has traveled throughout the United States, Canada, Italy, and Australia, in the past, and has taken the handball world by storm on many occasions. They are now prepared to take their traveling road-show to the next level by riding their bikes from coast-to-coast. These two dynamic personalities are as unpredictable as they are spontaneous, and there will never be a dull moment. What will happen when The Team reaches the bottom of the Rocky Mountains, and sees the incredible challenge that faces them? How will The Team survive over 2 months sleeping in a tent? What will happen if The Team is forced to play each other in one of the National Championships? All of these questions and many more will be answered in this two and a half month epic journey across the United States.

Bike Tour Schedule

Berkeley Handball Clinic - May 19th Morning Clinic @ UC Berkeley SF Olympic Club Handball Tour Fundraiser May 19th Evening Clinic and Fundraiser

START TOUR - Leave from San Francisco - May 20th 7:00AM IMPORTANT - LEAVE NO LATER THAN 7:00AM EVERY MORNING.

Sacramento, California Arrive May 20th – Approximately 1:00PM - Do an evening clinic at Capitol Athletic Club
Reno, Nevada - Arrive May 22nd – Approximately at 1:00PM – Do an evening exhibition and clinic – Contact Joe Garcia
Cedar City, Utah - Arrive May 30th – Do an evening exhibition and clinic in SLC – This is a 3-hour car ride from Salt Lake City.

Salt Lake City, Utah - We will drive to Salt Lake from Cedar City and then drive back down to start the tour again the following morning.
Pueblo, Colorado - Arrive June 8th – We arrive in Pueblo on June 8th. Potential Clinic. Please contact us if you want our team to stop in your town. weplayhandball@cs.com
Denver, Colorado - We will drive the Tundra 2 hours to Denver to do the evening clinic and exhibition; driving back (Pueblo) that same day to resume the bike tour the next morning.

Arrive June 15th – Overland Park Kansas- USHA 4-Wall Nationals

St. Louis, Missouri
Leave Kansas on the 23rd, and arrive in St. Louie on June 26th – The Team will stay an extra day and play an exhibition with Handball Legend David Chapman.

Peoria, Illinois
Arrive 29th - Approximately at 1:00PM – Do an evening exhibition and clinic

Indianapolis, Indiana
Arrive July 2nd - Approximately at 1:00PM – Do an evening exhibition and clinic

Toledo, Ohio
Arrive July 4th - This is an hour and a half car ride to Detroit

Detroit, Michigan
The Team will drive to Detroit for an all day clinic and pro am on the 5th – We will drive back to Toledo in the morning.

Cleveland, Ohio
Arrive July 7th - Approximately at 1:00PM – Do an evening exhibition and clinic

Youngstown, Ohio
Arrive July 8th - Approximately at 1:00PM – Do an evening clinic

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Arrive July 9th – Evening Clinic and Exhibition – The Team will do another clinic on the next evening.

Baltimore, Maryland
Arrive July 14th - Approximately at 1:00PM – Do an evening exhibition and clinic

Richmond, Virginia
Arrive July 17th - Approximately at 1:00PM – Do an evening exhibition and clinic

Washington DC
Arrive July 20th – The Team will go back up North to DC on July 20th -Approximately at 1:00PM – Do an evening exhibition and clinic

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Arrive July 23rd - Approximately at 1:00PM – Do an evening exhibition and clinic

New York, New York
Arrive July 25th - Approximately at 1:00PM – Do an evening exhibition and clinic at the NYAC – Then start training for the One Wall Nationals

One Wall Nationals in Coney Island July 30st – August 3rd

Tour Ends- Next up? Ireland!!!???
For additional information, sponsorship opportunities, and donations, contact the WPH team at weplayhandball@cs.com

Thanks,

Emmett "El Rock" Peixoto
David Fink

USHA 4-Wall Nationals

2008-03-21T14:33:00.000-07:00

June 16, 2008- The World of Pro Handball is set to webcast (live streaming audio and video over the Internet) the USHA 4-Wall National Championships from Overland Park, Kansas! Brady, Healy, Lenning, Peixoto, Alvarado and all the top handball players will be seen LIVE over the WPH live webcaster. For more information; viewing times, schedules, and dates, go to: wphlive.tv or email the WPH at WphLiveTv@cs.com!

Emmett Peixoto: Under Roses

2008-03-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

#4 World Ranked Handball Pro, Emmett Peixoto, releases music album- From Handball court to recording studio, Emmett Peixoto, takes his handball gloves, guitar pic, and songbook from town-to-town, as this traveling musician/handball pro is wooing audiences with his crooning words and his aggressive handball play.

Emmett's recent schedule: March 1st, 2008, Emmett Peixoto put down his guitar and won the USHA Showtime in Seattle "Major" Handball event by defeating Suhn Lee, Tommy Little, Naty Alvarado, and Sean Lenning, on his way to $5,000 bucks. March 22nd, Emmett Peixoto stays off the handball court to play music in the historical gold rush "boom town" of Nevada City, California, at the Mountain Song of Nevada City 1-year anniversary celebration.

In mid-May, Emmett Peixoto and fellow pro handball pal, Dave Fink, plan to ride their bikes across the United States handing out handball information, Emmett's latest CD, and playing in handball exhibitions from left to right-coast. Go to weplayhandball.com for additional information on this tour.

To sample Emmett's latest effort: (click the titles below)

A Song of Your Own
Bubble
She Said
Waiting on the Sun

How do I purchase the new Emmett Peixoto release, Under Roses?

A. You have many different options. You could email him at: ElRockMusic@cs.com and he will make arrangements to get the album to you. Or, you could go to the WPH DVD store or WPH All ACCESS page and purchase a WPH Membership.

WPH to include CD in past and new All Access Pass packages-

Starting now, whenever you sign up as an all access member through the WPH in either a Supreme or Platinum level, you and your free Junior/College players will get the full 15 track LP- Under Roses, as a gift from the WPH and Emmett Peixoto. All Gold Members will receive a 3-song CD sampler of various cuts from Emmett's latest CD effort, Under Roses. Past Gold Members must contact the WPH at weplayhandball@cs.com for additional information.

Gold Members may upgrade to Platinum or Supreme levels at anytime. Please contact the WPH for pricing, benefits, and Emmett Peixoto concert/album/handball/bike tour availability.

-WPH

Thum, winner of autographed WPH shirt

2008-03-07T16:49:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Ben Thum for winning the pro autographed T-Shirt, signed by over 30 top ranked pros at the 07 Simple Green US Open of Handball, in the WPH, "All Access Pass recruitment" contest.

We are asking all current WPH Access Pass members to sign up as many new pass-holders as possible. Ben Thum answered the call and just edged out David Chapman with 10 new members, during the 2-month contest.

From now until September 1st, the person that signs up the most FREE Juniors or Collegiate handball members will get a FREE pro clinic (sponsored by the WPH); you pic the available pro; you pick the availaible weekend; you pick the available location!!!!

To find out more about WPH all access passes (your key to FREE webcasting), simply go to www.prohandball.tv/wph/allaccess now!

Showtime in Seattle

2008-03-05T07:42:00.000-08:00

Showtime in Seattle was a showcase of pro handball's past, present, and future, and after 3 thrilling days of top handball, a new star in the handball world was born. 16players arrived in Seattle vying to become the Showtime Champion. 8 players were invited based on their ranking, and 8 more players qualified in 4 different qualifiers held throughout the country. This ensured the very best field in a pro tournament in many years, and the players did not disappoint the tremendous fans in the packed gallery, or the thousands watching on the phenomenal webcast.

Photo courtesy of the USHA

The round of 16 featured no upsets. Number 1 seeded and hometown hero Sean Lenning coasted to a round of 16 victory against long-time tour veteran Chris Tico. Tyler "The Sleek Panther" Hamel cruised past San Jose's Ricardo Diaz to face Sean Lenning in the round of 8. Marcos Chavez received a scare from the tenacious Billy Mehilos, losing the first game, but rallying to win the next 2 against the pride of Chicago. Allan Garner also rallied from a first game loss against eccentric lefty Dave Fink to win the next 2 games to setup a quarterfinal clash with Marcos Chavez. Naty Alvarado easily disposed of rising superstar Armondo Ortiz, and setup a US Open rematch with Luis Moreno, who managed to hold off a hard-charging Dave Munson in the second game. Tommy Little beat Vince Munoz in the last tournament of Vince's illustrious pro handball career, and second seeded Emmett Peixoto was too aggressive for Lake Forest's Suhn Lee.

Photo courtesy of the USHA

In the fist quarterfinal match, Luis Moreno looked to avenge a US Open quarterfinal loss to Naty Alvarado Jr. Luis held an 8-5 lead in the tiebreaker in that match before Naty rallied for the win. Naty was as crisp and accurate as he has been in recent memory, and Luis was never able to find his comfort zone. Naty's pace dictated the match, and he was able to book his ticket to the semifinals. Naty awaited the winner of Emmett Peixoto and Kansas City's Tommy Little. Peixoto and Little have had many great battles in the past, but on this day, it was all Peixoto. Peixoto gave the crowd a small taste of what was to come as he dominated Little in 2 games. The resurgent Hamel eagerly anticipated his meeting with number 1 Sean Lenning, but Lenning proved why he is number 1. Hamel's percentage game had no affect on Lenning. Sean was able to end rallies from everywhere on the court, and left Hamel shaking his head in frustration. Marcos Chavez and Allan Garner played the match of the event. Marcos surged to a 12-0 lead in the first game, and held off Garner 21-12. The second game was close throughout with both players exchanging phenomenal kill shots and retrieves. Marcos held several match points, but Garner was able to earn sideouts, including a flat left hand right corner kill at 20-20 to hold off a match point. Garner won the game 21-20, and looked to have the momentum. Marcos was able to refocus, and execute very deep kill shots to win a riveting tiebreaker 11-8 to face doubles partner Sean Lenning in the semifinal.

Photo courtesy of the USHA

The first semifinal was a clash between 2nd seeded Emmett Peixoto and his long-time nemesis Naty Alvarado Jr. Despite being seeded 3rd, Naty was clearly the favorite, as Emmett had never beaten him in a pro match. Emmett seized this opportunity to announce his membership amongst the elite players in the world. Long recognized as talented, Emmett had yet to prove he belonged amongst the best in the game. This changed as he displayed power, speed, intensity, and decisiveness that left Naty bewildered and stunned. Emmett controlled nearly every rally with devastating power and rekills, and even Naty's serve was neutralized by this man on a mission. Emmett fulfilled his talent, and clinched his birth in the final with one of the most impressive performances in recent memory.

The second semifinal marked the return of Marcos Chavez to world class tournament semifinal action against the current number 1 player and hometown legend Sean Lenning. Marcos was not intimidated by his 3 wall doubles partner. He rallied from a small 1st game deficit to make the score 12-13, but Sean found another gear, and was able to score 8 unanswered points en route to a 21-12 first game victory. Unfortunately for the hundreds of fans enjoying this tremendous handball action, Marcos pulled his hamstring at 4-6 in the 2nd game, and was forced to forfeit, meaning Sean advanced to the final.

Sean and Emmett have an incredibly long history playing one another, dating back to numerous junior national finals, featuring several pro stop finals, and the last two 3 wall national singles finals. Emmett defeated Sean 7 times in a row until over a year ago. Since that time, Sean has dominated this rivalry, winning their last 8 meetings. This, however, was a different Peixoto. Displaying the intensity that earned him a spot in this final, Emmett pounced on every ball, and seemed to have an answer for every Lenning drive and attempted kill. Emmett was not only able to retrieve Sean's lasers down the right wall, but consistently rekill them an inch high. Sean's advantage over Emmett is his effortless power, but on this day it was Emmett's power that overwhelmed Sean. Emmett built a huge lead in the first game, and maintained that advantage to win 21-7. Hundreds of Sean's fans encouraged their hero to turn the match around, but this was not Sean's day. Despite playing in Sean's backyard, Emmett silenced the crowd with a dazzling array of handball, using his full arsenal of kills, passes, lob serves, drive serves, ceiling balls, and fly kills to stun Sean and his faithful fans 21-11 to earn his place amongst the best players in the world.

The Showtime event promised a weekend of more than just great handball, and it certainly delivered. Fans were treated to circus performances between games and matches with Seattle's finest contortionists, contact jugglers, acrobats, and hula dancers. The fans were also treated to an exceptional banquet filled with more circus shows, and a chance to congratulate their favorite pros. Special thanks has to be given to tournament organizers Brian Henson, Joel Crawford, and Jay Simpson who had the vision not only to host an unbelievable handball event, but create a full weekend of entertainment as well. Make sure to book your tickets for next year's event now because next year promises to be even more exciting!

David Fink

DVDs from Sanford Florida 1-wall tournament

2008-03-02T11:25:00.000-08:00

The set of 2 DVDs can be purchased for $20. A total of 12 games. E-mail el_lobo70@yahoo.com

Renovation of Garfield St Courts

2008-03-02T04:33:00.000-08:00

As you can see the new municipal parking facility and community enter are almost done. The 1-wall courts will be closed starting March 10th while the 6 outdoor courts with lights get badly needed renovations. The city is looking to paint all of the courts the same color. Possibly a mint green.
The park is located in the Hollywood/Ft. Lauderdale area of Florida adjacent to the beach and broadwalk. Regular free concerts and antigue car shows are scheduled. It makes a great place for a winter handball vacation. Most of the action occurs in the evening under the lights.

2008-02-13T19:26:00.000-08:00

WPH Goes Member-Driven

2008-02-10T14:29:00.000-08:00

By packaging LIVE handball webcast viewing with top produced DVDs and other perks, the WPH All Access Pass gives you a membership to handball media heaven. Once you sign up for your WPH All Access Pass, you will receive:

*A copy of the digitally remastered David Chapman/John Bike Pro Handball Showdown Retro (1993) made-for-TV DVD. This newly remixed DVD is highly considered the greatest handball video ever produced. This DVD isn't available for purchase in any other store.

**The PPV Webcast of the Canadian Nationals and Simple Green US Open, plus Canadian Nationals, USHA Nationals, and a 5th event TBD! All for FREE!

***The post Dave Chapman Returns/Showdown II DVD set
and many more fun WPH perks! Get the Supreme Pass and receive EVERY DVD in the WPH video vault.

(Money raised will go toward pro handball tournament sponsorships, webcasting, and filming. The WPH will also donate $$$'s in your name to the Y2K and USHA Youth Handball programs for each membership earned)

Click the All Access Pass link and support the WPH today!

WPH DVD STORE
If you want individual DVDs, including the brand new 2007 Simple Green US Open Finals (doubles, women's, men's....), then visit the WPH DVD Store!

By becoming a member of the WPH (All Access Pass) you will get discounts on merchandise, DVDs webcast PPViewing, and more!!

The WPH even has Collegiate and Jr's passes at discounted prices.

Enjoy!

WPH

You could win a pro autographed t-shirt!

2008-02-10T14:24:00.000-08:00

The WPH has decided to make you a winner. Once you sign up as an all access pass holder you will be asked to refer as many friends and family to the WPH membership page by March 1st. The member with the most referrals will win an Autographed Pro Handball Shirt signed by: Danny Bell, John Bike, Naty Alvarado, El Gato, Tati Silveyra, Paul Brady, Tony Healy, Sean Lenning, Vince Munoz, Fred Lewis, Marcos Chavez, Vern Roberts, Dessie Keegan, Ricky McCann, Emmett Peixoto, Luis Moreno, and so many more! Get on the phone and call as many people as you know, tell them about the new All Access Pass. Don't forget, all new access pass holders will receive free DVD's, webcast viewing, and over $250.00 worth of handball goodies just for signing up!

Go here, to get your pass......

SOME GOOD NEWS ABOUT MONEY

2008-02-09T12:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Handball fanatic:

In case you are not already aware of us, the WPH is the quickest growing organization dedicated to the advancement of handball, and people who engage in this sport, in the entire world.

They conduct competitions, award prizes, publish a monthly newsletter, promote this sport, ... (etc. etc. etc.)

They are committed to helping their members in all areas of their lives.

For many (probably most) of our members, handball is their passion. Many people would love to be able to play handball professionally, all the time. But most people cannot afford to do this: they need to work, and can play handball only as a part-time activity.

Well, that may all change. If you are someone who would like to play handball professionally or even recreationally, but who at present needs to work to “earn a living”, we have what could be a very real solution.

The WPH has made special arrangements with a company that offers the opportunity for you to earn a residual income. This is not a “get rich quick” scheme. It is not something that will happen overnight. But if you are willing to spend as little as 5-6 hours a week, over the next three years, developing your own home-based business, three years from now (or less), we believe you will have a residual income of at least $50,000 (and probably more). At that point, you could devote most of your time to playing handball, right? (These projections are very conservative. There are people making $8,000 a month after only two years!)

You do NOT need to have any special knowledge to succeed in this unique home-based business opportunity. Everything you need to know will be shown to you. In fact, what you will need to do requires no special skills—except the ability to speak to other people in a friendly manner. If you can do that, you can succeed in this business opportunity.

If having a residual income (an income that keeps coming in whether you are working or not) sounds attractive, and you would like more information, please send an email to Michael Heartsong at (323) 839-1578 or email him at msheartsong8@gmail.com (and tell him the WPH sent you) if you have any questions, or to get started building your own home-based business.

Michael Heartsong is a proud member holding a WPH All Access Pass since January 5th!

Hocus Pocus or is it Focus?

2008-02-08T15:15:00.000-08:00

by Kia Kalil-Gibran

Becoming a winning handball player doesn’t just “magically” happen. True, winning is magical, however it doesn’t just happen. The magic of winning is when all the pieces come together to produce an effective result (winning the game/match!). Winning doesn’t come about with the wave of a wand. There is a certain “Focus” that a handball player must direct throughout their handball career, and in particular during the specific game and match.

There is no “Hocus Pocus” or “chance” on the road to becoming a great competitive handball player. It takes Focus. Focus is the ability to consistently direct your Conscious Awareness in a specific direction. It is too easy in this world to become distracted. Players want it all “now,” however it takes patient perseverance to reach greatness.

There are 3 key ingredients associated with the Focus of Success: (1) Believe in yourself (without doubt); (2) Develop “Presence” (an “Internal Knowing” that you have faith in yourself); and (3) Focus on what you want (not what you “don’t” want).

Believe in Yourself - The most powerful tool of influence is a belief. A belief is a feeling of certainty. It is a guiding principle, a strong faith or passion towards what you believe. Belief is the #1 most important tool for accomplishing what you want. It is your sense of certainty inside yourself. A belief only exists because you hold onto its truth. Believing in yourself - coupled with discipline of focus, will generate excellence. Eliminate any doubt. Doubt usually comes in the form of asking yourself lousy questions – the “what ifs.” These lousy questions begin weakening your belief system. Instead, create inside yourself that which you want to believe and then focus on that belief. Beliefs are one of the most powerful forces for creating what you want in your life.

Develop Your “Presence” (Internal Knowing/Faith) - Have you ever noticed someone who possesses Presence? A person with Presence has a certain faith in themselves; a purpose and focus. They exude self-confidence and self-respect; there is an “ease” to which they move through life, knowing that they are the creator of their universe (life does not happen).

Developing Presence requires utilizing your knowledge and experience and consciously integrating those qualities into a focused reality. It is also the ability to live life knowing YOU are creating your reality. This implies that if you focus on the negative or diminishing aspects of life, then that is what will manifest. To focus on the positive or enhancing aspects of what you are doing each day will create a life full of wonder. Taking responsibility for your life implies encompassing an Extra Ordinary commitment to excellence which, in turn, develops one’s Presence.

Focus on What You Want - To “want” something is to have faith in the truth of its existence. Faith is what you believe in. It is what you give your attention to; what you attach importance to in life. If you allow your attention to be pulled aimlessly throughout the game, getting distracted or reacting to your opponent, the crowd, the ref, or miss-hit shots, then it is time to apply a stop. . .compose yourself by taking a deep breath and center into yourself into your game. Once you are in a place of balance, begin anew by applying effective tools to keep you focused and on track.

Focus is a conscious aware discipline. It takes both discipline and focus to apply a “stop” in the middle of the chaos. Chaos is a great distraction promoting “life happens.” It is much easier to remain in chaos and blame something outside yourself for losing or playing poorly, than it is to take responsibility for your performance by focusing your attention and coming into balance with your game; with yourself.

For those of you who have watched the movie, “Patch Adams,” there is a remarkable idea presented early in the movie. It states: If you focus on the problem you’ll never see the solution. Never focus on the problem; Look beyond the problem. See what no one else sees. See what everyone else chooses NOT to see out of fear, conformity, and laziness. See the whole world anew.

Greatness requires the ability to “see the world anew” by elevating and focusing your awareness to encompass your ability to be great. Your awareness must continually expand with each new height you reach as a handball player, never staying stuck in a certain level of play. All sports require players to perform outside of the box - to see what no one else sees, or chooses not to see out of fear, conformity and laziness.

Life is full of magic, and that magic depends upon you. Magic is not based upon “Hocus Pocus;” it is, however, full of Focus! Life’s Magic Depends on YOU!

Kia Kalil-Gibran, D.Sc. is an Evolutionary Coach who teaches individuals, athletes how to Achieve Peak Performance; Silence Negative Self-Talk; Eliminate Limiting Beliefs, Fear of Failure and Anxiety. www.unlock-the-block.com; kia@unlock-the-block.com. To purchase the book, UNLOCK THE BLOCK™, send $30.00 to: Kia Kalil-Gibran, PO Box 309, Nevada City, CA. Make note you want a copy of the “Athletic Edition.”

Showtime in Seattle

2008-02-08T07:16:00.000-08:00

Showtime in Seattle

February 28-29 and March 1, 2008

Live WPH Webcast!! Sixteen of the top handball professionals in the world will compete for $26,000 in prize money. Hosted and sponsored by the WAC Handball Club.
Contact 206.464.3074 for tickets and event information. Or, email Joel.Carlson@yahoo.com

Go to www.prohandball.tv for more webcasting instructions.

EARN A RESIDUAL INCOME SO YOU CAN PLAY HANDBALL FULL TIME

2008-02-08T07:15:00.000-08:00

The World of Pro Handball is committed to helping our members in particular, and all handball players, in all areas of their lives.

For many –probably most—of our members, handball is their passion. Many people would love to be able to play handball professionally, all the time. But most people cannot afford to do this: they need to work, and can play handball only as a part-time activity.

Well, that may all change. If you are someone who would like to play handball professionally, but whom at present needs to work to “earn a living”, we have what could be a very real solution.

Go to this website: www.thegiantdiscovery.com and watch the 30 minute video.

Than call Michael Heartsong at (323) 839-1578 or email him at msheartsong8@gmail.com (and tell him the WPH sent you) if you have any questions, or to get started building your own home-based business.

NCD simply amazng!

2008-02-08T07:12:00.000-08:00

This product, Natural Cellular Defense may well be the most important health breakthrough of the last 25 years. It is the world’s best chelating agent. It has been proven to remove heavy metals, pesticides, industrial pollutants and toxins from the body in very large quantities, completely safely with absolutely no negative side effects.

People who take this product experience increased energy and stamina, because their body is no longer having to waste precious energy dealing with the heavy metals and toxins.

Do you have heavy metals and toxins in your body? Every time you breathe in air, you are breathing in heavy metals. Our modern society puts each of us in contact with toxins on a daily basis. Everyone has these toxins in their body. By actual survey, 78% of people in the United States have a toxic burden greater than t heir body’s ability to deal with. The result is disease of one for or another.

To find out how to order this product at wholesale, contact Michael Heartsong at msheartsong8@gmail.com, and tell him World Pro Handball sent you!

Dave Chapman creates a big buzz

2008-02-08T07:11:00.001-08:00

The WPH’s Detroit Handball Showdown can be described as a series of exciting and memorable mismatches, one rivalrous match, one age vs. ageless match, one gut-wrenching comeback, and one unforgettable daylong show of intriguing, humorous, and at times awkwardly funny commentary.

California’s Marcos Chavez was down eight to two in the third game to the Texas Canadian Tyler Hamel when he decided to turn into the hulk and terrorize the court. Marcos’ on-slot of well-executed kill shots, well-timed fist pumps, and well-vocalized howls, pushed him to make 9 unanswered points, making this match the “edge of your seat” crowed-pleaser of the tournament. Marcos beat San Jose native Ricardo Diaz to advance to the final against Hamel. Ricardo looked a little worn out, probably due to a hard and competitive, yet victorious battle against Billy O Donnell in the finals of the Coney Island Classic the previous week. Tyler beat Pittsburgh’s David Fink on his way to the final against Marcos. The Hamel/Fink match-up will go down as one of the best handball rivalries of all time. Hamel lost to Fink in the quarters of the Canadian Nationals last year, and narrowly outlasted Fink in an 11-9 tiebreaker in the finals of the WAC qualifier. These players knew that they were going to have to play at their very best to win. Hamel was down 14-11 in the second after winning the first game 15-8 when Dave was unable to keep the momentum on his side. After running around on every crevice on the court Tyler sleekly, and almost panther-like snuck away with the victory. This pinned Dave Fink against Diaz for third place. Dave’s drive and endless endurance pushed him to crush the almost sluggish and tiresome Diaz, 15-2, 15-7. Canadian Danny Bell has aged without aging if that makes any sense. The 47-year-old played the 42-year-old John Bike in the “Legends” exhibition, in whose first game lasted longer than the entire DC/EP match. Bike’s hard drives and power enabled him to win the first game, but Bell’s “veteran tactics,” proved to be a lesson for the younger (though not much younger) player. Stamina was on the side of Bell as John’s legs gave out in the middle of the second, and Bell easily took the tiebreaker 11-4. The number one American player Sean Lenning was up against the undefeated Casey Lawlor Cup champion Allan Garner. As we know Sean almost lost to Allan at this year's US Open, however Sean was not about to let Allan come close to a victory this time. Sean quickly showed that he was not there to mess around, as he placed nearly every one of his shots one centimeter high on the front wall. Lenning simply had too much for Allan. The only time when things looked good for Garner was when Sean stumbled and twisted his ankle, however Sean was still able to finish off the first game and dominate the second game by putting all his weight on his other foot.

The main match featured the former number one player in the world David Chapman, fresh from a three-year layoff, against Emmett Rock Peixoto who is currently ranked fourth in the world. Many who underestimated Chapman found out quickly why he is arguably the best player of all time. His ability to place shots just out of reach from the fastest player on the circuit was nothing short of immaculate. His patience and court sense were too much for his younger opponent. Dave was able to keep Emmett off balance with his hops and high drives down the walls. When E-Rock looked to have an opportunity, Dave’s anticipation made Emmett rethink vital shots at the last second and congruently hit them into the floor or four inches too high. In the first game Chapman’s unanswerable high three-wall serve was just enough to give him the lead he needed to keep the momentum on his end, winning 21-12. E-Rock’s fans still thought he was going to turn it around in the second but DC made sure Peixoto wouldn’t even be able to fanaticize about a victory. Dave kept Emmett in the backcourt and frustrated the younger player with frontcourt dump shots and back-wall kills, winning the second 21-5 and proving that he still has what it takes to be the best. EP was devastated by his loss but plans on redeeming himself at the Showtime in Seattle event later this month, but still more importantly, the WPH will be there to webcast.

The live webcast of the Detroit Showdown was, “100 times better than watching the Super Bowl,” said one impressed fan, while another fan, Gary Mc Nulty, added “Excellent quality…Chavez vs. Hamel alone was worth 50USD. Well done Dave, Jeff, Omar, Bike and Fink…excellent and hilarious commentary; quality entertainment.” The WPH surly deserves cyclical props for this event, however the WPH staff are not the only people that need be thanked for this exceptional weekend, the hosts deserves a massive amount of credit as well. The host of the event was the prestigious and historical downtown Detroit Athletic Club. The Athletic director Ron Barr and the club’s incomparable and almost overly helpful staff overwhelmed the pros and participants with generously ceaseless hospitality. Anything the pros requested was given to them. A full bar featuring wine, beer, and snacks was ever flowing for the fans, as well as some of the players. The pros were given breakfast and lunch along with enough Gatorade to sustain at least one hundred marathon runners for an entire weeklong spree of pure electrolyte consumption. The chefs were willing to take requests for any special dietary needs, including cooking up vegetarian options for E-Rock and D-Fink’s strict vegetarian diets. On Friday, the club players were treated to a pro-am and quickly jumped on the opportunity to play with their favorite pros; and even try and beat some of their least favorite pros (e.g. David Fink, JK). The club players and fans were also treated to an early morning clinic before the big matches took place. The aspiring pros and future local legends took their chance to ask as many questions as possible about their game, and might even have learned something. There was not a fan that wasn’t impressed by the pace of the ball. “Needless to say the gap between our best and worst player is much closer than our best, and a pro,” stated Ron Bar soon after his and the fans’ mutual realization. The members and employees of the DAC were as impressed with the pros and the WPH as the pros and the WPH were with them. The event definitely marked the beginning of a strong relationship between the DAC and the WPH, and hopefully a long lasting one. The WPH, along with the DAC, put on an event that has set the bar for all future professional handball tournaments. Dave Vincent and the WPH truly hit on something special by showcasing these premier players, not only in Detroit, but also worldwide via of the webcast. See you in Seattle!

By Emmett Rock Peixoto

David Chapman makes one final comeback

2008-02-06T07:18:00.000-08:00

The Showdown at the Detroit Athletic Club was an incredible success for the players, the fans, and the pay per view viewers. The players were treated to a first class event in one of the finest facilities in the country, and the fans were treated to first class handball by the best players in the world. The members of the Detroit Athletic Club had the opportunity to play a pro-am doubles event with the pros the night before the event, and were able to experience handball a the highest level. Members also enjoyed a clinic on Saturday morning with Allan Garner, David Fink, and Emmett Peixoto.

The instruction and fun doubles were quickly replaced by intense action when Marcos Chavez faced Ricardo Diaz in the days first match. Marcos and Ricardo were playing in the first match of the 4-man, winner take all tournament. Both players started slowly, but Marcos surged ahead of Ricardo at 7-7 in the first game with a dazzling array of fly kills and backwall rollouts. Marcos overwhelmed Ricardo to earn his spot in the 4-man final with a 15-8, 15-2 victory.

The 2nd of the 4-man winner-take-all event was a rematch of the WAC qualifier finals between Tyler Hamel and David Fink. Tyler raced to a 6-1 lead in the first game, and maintained that advantage throughout the first game, cruising to a 15-10 victory. The 2nd game featured a more aggressive Fink. Fink found his groove early with a number a kills from the backcourt, and led 9-1. Tyler methodically climbed back into the game, and caught the lefty at 9. Fink continued to take his chances from the deep court, and earned game point at 14-12, and narrowly missed a kill attempt that would have forced a tiebreaker. Hamel took advantage of Fink's crucial miss, and served out the game and match to earn a spot in the 4-man final against Marcos Chavez.

The next matchup was to determine the best Masters player in North America. The Legends Match featured long-time rivals John Bike and Danny Bell. John and Danny played very close throughout the first game, and displayed numerous shots that have made them the games' best over the last 20 years. John threw huge hops at Danny, and Danny countered the soft dump flat roll outs in the front court. The fist game was tied at 15 when Danny was able to pull away to win the 1st game 21-15. Danny started quickly in the 2nd game, and looked as though he may make short work of John, but John recovered from a 1-6 deficit to change the momentum in his favor. John was able to push Danny back, and was able to neutralize Danny's front court magic as a result. John forced the tiebreaker with a 21-12 win. John had the momentum and the early 2-0 lead in the tiebreaker when he missed a routine setup. Danny was able to turn the match, and dominate the rest of the tiebreaker 11-4 to earn the title, Best Master in North America, and a potential matchup with Ireland's Duxie Walsh to establish The World's Best Legend.

The marquee match of the day was the return of David Chapman, and the great one did not disappoint. David challenged world number 4 Emmett Peixoto in his retirement match, and he showed what made him an 8 Time USHA National Champion. David dominated Emmett from the start of the match, moving Emmett side to side, front to back, and executing his shots with flawless accuracy. Emmett was overwhelmed by the David's control and precision, and was unable to offer any sort of resistance to the Living Legend. David was able to control the frontcourt, and dazzle the crowd with his signature shot, the backwall flat kill. Emmett was never able to find his comfort zone as David took him on numerous tours of the court, mercilessly trouncing the previously confident Peixoto, 21-12, 21-5. David claims to be finished with competitive handball, but there will certainly be a large demand to see him play the worlds' best as he proved he still has the game that made him the greatest player of all time.

Allan Garner was given the opportunity for revenge against Sean Lenning following a controversial ending in the quarterfinals of the 2007 US Open, which ended in an 11-10 victory for Sean Lenning. Sean attacked early, and built an 18-6 first game lead behind his incredible array of serves, kills, and unconventional but highly effective frontcourt shots that left the crowd speechless. Sean severely sprained his ankle during the rally at 18-6, and looked as though he would be unable to continue. Sean proved his heart was as big as his immense talent, and was able to hobble to a convincing victory, 21-7, 21-12.

The final of the 4-man event proved to be the best match of the day as a resurgent Tyler Hamel faced long-time rival Marcos Chavez. Both players have been ranked in the top 5 in the world, and both seem to be playing the best handball of their careers. Very few errors and incredibly high quality handball were displayed between these two tremendous handball talents, and the first two games were split. The tiebreaker was a winner take all for $1000 in cash, and the title of WPH contender Champion. Tyler "The Sleek Panther" Hamel rediscovered Hamelmania, and dominated the beginning of the tiebreaker to take a seemingly insurmountable 8-2 lead. Marcos summoned his trademark intensity and unmatched aggressiveness when he needed it most, and seized the momentum. Hamel was unable to reverse the momentum of the Chavez Express as Marcos rolled to an 11-8 comeback victory, and title of WPH Contender Champion.

Ricardo Diaz faced David Fink in the last match of the day for a winner take all purse of $500, and an automatic invite into the next WPH 4-Man Contender Showdown. Fink kept the aggressive Diaz in the backcourt with deep Z serves into the left corner, and pounced on his opportunities to dominate the first game 15-1. Ricardo tried to establish his offense in the 2nd game, hitting power serves that hugged the right wall, and looking to shoot the returns. Fink capitalized on several Diaz mistakes, and led 13-2 before a 5 point burst by Ricardo pulled him to within 6 points. Fink earned the sideout, and with consecutive backwall kills, Fink won the match, 15-1, 15-7.

The EP/DC Showdown at the DAC was a huge success, and plans for a showdown at the DAC are already being made for next year on Super Bowl weekend. The pros certainly look forward to returning to Detroit.

The next stop for all of these pros will be Showtime in Seattle. 16 pros have qualified, and 1 will be crowned champion. Will it be one of the top seeds, Lenning, Peixoto, Alvarado, or Garner, or will someone shock the field to capture this prestigious title? Tune into extremehandball.org February 28th-March 1st to see every match!

By Dave Fink

Online Photo Album From International 1-Wall Tournament In Italy

2007-12-22T20:49:00.000-08:00

2007 International Fronton 1-wall Tournament in Italy.
These photos were provided by Howie Eisenberg.

Awards Ceremony in Spain

2007-12-16T04:42:00.000-08:00

Here is a clip from the awards ceremony in Spain.

Feb. 17th USHA Tournament @ the HES

2007-12-13T15:42:00.001-08:00

The doubles tournament at the H.E.S. on Feb. 17th will be included in the USHA 1-wall rankings. For more info contact Artie bonartie@aol.com 718-332-4251.

Tournament application

2007-12-12T15:16:00.001-08:00

February 2nd, 2008, Dave Chapman will face his toughest opponent. Go to weplayhandball.com, for more details......

Interview with the Champions

2007-11-25T09:08:00.000-08:00

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William Polanco and Tony Roberts being interviewed after beating PeeWee Castro and Joe Kaplan in the final of the Italian International Fronton 1-wall tournament in Italy.

Web Casting Icon

2007-10-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

More Irish Pics

2007-09-26T05:31:00.000-07:00

We Play Hanball- Filming in Ireland~random pics

2007-09-25T13:51:00.000-07:00

Street Games

2007-09-13T16:04:00.001-07:00

http://www.sny.tv/schedule/streetgames.jsp

This series starts Thursday night...the Mayor's Cup
Handball tournament is going to be shown on one of the
episodes.

Spread the word...

jimmy@handballcity.com

1ST ANNUAL CAGE MATCH HANDBALL TOURNAMENT

2007-09-13T15:58:00.000-07:00

YO GUYS HERE'S THE 1ST ANNUAL CAGE MATCH HANDBALL TOURNAMENT BLOG:
http://readingcagemaych.blogspot.com/

REPOMAN allentownbigblue@aol.com

2007-09-08T17:34:00.000-07:00

Come visit my store on CafePress!

USHA announces Top-Elite 16 Big Cash Tourney

2007-09-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

Click here to read more..............

09/08/07 Unvieling and 1-wall Handball at Wheaton Regional Park

2007-09-07T15:37:00.000-07:00

Please be advised that the unveiling of the plaque for Sol will be at the Wheaton Regional Park One-Wall courts at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 8. Sol's family will be there, and handball, starting around 8:30, will be played until the unveiling.

Dan Zimet

BTW, Howard Kolodny will be there taking photos.

Duxie back in Vogue but Kennedy holds all the aces

2007-08-23T15:47:00.001-07:00

by Michael McGee

Eoin Kennedy from Dublin takes on the legendary Kilkenny maestro Michael Duxie Walsh in a repeat of the 2001/2002 finals. It promises to be another memorable final between the two handball giants in the 60 x 30 code. It’s an amazing statistic Eoin Kennedy was only 7 y.o. when Duxie was winning the first of his 16 softball singles titles in 1986. Twenty one years on and at 41 Duxie is in the final yet again. The Kilkenny Cat must have 9 (or 16) lives as Walsh announced his retirement after the 2002 final. Walsh still has the hunger and has trained very hard. He even finished last year’s Dublin City Marathon and just last weekend hammered the young pretender Michael Gregan in the semi-final with some explosive finishing in Garryhill. I caught up with the champion Eoin Kennedy and began asking him the secret of his success in handball. Eoin responded by saying:
“I train hard over the years I have always put in a big effort. This year in the 60 x 30 myself and Egin Jensen have been playing well. In the singles this is my fourth final in a row hopefully I will do the business in that too. “

MM: You have taken over Duxie’s mantle since 2002 with great achievements in softball, hardball, 1 wall and World Champion. Duxie is in the final five years on from that momentous occasion. I am sure you must be very impressed at how Duxie at 41 is at the top off his handball after all those years?

EK: Yes, Duxie is phenomenal. It’s incredible that he is such great shape. The thing about Duxie age isn’t such an important thing for his game because the way he plays. He has got a great serve and he cuts the ball off inside. Straight away he has you on the defensive and it is something I am going to have to think about how to combat that.

MM: What does it take to become an All-Ireland handball champion?

EK: A lot of effort goes in when you’re young and growing up. Developing the skills of the game. As you grow older fitness is very important. A big part of the game is the mental side of the game. You could have 2 players equally talented. One player might be able to beat the other because he is mentally tougher and able to deal with the occasion that bit better.

MM: You played very impressively in all your qualifying games this year albeit with the 21-20 scare over Dessie Keegan in the first game in the singles semi-final. You’re displaying superb form at the present time which must give you great confidence in your own ability’s. Does the favourites tag rest lightly on your shoulders and how will you cope with this?

EK: The favourites tag never rests lightly on anyone’s shoulders. I have always said it is much easier to win the first title than it is to defend it. There is definitely more pressure going into the game as the favourite. In saying that I enjoy that because it means people have to try and knock me off the perch. Off course it is different with Duxie he has won 16 All-Ireland senior softball singles titles. It is not like he is going into to win his first title so it is slightly different in that respect.

MM: In each time you have played Duxie it has been close. Without giving too much away how will you go about winning the title again?

EK: To be honest, I don’t think about what the opponents are doing. I will deal with that during the match. Usually I concentrate on getting my own game right. I believe that if I play my own game it is good enough to beat anybody. Doing that to the best of my ability on the night is the most difficult thing.

MM: In the days leading up to the final how will you prepare yourself?

EK: Physically all the work has already been done. So it really is just a matter of mental preparation to make sure I am focussed on the night. You would be thinking a lot about the game and the occasion maybe trying to visualise what it is going to be like. But basically, just getting yourself ready so that you won’t be too nervous

I could see in Eoin Kennedy’s face he is focussed for the battle to come. Just like a heavyweight boxer before the start he is quiet and restrained waiting to un leash his powerful right and left hand in the Croke Park ring. Duxie has fought many a battle in the heat of the Croke Park cauldron. The Kilkenny man is a colossus in Irish handball that is assured. Kennedy on the other hand is a gifted handballer he weighs up his options a master tactician in his own right a chip off the old block. Coolness personified in the heat of battle. Duxie the King of 16 victory’s on his journey now meets the crown prince from the East. This could be the defining year in Walsh’s amazing career. Kennedy ended Walsh’s stranglehold in 2002 but Duxie Walsh’s amazing appetite and hunger for the game has given him a new leash of life in the court to keep battling. The Talbot’s Inch warrior on what could be his very last stand. A defining evening for the Kilkenny star, a hero for Kennedy growing up. One way or another Walsh looks likely to get his second standing ovation at the end no matter what way the contest goes and fully deserved. This time the end could be for good. A fascinating fight is a great prospect. Who will win nobody knows. Duxie will have massive support from the hurling clad black and amber from places as Bennettsbride, Goresbridge, Talbot’s Inch and everywhere in between. Kennedy will have the Sky blue army from Na Fianna, Portobello, St Brigid’s & Brian Boru’s from the capital descending on Croke Park. The great imponderable Duxie’s 17th title or Kennedy’s fifth all the questions will be answered next Saturday. The time for talking is over and the handball fraternity are looking forward to what could very well be another epic encounter between the top two handball giants in Irish softball at the present time. Nobody will want to miss this latest chapter in Irish handball.

Jeff Kastner Interview- by Scott Wilson

2007-08-23T10:19:00.000-07:00

Jeff Kastner is an integral part of the WPH Team. Without him, services such as webcasting would not be as easily accessible to the WPH and it’s dream of bringing handball to players all over the world. Jeff is an integral part of handball, period. This sit down interview showcases him for what he really is – a great guy that has a tremendous love for the game of handball.

Enjoy.

Scott: How did you get into handball??

Jeff: My dad has played handball since college, so I've been around it my whole life. Apparently I went to my first tournament when I was one month old, and finally started hitting the ball around when I was about 11.

Scott: Who are your role models in handball??

Jeff: When I first started playing, the local guys in Tillamook, Oregon all taught me how to play--my dad, Jerry Bristow, Vern Holstad, Sherm Nelson, Dennis Coy, and a few others. As far as pro players, my favorite guy to watch was always John Bike. I was always amazed at the power he generated. And then I always tried to emulate shots I saw the top guys hitting, especially Chapman. I watched tapes of Chapman to try to copy his back wall mechanics...it didn't quite work out, but...

Scott: What has been your biggest accomplishment on the court?

Jeff: I don't have any national titles or anything too spectacular. I won the Oregon State singles twice, state doubles with Matt Steele. I won the Northwest regional doubles last year with Steinberg. Growing up, I was pretty competitive in the Junior Nationals...made it to the semis two or three times. But these days, I guess I'm shooting more for #1 handball video guy!

Scott: Tell us about your company. How did you get involved in that field? What interests you about it the most?

Jeff: I was pretty artistic growing up - always drawing and sketching things, then later on, I got into photography, and then video. I ended up going Pacific University, partly because of Mike Steele and the handball team, but also because they had a pretty good media arts program for a small school. I graduated with a degree in video production in 2005, and I've been working in the field full-time ever since. What interests me about it? I kind of get into the technical side of making the best image possible as well as the artistic eye you have to have to go along with it. Then you have to add in the element of telling a good story--that's actually the most important part.

Scott: How did you and Dave Vincent for your partnership in the WPH team?

Jeff: I first started filming handball in 2004, when I organized and filmed the USHA nationals with Kelly Greene. Some time in 2005, Dave organized that challenge match with Naty Jr and Emmett. Ben Thum filmed the event and sent me the tape to edit. I guess they like the result, and things grew from there. That summer, we filmed the USHA One-Wall Nationals, and I also filmed a youth promotional video for the USHA. Somewhere around there, we talked more and more about elevating pro handball and trying to get it on TV, the internet, etc., and each of our productions increased in quality and got us closer to those goals.

Scott: What are the pro's and con's of web casting?

Jeff: The great thing about web casting is that we can reach people live all over the globe. And it's relatively cheap--I say "relatively" because it's still expensive in handball terms, but it's nothing like the expenses involved in a TV production. Of course for the US Open, we're doing both a web cast and a TV production (thank you Simple Green!!). The downside is that there's a limit to the quality of video you can broadcast on the internet, especially live. Technology is changing fast, and the quality will continue to increase, but we're limited by the connection speed we can get a the venue and the connection speed of our viewers. Web casting live is a whole different animal than the pre-recorded videos you see on YouTube and all the video sharing sites. It's a balancing act to get the best quality, without making it so good that it chokes the bandwith and viewers can't get a smooth connection. It's a little frustrating to see our state-of-the art HD video compressed down for the internet, but we'll always have the full-quality version on DVD. And at the end of the day, people can watch handball live from anywhere in the world. It's never been done before, and that's pretty cool.

Scott: What can the WPH do to further promote the game to both potential players and sponsors?

Jeff: That's kind of the catch 22--we first need the sponsors to be able to better promote the game. But we've been working as hard as we can to get it on TV and get the word out to whoever will listen. Simple Green has been amazing
for the US Open, but we need to find other companies that will sponsor a pro tour again. We have several irons in the fire that we're really hoping will pan out. Both Dave and I spend the vast majority of our time on handball-related work, and work on our day jobs in between. Somehow we need to find a way be able to promote handball full time without going homeless.

Scott: You seem like a busy man - what do you do away from handball and work??

Jeff: Nothing too exciting, but I like my free time. I spend a lot of time down at the MAC. The great thing about the club is that it's connected to a AAA baseball stadium and members can watch for fee. I'm a pretty big baseball fan, and I go to games with Matt Steele and some friends pretty often. Both of us are big Chicago Cubs fans, and we'll watch games whenever we can...usually to have our hearts broken when fall rolls around. Normally I hang out with my girlfriend, Jean, quite a bit, but she's on a crazy 4,500 mile bike ride across America at the moment...planning to finish in a couple weeks. Other than that, I like ping pong, outdoors stuff, hanging out with friends.

Name association

Dave Vincent: tireless
USHA: steady and reliable
John Bike: Lost a New Year's drinking contest to (skinny) Nick Wood...claims not to remember
Dave Chapman: precision
Naty Alvarado JR: smooth
Sean Lenning: major skills
Emmett Peixoto: Only pro handball player to be kicked out of a hotel lobby for putting on a concert
Jeff Kastner: A big few months coming up...a lot riding on this
one!

SIMPLE GREEN VIDEO CONTEST IS ON NOW!

2007-08-15T17:34:00.000-07:00

Simple Green Cleaning Products, The EGBAR Foundation, and the WPH want you to submit your Handball-inspired self produced video and you could win $5,000 (USD) each month until October 23rd!. Our first video submissions are posted at ProHandball.tv and we need your vote! Simply click on the video page to watch and vote for your favorite production. The winner will receive $5,000 from Simple Green, to be awarded August 23rd, 2007. If you'd like to submit your own unique video for the September or October portion of the contest, then please click here to learn more.

THESE ORGANIZATIONS HAVE SUBMITTED THEIR VIDEOS:

M. DONNELLY SENIOR SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

2007-07-30T11:07:00.000-07:00

Dessie Keegan in the server's box

"Smoke'n" Joe McCann dives during his match yesterday

The 2007 Senior Softball title race continues this weekend with all of the top contenders in action and competitive handball guaranteed.

Meath’s Tom Sheridan and Michael Gregan of Wicklow open the weekend proceedings with a quarter-final meeting in Garryhill on Friday night. Sheridan was defeated in last year’s Senior Softball final, but this match-up with Gregan could prove a tight affair after the Coolboy player notching an impressive win over Sheridan at last weekend’s Munster Open.

The second quarter-final at the Carlow venue sees 14-time champion, Kilkenny’s Michael ‘Ducksy’ Walsh in action against Tipperary’s Ger Coonan. The Ballina clubman won the U-21 Softball title last year, and caused an upset in his last game where he overcame Wexford’s Colin Keeling after three games. Walsh is probably the most noted handballer of his generation and having already collected 14 senior softball titles, he now has his sights firmly set on dethroning the current champion.

On Saturday night, at the new state-of-the-art complex at Abbeylara, defending champion, Eoin Kennedy of Dublin will be up against Mayo’s Joe McCann. McCann won the Intermediate title in 2004, and has collected numerous All-Ireland Club titles with Ballaghaderreen. Kennedy overcame Wexford’s Gavin Buggy with ease in his first outing of the competition two weeks ago and will be hot favourite against the Mayo player. Kennedy remains at 4/5 on to retain his title, and is now gunning for an amazing fourth in a row.

The last of the quarter-finals will be played on Monday next, where the winner of Mayo’s Vinny Moran and Cavan’s Michael Finnegan will meet Moran’s fellow Ballaghaderreen clubman, Dessie Keegan. Keegan will go into that quarter-final battle as favourite, but Moran and Finnegan are both familiar opponents and will definitely rise to the occasion.

M Donnelly All Ireland Senior Softball Fixtures:

At Garryhill on Friday, July 27th at 7.30pm

Michael Gregan (Wicklow) v Tom Sheridan (Meath)

Michael Walsh (Kilkenny) v Ger Coonan (Tipperary)

At Abbeylara on Saturday, July 28th at 7.00pm

Eoin Kennedy (Dublin) v Joe McCann (Mayo)

Michael Finnegan (Cavan) v Vinny Moran (Mayo)

At Abbeylara on Monday, July 30th Time TBC

Dessie Keegan (Mayo) v Michael Finnegan (Cavan)/Vinny Moran (Mayo)

M Donnelly Senior Softball Championship

Last to semi spots to be confirmed

Reigning Senior Softball champion, Dublin’s Eoin Kennedy will take on Mayo’s Joe McCann tomorrow night (Tuesday) in Mullingar. Kennedy remains at 4/5 on to retain his title, and is now gunning for an amazing fourth in a row.

McCann won the Intermediate title in 2004, and has collected numerous All-Ireland Club titles with Ballaghaderreen, including another Open title last week.

Kennedy overcame Wexford’s Gavin Buggy with ease in his first outing of the competition two weeks ago and will be hot favourite against the Mayo player.

The last of the quarter-finals will follow the McCann v Kennedy clash, with an all-Ballaghaderreen clash when Dessie Keegan meets Vinnie Moran.

Moran recorded an impressive victory over Cavan’s Michael Finnegan in the round of 16 battle last weekend, but will face a much tougher assignment in Keegan.

Both players joined McCann last week in their All-Ireland club final victory over Ballina (Tipperary) but will now go head-to-head in search of the last semi-final spot. The winner will go on to face McCann or Kennedy.

In the other quarter-finals, Wicklow’s Michael Gregan knocked last year’s beaten finalist, Tom Sheridan out of the 2007 Senior Softball title race. In a tie-breaker finish, the 24-year-old Coolboy powered home with a 21-10 win to seal his semi-final spot.

Sixteen time champion, Kilkenny’s Michael ‘Ducksy’ Walsh also recorded an emphatic win over last year’s under-21 champion, Tipperary’s Ger Coonan in his quarter-final meeting. Walsh dominated the match from start to finish and was relentless in both games, eventually going on to win 21-3, 21-10.

Sean Lenning, the X-Factor in this year's US OPEN?

2007-07-28T08:17:00.000-07:00

The quiet ones are often the most dangerous. Enter Sean Lenning, one of the more reserved and relaxed pro’s you will meet. I had the pleasure of discussing handball over the phone with Sean Friday, July 20th and I can honestly say that I have a far deeper respect for Sean as a person, as a man now than I did before. I was allowed to get to know Sean Lenning the person, to dig a little deeper, beyond the persona of Sean Lenning the handball expert. Sean’s ideas on the promotion of handball as unique and strategic, and his discussions on his handball rise from the junior ranks until now is as honest as it gets.

Enjoy!

-By Scott Wilson
WPH Reporter

What pressures did you face growing up as a ‘junior to watch’ moniker? How did that influence your training? Did it affect your desire to play?

SL: I took it as a compliment really. They pressure in the back of my mind eventually pressure subsided. I took it as amusing, I felt myself that I would develop over time. The compliments were nice things to hear.

Who did you look up to, handball wise growing up??? Who did you try to emulate?

SL: The MAC guys influenced me a lot. I took shots from them. I was a big spectator back then, I watched a lot….even mis - hits I’d try to copy if they worked. I don’t try to emulate anyone specifically; I just took shots and styles from guys I played.

Growing up watching the top pros like Tati, Dave Chapman and John Bike and striving and training towards the pro tour, how much of a disappointment was it to find a diminished pro tour waiting for you and your generation of players?

SL: At age 15 I got some decent wins, realized that there was money involved. You can say that there was some disappointments, there has been some hype about stuff that didn’t come to fruition. I can’t really complain, I am not really involved, but yea there have been some let downs. But there have been tourneys to look forward to, the US Open. When that stops happening it’ll be disappointing.

You have been a stalwart in Toledo over the last several years, regularly making it to the semi’s and finals (including a victory) in both singles and doubles. What makes Toledo such a great tournament?

SL: Usually a couple guys from around here travel, so being with the guys is cool. Evening games and hanging out with people from out of town….it’s a big love feast. Being outside it is free feeling. Competitive three wall is great. I was better at three wall for a while, but feel that I am better at four wall now.

Should the WPH broadcast it?

SL: Absolutely. It is probably better for filming I’d imagine. Everyone is intense out there

What are the differences between Toledo and the one wall nationals in New York?

SL: One wall you need to play more, practice, which I don’t have access to. You need more space to work with in one wall. The crowd gets behind a guy. In three wall the crowd is scared to get behind a guy it seems.

You have recently been beating top five players at some big events – Emmett, Tony Healy……to what would you attribute this success?

SL: I’m enjoying more. I don’t always play to my level. Losing in Toledo motivated me to train more. I have known I could beat them for a while, but I am just putting more into more points. No difference in training, but the motivation is there now more than ever.

What do you need to do to be the best in the world, to beat say Paul Brady or Naty Alvarado?

SL: I still need to jump to another level, lifting weights, running and pushing training harder to get there. I think I have the skills. Paul is so strong and conditioned you need to match that. A lot of guys I play I can take a couple breather points, but not guys like Paul

So, with your success in three wall and your finalist performance at this past US nationals, are you the best US player?

SL: I like to think do, but I think I need to prove it more….Naty comes to mind, I need to beat him. Top two seems good. It’s been a while since I got a crack at Naty. But it will happen. We played once when I was young, then a couple years ago.

If you were Captain of the CLC Team, who would be on it? (5 people)

SL: Me, Naty, Emmett, and Luis Moreno would be there. Marcos Chavez if he picked it up again …he just had a little girl. Allan Garner if I couldn’t get Marcos. The first time I saw Marcos play he was really confident. He was a guy I looked up to.

What are your goals in handball?

SL: I don’t think I would satisfied if I didn’t win a US Nats, win the US Open, one wall Nats – go out there and give it as go. That be fun to win

If Dave Vincent left you in charge of the WPH, what would you do to promote handball?

SL: I’d have junior camps with pros for them to watch, or a pro stop along with junior aspect so the juniors can see the potential that there is in the game. I think that they need to see that there is something to attain to. Tough question. Nothing against older guys teaching, but the pros are the best. Handball is an exciting game and a lot of players don’t get to see it at the highest level. A junior clinic at every pro stop.

Name association

Naty Alvarado Jr: well dressed

John Bike Jr: intelligent

Dave Chapman: cagey

Sean Lenning: relaxed

PRESS RELEASE: SOMBRA PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS

2007-07-23T17:29:00.000-07:00

AT THE NUYORICAN POETS CAFE
HANDBALL
A comedic play

By Pedro Antonio Garcia

Directed by Mark Bloom

Featuring John Lisanti, Frank Robles, Olivia Buckley, Richard Kohn, Ed McCarthy, Richard Cancel, George Bere, and Chris Hlavatovic.

“70 year old handball players settle a 50 year old grudge match,
but will they ever survive?”

At the Nuyorican Poets Café, 236 E. 3rd St. (btwn. Aves. B &C), NY, NY

Performance Schedule:
July World Premiere, Sat. July 21, 6pm; Sun. July 22, 4pm.
Fri. July 27, 7pm, Sat. July 28, 7pm , Sun, Jul. 29, 4pm;

August: Fri. Aug. 3, 7pm; Sat. Aug. 4, 7pm; Sun. Aug. 5, 4pm.
Fri. Aug. 10, 7pm; Sat. Aug. 11, 7pm; Sun. Aug. 12, 4pm;
Fri. Aug. 17, 7pm; Sat. Aug. 18, 7pm; Sun. Aug. 19, 4pm.

Tickets: $15 pre-sale; $20 at the door.

To purchase tickets call: SmartTix: 212 868-4444 or SmartTix.com or Pedro A. Garcia at 917-662-3162 or e-mail at garcia.law@juno.com.
For more information, go online to Nuyorican.org

“Handball” is a play set on a Bronx Handball Court about elderly men hanging on to the only joy that keeps these irascible players together – the game of handball. Politically incorrect, stubborn, proud, and pugnacious, these cantankerous curmudgeons unite to take on a Bronx handballer’s ultimate foe – a Brooklyn player, challenging them on their park for the title of King of the Courts and the admiration of a long ago lover. But a wife is set on breaking up the game, and the players’ health may be the death of them if the match takes place. “Handball” is a play about the child in every old person, and the need to continue life one more day.

FOR PRESS RESERVATIONS: 917 662-3162 or e-mail: garcia.law@juno.com

Munster 60X30 Results

2007-07-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

Brendan Falvey PRO Kerry Handball Board 22 July 2007

Munster 60x30 Open:

Dominic Lynch [Glenbeigh], Ashley Prendeville, Catriona Casey and Aine Casey [Ballymac], played their part in some thrilling games in the Munster 60x30 Open at the weekend. Dominic-Men’s Open and Ashley-Girls U19 both went down in their respective Finals, while the two Casey sisters Catriona-Girls U19 and Aine-Girls U15 bowed out at Semi Final stage.
Ballymac played host to the Girls U19 and U15 groupings; Roscommon came in force for the U19 Grouping-five of their top players battled it out with Catriona Casey and Ashley Prendeville for the honours. In the Quarter Finals Ashley received a bye, Catriona Casey went down to Katie Costello [Roscommon] 21-12, 21-6, with Leona Doolin [Roscommon] accounting for Hillary Rushe [Roscommon] and Marianna Rushe [Roscommon] beating Deirdre O Donoghue [Roscommon] in the last game. The two pre tournament favourites Ashley and Marianna came through their semi finals beating Leona Doolin and Deirdre O Donoghue respectively. These two women provided a real classic in their final showdown, with the game having to be decided on the tightest of margins in a tie break. The first game saw Marianna pull away into a 7-1 lead before the Ballymac girl found her feet. Slowly but surely Ashley picked off her marks to level at eight all and moved ahead 11-8, the first half of this game was notable for the close quarter play by both girls. Marianna went in 11-8 down and brought back eight aces to lead 16-11; Ashley had to fight tooth and nail for the next three aces at which stage the Roscommon girl was within touching distance of victory at 20-12. Four more marks came to the Kerry girl, but she succumbed eventually by 21-16 in the first game. In the second game Prendeville was on fire as everything she tried came off, she raced into a 10-lead and came out well on top in the end by 21-5. The third game was delayed due to an injury time out to Rushe, and this seemed to take the momentum out of the Kerry girl’s game. Ashley did go into an early lead 3-0 but was reeled in and overtaken by 7-3, at 4-8 down the Kerry girl pulled off three kills in a row and at this stage she was really motoring. At eight all Ashley missed an overhand kill from the left, this seemed to reenergize Rushe and she duly went on to finish a cracker of a game 11-9 ahead. This Final was a credit to both girls, they have had many a tussle over the last three years and this was but another chapter in what is becoming one of the great rivalries in the ladies game at present.
In the Men’s Open Singles at Ballina-Dominic Lynch (Glenbeigh) beat Paul Hedderman (Limerick) in a first round game; he then accounted for Martin Mc Inerny [Tipperary] 21-6, 21-12 in his quarter final and Corks-Colm Jordan 21-4, 21-4 in the Semi Final. Robbie Mc Carthy [Westmeath] proved to be too strong for Dominic in the Final as he went down 21-5, 21-8.
Aine Casey [Ballymac] won her first game against Lisa Loughnane [Clare] in the U15 section in Ballymac, but went down to the eventual winner-Catriona Casey [Ballydesmond] in her Semi Final. Martina Mc Mahon [Cappagh] beat another Ballydesmond girl-Aisling O Keefe in the other Semi. The Final was expected to be very close, but bar the first ten marks in the game where both girls shared the spoils the Cork girl dominated the rest of the proceedings to win in two straight games. Young Casey has seldom played better-she was extremely focused and practically everything she tried on the day both in play and serves came off for her. Martina will come again-she is a classy player; indeed the talent on show in this younger age group bodes well for the future of the game at Munster Level
As in any competition there are many people behind the scenes that put a huge amount of time into organizing different aspects: Many thanks to Peter Dennehy-Secretary Munster Handball Council, Danny Riordan, Steve Mc Swiney, Tom Daly, Brendan O Connor, Siobhan Twomey, Eilin Ni Luing and Maria Daly. Many favourable comments were passed on the standard of refereeing afterwards, and the hospitality shown by Ballymac Handball Club to all the visitors.

Ballymac Handball Club-Night at the dogs
Ballymac Handball Club are running a Night at the Dogs, on Wednesday August 22nd in the Kingdom Greyhound Track in Tralee. This fundraiser involves a huge amount of work in different areas and any support or help given will be greatly appreciated.

Munster 60x30 Open:

U15 Girls:
Quarter Final: Aine Casey [Ballymac] dftd Lisa Loughnane [Clare] 21-10, 21-9
Semi Finals: Catriona Casey [Ballydesmond] dftd Aine Casey 21-5, 21-7; Martina Mc Mahon [Limerick] dftd Ailsing O Keefe [Ballydesmond] 21-6, 21-14
Final: Catriona Casey dftd Martina Mc Mahon 21-6, 21-2

U19 Girls:
Quarter Finals:
Katie Costello [Roscommon] dftd Catriona Casey [Ballymac] 21-12, 21-6
Leona Doolin [Roscommon] dftd Hillary Rushe [Roscommon] 21-3, 21-10
Marianna Rushe [Roscommon] dftd Deirdre O Donoghue [Roscommon] 21-6, 21-11
Semi Finals:
Ashley Prendeville dftd Leona Doolin 21-7, 21-9
Marianna Rushe dftd Katie Costello 21-3, 21-9
Final: Marianna Rushe dftd Ashley Prendeville 21-16, 5-21, 11-9

Men’s Open Singles:
First Round: Dominic Lynch (Glenbeigh) dftd Paul Hedderman (Limerick) 21-13, 21-15
Quarter Final: Dominic Lynch dftd Martin Mc Inerny [Tipperary] 21-6, 21-12
Semi Final: Dominic Lynch dftd Colm Jordan 21-4, 21-4
Final: Robbie Mc Carthy [Westmeath] dftd Dominic Lynch 21-5, 21-8

Fixtures:

Senior Softball 60x30 Championships

Broadford [Limerick] Saturday 4 August-7pm
Dominick Lynch/John Joe Quirke (Glenbeigh) V David Moloney/Noel Murphy (Tipperary)

Ladies Senior 60x30 Softball Draws

Senior Singles:
Quarter-Finals: 22/23 September
[a] Maria Daly (Ballymac) Bye
[b] Ciara Mullins (Carlow) V Bernie Hennessy (Limerick)
[c] Anna Wrynn (Kildare) V Fidelma O’Reilly (Limerick)
[d] Miriam Ryan (Carlow) V Ashley Prendiville (Kerry)
Semi Finals: 29/30 September
Final: 13/14 October

Senior Doubles:
Semi Finals: 6/7 October
[a] Maria Daly/Ashley Prendeville (Kerry) V Ciara Mullins/Miriam Ryan (Carlow)
[b] Bernie Hennessy/Fidelma O’Reilly (Limerick) V Patricia Doyle/Shauna Hilley (Wicklow)
Final: 20/21 October

Pictures-three as follows

Above-Brendan O Connor [Chairman Kerry Handball Board presenting Ashley Prendeville [Ballymac] with R-Up Trophy in Girls U19]

Above-Brendan O Connor [Chairman Kerry Handball Board presenting Marianna Rushe [Roscommon] Winners Trophy in Girls U19]

Above-Left to Right Catriona Casey [Ballydesmond] U15 Girls Winner, with Martina Mc Mahon [Cappagh] U15 Girls R-Up

Moreno wins, Moreno wins!

2007-07-23T09:24:00.001-07:00

Luis Moreno is the new 19 and under USHA 3-Wall Junior National Champion!

Click here, to read more

David Fink and Emmett Peixoto Interview

2007-07-22T15:19:00.001-07:00

Interview by Scott Michael Wilson- WPH Reporter

I want to thank Dave and Emmett for their time and candid answers. It was very much appreciated. Their eagerness and co-operation has made for a great interview.

DAVID FINK. EMMETT PEIXOTO. THESE ARE THE NAMES OF TWO OF AMERICAS PREMEIR PLAYERS. EMMETT HAS WON NATIONAL TITLES IN HIS HOME COUNTRY, CANADA AND AUSTRALIA. DAVID IS ONE HALF OF THE CANADIAN DOUBLES TEAM AND SINGLES FINALIST AT THE RECENT CANADIAN NATIONALS, WHERE HE DEFEATED CANADIAN HERO DANNY BELL IN HIS HOMETOWN OF QUEBEC. THESE MEN HAVE BEEN TRAVELLNIG THE WORLD AS EMBASSADORS OF HANDBALL, DISPLAYING THEIR SKILLS IN EXHIBITIONS AND TOURNAMENT PLAY. THEY CAN BE CONTROVERSIAL. THEY CAN BE CALLED NATIONAL CHAMPIONS. NO MATTER HOW YOU CHOOSE TO DEFINE THEM, THERE IS NO DENYING THAT THEY ARE SPREADING THE WORD OF HANDBALL WHEREVER THEIR TRAVELS LEAD THEM.

THE TEAM

SCOTT: IT SEEMS THAT YOU HAVE BEEN PLAYING HANDBALL EVERYWHERE, ALL OF THE TIME LATELY. OUTSIDE OF HANDBALL WHAT HAVE THE TWO OF YOU BEEN UP TO??

DF: We have been traveling for 5 months straight. We have been to 31
cities in 3 countries since march. After we spent 6 weeks in Australia, we returned to the rock's home in Watsonville for 2 weeks, then went to Minneapolis for the US 4 wall Nationals. We went back to Watsonville, flew to Pittsburgh, and drove to Montréal for the Canadian nationals. Then we went back to Pittsburgh for 2 weeks, then went to St. Louis, Kansas city, Nashville, Tampa - St. Pete, Miami, Savannah, Hilton Head, then Washington D.C. Those are just some of the cities we have been since February.

EP: Dave and I have been traveling for the sake of the mere experience. My travels began in January on a school trip to France. After I left France in February I went to New York and Ireland on handball trips. When I arrived home Dave was waiting at the airport for me. We stayed in Watsonville for a week and then left for a 6 week adventure in Australia. The day after I arrived home I flew to Boston and made a feeble attempt to play handball. Dave and I then traveled to the US Nationals and Canadian Nationals. When we came back to Dave’s home in Pittsburgh we went on a Midwest/east coast driving tour of the US.

SCOTT: WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE BOTH PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY IN HANDBALL??

DF: My biggest challenge physically is avoiding injuries! It seems as though I injure myself every time I play. I have been plagued with a chronic left shoulder for years, and I jammed my finger playing Danny Bell at 19-19 in the 2nd game, and tore ligaments in the finger. It is still not fully recovered. My biggest challenge mentally is staying motivated after losses. I want to never play again every time I lose a match, and it takes me a number of weeks before I do.

EP: Physically I am not as powerful nor do I have as many awe inspiring shots as most. I have to rely on my fitness and foot speed. Because of this I have to be in peak physical condition in order to compete at my best. If I am not training as much as I should I tend to be in big trouble. Mentally I usually have an edge because I don’t get mad at myself and I keep my head at all times. However, because of this, I seem to be a bit passive on the court. If I can push myself to desire victory and focus on nothing else I can usually be pretty hard to beat.

SCOTT: WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS IN HANDBALL AND HOW HAVE THEY CHANGED OVER THE PAST YEAR???

DF: My goals in Handball change daily. Sometimes I want to try to train to try to be in the top 5, other times I want to play for fun and exercise, and other times I want to never play again.

EP: I want to be number one and win the US open singles title in every wall. I also want to win the worlds. I have always had this goal and it has never changed.

SCOTT: WHAT WAS IT LIKE COMPETING AGAINST ONE ANOTHER IN THE FINALS OF THECANADIAN NATIONALS? HOW HARD WAS IT TO PUT FRIENDSHIP ASIDE, ESPECIALLY SINCE YOU WERE IN THE DOUBLES FINALS AS WELL??

DF: Playing against each other in the finals was the worst experience I have ever had in sports. It was uncomfortable the entire match, and it is a feeling that is very difficult to describe. I felt badly for wanting to win, and I felt badly that he seemed to really want to beat me. I have a difficult time playing the rock in practice for that reason because we are the Team. It was very difficult maintaining any sort of intensity playing the rock because of our friendship. I really hope we never play in a tournament again.

EP: It was hard. I found myself laughing and starting conversations but then I would quickly realize that I had to win. I didn’t particularly enjoy it; in all honesty I found the experience quite terrible. It was hard to win because I was bombarded by a contradicting feeling of not wanting Dave to lose. I hope I never have to play him in a tournament again. However, I would love to play doubles with him again because he is a trip to have as a partner.

SCOTT: WHAT ARE THE SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES IN HANDBALL ATMOSPHERE ACCROSS THE WORLD??? FOR EXAMPLE, WHAT PHILOSOPHIES DID YOU PICK UP IN AUSTRALIA THAT DIFFER FROM THOSE IN CANADA, IRELAND AND THE US???

DF: I see a tremendous amount of similarity in handball players across the world. There is obviously a tremendous camaraderie amongst all handball players, and we have been fortunate enough to enjoy a great bit of that camaraderie over the past few months. 4 time world champion Vic DiLuzio opened his home to us in Australia, and I had never even met him before our trip. He was one of the most generous people I have ever met. We were treated so well by the handball players in Australia. Dylan King was generous enough to let us stay in his home as the rock trained for the Australian 3 wall Nationals. The handball community is obviously phenomenal in Canada. The banquet was a wonderful expression of the passion the Canadians have for their Handball. The U.S. handball players have a very strong connection as well. The difference I see in the Australian handball community compared to the U.S. and Canadian Handball communities is a very strong sense of tradition and unwavering attention to the detail of those traditions. In Australia, players are required to play in a uniform, the tournament is run exactly the same way every year, practices are scheduled 2-3 days a week, and the players are expected to be there to "train". It is a very interesting situation, and I enjoyed it. I think the handball communities in the U.S. and Canada less concerned with following strict traditions, and more interested in their own games. I would discuss this at far greater length, but at the risk of boring all of you I will not. I will say that I think we could learn a lot from how the Australians run their events, and they could learn a lot from how we run ours.

EP: The differences are completely overmatched by the similarities. The handball players in every country have such passion for the game of handball. Yet, although the passion is there, the handballers in everycountry have been plagued by lack of an organization that knows how to promote handball properly. The players everywhere have the painful job of watching handball die. Handballers everywhere want handball to grow and yet no one knows where to start. It is strange that the same problems are occurring in all these countries. Australian handball can’t break from tradition and is suffering for it. US handball is not promoted at all and is stuck in the dark ages. Ireland is also stuck in the past and can’t break from tradition. I guess I have the same problem as all handballers; I pass the blame and am not taking the necessary action. On another note, I noticed that drinking, having a good time, fellowship and handball go hand-in-hand (especially in Canada).

SCOTT: HOW HAVE YOUR TRAVELS AROUND THE WORLD CHANGED YOU NOT ONLY AS HANDBALL PLAYERS, BUT AS INDIVIDUALS??

DF: I think I have been forced to become quite a but more patient and tolerant traveling around the world in recent months. We have been on other people's schedules a great deal of the time, and I am certainly not accustomed to that. I have had to learn how to accept things that are out of my control in various situations. My handball game did not improve. I am a decent player one day, and for no reason I am terrible the next. I wish I could learn why that happens.

EP: The experience I gained by my adventures will continue to show itself in everything I do.

SCOTT: WHAT CAN ORGANIZATIONS LIKE THE CHA AND USHA DO TO HELP HANDBALL GROW???

DF: That is a very difficult question that does not have one answer. My answer would be a combination of a very aggressive junior campaign in elementary and middle schools, as well as doing whatever possible to expose the best players in the world on TV. We needs kids playing the game, and there need to be thousands of them introduced to the game every year. If 1000 kids are introduced to handball every year, 50 of them may still be playing in 2 years. That is the reality. We cannot introduce the game to 500 kids a year, and wander why there are no kids playing. We need to spend the majority of our money promoting the game to kids between the ages of 9-14 because those are the kids who can be motivated to learn. High school kids are not going to pick up a new sport they have never heard of before. Dave Vincent is an incredible ambassador to our game, and he is doing more than anyone to expose the game on TV and the internet. His work is tireless. He not only has the will to work, but he has the ability to do so many different things to promote the game. He has a background in media arts, communications, computers, finances, and modeling (ok, maybe modeling was a stretch), and he is willing to use all of those skills to promote the game. DV has the dynamic personality and competence to make handball huge.

EP: Spend money, not on prize money for pros but for putting big matches on TV. If handball is on TV handball will grow. Pay more attention to the pros because if the kids are going to get involved in handball they want something to look up to. I used to look up to the players on the pro tour but now that there is no pro tour why should kids play? Promote the pros and the kids will follow. Lower the cost of tournaments. I played in a tennis tournament for $8 last week. Be friendly to racquetball players because we are in the same boat. Use a big ball because it is cheaper and it doesn’t hurt beginner’s hands. Don’t be afraid to interrupt your game to teach a kid that is looking in on the excitement. Support the WPH, Dave Vincent is doing great things.

SCOTT: WHAT IS HINDERING THE GROWTH OF HANDBALL???

DF: There is a tendency amongst handball players to be satisfied with where the game is now, and their concern is primarily with their own game. That is fine, and it is important that handball players enjoy their weekly games and tournaments, but if handball is going to grow, handball players are going to have to promote the game to their friends and young kids they know. It is difficult because everyone has a routine, and most people are not willing to spend a few hours a week teaching beginners, but that is what needs to happen to grow the game. Handball players do not seem to understand that the game will not be the same forever. If the game is not promoted in the next 10-15 years there is a good possibility it could disappear. Courts will continue to be eliminated, and the current core of 50 something players will not be playing anymore. Many handball players tend to be be very successful in business as well. These players need to use their contacts in the business world to seek sponsors, and as a means to expose the game. 1 big contact could mean $100,000 a year, and that could be the start of a legitimate pro tour. This contact could be made in 5 minutes given the right circumstance. If handball players want to see the game grow, we need to step outside of our comfort zone, and lend our time and energy to developing new players and the game.

EP: Kids have so many other options these days why would they choose
handball? Again, if we promote the pros and give kids something to look up to on TV then we would see handball grow. The other sports have something to aspire

SCOTT: AS TOP PLAYERS, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO DAVE VINCENT AND THE WPH AS TO THE DIRECTION OF PROMOTING AND MARKETING THE GAME OF HANDBALL,ITS PLAYERS AND POTENTIAL FANBASE?

DF: DV is doing more for handball than anyone I have ever seen. I know of so many players he sponsors to tournaments, his website, web casting, advertising, promoting, and this is not nearly everything that he does. He is so passionate about the game, and he is willing to do anything to make handball a success. If there were 10 Dave Vincent's, handball would be on primetime ESPN. Dave Vincent can only do so much. We need to find more people who are willing to sacrifice hours every day like Dave Vincent to grow the game. It is impossible for Dave Vincent to do everything as well as he would like. Ideally, Dave Vincent could focus on the marketing and promotion, and we could find several more competent handball fanatics to focus on advertising sales, junior development, tournament directing, player sponsors, and accounting. Dave Vincent is certainly capable of doing all of this very well, but neither he nor anyone else has the time to devote to all of these respective areas to accomplish his ultimate goals.

EP: The think the advice I would give would be for the USHA, the CHA, the GAA, and the AHC. These organizations should jump on board with everything Dave is doing. He is doing the most promising and exciting thing handball has seen in a while.

SCOTT: WHO IS THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW (4 WALL, 3 WALL AND 1 WALL)????

DF: The best player in the world in 4 wall is unquestionably Paul Brady. Emmett the Rock is the best 3 wall player in the world, with Sean Lenning very close behind, and from what I have heard, Satish is by far the best 1 wall player with the red label.

EP:
4-Wall - Paul Brady

3-Wall - Some chump from Watsonville, CA

1-Wall – Satish with a small ball and Rookie with the big blue.

Name association:

Paul Brady:

DF: effortless and phenomenal

EP: focused

Sean Lenning:

DF: strong and really great

EP: nemesis

Tony Healy:

DF: precise and smooth

EP: affable

Naty Jr:

DF: professional and handsome

EP: El Tigre

Allan Garner:

DF: powerful and talented

EP: he is training

Dave Chapman:

DF: the best ever

EP: best ever

John Bike:

DF: strongest player ever and very difficult to play

EP: one of the greats

Dessie Keegan:

DF: hardest hitter in the game, and I would not want to fight him

EP: beats me

Danny Bell:

DF: gentleman and classy player

EP: my favorite player

Dave Vincent:

DF: multi talented and the life of every party

EP: innovator

The USHA:

DF: please bring back the pro tour

EP: stagnant

Emmett Peixoto:

DF: Teammate

EP: who?

David Fink:

DF: underachiever

EP: Teammate

07/15/07 Pinkball Tournament in Greenwich Village NYC

2007-07-15T05:51:00.001-07:00

A great opportunity to see people you haven't seen for years and talk about old times. Cash prizes. Doubles ONLY!!!! Action is scheduled to begin at noon.

Brady makes Semis of the LaGrange 3-Wall Tournament

2007-07-14T18:53:00.000-07:00

The Game's most dominant player, Paul Brady, falls short in a 11-9 tiebreaker loss in the semis vs. Dane Szatkowski, this past weekend in Chicago, IL., for the annual LaGrange 3-wall Tournament.

For all of the Audio updates visit the WPH Message board (note: if prompted for a password, type in: Falcon).

For complete results, visit the Illinois State Handball Association Webpage.

PRESS RELEASE A Handball comedic play ~ By Pedro Antonio Garcia

2007-07-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

SOMBRA PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
AT THE NUYORICAN POETS CAFE
HANDBALL
A comedic play

By Pedro Antonio Garcia

Directed by Mark Bloom

Featuring John Lisanti, Frank Robles, Olivia Buckley, Richard Kohn, Ed McCarthy, Richard Cancel, George Bere, and Chris Hlavatovic.

“70 year old handball players settle a 50 year old grudge match,
but will they ever survive?”

At the Nuyorican Poets Café, 236 E. 3rd St. (btwn. Aves. B &C), NY, NY

Performance Schedule:
July World Premiere, Sat. July 21, 6pm; Sun. July 22, 4pm.
Fri. July 27, 7pm, Sat. July 28, 7pm , Sun, Jul. 29, 4pm;

August: Fri. Aug. 3, 7pm; Sat. Aug. 4, 7pm; Sun. Aug. 5, 4pm.
Fri. Aug. 10, 7pm; Sat. Aug. 11, 7pm; Sun. Aug. 12, 4pm;
Fri. Aug. 17, 7pm; Sat. Aug. 18, 7pm; Sun. Aug. 19, 4pm.

Tickets: $15 pre-sale; $20 at the door.

To purchase tickets call: SmartTix: 212 868-4444 or SmartTix.com or Pedro A. Garcia at 917-662-3162 or e-mail at garcia.law@juno.com.
For more information, go online to Nuyorican.org

“Handball” is a play set on a Bronx Handball Court about elderly men hanging on to the only joy that keeps these irascible players together – the game of handball. Politically incorrect, stubborn, proud, and pugnacious, these cantankerous curmudgeons unite to take on a Bronx handballer’s ultimate foe – a Brooklyn player, challenging them on their park for the title of King of the Courts and the admiration of a long ago lover. But a wife is set on breaking up the game, and the players’ health may be the death of them if the match takes place. “Handball” is a play about the child in every old person, and the need to continue life one more day.

FOR PRESS RESERVATIONS: 917 662-3162 or e-mail: garcia.law@juno.com

Old Australian Handball Newspaper Clips found

2007-07-14T08:35:00.000-07:00

Recently, after the death of Australian handball player Danny O'Bien, John Black (fellow Aussie and handball player) found some old handball newspaper articles in his friend's scrapbook. John, being a huge handball historian, decided to retype the articles and put them in a format that would be easier for you to read.

Enjoy!

BEVERIDGE LEAVES HOSPITAL

Will Not Play for Several Weeks

Jack Beveridge, the Collingwood centre player and rover, who broke two ribs when his car overturned at Mount Gambier on Thursday, has been discharged from hospital there and will probably leave for Melbourne today accompanied by his team mates of the Victorian handball side, McMahon and Stuckey, who were also injured.

As it will take several weeks for the injured ribs to mend, it is not likely that Beveridge will be seen with Collingwood before June. His loss will mean much to the Magpies who will probably call upon Harry Collier to rove again. Some trouble may be experienced in filling the centre position for a while at least.

(From the Melbourne Sun, 9th April 1934)

John Black
Historian
Australian Handball Council
20th May 2006

Cycled 600 miles to play handball

Ken Harrison rode a bicycle from Melbourne to Sydney to represent Victoria in the Australian handball championships, which begin at the Marist Bros.’ School, Randwick, today.

He travelled via Prince’s Highway, and the trip took six days.
“My team mates, with the exception of Jack Fitzgerald, who came by plane, travelled by train, but I decided to ride a bike, so that I could see some of the country,” said Harrison.
“I saw some beautiful scenes on this side of the border, and I have not regretted the ride,” he added.
Harrison, who left Melbourne last Saturday, averaged about 12 hours’ riding daily.

Slept In Open
With the exception of one night, when rain forced him to stay at a Lakes Entrance hotel, Harrison slept in the open.
“The only hill I walked up was Bulli Pass,” he said.
Harrison’s parents live at Cabramatta, and he arrived during the early hours of yesterday morning. He will return to Melbourne on Wednesday cycling back via the Hume Highway.

(From the Sydney Telegraph 16.4.38)

All – Ireland Handball Championship

Gilmartin wins again

Exciting matches at Talbot’s Inch

A packed gallery of local enthusiasts and visitors were given a rare treat at Talbot’s Inch court, Kilkenny, on Sunday when three ties in the All-Ireland championship series were decided.

The handball witnessed was of the sparkling variety and thrills were plentiful. Rarely has handball of such a high standard been seen in Talbot’s Inch or in any other alley for that matter. The game in which John Joe Gilmartin took part was the big item for local fans, but the handball doubles semi-final between Roscommon and Meath was really the tit-bit of a rare exhibition of first class. Here we saw handball as played by four of the most skilful players in the land – P.Perry and P.Reid (Roscommon) and P.Bell and J.Doyle (Meath)

Game all but won, then lost, fierce tossing, deadly killing, thrill upon thrill, all went to make up one of the most exciting and closely fought semi-finals on record. The Roscommon pair won the rubber but only by the narrowest of margins.

John Joe Gilmartin, All-Ireland hardball champion demonstrated his versatility, as a handballer by defeating J.Hassett of Tipperary in the semi-final of the senior soft-ball championship. Hassett, along with his brother had already won the doubles championship and was strongly fancied for the singles title. He is a very clever left-handed player and a stylish handballer.The Kilkenny man, on the other hand, plays equally with either left or right and his footwork is a delight to watch. There are few more clever men in the game and he often caught his opponent out of position. Hardball is Gilmartin’s forte and in my opinion at any rate, is the more spectacular game, but he adapts himself readily to the soft ball and his accuracy and hard hitting should be invaluable in the final.

The games:
First game-Hassett opened the tossing and was 4-0 after many thrilling exchanges. Gilmartin leveled and drew ahead to lead 8-4. Play was exciting and they were together at 10 and 17.Hasset led 20-17 but Gilmartin went in and leveled the scoring amidst intense excitement. Hassett displaced him but mis-hit to again lose the hand. Gilmartin eventually secured the deciding ace.

Second game-
This game was as closely contested as the first game and after being together at 17 Hassett secured the remaining four aces for the game.

Third game -The third was Gilmartin’s almost from the beginning. He secured the lead early and held it to the end. Hassett never ceasing trying however, but the Kilkennyman’s superior lasting powers were beginning to tell. He won comfortably.

Fourth game -Hassett started strongly in a do-or-die spirit. The pace was very fast and there was much in play. The Tip. man let at 15-11. Gilmartin staged a great rally and calling on his reserves of energy ran out to win without conceding a further ace to his opponent.

The scoring in favour of Gilmartin was 21-20, 17-21, 21-14, 21-15.

The Doubles match resulted in a win for P. Perry – P. Reid (Roscommon) over P.Bell – J.Doyle (Meath). Scores, 31-8, 16-1, 14-21, 21-8, 21-16, 14-21, 21-12.

Note 5 games of 21 in the singles, and the best of 7 games of 21 in the doubles. J.S.S

(Extract from the Tipperary People, September 26th, 1938)

John Black
Historian
Australian Handball Council
13th May 2006

HANDBALL MATCH POSTPONED

The Kilmore – Geelong City handball premiership match scheduled for Sunday was postponed at last night’s meeting of the V.H.A. Most of the Kilmore team is competing in the Assumption College sports.

Permits were granted as follows : J.Campbell, Malvern to South Melbourne; F. McClosky, Malvern to St. Kilda; R. Mutton, Geelong City to Geelong; P.N.Coleman, Geelong to Albert Park.

The Association decided to make a teams’ levy for each match played, the levy to go to a court construction fund. Country clubs are exempt. Notice has been given to appoint independent commissioners to decide disputes.

(From the Melbourne Herald, 5th November 1933)

HINDER LAW
Handball
Explanation
By “ACE”

It is a fundamental principle in handball that a player must not obstruct an opponent during play, and the penalty for obstruction varies according to the offence.

Rule 33 says: “Should a player obstruct another player in such a manner that he cannot play, the umpire may give a hinder. Should the obstruction be willful, the umpire may give an ace or hand out against the offender.”

From an umpire’s point of view this is one of the most difficult rules to interpret, since the hinder laws are the only ones giving the umpire discretionary powers. In deciding all other rules the umpire has a clear cut issue in deciding whether the ball is in or out of play.

Some years ago there was an idea that considered it was not an infringement of the hinder rules to make position in such a way that an opponent did not have a fair opportunity to make a return. This was generally done by crossing between the ball and an opponent, so that the latter’s view was obscured. Again, some players “clung” to their opponents thereby preventing them from properly addressing the ball. The tendency to cloak the obstruction so that it appeared legitimate was checked to some extent, but the tendency to hinder will always be hard to eradicate unless umpires take a firm stand.

It is pointed out that umpires do not have to give a decision regarding a hinder immediately. It is competent for them to allow the ball to be played out if such an action would be in the interest of the player offended against. For instance, in the act of being hindered a player may hit a butt, in which case the offender is being more penalised by having a score or hand out against him than if the umpire ordered a replay.

Left hander Phil Toohey has won St. Kilda club’s minor championship, defeating last year’s holder, Jack Dockendorff in the final.

(From the Melbourne Sporting Globe, 17th September 1938)
John Black
Historian
Australian Handball Council
24th June 2006

Champs Push to Fore in Handball in 1931

Pierce and Lund Garner Honors;

Chappuis Best
Some Veterans Keep Out of Titular Tourney

New champions were crowned in the American Athletic Union handball league during the past year with Gaston Chappuis claiming the singles honors and Earle W. Pierce and Cannon Lund the doubles laurels.

Chappula showed a world of improvement over his game of the previous year to gain the supreme heights of Utah handball. Chappuis won the honors from Charles Geurts when they battled to the finals to a 21-8, 17-21, 21-17 score in one of the best exhibitions of handball of the year. Gaston proved that his left hand was a little better than Geurts’ and it was his southpaw slams that brought him victory. Geurts fell down and injured his knee in the second game which handicapped his play in the final and deciding round.

The championship singles meet was more or less of a disappointment due to the fact that Renny Clawson, Ray Sorenson, Max Foote, Cannon Lund, Earl Pierce and other leading handballers did not even register for the title play.

The state doubles crown was captured by Earle Pierce and Canon Lund, veteran team, when they downed Ray Sorenson and Merrill Smith in the deciding match, 21-14, 21-18. This is the fourth doubles crown for the pair; they won the honors in 1927, 1928, and 1929. Renny Clawson and Ray Sorenson dethroned them in 1930 but when the crack pair broke up this year the Pierce-Lund combine stepped back into the throne position.

Nobody Goes East

Since the best handball players had not even competed in the state meet to determine the championship and since the interest seemed to be lagging, no representatives were sent back to the national meet.

The annual Deseret handicap tournament at the Deseret gym was won by young Carl Fornelius, playing his first year at the sport. Fornelius met Max Woolley in the final match and nosed out to victory by the score 13-21, 21-9, 21-13.

(From the Christmas News, Utah U.S.A, 19th December 1931)

John Black
Historian
Australian Handball Council
3rd June 2006

Diocese of Bathurst

The new handball court at the De La Salle Schools, Orange, was, on Sunday last, blessed and declared open for play by his Lordship the Bishop, in the present of a representative gathering.

The new court, equal to the best in Australia, was erected at a cost of ₤420.The old boys of the school by a considerable effort, have considerably reduced this liability. His Lordship congratulated those responsible for the building of the court and pointed out that handball originated in Ireland. Records of the game dared back 2000 years. The following which the game had today was abundant proof of its worth. Furthermore it was a principle of Catholic schools in Australia to train their pupils in body as well as in mind. Handball was one of the best known games to develop the body.

Concluding, his Lordship stated that he was glad at all times to foster clean sport, but he deplored the fact that gambling, drinking and money making had crept into athletics. Rev. Father Sheahan voiced his happiness at the completion of the court, and emphasized the fact that for nearly 60 years Orange people had been devotees of the sport. Other speakers included the Mayor (Dr.W.F. Matthews), Rev. Brother Ronan, Principal of the Schools, Messrs. S. Lynch, president of the N.S.W Handball Association, J. McMurtrie, of Forbes, and C. Walker, president of the Orange Handball Club.

……………………………………………

New Court Opened at Orange.

On Sunday last, 6th inst. The handball code received a great fillip in the orange district when a new court was opened by the Most Rev. J Noton D.D. (Bishop of Bathurst).
The court, which cost ₤420 to erect, is situated in the De La Salle College grounds. It contains 29,000 bricks and 131/2 tons of cement, evidently a solid structure.

PN Messrs.Charlie Walker (President Jack Gillespie (secretary) and Fred Press (treasurer), of the Orange Handball Club must fall the lion’s share of the credit to meet the cost of the court. On last Sunday they had the sum of ₤135 in hand, which included a cheque for ₤5 from his Lordship Bishop Norton.

Those associated with his Lordship at the meeting, which was held after the opening ceremony, were Rev.Father J.Sheahan (Adm.), Rev.Brother Ronan (Principal), Ald.Dr Wally Mathews (Mayor of Orange), and Ald.Martin (Deputy Mayor) Messrs. Stan Lynch (President New South Wales Handball Association), Charlie Walker (president, Orange Club), and John McMurtrie and old handballer who came all the way form Forbes for the opening.

Father Sheahan introduced Bishop Norton who, in the course of his address, showed a thorough knowledge of the history of the old Irish game from its earliest beginnings.
Greg Shortis (national singles champion), Stan Lynch, Charlie Shortis, and Cec. Nicol (Sydney representatives), H.McFadden and C.McCabe (Bathurst) played exhibition games after the opening.

The president of the association, Mr. Lynch, told the “Catholic Press” that he was very impressed with the new court.

………………………………………..

Handball Notes: State Championship Doubles Final on Sunday

Last Sunday’s round of matches in the State handball championships was a “washout”, rain preventing the playing of any matches.

This Sunday’s draw brings into action the finalists in the State doubles championship, Steve Nolan and George Macris will meet Charlie Shortis and Stan lynch. A stirring contest is anticipated. These pairs met in the same event last year, and Lynch and Shortis staged a surprise victory. Can they repeat their success this year?

Following are the other fixtures: J.Reilly v. D. Jackson, K.Nash v. P.Terry, T.Keller v. P.Mahony, D.O’Keefe v. V. Ratcliffe

(Three separate articles which appeared in the
“Catholic Press”, date unknown. the Bishop referred to in the two top articles, Bishop Norton John Francis Norton was Coadjutor Bishop of Bathurst from 1926 -1928, 1928-1963)

John Black
Historian
Australian Handball Council
10th July 2006

Handball again – Australian and Victorian Championships
Most of last year’s stars are again candidates but it is doubtful whether the South Melbourne stars Bill O’Hara and George Byone will play. The absence of these men would prove a serious loss to Victoria, as both are handballers of class, capable of extending any pair in the Commonwealth. Moreover, many regard O’Hara to be a potential champion of Australia.

Prominent among new men in the game are Dwyer (the North Melbourne footballer) and Adams (the champion light and welter weight wrestler). Adams owes his introduction to handball to the strong man George Lynch, who finds the game of great assistance to him in his other athletic endeavors.

There are indications that New South Wales (holders of the Championship) will be strongly represented and that South Australia will have a good side. The singles champion of South Australia, Peter Leahy, is expected to make a double bid for the Australian honors on this occasion. Last year, although hampered by an injured foot, he put up a good performance. He is a young brother of Tom, Bern and Vin, and possesses the family characteristics of a fine physique and athletic skill.

(Copy prepared for the Melbourne Sporting Globe, 23rd January 1926)

John Black
Historian
Australian Handball Council
27th May 2006

HANDBALL STANDARD

Toohey’s Comparison
By “ACE”

At a dinner tendered by the Victorian Handball Association to the N.S.W and S.A teams, opportunity was taken to bid farewell to Pat Toohey, a former interstate player and a former St.Kilda champion.

Mr Toohey has left on a tour of U.S, Europe and Ireland, and expects to be away for 12 months. During his six months in Ireland last year, he was special representative of the Australian Council, and did some good spadework in bringing into contact Irish handball authorities and the Council.

He told the gathering that this was achieved after not a little difficulty. The Irish Association had formed a rather poor impression of Australian handball from correspondence received from certain sources in Australia.

He had the opportunity of seeing the Irish front-rankers in action, and was quite convinced that Australian champions would more than hold their own if the two countries clashed. Players of the calibre of Tim Tucker and Charles Sweeney would prove worthy ambassadors of Australian handball in any country in the world, he said.

Toohey expressed the hope that after another year’s negotiation he might yet return with an overseas representative, or with an arrangement for a visit by our champions to Eire.

Mr T.M. McMahon, secretary of the A.A.H.F., which consists of the Queensland Association and the Victorian A.H.L., announced revolutionary changes in handball rules as played by these bodies. A service line 5 ft. inside the short line, from where the players must serve, and the elimination of the left and right courts, were the main changes. They were designed to improve the standard of play, he said.

(From the Melbourne Sporting Globe, April 1939)

John Black
Historian
Australian Handball Council
17th June 2006

Photos from - 2007 Lincoln Terrace Handball Association's Open Singles and more...

2007-07-07T19:33:00.001-07:00

Photo album from the 2007 Lincoln Terrace Handball Association's open singles tournament.
SEMIS - RO0KIE D. EDDIE 21-7, JUSTIN D. DAVID 21-17
FINAL - ROOKIE D. JUSTIN 25-12
1st - $1,500
2nd - $500
top 8 received cash awards.

The 29th Annual Las Vegas Royal Flush Singles Handball Tournament

2007-07-06T11:30:00.000-07:00

The 29th Annual
Las Vegas Royal Flush Singles Handball Tournament
August 17th, 18th and 19th 2007

Las Vegas Athletic Club Central
2655 Maryland Pkwy & Karen
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Entry Fees: Open: $60.00 All Other Divisions: $50.00 + $5.00 Non-USHA Members

Starting Time: Starts at 3:00 pm Friday, Aug 17th. Limited Courts, be prepared to play late. Start times call: Joe/Bob Harris, THRURSDAY 16th, 7 am-3 pm @
702.796.0135

Checks: Make payable to: Las Vegas Handball Club
Mail to: Attn: Bruce Handelman
2220 Village Walk Dr. Apt # 3301 Henderson, NV 89052

Rules: USHA Rules Apply; 2 games to 21, tiebreaker to 11; Eye guards Mandatory
Referees: Referee own matches until Semi Finals. NO CONSULATION MATCHES!!!!!

Check in: Check in at least 30 minutes prior to your match

Hospitality: Free Beer & Hospitality Fri, Sat and Sun. Tourney gifts for all Players. Charge for towel service. NO CHILDREN under 14 allowed in club. NO DAYCARE!

Prizes: Open Division: 1st $500, 2nd $300 (Possibly more!)

Tourney Director: Joe Harris Tourney Committee: Bob Harris, Bruce Handelman, Scot Harris, Martin Ferriter, Marv Winchell

Tournament Director reserves the right to cancel monetary prizes if 6 or fewer entries. Tournament director reserves the right to reclassify players and divisions.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name___________________________________
Address_________________________________
City_______________________State_____________Zip_______________
Telephone Number_________________Division______________
Please Check One
Open_____ Masters (40)____
A _____ Golden Masters (50)_____ and (55)_____
B _____ Super Masters(60)_____and (65)_______
C _____ Diamond Masters (70) _____and 75_____
I, hereby, for myself, my heirs, executors, and administrators, waive and release any and all rights and claims for injuries which may be suffered by me during my competition in this tournament.
Signature___________________________________________Date______________

Jake Plummer Handball Expo in Idaho

2007-07-02T18:03:00.000-07:00

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A trip for the ages! Naty Alvarado, Jr., Dave Vincent, Jeff Kastner, Ricardo Diaz, Chip Morales, and Luis Moreno travel to Sandpoint, Idaho, and find a whole slew of talented handball players, down-to-earth locals, and former football star, Jake Plummer.

June 28th through July 1st turned out to be a dream-camp for handball members of the Sandpoint Athletic Club; meanwhile, top handball players like Luis Moreno, Jeff Kastner, Chip Morales, Ricardo Diaz, and Naty Alvarado, Jr., were treated to the time of their lives, as they BBQ'd, boated, wakeboarded; played handball, pickleball, golf; went sight-seeing, and hung out with Jake Plummer and family.

Luis Moreno said, "This was the best handball event I have ever attended. Thank you for the great time!" Jake Plummer noted, "This is so cool that you got Naty and the boys to fly into town. Can we do this again?"

What turned out to be a handball camp of sorts, originally started as a means to "trade" our services for the Plummer's services. You see, Jake and Eric agreed to attend the US OPEN of Handball in October, as long as Jake could spar with Naty Alvarado on the court. Both groups got what the other wanted, plus a whole lot more.

Please go to the WPH message board thread titled, WPH YOUTH CLINIC, GOLF OUTING, AND PRO AM HANDBALL TRIP to read more about the specifics of this wonderful trip.

Special thanks to Don and Sue Helander, Eric Plummer, Jeff Kastner, and Naty Alvarado, Jr., for pulling this event off!

-DV

SHANKS “SPINS” TO ONE WALL TITLE

2007-07-02T15:31:00.000-07:00

MyPhotoAlbum free photo and video sharing

SHANKS “SPINS” TO ONE WALL TITLE

Charly Shanks from the Clann Eireann club in Armagh won his first ever National One Wall open title with a blistering display of power serving over James Doyle also from Armagh on Sunday July 1st last writes Michael McGee.

The Eleventh One Wall Nationals were hosted by Sligo yet again. It proved to be the biggest entry in the history of Irish One Wall with the overall entry of 165 exceeding all expectations. There was an extra incentive for the players in the Men’s & Ladies Open and Boys & Girls U-18 winners & runners up going onto represent Ireland in an International handball tournament in the Basque Country next November.

Because of the unavailability of Sligo IT games were also played in Ballaghaderreen & Williamstown in Galway. There was exceptional handball played in the qualifying games particular where Abbeylara’s Damien O’ Connor was given a stern test by Barry Devlin from Tyrone & Sean McNally from Down before reaching the final in the C grade. Over in Collooney there was exciting action too in the Boys U-18 grade where Ian McLoughlin from Newport & Steven Cooney from Ballaghaderreen met for the second time in a week. McLoughlin took the Connacht title the previous week but Cooney learned a lot in those 7 days as he reversed the previous weeks encounter to set up a final meeting with Caolin Daly off Tyrone.

Games were played down to the finals late on Saturday evening but still there was the Men’s Open singles semi-finals played in Ballymote on Sunday morning. Charly Shanks defeated 4 times champion David King from Carlow by 18-14 while James Doyle just make it through after extra time over Michael Gregan from Wicklow in a cliff hanger by 20-19. Collooney hosted the adult finals while Ballymote was used to play the Juvenile finals. First final to be played in the 2007 One Wall Nationals finals was the Diamond Masters between Morgan Darcy and Nicholas Clancy both from the Moycullen Club in Galway. Darcy took the first game by 15-5 but some how escaped with a narrow 15-14 win in the second with both players serving for the second game.

Doolin’s strong finish

In the Girls U-18 final there was an all St. Coman’s Roscommon final between Leona Doolin & Marianna Rushe. Even a power cut could not take away from an exciting final. Michael Naughton the girls coach was in the inevitable position of now knowing who to shout for. Rushe taking the first game impressively by 15-8. Even the 2 swallows perched high overhead could only look down in amazement with the feast of handball being shown by the two young stars. The second game was very tense with no player getting any great lead. Rushe continued her form in the second game and had a small advantage leading by 7-3. Doolin came more into the contest and applied plenty of pressure. She forced Rushe into a number off errors and tied the game at 9-9. Rushe looked to be on the way to a win when leading 13-9. Doolin, however refused to panic and with excellent returns and angled winning points was just 13-12 behind. Rushe looked to have it wrapped up after Doolin slipped in the centre but somehow on game ball tossed her hand out. Doolin seen her chance given to her and made no mistake bringing the contest to a tie breaker. Rushe got the better start in the tie breaker leading 3-0. But from there to the finish Doolin excelled. Last years World 15 & Under world champion got stronger and Rushe began to wilt under the constant onslaught. Doolin was composed and showed maturity beyond her years. Rushe panicked and began making mistakes. In the end it finished 11-3 in Doolin’s favour.

Gordan win’s Men’s C final

Next final was the Men’s C final between Abbeylara’s Damien O’ Connor & Niall Gordan from Roscommon. Gordan had the brighter opening lead of 5-1. Gordan scored an excellent ace straight down the right with the Abbey man hardly even moved. 0’Connor has great potential as a One Wall player and fought hard to get back into it but he wasn’t firing on all cylinders as the previous day. Still he was only 2 adrift at 11-9. It was the nearest he was going to get as the St. Coman’s player taking game 1 by 15-11.

O’Connor came out for the second game with renewed hope and was full value for his 5-1 lead. Abbeylara’s supporters in the packed gallery got behind their player but instead it uplifted Gordan and then the game began to sway in Gordan’s favour. The match was now tied at 5-5. O’Connor put 2 returns wide of the front wall and these were to cost him dearly in the end. Gordan getting the scores as O’Connor forced into making hurried returns which invariably had not the accuracy to trouble the Roscommon man. Gordan eventually taking the title after O’Connor’s high return landed over the back line.

Daly delivers another one wall title for Carrickmore

In the Men’s B final seen Niall Flynn from the Abbeylara club in Longford up against Darragh Daly from the Carrickmore club in Tyrone. This was the match of the day. Flynn’s high tempo game is exciting to watch but his hurried returns helped Daly into a 9-4 lead. Flynn fought back to be only 9-7 behind. However the Abbeylara star could not get any closer as Daly great experience and better use of the court helped him to a 15-7 win in game one.

One thing about Flynn he never stops trying and he was rewarded in the second game going into a 9-1 lead. Still he somehow he let a big lead slip and Daly very nearly caught him at 10-9 behind. It was gripping handball as Flynn finished strongly winning 15-9 and forcing the tie break.

Daly’s great fitness told in the tie break as he kept gaining winning scores as Flynn’s resolve began to unravel. At 8-1 he was as good as home and dry but Flynn gave every ounce of energy to get back into it and got two scores. Daly was not going to be denied and he moved up to senior ranks at last after a great battle.

In the Ladies final Ashley Prendiville from Kerry faced Katie Costello another St.Coman’s star. Prendiville taking the first game quite comfortably by 15-5. Prendiville from the Ballymacelligott club went ahead by 6-3 in the second but Costello fought back well to draw level at 8-8. There was nothing separating them as scores were also tied at 10, 12, 13 & 14. Prendiville got the winning score with a straight passing shot to Costello’s right side. I asked Prendiville shortly afterwards what were her thoughts on winning the Ladies final? “It was a great game and great to win as I have lost in Sligo the last 2 occasions third time lucky” said the relieved Champion.

Shanks spin serves destroys Doyle in final

The eagerly awaited Men’s final was now only minutes away. It was fascinating watching the players warming up. Doyle punishing the ball with such power while Shanks just glides around the court with such athleticism. Right from the off Shanks meant business. Doyle tried to stay in contention at 3-3. Shanks with awesome power in his serves landing directly in front of Doyle and suddenly the trajectory of the ball would either go left or right forcing Doyle doing well to keep the ball in play. Shanks spin on the serves was a treat to watch but for a struggling Doyle it was a tactic he did not fully anticipate to such an extent. It worked a treat for Shanks as Doyle could not get the full power to off load onto the front wall. As the game wore on Shanks had great belief as after each point won he would clench his fist. He was supremely confident. Shanks took the first game by 15-7. It was a polished performance from Shanks as he never allowed Doyle to get a foothold into the match. Shanks showed no mercy and Doyle just couldn’t break down Shanks serves. It was frustrating for Doyle who came into the championships as the warm favourite in many people minds but Shanks spin serves cruelly exposed Doyle’s shortcomings. In the end Shanks won his first Open One Wall singles title by 15-3. Charly was naturally pleased when I interviewed afterwards. “It was great to get a win under your belt came the reply from the quiet spoken Armagh man. Next question I put to Charly that he was very pumped up to win and the spin serve killed James in the end. “Yeah I played James a couple of months ago. He was serving well up in Lurgan and I knew when I went in today if he got that serve going I would be in serious trouble. So I had to get off to a quick start and knew that I had to spin the ball in on top of him. If he got that big swing with that right arm the ball was gone”.

I asked Conall Cannon what went into hosting this years championships? The fact we have done it, this is the 8th year. There is a template there already. There was an increased entry off 165 and what we do is actually make the draws, time every single match and then figure what length of time each competition will take. Not getting the IT this year and the increasing numbers we had to look for 3 extra venues outside Sligo. We got Roscommon, Ballaghaderreen & Williamstown and we owe a big thanks to them for coming to our assistance.

With the standards increasing do you feel its time now that Ireland sends teams to play in the World One Wall Championships and the Big Blue Nationals in America? Conall replied saying “I have been saying that for years on end especially since I became Connacht Secretary. The kids that win the 40 x 20 represent Ireland and absolutely yes the winners of the One Wall should be representing Ireland in the World Championships.”

Next question put to the Connacht Secretary was what pleased him most over the weekend? “The fun and the craic and meeting the same people that have been coming for years and years the Willoughby’s and the Abbeylara crowd. They come back and enjoy it. We become friends and it’s good to meet them again.”

Finally question put to Conall will we all be back in Sligo for 2008?
Hopefully! Was the last word from a satisfied and contented Conall Cannon.

The One Wall Nationals are now an integral part on the handball calendar. Since 1999 when Sligo took over the hosting of the One Wall Nationals numbers have risen from 60 in 1999 and been increasing steadily there after. The likes of Conall Cannon, Francis McCann, John McLoughlin amongst others deserve every praise and recognition for their super human efforts each year in organising the Nationals. Just before Conall Cannon left Collooney after a very long day Charly Shanks came out of the dressing rooms and thanked the Connacht Secretary. It was a lovely gesture by Charly and Cannon’s warm smile said it all.

The remaining winners are as follows

Golden Masters Martin Bruen (Roscommon) dft Brian Havern (Down) 15-3, 15-10
BU12 Darren Doherty (Monaghan) dft Patrick McCrory (Tyrone) 4-15, 15-6, 11-9
BU14 Keith Cavanagh (Wicklow) dft Niall O’Connnor (Kildare) 15-9, 15-13
BU16 Caolan Daly(Tyrone) dft Stephen Cooney (Mayo) 15-2, 15-5
BU18 Diarmuid Nash (Clare) dft Niall Malone (Clare) 15-3, 15-1
GU14 Cianna Ni Churraoin (Galway) dft Jenna Donohue (Galway) 15-5, 15-14
GU16 Shauna Hilley Wicklow) dft Lorraine Havern (Down) 15-8, 14-15, 11-4
GU18 Leona Doolin (Roscommon) dft Marianna Rushe (Roscommon) 8-15, 15-14, 11

Story by Michael McGee

One Wall One Ball
Irish National Team decided

Eight of the country’s top handballers have sealed places on the Irish One-Wall Team that will take part in the Basque International Tournament next December. Over 160 handballers competed in the eleventh Irish One-Wall Nationals in Sligo, and with a place on the Irish team at stake, some competitive action was seen over the two days.

James Doyle and Charly Shanks set up an all-Armagh Men’s Open final, with Clann Eireann’s Shanks accounting for tournament favourite, David King of Carlow in the semi-final. The two Ulstermen often compete as a doubles pairing, but with a national title on offer, friendship was put to one side.

“I prepared for it like I would any other game, but it was a bit strange going in against James when trying to maintain that competitive edge,” said Shanks.
“He is a great one-wall player and puts a lot of effort into his training so I was delighted to get the win.”

Shanks was in top form in the final, winning 15-7, 15-3, with an outstanding spin serve ultimately proving the difference between the two.

The One-Wall Nationals, supported by Club Energise, have been a great success in recent years but the 2007 tournament exceeded all expectations in terms of entries and standard of competition.

In the Women’s Open final, Roscommon’s Katie Costello provided a stern challenge for last year’s U-19 world finalist, Kerry’s Ashley Prenderville. The Ballymacelligott player took the first 15-5, but was pushed to the edge in the second game and held out for a one point victory.

The U-18 boys category saw fellow clubmen, and 2006 world U-15 doubles champions, Diarmuid Nash and Niall Malone of Clare fighting for bragging rights in the Banner. Nash proved too strong for Malone in the final but both players will be content with their Irish team places.

The girls U-18 final was a real cracker with favourite, Roscommon’s Marianna Rushe losing out to fellow St Coman’s handballer, Leona Doolin in an exciting tie-breaker finish.

All eight finalists will now begin preparations for the Basque International tournament in December, where the strong Irish contingent will be hoping to collect some silverware.

02.07.2007
For further information, contact:

Niamh Ní Aogáin
National Promotions Administrator
Comhairle Liathróid Láimhe na hÉireann
Páirc an Chrócaigh
Baile Átha Cliath 3

01-8192383
087-6442249

06/30/07 womens singles drawsheet

2007-06-30T19:06:00.001-07:00

06/30/07 womens singles drawsheet, originally uploaded by albertapuzzi.

06/30/07 womens singles drawsheet. Tracy Davis was leading 6-3, in her quarterfinal match against Dori ten, when she twisted her ankle and needed to default. Dori beat Danielle 21-3 in the semifinals and then lost to Sarah Au 15-21, 21-12, 11-6 in the final.

Paulie Angel, tournament director, is to be commended in getting 27 ladies to participate in this one day event.

Lucas County OKs 2 new handball courts

2007-06-27T16:52:00.000-07:00

County commissioners yesterday approved construction of two one-walled handball courts at the Lucas County Recreation Center in Maumee in hopes of increasing use of the center.

The Toledo Handball Club, which has about 100 members, holds tournaments at the recreation center year-round, using the recreation center's eight three-walled handball courts. It hosts a two-day tournament each June that draws people from all over the Midwest.

Each Labor Day, the club hosts the National U.S. Handball Association three-wall tournament. Between 300 and 400 players from the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Ireland compete in the five-day event.

Women's small-ball pro-am singles

2007-06-27T16:33:00.001-07:00

Gabcast! Women's Small ball Pro-Am Singles #1 - Women's Smallball Pro-Am Singles

Live phone-ins from Brooklyn, New York, for the pro-am singles

Please just click this link to hear live updates this weekend!

Thanks,

WPH

Frank Szatkowski 3-Wall Tournament

2007-06-27T16:33:00.000-07:00

Gabcast! Frank Szatkowski 3-Wall Tournament #1 - Frank Szatkowski 3-Wall Tournament

WPH live updates June 29th thru July 1st, 2007

To listen to the live updates please just simply click this link!

Thanks,

WPH

2007 Simple Green US Open of Handball and Naty Alvarado Classic

2007-06-21T15:57:00.001-07:00

Simple Green® U S Open of Handball Presents:

The 18th Naty Alvarado Handball Classic ~ Oct 18th through October 21st

Over $75,000 in prize money will be awarded ~ please keep it here for more up-to-date-details. For special 2006 video commercial sample, click here.

33rd Annual Handball Summer Camp

2007-06-20T17:35:00.001-07:00

July 29 – August 3, 2007
Held at the Durango Sports Club in Durango, Colorado

This is the "Cadillac" of handball camps and the only week-long program. This is a handball vacation extraordinaire for the dedicated player and his or her family. The agenda provides in-depth classroom and on-court instruction and play, videotape analysis, and much much more. John Bike and Pete Tyson will be the instructors.

For more information and an applicationfor the Bike/Tyson Handball Camp, read more!

-Story and picture courtesy of the United States Handball Association

PAUL BRADY TO SPEND SUMMER IN CHICAGO!!!

2007-06-19T08:12:00.000-07:00

World handball champion, Paul Brady, is set to travel to the US for the remainder of the summer months. The Cavan defender has pulled out of Donal Keogan’s side just weeks before the county begin their assault on the qualifiers.

Brady, along with fellow Cavan player, Seanie Johnson, will travel to Chicago later in the week where the pair will line out with the St Brendan’s club for the remainder of the championship season.

The two-time world champion, who is currently ranked number one in the world, will take advantage of his time in the States to prepare for the US Handball Open which takes place in Los Angeles in October. Last week, the Mullahoran clubman was honoured with the Vodafone Handballer of the Year Award for 2006, his second time to receive the accolade.

Brady was scheduled to make a rare appearance in the 60 x 30 code and One Wall Nationals this year, but is now likely to keep to his familiar 40 x 20 training schedule during his stay in Chicago.

His departure, and that of Cavan Gaels star, Seanie Johnson, will be a major loss to the Breffni side. Mullohoran, who are aiming to defend their county title this season, have also been dealt a severe blow by Brady’s exodus but the 27-year-old will now turn his attention to collecting silverware stateside.

STORY PROVIDED BY- PAUL FITZ/CAVAN.HANDBALL.GAA.IE

Big Blue Citywide Qualifier @ Coney Island

2007-06-17T03:51:00.000-07:00

View online album.
The tournament is scheduled to be completed at Roy Wilkins Park on Sunday.

2007 USHA 1-wall Juniors

2007-06-09T18:31:00.000-07:00

Online photo album from the 2007 USHA National 1-wall Junior Handball Championships

Watch some of the action from the quarterfinals and view an interview with Ricardo Diaz.

Watch the tie-breaker between LoPierre and Diaz.

MD No Frills 3-wall

2007-06-03T04:30:00.001-07:00

Thanks, HCRP - the courts are now officially open and the construction is finished!! Get your games in fast - the No Frills is only one more weekend away!!

BTW, My father, Eli, is looking for someone interested in playing the left side in either the 60+ or B for the no frills. Takers please reply to zimete@verizon.net.

Dan

Handball players,

It was great seeing some of you out on the 3wall courts this Saturday and
hopefully you have found the modifications to the courts to your liking. A
few items are the focus of this email - first, next weekend is the No Frills
- a one-day doubles event that could use your participation! Applications
are available to cut-and-paste on the website - www.mdhandball.com Also,
you can email Alan Frank at handball3@verizon.net if you need a partner for
any division.

A second order of business - for those of you who have tried to play, the
back courts (which have been resurfaced) are very slick and I am making a
plea to our community to help us out. We have a few ideas in the books
regarding how to get the floors into safe, playable conditions. We're
starting with the least invasive route first...which is powerwashing the
surface. Here is the plea:

IS THERE A 3-WALL PLAYER OUT THERE WILLING TO BRING A GAS-POWERED
POWERWASHER TO THE COURTS ALONG WITH A GOOD AMOUNT OF HOSE (AS LITTLE AS 200
FEET, AS MUCH AS 300) TO POWERWASH THE SURFACE AND SEE IF IT HELPS?????

With the No Frills next week we would need something done before Saturday.
I played some singles on Court 4, on the back near the tennis courts, and in
my opinion the courts are NOT SAFE and we may not be able to use them if
someone does not rise to the occasion!!!

Please help!

Dan

2007 PSAL Handball Championships

2007-06-01T19:26:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of Gary Cruz

Click on image to view my online album. I plan on adding more photos as the competition progresses. So far Brooklyn Tech (coaches Paul Hoftyzer and Cory Fischer pictured above) has captured the girls AND boys team city titles. Now we go on to the "individual" championships.

Norm Young 1-wall courts

2007-05-30T15:03:00.001-07:00

Check out this article:
http://www.statenews.com/article.phtml?pk=41150
Then view the attached photos.

Keith

MD 3-wall courts open Thursday

2007-05-29T16:49:00.001-07:00

Handball community,
Yes, at long last and with finality Dan Ho has received word that the courts
will be open and fully operational on Thursday the 31st. The lines are
being painted on Wednesday so please do NOT use the courts that day as the
paint will be drying.

Dan Ho and I would like to thank you for your patience during this ordeal -
the courts have been under rennovation since just after Toledo last year,
and here we are - a week away from the No Frills - just now being granted
'permission' to return to the courts. Personally, I believe the final
product will be worth it.

See you on the courts!

Dan

Becoming An Extra Ordinary Athlete Part II

2007-05-29T07:41:00.000-07:00

Becoming An Extra Ordinary Athlete
In 10 Applicable Steps
by Kia Kalil-Gibran,D.Sc

PART TWO

People often ask me what it takes to be an Extra Ordinary Athlete – what separates the good from the great. There is no one answer to that question. At any moment in time an athlete can experience greatness, only to find it disappear the next moment. What I do know is that the Extra Ordinary Handball Player must be willing to push out of the comfort zones and into new possibilities. Whether you’re a State Champion, National Champion, or No Champion there’s still more for you to explore as an athlete.

Ordinary is easy. Extra Ordinary requires the ability to be “Extra” - to practice and apply new abilities. An Extra Ordinary handball player must be willing to Evolve. Evolution is the ability to learn something new and then apply it consistently until that information is integrated. If you want to learn a new shot in handball, that new shot has to be practiced consistently for you to become comfortable with it – for it to integrate into your nervous system and for you to have faith in believe in yourself to execute the shot during a performance.

Last month PART I of “Becoming and Extra Ordinary Athlete in 10 Applicable Steps” was printed on this web site. Perhaps those of you who are willing to do “Extra” have applied one or more of those ideas/tools. In the article following, Steps 6 through 10 are explored.

STEP 6 PRACTICE YOUR WINNING STRATEGY

What makes a “winner” a winner? We all have the same basic neurology - we simply decide to use it differently. A strategy is an order or sequence, a pattern of behavior that provides a step-by-step process to obtaining consistent results. Strategies provide a winning sequence. If you want to get consistent results in the athletic arena you must first become consciously aware of what you are doing and what results you are achieving. Once you discover your Winning Strategy and practice it consistently, you have the possibility for consistent winning results.

It is imperative to know the difference between when you win and when you lose because you are literally running a pattern of behavior, or “strategy,” that successfully accomplishes your outcome. Most strategies are linked to how you see (the image you hold of yourself at any given moment, i.e. winner or loser), hear (in particular your internal dialogue, is it supporting your greatness or diminishing your abilities at that moment), or feel (do you feel like a winner? Are you allowing negative emotions to rule your playing abilities or are you stopping them and focusing on playing the game with accuracy). The key is to be able to change an ineffective (losing) strategy to an effective strategy (winning).

Observe the order and sequence of how you see, feel, hear when you are winning versus when you are losing. NOTE THE DIFFERENCE and apply the order of the Winning Strategy consistently.’’

STEP 7 ELIMINATE JUDGMENT, COMPARISON, COMPETITION
To EXPRESS YOUR TALENTS

Competition is a time to express your talents with one-focused attention - nothing else matters. The moment of the Being is NOW!

Judgment, comparison, and competition will always diminish you as an athlete because they each create limitations and beliefs. To begin with, “competition” is frequently based on having to be “better” than anyone else (your competition). This often breeds fear, which can diminish your abilities as an athlete. A “winner” focuses upon expressing your talents while striving to reach your own greatness. Therefore there is no “competition” because everyone you come in contact with assists you in becoming better than your best.

Judgment and competition are by-products of comparison, and comparison has no solid ground for which to base itself upon because no two people are alike. No two people have exactly the same upbringing, nor the same life experiences, nor athletic talents. Therefore, it is impossible to “compare” yourself to another. Begin eliminating judgment, competition, comparison by catching yourself and stopping the process each time you begin to compare. Simply STOP . . . know what you want to do differently to enhance the situation, and begin anew. This takes patient perseverance and will allow you the possibility to build faith inside yourself as an athlete.

STEP 8 “FOCUS” YOUR ATTENTION to OBTAIN PEAK AWARENESS

Peak Awareness is nothing more than learning how to stay in the present NOW. Simple. . .not necessarily easy! Although your body is always in the NOW, your mind is usually in the past or future (i.e. dwelling on a past mistake or having anxiety about a future outcome) - both robbing you of focusing in the NOW.

One proven method to effectively stay in the moment is to focus on your breath because breathing is connected to your life energy (which can only be in the Here and Now). Every time your mind starts to wander or your emotions interfere, momentarily “Stop Your World.” Focus your attention/energy on your Solar Plexus area (which can bring you inside yourself with Focused Attention/Awareness). Long, deep breaths produce a calming affect. Short, deep breaths assist in enlivening your energy (“pumping you up”).

As you grasp this point and bring it into your athletic experience, you will have the possibility to obtain and sustain peak awareness, and the less you “think” about the mechanics of how to reach peak awareness, the more efficient you’ll be at experiencing the state. Peak Performance is an internal focus; it’s an experience of the Mind~Body~Spirit in harmony; becoming totally integrated so that you become one with yourself while at the same time becoming so involved with your activity that you become that activity.

STEP 9 APPLY the CONCEPT of "SAMENESS"

“Sameness” means that nothing is more or less important than anything else, therefore all things are unique in and of themselves. An athlete who understands that everything is only information to learn, apply and grow gives no specialness to a specific action and therefore has no RE-action. For example, an athlete depending on adrenaline rushes and/or mental games to generate a peak state will have ups and downs. A player who learns to focus one’s attention into an internal intensity has the possibility to have consistent peak states because internal focus promotes and sustains “Heightened Awareness” as a continuous experience.

A great athlete has the ability to deal resourcefully with any situation they encounter without making it into a “big deal.” This implies that you, as an athlete, learn how to apply the same intensity of focus in your practice sessions as in your competitions, no longer promoting competitions a “Big Deal.” You have the possibility to stop wondering “if” you’ll reach a peak state because you know that by applying the concepts you’ve been learning you can create an atmosphere for peak state to naturally manifest (i.e. utilizing Solar Plexus breathing; stopping negative self-talk; focusing on what you want; knowing everything is only information to learn and grow; believing in yourself).

Integrating this one concept alone can stop anxiety and stress from your athletic experiences, thereby allowing you to excel beyond your expectations in the sports arena.

STEP 10 APPLY THE FIVE STAGES to
MAINTAINING and SUSTAINING ZEST for LIVING!

As you begin implementing Steps 1 - 9 of “Becoming an Extra Ordinary Athlete in 10 Applicable Steps,” know that you must “sustain” these steps in order to “maintain” the newness you are creating in your life. Enlightenment is nothing without the ability to sustain and maintain!

There are Five Stages to sustaining and maintaining newness (until that newness becomes totally implemented). They are:
(1) Accept that you are not “perfect” and that’s “OK.” (2) Know you have the ability to create newness at any moment (right Now!). (3) Learn your lessons through objective observation (no judgment, comparison, competition); everything is only information to learn and grow (4) Apply the lessons on a continual, consistent basis (the Application Stage is what separates Ordinary from Extra Ordinary). (5) Complete each day in and of itself, knowing that through application of your lessons each day is a new day to grow. “There is no royal road to anything. One day at a time; all things in succession. That which grows fast withers as rapidly; that which grows slowly. . .endures.”

Many athletes are physically prepared, only to be hindered by negative self-talk, anxiety, stress, nerves, fear and limiting beliefs. If this article has intrigued you, I encourage you to read my book, UNLOCK THE BLOCK™ and/or to take the one-on-one phone consultation course. To order my book, go to www.unlock-the-block.com. For more information call me at (530) 470-8405 or email me at kia@unlock-the-block.com.

NYC PSAL CITY INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

2007-05-29T05:02:00.000-07:00

NYC PSAL BOYS & GIRLS CITY INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Girls: Monday, June 4th (rain date: June 5th)
Boys: Friday, June 8th (rain date: June 11th)
Sites: Grand Street Campus HS
For more info check the PSAL site

WPH's Tomaselli has baby

2007-05-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

Richard & Laura Tomaselli gave birth yesterday. Isabelle Grace Tomaselli was born (May 24th/2007) at 1:49pm, weighing in at 9 lbs 2.5 oz. Laura, reportedly, did extremely well with the labour and she is resting now.

Richard, formally with the Victorian Handball Association in Australia, has relocated for work in Texas, and is part of the WPH team. His "new addition" is now an American Citizen, and will be playing handball in .....hmmmm....10 years!

The Tomaselli's are very happy about their new American addition... especially Julian & Jacob!

Congratulations from the WPH!

Some Of What's Happening In NYC

2007-05-25T03:28:00.000-07:00

"B" MIXED DOUBLES
SUNDAY, MAY 27TH, 2007
@ W4TH STREET PARK
$20 PER PERSON, $40 PER TEAM
10:30 AM SIGNUP
11:00 AM START TIME
MANDATORY $5.00 LATE FEE
1ST=$300
2ND=$200
PRIZE MONEY CAN CHANGE DEPENDING ON NUMBER OF ENTRIES. ANY QUESTIONS CALL 917-749-8563.
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Van Cortland Park Reconstruction Project situation took an unexpected turn - for the worse. As of now, the reconstruction of the 6 Northside Courts has been halted due to a "'Work Stop Order". The reason is that the contractors had the wrong plan to execute the reconstruction.
What was done so far? The 6 Main Northside Courts was in the midst of redoing the wall area, and the surface, along with the Reconstruction of the Bathroom and more inportantly, the Lights. However, do to the stop order, the timeline of the construction is now uncertain. So as of now, the renovation is suspended indefinetely. Meaning that the remaining Southside, 3 handball courts will be used at all times until further notice. The 3 handball courts go off at different time intervals, meaning the last light to go off would be at approximately 11:22pm.
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tournament coming up june 2nd rain date june 3rd "B" doubles at dewey jhs 41st st and 3rd ave in brooklyn $15 a man $30 a team no buy backs and full payout all entry fees will go in the pot!!! 11 am sign up time 12 noon start time.
*********************************************************************************************
Type: Men’s Doubles
(Mixed Doubles Teams are Welcomed.)
C/D Players only. No A/B Players
This rule will be strictly enforced!
Place: 52 Park (Corner of Ave of St. John’s and Kelly Ave)
Date: May 26th, 2007 Rain date: June 2nd, 2007
Registration Time: 9:00 AM
Start Time: 11:00 AM
Entry Fee: $15.00
$12.50 for the first ten teams
NO BUY BACKS!!! NO EXCEPTIONS!!!
Format: Single Elimination (Based on more than 12 teams)
Losers will ref the next game.
Ball: Gold Label Sky Bounce
Prizes: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies only
Contact: Frank or Gabriel at
biz411@southbronxhandballclub.com
Call 917-657-3084 after 7PM
Free T-Shirts will be given and free water will be served while supplies last.
Proceeds for this tournament will be donated to the
American Cancer Society
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Open Handicap Doubles
$1,000 in prize money
May 28th - Edison Park - Queens
$20 entry fee per player
Sign Up 10:00 AM
Start Time 11:00 AM
For information, please contact Gladys @ (347) 420-7180
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www.members.aol.com/nyhandball/grudgematch.html
B-Pyramid at Edison HS 5/26 at 10:30am sharp. $20pp $5 late fee after 11am. 1st-4th cash prizes, magazine coverage, B-Pyramid ranking and website photos
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"B" doubles at grand st may 26th,,no buy backs,,25$ a man,,"a"players can use their weaks wit a girl of their choice,,30$ for "A"players,girls 15$,,1st thru 4th place$$$,
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Wai"s TOURNAMENT ************
"B" doubles may 20th at ft hamilton high school on 85th street and colonial road "A" players could play with their weak hand with a "B" player or their strong hand with a girl
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Smack it Sports will be throwing an Open Doubles Handball Tournament on July 21, 2007. The location of the tournament will be at the Legendary Thunder Park ( 102nd & 2nd ave)
FREE SHIRTS FOR EVERYONE WHO ENTERS THE TOURNAMENT....
First Place $600.00 with trophies Second Place $300.00 with trophies
Entry Fee : $35.00 per Open Player
$25.00per "B" player
$15.00per Women Player
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PONGSPORTS
PRESENTS
C- doubles every tuesday in the bronx
start time 5:00pm
entry fee $5.00 per man
trophies 1st place only
DIRECTIONS BY TRAIN: take the 2 train
to ALLERTON AVENUE, stay on white plains road and walk 2 blocks to ARNOW AVENUE, the park is on the left hand side!!!
DIRECTIONS: BY CAR: take the CROSS BRONX EXPRESSWAY to the BRONX RIVER PARKWAY, get off at exit called Allerton avenue, make a left at the first light, drive for 2 blocks, make a right on Arnow
avenue, drive to the end od the block the park is on the left hand
side!!
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PONGSPORTS
PRESENTS
B- DOUBLES- every Wednesday
$10 per-man
$100.00 trophies---1st place only
DIRECTIONS BY TRAIN: take the 2 train to ALLERTON AVENUE, stay on white plains road and walk 2 blocks to ARNOW AVENUE, the park is on the left hand side!!!
DIRECTIONS: BY CAR: take the CROSS BRONX EXPRESSWAY to the BRONX RIVER PARKWAY, get off at exit called Allerton avenue, make a left at the first light, drive for 2 blocks, make a right on Arnow avenue, drive to the end of the block the park is on the left hand side!!
**************************************************************************************
PONGSPORTS
PRESENTS
OPEN DOUBLES: every thursday
$10 per-man
$200.00 1st place only
DIRECTIONS BY TRAIN: take the 2 train to ALLERTON AVENUE, stay on white plains road and walk 2 blocks to ARNOW AVENUE, the park is on the left hand side!!!
DIRECTIONS: BY CAR: take the CROSS BRONX EXPRESSWAY to the BRONX RIVER PARKWAY, get off at exit called Allerton avenue, make a left at the first light, drive for 2 blocks, make a right on Arnow avenue, drive to the end of the block the park is on the left hand side!!
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i am running an out of the hat ALL-STAR handball doubles tournament for the top 32 players, this sunday the 27th of may at west 5th in coney island in brooklyn ny. every round in this tourney will involve the players drawing out of the hat for partners and opponets. this is done for the crowd to see games and match ups that would never otherwise happen, the purpose of this is to have handball players to compete in ackward match ups and see who could adjust to they're partner to prove who is truly the best doubles player.
my flyer will have all the details

thanks,
cesar sala
handball contenter
if u have any question email me at
cesar_sala1977@yahoo.com

Reno Update

2007-05-25T03:03:00.000-07:00

Hi Albert,

Thanks for the mail and the question. We have room for 1 and 3 wall outdoor courts with lighting and enough courts for a decent size tournament (maybe 8 courts). That will be in phase 2 of development after we build the facility.

Check our web site in a couple of weeks as we are updating making some exciting changes.

Joe Garcia
Managing Partner

Where There’s No Distinction Between Fitness & Fun!
P.O. Box 19697
Reno, NV 89511
(775) 849-9488 voice
(775) 843-3952 cell
(775) 849-9498 fax
joe.garcia@charter.net
www.allcourtsports.com

Is Marquez Back?

2007-05-23T04:47:00.000-07:00

Pictured above (left to right) - Oliver Roman, Angel Marquez, David Melendez and Humberto Baez
Marquez, now 49 years old, recently underwent a hip replacement. Angel became a handball legend on the outdoor 1-wall courts in NYC. We spoke on the phone and he said that he has been practicing, feels like he could play in the open, and plans on playing in the upcoming USHA 1-wall Nationals. He already joined the USHA and has committed to playing in the Golden Doubles with longtime friend Jose Davilla.

Expect to see him stop by Coney Island for some games.

June 1st Elks Club Dinner and Exhibition

2007-05-22T18:35:00.000-07:00

Hello Albert:

The Elks Lodge is having their Annual Gym Dinner on Friday, June 1st and I was wondering if you can help me organize a couple of exhibition games for the members.

We're looking for one or two games with USHA players. We would include a free dinner for the players and their guests.

Thanks for your support.

Tom Rudzewick
Queens Borough Elks Lodge

MASPETH FEDERAL SAVINGS
Thomas K. Rudzewick, CSA-G
Senior Vice President & Chief Lending Officer

56-05 69th Street
Maspeth, New York 11378
Phone: 718-651-7888 x201
Fax: 718-426-7016
trudzewick@maspethfederal.com

********************************************
Tom,

So far Victor Lopierre, Alvaro Rebaza and Jonathan Lee have committed.

Albert

Emmett Rocks Canada

2007-05-19T11:50:00.001-07:00

The current USHA and Australian 3-Wall National Champion, Emmett Peixoto, has some new hardware to show off, after winning his third National trophy over the weekend (May 17-20th/2007)in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

The #4 ranked pro (WPH World Rankings), played the legendary Merv Deckert in the Quarter finals and never looked better! The 58 year old Deckert won his first Canadian National Trophy in 1975 (the young Peixoto was born 7 years later. By then, Merv had won 7 trophies by the time Emmett turned 7 months old), and has since won 11 Canadian Titles. On this day, however, Peixoto got to serve first and scored 21 straight points--NEVER LEAVING THE BOX! The second game wasn't any better for Deckert and when the dust settled, Peixoto advanced to the Semi's with a 21-0, 21-3 performance.

In the upper bracket fan favorite, and native Canadian, Tyler Hamel, faced a newly charged David Fink. Fink returned to handball, after a very long vacation (1 tournament in 7 years), to play in the United States Handball Association's National Championships (where he lost to Naty Alvarado in the round of 16) three weeks ago. This weekend, however, proved to be his coming-out party, as he (not only) skated past Hamel, but eliminated Canadian Legend, Danny Bell, in a close semifinal tiebreaker.

Saturday's final between Fink and Peixoto pinned the two doubles partners, roommates, and best friends, against one another for the first time in their careers and could spark the beginning of long rivalry between the two?? Either way, Dave Fink showed the crowd that he meant business with his 21-8 romp over Peixoto in the first game,... stunning everyone in the Peixoto camp.

Could there be an upset in Quebec?

The second game marked a turning point for Peixoto, as it appeared that Fink lost his legs. Peixoto takes game number two, 21-8, and forces a breaker! The same loss of legs and stamina that afflicted Sampras in the second game carried over to the tiebreaker; meanwhile, Emmett Peixoto reportedly could do no wrong and played above his #4 ranking with a dominating 11-1 finish.

Emmett Peixoto takes the Canadian trophy back to Sunny California and rejoices in his third National Handball Trophy in the past 8 months (two on foreign soil).

Lisa Fraser-Gilmore walks through the field and is never challenged, as she won her 10th open championship trophy in Canada, and places this award next to her 7 USHA singles trophies, World, 3-Wall, and multiple doubles trophies.

Lisa wins her second National trophy in 3 weeks, after beating Christoff in Minnesota to win the USHA crown and Jessica Gawley in Canada, this past weekend.

At 43, Lisa is proving to everyone, that she has game!

Update on MD 3-wall courts

2007-05-19T03:42:00.001-07:00

FROM DAN ZIMET

Handballers of the Mid Atlantic,

I took a look at the courts yesterday (Thursday) evening and the
fencing is coming along well. The poles are cemented in place
and 1/2 of the ceiling is done...they still need to string the
fencing around the perimeter of the courts, put up the remainder
of the ceiling fence, and then instal the 6' vertical fence that
the HCPR was generous enough to add to the budget. There is a
lot of equipment and half finished projects on the courts, and
having taken a look in addition to being instructed not to play
the courts are pretty much unplayable at the moment...poles and
chain link rolled into the courts and so on. Please make
alternate plans for your handball this weekend! The courts will
definately be open before Memorial Day weekend, and hopefully a
few days before that. I will email everyone once they are
playable.

Thanks for the patience...we're all excited to get out there and
the moment has nearly arrived. Also, keep June 9 on your calendar
for the No Frills. The entry is on the website - we'll all be rusty,
but it will be a great introduction for the courts.

See you out there soon!

Dan

Shelby Stanley passes

2007-05-17T07:22:00.000-07:00

Shelby C. Stanley, Jr., age 76, died at home on Saturday, May 12, 2007 in San Antonio. The only child of Shelby C. Stanley and Charlotte Matthews Stanley, he was born on October 7, 1930 in Johnson City, TN and moved to San Antonio as a young boy. Mr. Stanley attended the McCallie School in Chattanooga, TN and graduated in 1952 with a B.A. from The University of Texas at Austin where he was a fraternity member of Kappa Alpha. Following graduation, he served in the US Navy in Washington DC. Professionally, Mr. Stanley worked in the petroleum transportation business for fifty years, founding and directing several business including Cardinal Transports, sold to Tesoro, Redbird Enterprises, Longhorn Transports and CVJS. He also was an executive with Mission Petroleum in the 90's. Mr. Stanley was a lifetime member of both the San Antonio Country Club and Club Giraud. He served as President of the Merry Knights of King William and the San Antonio German Club, where in 1958 he created the President's Medal, still worn today. He also was active in the Order of the Alamo, the Rotary Club of San Antonio and the Downtown YMCA, where he was an avid handball player and was inducted into the Handball Hall of Fame. Mr. Stanley was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his daughters, Torrey Stanley Carleton of San Antonio and Cullen Stanley of New York City, his former wife, Margaret King Stanley, and his longtime friend and companion Xonia Kargl. MEMORIAL SERVICE FRIDAY MAY 18, 2007 11:00 A.M. PORTER LORING CHAPEL Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to YMCA Downtown Branch, 913 N. St. Mary's, San Antonio, Texas 78215, the McCallie School, 500 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, Tennessee 37404 or a charity of your choice. You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.porterloring.com Arrangements with Porter Loring Mortuary.

Trip to France and Basque Country

2007-05-16T06:25:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

This is my first attempt to add to this blog site. Please pardon if it doesn't come out perfect as the text here is in French. It's good to be here as they are working on developing a new one wall format. I've been in training to see how we can combine our one wall game and their 'fronton/trinquet' to play a common game. It has been tough with the ball they play, but we've been able to mix it up with the big blue ball and their ball. Below is a picture of an exhibition match that was setup. It was a demonstration of the one wall game on a court their size. I played against the B Worlds Singles Champion Amantegi of the Basque Country. I'm still sorting some information out, but will post further news on the trip. Thanks.

Update On Toldeo 1-wall Courts

2007-05-14T16:42:00.000-07:00

Hi Albert

You will be happy to know that we are close to breaking ground on the new one-wall courts at the Lucas County Rec. Center. I have one question about the concrete work and need your advice. The concrete contractor is planning a 3" fall from the front wall to the rear of the slab. This amounts to 3 inches for the total 56 feet. Do you feel 3 inches is enough for adequate drainage? Comments on this would be appreciated. As you can imagine we want to do this right the first time.

...... We plan to install the concrete then the fencing assuming all the funding is in place. ...

Thanks again.

Phil phil@pkirk.com-

Let The PSAL Playoffs Begin

2007-05-13T04:32:00.000-07:00

NYC PSAL BOYS AND GIRLS HANDBALL TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
Girls: TUESDAY, MAY 29, 2007
Boys: WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2007
Rain Dates, Thursday May 31, 2007
Start Times: 4:00 PM SHARP!
Warm-up: 30 min. prior to start time
Site: TBA

BOROUGH INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Girls: Friday, June 1, 2007 and Monday, June 4, 2007 (if necessary)
Boys: Monday, June 4th, 2007 and Tuesday, June 5, 2007 (if necessary)
Time: 4:00 PM
Sites: TBA

NYC PSAL 2006 BOYS & GIRLS CITY INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Girls: Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Boys: Friday, June 8, 2007
Rain Dates: Monday, June 11, 2007 and Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Time: 4:00 PM SHARP!
Sites: TBA

Update on MD 3-wall Courts

2007-05-13T04:20:00.001-07:00

Handballer,

As an update to the construction of the 3-wall courts, we're 90% there
and closing in on the end. The only remaining projects are painting
the lines on the floor and the fencing. Dan Ho has been in contact
with our representatives with the HCRP, and we have confirmed the final
decisions and expect to have the construction finished soon. As a
bonus, we have managed to arrange a fence addition on the ceiling that
will help protect handballs from being lost. Also, we can expect
additional space in the rear of the court for retrieving deep shots.

I will continue to send updates with information as it arrives, so
please continue to address Dan Ho or me if you have questions. I WILL
be playing 3-wall tomorrow (Saturday) and I'll be arriving a little
early to clean the courts and use painters tape to mark the lines on
the back courts. Due to the lack of a rear fence we are being asked to
play only on the back courts for safety reasons. Just so you are aware
there is no fencing anywhere - which means the ceiling is exposed and
ceiling shots that normally would hit the fence and be in play will soar
through and over the roof of the court. I am not going to be discouraged
and will just bring a few additional balls to play with.

See you on the courts!!

Dan

Cavan site updated

2007-05-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

The Cavan handball website has ben updated. Check it out at cavan.handball.gaa.ie

Also, look out for the new photo gallery which will be up in the coming days

NYC High School playoffs

2007-05-10T06:39:00.000-07:00

The CHSAA (Catholic High School Athletic Association's) playoff schedule will be as follows:
Varsity semis: A. May 21-22
Varsity finals: A. May 24-25 B. May 21-22
Tournament: May 30-31
Junior Varsity playoffs: May 25-29
For more info e-mail Tony Grimm grimmsfp@hotmail.com
The PSAL (Public School Athletic Leaque's) playoff schedule will be posted at psal.org

For Immediate Release

2007-05-09T12:43:00.000-07:00

Peter Service wins Open division of the Ontario Singles Championship held may 4-6 at Cedar Springs in Burlington, Ontario. Thanks to Peak Power Sports as well as all participants and referees.

OPEN-Peter Service over Marco Faiazza 9, (16), 8

A -Grant Jennings over Nasim Bajwa 18, 13

A Drop Down- Todd Bargman over David Marks 10,10

Women- Jenine Wilson over Natasha Bakiewicz (RR)

40/50- Rick Kempf over Mark Gronlund (RR)

60- Brian Goto over Ralph Penale (RR)

70- Bill Clendinning over Mike Jennings (RR)

Italian 1-wall Nov. 17-18

2007-05-05T04:14:00.000-07:00

FEDERAZIONE ITALIANA PALLAPUGNO (F.I.P.A.P.)
Turin, 05/05/07

Dear Sir/madam,

....... the 2° Italian Open Edition, an International One-Wall Tournament will be held in Nizza Monferrato next 17th-18th of November.

The Tournament will be on Doubles basis and we expect that your delegation to be composed by four player squad, along with two officials.

LOGISTICS

From the logistic point of view , you have to know that Nizza Monferrato is located in Piedmont, about 100Km from Turin and Milan. Therefore, In order to complete the tournament in two days we suggest to flight the day before (i.e. Friday the 16th) either to Turin or to Milan airports. Please, send us your flight planning, so we can arrange a bus services to pick you up and bring to the accommodation in Nizza Monferrato

.........

Hoping to see you in Italy in November, I remain

Sincerely Yours
The National Person in Charge for the Fronton
Mauro Bellero

Multimedia message

2007-05-03T15:02:00.001-07:00

Davis wins the 2nd, and advances, as Little watches on.