DENVER — The altitude brought another element into the usual mix of who wins on Sunday in some events as lowlanders struggled with catching their breath. But in the 35 singles, Kevin Price rolled to his first national title with an impressive weekend and final win over Victor Sanchez.
Chris Tico overcame local Oliver Boyd in a tough 40 final but had nothing left for George Repine in the 45s. Paul Pfannenstiel earned another national singles title with a tough tiebreaker win over Joe Tierney. Mike Flannery is back on top of his game, winning the 55s over Matt Osburn. Lloyd Garcia was on top of Phil Kirk’s offensive game to take the 60s. Ed Campbell had just enough left to hand Dan Price another runner-up finish in the 65s. Greg Raya proved too much for the 70s field and ended Michael Jordan’s great run through the bottom bracket. Gary Rohrer is another newcomer to his age bracket and served his way past Mike Driscoll in the 75s.
And, Charlie Wicker upheld his Super Senior status, holding off a game effort from Curtis Creed on Sunday in three after defeating newcomer and runner-up Jerry White in a tiebreaker on Saturday in the 80s. Killian Carroll had wrapped up the Pro-Am title on Saturday. Masters singles draws on R2sports site HERE.
CINCINNATI — The Munson brothers were devastating in the 35s as they marched through the strong field, including Dave Bardwell and Nick Mattioni in the final. ICRCTV was on site streaming two finals and you’ll be able to watch them on demand. The 35 Singles final has been uploaded to the U.S. Handball YouTube Channel HERE.
Shane Conneely and Stas Hammond rallied to defeat Andy Rousseau and Jared Vale in a great 40 final. Andy Schad and Dan Zimet turned back the determined Rousseau and Vale in the 45s as well. Jim Wohl and Jake Esser won a grueling 50 final over John Allen and Scott Walker. Alan Frank and Joe Berman stopped Marty Clemens and Dave McElwain’s run in the 55s. Dave Dohman and Scott Rosenthal beat Mike Linnik and Tom Fitzwater to add the indoor to their outdoor title. Vance McInnis and Ed Campbell won the 65 title over Bob Dyke and Dave Schmelz. Bob Bardwell and Dave Hinkleman were impressive in the 70s, turning back Gary Rohrer and Ron Cole in the final. Ed Grossenbacher and Vince SanAngelo reunited for the 75s title over Bob Braine and Norm Young. And in the 80s, it’s been 25 years since Al Green survived a heart attack and now he’s one of a select few to win titles in one-, three-, and four-wall. Green teamed with Ed Woerner to outlast the 85-eligible Lew Buckingham and Ben Marguglio in a tiebreaker.
The GCHA provided great hospitality all weekend for the players and fans, rewarded the largest field in seven years for coming to the Queen City.
The following feature appears in the May 2017 Handball Magazine. USHA Members can access the full e-Magazine issue by logging on and visiting the “Member Section.” Not a USHA Member? JOIN HERE.
Morones’ lesson: ‘Take the right road’
Imprisoned since 2003, former pro shares advice
Former pro player Randy Morones with wife Sofia.
By Marc Penick
Many of you may recall the shock of hearing about former pro player Randy Morones being sentenced to 20 years to life for the hit-and-run killing of a young man in Los Angeles in 2003. We spoke to Morones, now 46, by telephone from Avenal State Prison in central California.
The Morones family has some very gifted handball players. Who is the best player in the Morones family?
Well, my uncle Bob was the best three- wall player. In four-wall, when I was young and coming up, my dad Dave would beat me at singles. After I got a little older and started playing on the pro tour, Dad stopped playing singles with me and we played doubles together. Honestly I think Dave was the better player until I got a little older, and then I became the better player.
I’ve seen a picture showing you as a young boy with a large group of players and Tony Huante at Tucson Athletic Club. Did you train with Tony a lot when you were young?
I liked going with Tony’s group because there were young guys my age to hang out and play handball with. I wasn’t one of Tony’s kids in the sense that he coached me and taught me the game. But I did like to join them and go to tournaments when I was little.
What other people helped you in your handball career?
I spent most of my early career in a court by myself practicing left hand against right hand. When I turned 12, I started playing tournaments and progressed from there.
You were a top-ranked pro in your day. What was it like for you to compete with the best players?
I loved playing handball with my friends, with my family and with the other open and pro players. I loved singles and doubles. It was exciting to work my way up in the sport. I played all the time.
You are battling a tough case of valley fever that hit you last fall. You underwent back surgery to remove a tumor. Your wife Sofia told me you are fighting this illness with everything you have.
Yes, I have been in pain for several months while the doctors tried to figure out the cause and then started treating it. I have constant back pain and some nerve damage in my legs. I am hoping and praying for recovery.
How is life at Avenal? What do you do with your time?
Since moving to Avenal, I have not played much handball. At Chowchilla, there was a nice concrete one-wall court. The guys would challenge me, and I had fun showing them how the game is played. There aren’t any decent courts at Avenal, so I haven’t been playing. Mostly I spend time in classes, working to meet the requirements for release.
Do you have many friends there?
We are social, of course. But I mostly stay busy talking with Sofia and attending my classes.
Randy, what happened in your life that caused you to end up in prison?
I was messing up … bad. It’s on me and I am paying for it. I’m sorry it happened. I have been down for over 13 years. I learned that you have to do the time and not let the time do you. I want to start life over again when I get out. I would not go down the same path again.
Dave told me there is hope you may be released in five years or so.
I am hoping to go to the parole board in five years. We are hoping and praying for release by 2023.
What will you do if released?
Go home to Fresno and live with my wife Sofia. She is a great woman and she loves me. I also want to see my family and friends when I’m back outside.
You have two sons, Randy and R.J. Are you in touch with them?
I have communicated with Randy Jr. R.J. kind of does his own thing and we have lost touch. I don’t blame him. He is a young man now. I love them both and I am proud of them.
Many handball players remember you and still care about you. What do you want them to know?
To all my friends and competitors: I miss — really miss — going to tournaments like the nationals and competing. You know, handball players are like family. I will hopefully be out there with you all again one day.
Would you possibly start playing again if you are released?
I would love to start playing again if I am able. Is there anything else you would like the readers to know? To all you young players: You have choices in your life. Make the right decisions. Never take your life and the gifts you have for granted. Take the right road, and you will be happier in your life.
Read the interview of Randy along with father Dave and uncle Bob on the next page.
