TACOMA, Wash. — Gordy Pfeifer was officially inducted as a Player in the USHA Handball Hall of Fame on Saturday night at the Tacoma Elks Lodge #174. The Tacoma Elks Handball group organized an incredible induction ceremony and reception for him. Many of Pfeifer’s family, friends, and former handball competitors were in attendance to celebrate Pfeifer and his decorated handball career.
In his short acceptance speech, Pfeifer thanked his competitors, his family and credited his faith for his handball achievements. Pfeifer has a court in his house, and still plays the “Perfect Game” today at 85 years young!
A big “thank you” to ceremony emcee Rob Nichols and program director/organizer Gil Mendoza. Without their work, this special night doesn’t take shape. A “special thank you” goes to Sandy Mendoza, who provided delicious cookies, a special addition to the outstanding banquet.
On behalf of the Handball Hall of Fame Committee and the USHA Board of Directors, we are proud to announce the 2023 Handball Hall of Fame Inductees. Congratulations to all deserving candidates! Induction ceremonies will be announced at a later date.
Robert Sostre, Hall of Fame Player
Robert Sostre adds the third Hall of Fame honor to his illustrious career on the courts. Sostre has already been inducted into the Paddleball Hall and the World Outdoor Raquetball Hall of Fame. Nicknamed “The Iceman” for his innate ability to thrive in high pressure situations, Sostre was one of the best of his era for nearly two decades. What began as a junior title in 1989 blossomed into a decorated career with 7 national titles (2 USHA Singles, 3 USHA Doubles, 1 YMCA Singles, 1 YMCA Doubles). That span also includes 7 runner-up finishes and 11 semifinals appearances.
“A rare breed of athlete who’s greatness transcends multiple disciplines of our sport.” – Cesar Sala, six-time USHA National Champion
“He’s been one of the top players to set the standard with a well-known offhand which made him interesting to watch, usually drawing large crowds of spectators.” – Ed “Fast Eddie” Maisonet, Handball Hall of Famer
Barbara Canton-Jackson, Hall of Fame Player
Barbara Canton-Jackson was a special player who carried herself with grace and fierce competitive desire. Canton-Jackson was one of the most dominant players in Women’s Handball through a 15-year period. She won two National Singles crowns and five National Doubles, each time partnered with fellow Hall of Fame Inductee, Dori Ten. What’s almost as notable about Canton-Jackson’s career was her tremendous sportsmanship on and off the courts. She always carried herself like a champion.
Dori Ten, Hall of Fame Player
Dori Ten was originally a paddleball player who converted easily over to handball. Ten excelled with both hands earning two singles titles and five doubles crowns in a 15-year period. She, like her longtime doubles partner Barbara Canton-Jackson, exhibited a tenacious competitive level while bringing an infectious positive vibe to the court. That demeanor helped set the stage and served as an example of positive conduct on and off the courts for One-Wall Women’s Handball. Ten joins her spouse, Albert Apuzzi as the first husband and wife duo to be inducted into the Handball Hall of Fame.
Gordy Pfeifer, Hall of Fame Player
Gordy Pfeifer earned the nickname “Charlie Hustle” by the late USHA Executive Director Mort Leve, there wasn’t a shot Gordy Pfeifer believed he couldn’t retrieve. Longtime USHA Pro Tour fans will light up when they remember Pfeifer, one of the original players when Bob Kendler conceived the idea. The tenacious competitor from the Pacific Northwest always gave the gallery a tremendous show with his burning desire to win. For two decades, Pfeifer was clearly one of the best players on the handball court. Pfeifer accumulated a haul of titles, beating the best players of his era with the first coming in the 1969 YMCA Singles against Hall of Famer, Bill Yambrick.
Pfeifer went on to win a Canadian Nationals along with two consecutive National Invitational Singles Championships (an event loaded with talent that arguably exceeded the National Singles and Doubles those years). Pfeifer also excelled as a right-side doubles player, winning championships in World events, capping off his career in 1989 with a Masters title with Skip McDowell.
“He dominated front court play with his fabulous retrieving abilities and cannon right arm.” – Fred Lewis, Handball Hall of Fame Player
Tom Sove, Hall of Fame Contributor
Tom Sove will be inducted into the Handball Hall of Fame as a Contributor. Tom’s contributions to handball are impressive and represent 40 years of service given to the game. Starting at the regional level in Northern California, Sove joined the USHA Board in 1998 and has served nine consecutive terms. During that time, Sove has chaired multiple committees—usually the ones people are reluctant to lead. Sove has spearheaded multiple efforts to improve and clarify rules and tournament protocol while emerging as a prolific fundraiser. In 2004, Sove helped launch the USHA’s Share the Passion Capital Campaign and raised over $400,000 in pledges.
Throughout his tenure and to present day, Sove continues to champion the difficult causes, often rolling up his sleeves and leading by example. An Army Ranger and Vietnam Veteran, Tom Sove exemplifies the 75th Ranger Regiment’s motto, “Rangers lead the way!”
Rodney Fink, Carl Porter Award
Rodney Fink is recognized with the Carl Porter Award to honor his outstanding service to handball at the national level. Fink served on the Board of Directors for 10 years, joining various committees that promoted the development and growth of handball. Fink was instrumental promoting the Heritage Fund, allowing members an avenue to leave a legacy for the USHA. As an attorney, He was instrumental in crafting sections of the by-laws and was always happy to offer advice from a legal perspective. Fink is very well known in the handball world as he is the founder and director for the Rodney Fink Classic Tournament, which has run continuously from 2009 to the present. He continuously donates his time and finances to help make National tournaments and pro stops successful. As a Level 5 Referee, Fink has conducted clinics to further education on the rules.
“I know Rodney as one of the most passionate handball players I have ever met. His kindness, enthusiasm, and positive approach exemplifies what is needed as a handball ambassador.” – LeaAnn Martin, USHA Hall of Famer, USHA Past President and current board member
2018 Decatur recipient Kelly Albers presents the Marty Decatur Sportsmanship Award to Kristen Hughes.
The Marty Decatur Sportsmanship Award in honor of the Hall of Fame player, is presented at each USHA Handball Hall of Fame Tournament. The award is given to an individual who embodies “The Spirit of Handball,” which is Respect, Fairness, Self-Discipline and Camaraderie.
Marty Decatur Sportsmanship Award recipients:
1995 – Priscilla Kojin 1996 – Gail Mayo 1997 – Charles Yates 1998 – Maureen Bike 1998 – Alvis Grant 1999 – Earl Varner 2000 – Jim Carkeek 2001 – Frank Zuniga 2002 – Sam Ortega 2003 – Jim Prendergast 2004 – Alethia Mendez 2005 – Fred Banfield 2006 – Lupe Marquez 2007 – Pete Jorgensen 2008 – Edgar Medina 2009 – Cara Arsenault 2010 – Dave Coulie 2011 – Mike Kincaid 2012 – Guillermo Pallares 2013 – Glenn Carden 2014 – Donna Mosely 2015 – Greg Stansbury 2016 – Frank Hernandez 2017 – Nate Frank 2018 – Kelly Albers 2019 – Kristen Hughes 2022 – Bill Mehilos 2023 – Manny Talamantes 2024 – Scott Landis 2025- Anna Sojourner
On November 22, 2015 Sheila Maroshick, brilliant one-wall singles star from 1949-1964, was officially inducted into the USHA Hall of Fame in Brooklyn at Chadwick’s Restaurant at 89th Street and Third Avenue, not far from where she lives with her sister, Eileen. Eileen was the celebration’s gracious hostess.
Sheila kicked off the festivities with a beautiful prayer she had written many years ago for an assembly program she directed at the junior high school where she taught. That long ago special program welcomed guest speaker Eleanor Roosevelt, who praised Sheila for her elegant words. After the prayer Sheila spoke briefly of her handball glory days and of her gratitude for being accepted to the National Hall of Fame.
During the evening attention was called to Sheila’s latest book, The Inquisitive Children, from which all proceeds will be donated to the Make a Wish Foundation.
City Councilman Vincent Gentile presented Sheila with on official citation for her Hall of Fame career, indicating her contribution to the City of New York as an athlete.
Matt Osburn receives his Grand Master Sweater at the 66th USHA National Three-Wall Championships.
The coveted United States Handball Association Grand Master Sweater.
Every handballer dreams of winning 10 Masters titles and accepting the Sweater. The following is a list of great players who have won at least 10 National Masters titles in USHA one-wall, three-wall, or four-wall play.
Max Lasskow, Tom Natale, Tom Schoendorf, Al Torres, Artie Reyer, Joe McDonald, Arnie Aguilar, Ron Emberg, Pat Kirby, Neal Manning, Larry Kotal, Irv Simon, Dell Mora, Ken Schneider, Mike Dikman, Joe Joiner, Mike Dunne, Don Chamberlin, Jim Golden, Al Bostrom, Rudy Stadlberger, Ray Barrett, Vic Hershkowitz, Dan Maroney, Skip McDowell, Lee Shinn, Dave Rott, Ben Glenner, Sol Aber, Ed Grossenbacher, John Blair, Joe Danilczyk, Gus Lewis, Rosemary Bellini, Vern Roberts, Alvis Grant, Mike Meltzer, Mike Dunne Jr., Norm Young, Ernie Virgili, Dave Dohman, Jerry Cronin, Alan Sherrill, Graham Palmore, Kevan DelGrande, David Steinberg, Bob Nedd, Sonny Schaefer, Rich Dunne, Doug Glatt, Charlie Wicker, Roger Berry, George Miller, Dave Morones, Jon Charneskey, Chris Roberts, Bob Harris, Gary Rohrer, Max Forcht, Tom Vitale, Mike Driscoll, Greg Raya, Alan Frank, Peter Service, Vance McInnis, Mike Panko, Jim Barnett, Joe Agosto, Dan Zimet, Glenn Carden, Tim Sterrett, Jim Smith, Mark Zamora, Danny Carrillo, Tom Fitzwater, Jim Economides, Fred Chapman, Ray Estevez, John Robles, Rod Gaspar, Marc Penick, Ben Marguglio, Steve Kraft, Phil Kirk, Merv Deckert, Jim Corrigan, Matt Osburn, Joe Lenhardt, Lew Buckingham, Chris Watkins, Ed Campbell, Dan Flickstein, Bob Braine, George Figueroa, Lloyd Garcia, William Cervantes, Ron Cole, Shane Conneely, James Karner, Gary Scogin, Kendell Lewis, Thomas Valenzuela, Bobby Nicholas, Tony Roberts, Vince San Angelo, Rick Graham, Greg Sizemore, Jim Ward, Bob Dyke, Mike Munson, David Munson, Tomas Martinez, Joe Kaplan, Jai Ragoo, Artie Diamant
The Hall of Fame Committee, headed by Mike Dau, has been working toward a standardized procedure for nominating people for induction to the USHA Handball Hall of Fame. Although each and every case must be considered individually since there are many factors considered by the committee members before they recommend a person to the Board of Directors for induction, a starting point was still needed.
With that in mind, the committee prepared a form that can be filled out by any current USHA member who would like to nominate someone for consideration for induction into the Hall of Fame. The form, as outlined below, should then be sent to Mike Dau for reading at the next Hall of Fame Committee meeting. The Committee meets at least once each year at the nationals and corresponds by mail at other times during the course of the year.
After looking over the criteria that the committee reviews when considering nominations, as well as the procedure, perhaps you’ll know someone you’d like the committee to consider. If so, fill out the form and mail it to Mike Dau, C/O Lake Forest College, 555 N. Sheridan Road, Lake Forest, III. 60045.
Hall of Fame Criteria
Players
A One-Wall, Three-Wall or Four-Wall player that achieved NATIONAL USHA RANKING in OPEN SINGLES or DOUBLES COMPETITION. Junior, Collegiate or Master achievement is not a consideration in the selection process.
Players must be a dominant singles or doubles player, over 40 years of age, in one-wall, three- or four-wall, and retired from serious Open competition for a minimum period of five years.
Players will be considered for their singles or doubles ability.
Players considered for induction must have succeeded at the Open National Championship Level.
Contributors
The criteria for nominations as a Contributor to the game are outstanding, unselfish service to the game of handball on a national level.
Robert W. Kendler Award:
The criteria for nominations for the Robert W. Kendler Award are outstanding, unselfish service to the game of handball on a regional level.
Carl Porter Award:
The Carl Porter Award, established in 2005 to honor those who have performed outstanding service to the USHA at the national level. The award is named after the USHA’s second president, Carl Porter, who is considered the savior and architect of the modern day USHA. Considerations for this award include any positions held in the USHA, any USHA tournaments managed, material written for inclusion in USHA publications (instructional articles and stories). Also considered are if the candidate has held any USHA clinics and made any contributions or been a part of any other volunteer related activities.
Nominating Procedures
1. Any current USHA member may nominate a person for consideration for induction to the Hall of Fame.
2. A nominating form for Players may be downloaded here or obtained from the USHA national office. There is no official form for nominations to the Hall of Fame for Contributors or the Kendler Award. Nominators are simply required to submit the qualifications for their nominee in a detailed and documented fashion. All nominations must be received by the Hall of Fame Committee Chairman with supporting documentation at least 45 days prior to the annual meeting which is conducted at the national championships.
3. The documentation must include the players tournament record in singles or doubles play at every major/prestigious event, including the Juniors, Collegiates, Pro Tour, AAU, AHU, YMCA, USHA, Canadian, Irish, World, or other competition in one-, three-, or four-wall. The year and site of all semifinal or higher finishes should be indicated, as well as the other three players in the semis. The documentation for a contributor’s nomination must also be in writing, but the content is the responsibility of the nominator.
4. When a nomination is submitted to the committee, the committee will conduct a “First Reading” to determine if the nomination is worthy of recognition. If approved by a simple majority vote the nomination will advance to a second reading.
5. A “second reading” will take place at the next annual meeting following the first reading. A recommendation for induction will be made to the USHA Board of Directors when three-fourths of the committee approve the nomination at the second reading. At least eight committee members must be present at this second reading. A two year nominating moratorium is imposed on any rejected second reading.
6. Nominations for the Kendler Award are to be submitted to the Chairman of the Hall of Fame Committee and will be considered at the annual meeting. A recommendation to the Board for their consideration requires a simple majority by the committee.
6. Nominations for the Carl Porter Award can e-mail to the form to [email protected], or mail completed form to: Mike Dau, C/O Lake Forest College, 555 N. Sheridan Road, Lake Forest, Ill. 60045.
7. The Hall of Fame Committee recommendations are sent to the USHA Board for its approval at its annual winter meeting. Hall of Fame inductees and Kendler Award recipients are then honored at the annual banquet at the national four-wall championships, or at a time and place of the inductee’s choosing.
