TUCSON — Handball is often defined as a fraternity of players, a tight-knit population. When we lose someone, the effect ripples through the community, whether we played regular matches with that person, watched them at tournaments or were intertwined through the many tournaments and leagues across the country. When there’s a loss, the community comes together. Players, fans and friends turned the Tucson Racquet Club into a three-day handball gala, remembering and honoring those who passed while the top players battled it out in the WPH R48Pro VII Stop #2.
Setting the table for Sunday’s action, Samzon Hernandez (Los Angeles) defeated Timbo Gonzalez (New York) 15-14, 15-9 in a thrilling Big Ball 4 Wall Singles final. It was a classic battle between the top-two big ball stars from opposite coasts. After trailing for much of the match, Hernandez caught Gonzalez at 13-13 and was able to take away the first game. In the second, Gonzalez never fully recovered from a 6-0 deficit and played catch-up the rest of the way until Hernandez sealed match point.
In the Women’s R48Pro final, Martina McMahon (Limerick, Ireland) won her first WPH event defeating Catriona Casey (Ballydesmond, Ireland), 14-16, 15-9, 15-3. With a commanding serve and showing amazing two-handed power and versatility, the Southpaw McMahon held game point in the first game at 14-11 only to see Casey claw back to win by two. Although she fell behind 6-1 in the second game, McMahon’s resolve didn’t waiver as she continued her brilliant play to outscore Casey 14-3 to force the tiebreaker. McMahon’s momentum continued to roll in the tiebreaker as she won handily by a 12-point margin.
“To beat [Casey] in 40X20 is something special.” McMahon said during the trophy presentation. “She shouldn’t have gotten that first game and she did, but that’s Catriona, she fights to the end. She went up 6-1 in the second. I usually I lose the head, but I’ve been trying working on that. I have the hands and just need to work on the thoughts in my head.” McMahon credited her brother, coach and mother for support and helping her reach the next level of mental toughness.
Immediately following that barn-burner was the highly anticipated R48Pro final between Robbie McCarthy (Westmeath, Ireland) and current two-time USHA champion Killian Carroll (Boston). McCarthy started the match with the hot hand and in control, leading 5-0 before Carroll could counter. But once Carroll got onto the scoreboard, he didn’t look back, showing off tremendous athleticism, out-hustling, out-shooting and outscoring McCarthy 30-5 to claim his second R48Pro final victory of the young season winning 15-9 and 15-1.
“Robbie doesn’t come to the pro tour very often, and he’s number one in Ireland right now. To show that I can, not just play American players, but play Irish players, too.” Said Carroll. “It’s a very important win for me.”
As a qualifier, McCarthy played a few extra matches leading up to the round of 16, and against Sean Lenning (Tucson) in the semifinal, he was looking up at match point at a 14-1 deficit. Showing intense grit and desire, McCarthy made the remarkable comeback, winning 5-15, 16-14 and 15-4 to reach the final.
To wrap up the Tucson Memorial, Braulio Ruiz and Timbo Gonzalez won the Men’s Big Ball Doubles, defeating Alfredo Morales and Esteban Erazo.
The Tucson Memorial completed an unbelievable weekend of handball. Congratulations to the WPH for hosting a tremendous event and bringing live handball to the airwaves at ESPN 3 and the WatchESPN App.
Watch the replay HERE (Click on the “Schdule & Replays” tab, choose “Replay,” then choose “Handball” under the “All Sports” drop-down button. Check with your provider to see if you have access to WatchESPN).
See the final results on the tournament R2sports page HERE.
The Handball Family around the world mourns the passing of David Chapman. Chapman, 42, passed away suddenly in his home, Tuesday, October 10.
David Chapman was the youngest player to win a USHA National Four-Wall Open Singles Title at the age of 17 in 1993 when he defeated Randy Morones in the final. He also won the doubles that year. Chapman was a nine-time USHA Four-wall National Singles Champion, won two World Singles titles, held multiple doubles titles and was the No. 1 ranked pro handball player for nearly 10 years. Whenever there’s discussion on who was the best four-wall handball player ever, Chapman’s name is at or near the top of the list. In September, Chapman reached the final of the one-wall small ball final at the 3WALLBALL Outdoor Championships in Las Vegas.
Chapman’s death is a shock to all and our deepest sympathy goes to his family.
Read David Fink’s touching tribute to David Chapman [HERE].
1993 4-Wall Nationals Men’s Pro Singles Chapman vs. Morones (End of game 1 & Game 2, interviews)
TEMPE, Ariz. — The USHA, through the FIRST ACE Development Program, aspires to train new handball instructors to teach the game in schools, rec centers and clubs across the nation. Through the efforts of Arizona State University Handball Coach Dan Willeford, a Handball: Teach the Teacher Clinic was held at the ASU Rec Center on Saturday, October 7. Coach Willeford organized and conducted the clinic which certified eight new instructors, five of whom are on the ASU Handball Team and working to be part of the Mardak Endowment Program.
The teaching clinic began with a “Handball Jeopardy” Q&A session in the classroom, reviewed lesson plans by LeaAnn Martin and Pete Tyson, discussed teaching strategies, and provided demonstrative drills on the court.
The goal is to have the certified instructors venture to Metro Phoenix high schools to promote handball and teach the game to new players. Many of the instructors are alumni at the schools, and as members of the college handball team at ASU, they’re testimony that students can play the game and compete at the collegiate level after high school. The FIRST ACE Development Program will provide handball equipment for all the new instructors who will teach at their respective schools.
This effort at Arizona State (and at other universities around the country), is part of the Mardak Community Challenge, where communities awarded funding will be tasked to find local funding to match the Mardak awards. The Mardak funds will pay college students to teach handball and mentor younger students.
Thank you to Coach Willeford, Sun Devil Handball and the new instructors for their efforts to Grow the Perfect Game!
Do you want to host a Handball: Teach the Teacher Clinic in your area, or do you want more information about the Mardak Community Challenge? Contact us today.
Chatten Hayes, 2012 Carl Porter Award recipient and Über-Volunteer hostess is rocking a new look this week. And David loves it (and her)! She had major surgery in early September, and doctors found ovarian cancer. She began chemo earlier this week. The surgeon expresses the discovery like this: “We threw a brick through a plate-glass window and got all the big pieces swept up, and now we are doing some “mop-up” chemo to take care of any remaining cells.” Her cancer is the type most responsive to treatment and it didn’t spread beyond her abdomen.
Chatten wants her handball family to know she feels wonderful about “Doc G’s” sense of humor and skill and the care she’s received. She and David are so grateful for the enormous support shown by friends, family, neighbors, players, colleagues and even the mailman and regulars at the coffee bar.
Chatten has this to say:
“I am grateful for my lifetime of excellent health. This was my first time in a hospital, let alone having any surgery. We joke a lot over here, go big or go home!
(Right-to-left). Chatten Hayes with hairstylist Eian and husband David Steinberg.
As for my hair, well, I think we all know how I feel about my HAIR. It’s basically the only vanity I indulge in – I will never be on the best dressed list or drive a hot car. But … my hair. When I was told I’d lose it, I decided immediately to shave my head. And we made a party out of it. My friend Eian Petry has been keeping my locks gorgeous for more than 22 years. He opened his salon last Monday (which was also his 60th birthday) to do it. We laughed so hard my hair flew off!!!
I will continue to sport this look (while spending next to nothing for hair care – sorry, Eian) for a few months, and don’t be surprised if the Pacific Boxer team shows up in Springfield next February with a few baldies! It was discussed at a team meeting a couple of weeks ago. Solidarity, baby!
In that spirit, I will donate $50 to ovarian cancer research for every player who is shaved while playing a tournament – text or email a photo to me (503-880-4314 / [email protected]) with the who/whats/whens.
And the First Donor is: Sean Lenning – I’m a fan of you and your hairline! You are going to have a great WPH R48Pro season! So I count $50 in the kitty already. Oh, and maybe I should include David? Ok, $100.
I need to add that we are being very selective about where our information is coming from. David and I are limiting ourselves to information and anecdotes provided to us specifically about MY cancer from MY team. It’s enough to take in what’s right in front of us. We are asking everyone to curb kindly impulses to provide more for us to digest. We appreciate your understanding.
My dear friends, I love you muchly and I loved Handball from the moment David introduced me. Thank you from the bottom of my hair-er-HEART, for decades of loving me back, and I’ll see you soon.” — Chatten
MAUMEE, Ohio — There’s a new rivalry brewing in Women’s Three-Wall! Defending champ Hilary Rushe and challenger Ashley Moler thrilled the Labor Day crowd on hand as well as the throng of online viewers to one of the most exciting Women’s Open finals in recent years. While Rushe successfully defended her crown by edging Moler 16-21, 21-1, 11-10. You can still watch this and other matches from Toledo on the U.S. Handball YouTube Channel HERE. Hoping to unseat the defending champ, Moler forced the action in game one, delivering punishing power shots and pushing serves “out-the-door” for aces to reach a 20-12 lead. With confidence running high, Moler appeared to have the first game in hand, but Rushe battled back with a four-point run before missing a near-kill only inches from the crack. That late run set the tone for the second game, and Rushe answered Moler’s challenge with purpose and force behind her shots. Moler took note, “[Rushe] definitely started hitting the ball harder and playing more aggressively in that second game.” While Moler didn’t let up, Rushe made sure the match would go to a third set. In the tiebreaker, the two played to a stalemate as each had an opportunity for match point at 10-10. Moler dove at a potential championship point, just missing a rekill. With both players playing to their limit and with bloodied knees, Moler couldn’t return Rushe’s deep serve to the left and conceded match point. As the two players completed a post-match hug and congratulations, it was obvious the crowd appreciated the effort and wanted more. This possible “rivalry” stays between the court lines, as the two opponents paired to win the Women’s Doubles to complete Rushe’s Three-Wall Nationals slam.
Men’s Open Three-Wall Big Ball Doubles.
Labor Day ushered the conclusion of the Three-Wall Nationals with a number of doubles finals. In Men’s Open Three-Wall Big Ball Doubles, Braulio Ruiz and Carlos Lemus struggled early to keep pace with New York’s Chris Miranda and Allan Sanchez but ultimately won the title, 14-21, 21-2, 11-6. Sanchez and Miranda both dominated front court play, building an early lead and capitalizing on their opponent’s mistakes. While Ruiz and Lemus were frustrated early-on, they settled in nicely to start the second game building a big 16-1 lead as Ruiz caught fire-ending rallies with kills. Forcing most of their serves deep and off the walls, Ruiz and Lemus continued to keep their opponents deep and from making plays in the front court. The second game success carried over into the tiebreaker, although Sanchez and Miranda made adjustments in the tiebreaker, they only managed six points after falling behind early.
In Men’s Open Three-Wall Small Ball Doubles, Marcos Chavez and Sean Lenning earned another title by holding off a second-game surge from Tyree and Jurell Bastidas to win 21-9, 21-19. The pair showed why they’re the best doubles team in three-wall, as Chavez jumped all over their opponent’s shots with rekills while Lenning unleashed his lethal service game. The Bastidas brothers pressed hard in the second to force a tiebreaker as they maintained a lead at 19-17 before running into a spot of bad luck. Tyree’s first serve went into the floor followed by a Chavez shot that went just beyond Jurell’s reach. A Chavez kill would tie the score at 19 before the champions would win match point, drawing a celebratory shout and a ball-toss by Chavez. The win sealed a slam for both: Lenning in the Men’s Open, Chavez in the Masters and Open Doubles.
Chris Miranda steps into a shot in the Men’s Wallball Doubles final.
In Men’s Open Wallball Doubles, Chris Miranda and Allan Sanchez played mistake-free handball, showing the three-wall crowd the fast-paced close action of Wallball doubles. Playing against the Bastidas brothers, who had just finished the Three-Wall final moments before, Miranda and Sanchez didn’t show any mercy en route to a two-game 21-6, 21-6 win.
Watch the streaming video of the matches on the United States Handball Association’s Facebook Page HERE.
The following feature appears in the August 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.
By Marc Penick
Sala concentrates in his 2008 USHA 0ne-wall Singles final victory against Satish Jagnandan.
New York handball players need no introduction to Cesar Sala. He has made his name for many years as a one-wall champion, with titles in big-ball and small-ball singles and doubles. Sala has a talent for all forms of handball, three- and four-wall included. One-wall, however, is the handball culture in New York, and Sala shares his story of developing his game in the parks and streets of NYC. Sala’s parents, Cesar and Ana, were born and raised in Puerto Rico. After Cesar Sr. left Puerto Rico for New York, he and Ana wrote letters back and forth, and he eventually proposed through a letter. Ana packed her things and ventured to New York to marry him. They were blessed with three daughters and a son, Cesar, the youngest in the family. Today Sala is 39, and he and his wife, Kathy, are raising daughters Kaycee, 10, and Emma, 7. They live in the Bronx, where Sala is a New York City police officer.
Sala, daughters Emma and Kaycee and wife Kathy.
How did you meet your wife? We met at a lounge called Redemption, and it was magic from the first moment I saw her. She drew me in with her beauty and enchanted me with her demeanor. Three years later we were married. Our beautiful girls are both passionate about dancing, makeup and fashion, like their mother.
How and where did you start playing? I’m originally from Brooklyn, where I went to Lincoln High School and Kings-borough Community College. I started playing in the early 1990s. My home courts were at Coney Island.
The same courts where the pros play that we read about in the magazine? Yes. I have watched some of the one-wall greats, such as Albert Apuzzi, Al Torres and the infamous Joe Durso. Coney Island was filled with great players. I was drawn to the game as a teenager. The atmosphere of being by the beach and playing in the sun was great. The game is also cheap to play, but the best part is that anyone could just show up and call next to get a game.
Tell us a little about the New York handball environment. Most places around the country, people would have to call each other to organize games. At Coney Island and most NYC courts, people just show up and find games anywhere! There are thousands of one-wall courts all over the city with people playing. Coney Island and West 4th Street were where a lot of the heavy hitters played.
Which ball is preferred today at Coney Island? Coney Island players compete in big ball, currently the dominant one-wall game, and small ball, the more traditional form. I gravitated toward the small ball because I enjoyed that world and got involved in three- and four-wall. I remember seeing this big powerhouse lefty four-wall player with a big loopy swing come in and shock the one-wall world by making it to the national final! Little did I know he was trying to be the first in a very long time to win all three nationals in the same year. As far as I know, John Bike is the last man to be in all three finals in the same year. He made a big impression on New York handball at that time.
You’re a one-waller. Describe the difference between playing one-wall vs. three- and four-wall at the open level. As crossover play binds the handball world, this sport will continue to climb into the realm of being a mainstream sport. Pro players from each version of our game are creating a larger spectrum of community by exchanging ideas, experiences and skill sets that pertain to their version of the sport. For me, four-wall has been the most mentally challenging with all the extra angles and options. I love playing four-wall, but it can be a bit frustrating. My limited back wall, combined with aggressiveness I learned from one-wall, have led to some frustrating moments against the top four-wall players. In 2008 Danny Bell and I played David Chapman and Emmett Peixoto in the final of the Long Island Open four-wall event. David and Emmett were able to expose my weaknesses and beat us handily.
Well, David and Emmett have done that to many very well-trained four-wall players … Yes, I guess they probably have. They are great players.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Timbo Gonzalez is Mr. One-Wall, 2017. The athletic national Wallball champ added another slam, beating Billy O’Donnell in the singles and teaming with Jurell Bastidas to top Michael Schneider and William Polanco. Andy Rousseau slammed in the masters, taking the top prize over Robert Sostre in singles and teaming with Jared Vale to beat Sostre and Pete Pellegrini in the doubles. Final results for the 57th USHA National One-Wall Championships HERE.
VENICE BEACH, Calif. — In a classic NorCal vs. SoCal clash, the battle for Boy’s 19-Under supremacy reached a boiling point on Sunday after simmering for two days at the 2017 USHA National Junior 3-Wall Championships. The Boy’s 19-Under Small Ball singles final would be the rubber match between Anthony Sullivan (San Jose) and Andrew Garcia (Los Angeles). Garcia stunned Sullivan on Friday, winning the Big Ball singles in a tiebreaker. The next day, with the help of doubles partner Jon Gutierrez, Sullivan exacted some revenge by defeating defending champions Garcia and Brandon Ramirez for the Small Ball Doubles title. On Sunday, Sullivan and Garcia slugged it out for three games, battling fatigue and each other’s desire to win before Sullivan prevailed, 21-1, 13-21 and 11-6.
As soon as the match started, it appeared Sullivan would win in a walkover, hopping and hooking serves for which Garcia had no answer. Needing what seemed the entire first game to adjust, Garcia battled back in the second game, building a nice lead and holding it to force the deciding tiebreaker. Sullivan owned the serve to start, and shot out to a commanding 7-0 lead, but this time Garcia ferociously answered. The two exchanged a number of lengthy rallies that pleased the Venice Beach crowds that started to gather. After burning their timeouts, the exhausted finalists each welcomed a required glove change timeout to catch their breath. Once the action resumed, Sullivan pressed harder to pick up the remaining points to clinch his title. Down to match point, Garcia dug out a side out to delay any celebration for Sullivan, but the NorCal phenom regained the serve and scored the last needed point for the title.
In other action, Luis Mendez (Santa Barbara) won the Boy’s 17-Under Small Ball crown, defeating Jorge Pimentel (Tucson) in two games. The win gave Mendez his second National Juniors title after winning a Four-Wall championships earlier this summer at Los Caballeros.
There was nobody better in the Boy’s 15-Under division (small ball or big ball!) than Jesus “El Diamante” Mendez. The SoCal product from Los Angeles controlled both finals in two games, winning the Big Ball title over Fernando Espindola (Orange, CA) and the Small Ball championship over Joahan Campos (Kansas City).
After suffering disappointment in the Boy’s 13-Under Big Ball final, Anthony Sanchez (Los Angeles) edged Luis Fernandez (Santa Barbara) in an exciting 13-Under Small Ball final, 18-21, 21-13 and 11-3.
Finally, Kena Byrd-Jackson and Marisol Maldonado defeated Belisa Camacho and Sophie Della Croce in an All-Tucson Girls 17-Under Doubles final, winning 21-10 and 21-12.
Thank you to all the tournament volunteers, organizers and contributors who made the 2017 USHA National Junior 3-Wall Championships a success! Sunday was the birthday of LAFD Handball’s Roy Harvey, who will also be inducted into the Southern California Handball Hall of Fame next month. To show their appreciation, players, coaches and families gathered and sang Happy Birthday to Harvey on court one (below).
See the 2017 USHA National Junior Three-Wall Championships final results HERE.
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Sean Lenning and Marcos Chavez once again proved there’s nobody better when it comes to doubles. The longtime four- and three-wall team won their third consecutive title, defeating Vic Perez and Armando Ortiz 9-21, 21-3 and 11-9. The match-up was a repeat of the 2015 final, and it ended with the same 11-9 score. Perez’s service game and Ortiz’s hot shooting set them up for a chance at their first title, but both Chavez and Lenning made key shots down the stretch to seal the title.
In Women’s Open singles, Catriona Casey won her third consecutive singles crown defeating Women’s Classic champion Tracy Davis 21-8, 21-5. Davis started the match serving well, keeping pace with Casey to tie the score at 8-8, but the defending champ soon adjusted to Davis’ power and cruised to the title. Ashley Moler defeated Jennifer Schmitt 21-14, 21-11 for third place.
Gabino “G-Man” Velazquez became the first USHA Four-Wall Big Ball Singles Champion pulling out a win over Sal Duenas, 21-9, 21-18. Duenas made every attempt to force a tiebreaker only to come up short as Velazquez executed key shots down the stretch to seal the win. It’s worth noting that Velazquez survived an 11-10 first-round scare against Stockton’s Antonio Chavez.
Duenas wouldn’t be denied in the doubles final. Pairing with Big Ball powerhouse Samzon Hernandez, the team held off Stockton’s Christian Salcedo and Chava Cordova from completing an improbable upset. Trailing 18-19 in the second game (after losing the first 21-20), Hernandez and Duenas earned the sideout and closed out the second game 21-19 to force the deciding tiebreaker. Their momentum carried them to an 11-3 win for the title.
Finally, one of the most exciting junior finals of 2016 (3-Wall Juniors) producing an intense sequel indoors. This time Bryan Trejo of Santa Barbara defeated David Sanchez 15-21, 21-14, 11-10. The pair hope to play the rubber match this month in Venice Beach at the Junior Three-Wall Nationals (July 20-23).
“Thank yous” go out to Los Cab and Mike Kane, Southern California Handball Association, Gary Cruz and all the incredible volunteers who made the 67th USHA National Four-Wall Championships a success!
And, “Thank You” to the WPH for capturing all the exciting action and streaming matches live.
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — In one of the most heavily anticipated rematches in recent history, Killian Carroll defeated Paul Brady, 21-19, 21-6 to successfully defend his singles title. Both players dominated their sides of the draw leading up to their showdown on Saturday. Brady was arguably playing his most dominant handball in years, leaving opponents in single digits throughout the week; while Carroll looked equally sharp. The two battled point-for-point in the first game, much to the delight of Los Cab’s packed gallery. For every Brady ace or kill, Carroll would match with an unreal retrieve or re-kill. While Brady held a small lead late, Carroll rallied to take the first game by two points. In the second game, Carroll rolled to a huge lead and held on for championship point. If you didn’t get to watch the WPH Live broadcast of the final, it will be available for replay.
On Thursday night, handball players and families were able to honor the person who was instrumental in bringing the National Four-Wall (and other major tournaments) to Los Caballeros in Orange County: Gary Cruz. Cruz was inducted into the Handball Hall of Fame as a Contributor for his tremendous work for over two decades. In addition to his work behind the scenes at tournaments, Cruz spearheaded the USHA’s Development Program and First Ace since 2004. USHA President LeaAnn Martin presented Cruz with his jacket, Hall of Fame plaque and oil painting by Dave Delaney. In his acceptance speech, Cruz thanked all his family and fellow handball players for making his work within the sport such a rewarding experience.
