Besides this rustic writeup, you don't want to miss Rick Wheelock's open letter or Alex Rodas's op-ed piece from his blog.
2009 Colorado Handball Association State Doubles & HOF Weekend
I want to thank all of the players, and the supporting wives and family members who make this all happen. Considering all of the injuries and other conflicts, I was proud of the turnout for this year’s tournament, once again breaking the century mark for participation.
We had 53 teams, or 106 individual players. Play began in 8 divisions, including a B/C dropdown. Therefore we awarded 9 divisional champion teams and 2nd place finishers.
That does not include the Junior/Novice bracket that Bob Hickman ran again this afternoon. Those players represent Bob’s efforts in organizing various school and youth programs, in the metro Denver area. Bob is supported by many player/volunteers from our handball community. Some of those same volunteers, along with several local Boulder players, help with our similar efforts up there.
Last year the combined programs in Denver taught more than 500 youth/novice players and our Boulder programs introduced 526, 7th & 8th grade gym students at Manhattan Middle School to the game. The programs are still ongoing.
I don’t know if everyone is aware of the special recognition, Bob and the CHA received at the USHA 4 –Wall Nationals, last June in KC. Colorado Handball was honored for our youth development programs. Everyone who has volunteered or helped in these youth efforts, should be proud. The honor and recognition should be shared by all. The youth programs are the future of handball. We thank the Costigan Family and other donors, who generously support the Costigan Youth Fund.
Now this year’s results:
| . |
Open |
A's |
B's |
| 1st |
Bear Meiring |
Brett Mickal |
Coen Wein |
| . |
Kevin Price |
Fred Sycuro |
Kevin Wein |
| 2nd |
Mark Hammond |
Greg Pierce |
Andy Newman |
| . |
Mike Kearney |
Steve Rothstein |
Ryan Ashley |
| . |
. |
. |
. |
| . |
C's |
GM |
GM-B |
| 1st |
Rafael Ibarra |
Jay Temple |
Clint Strachan |
| . |
Luis Perez Jr. |
Ed Freund |
Steve Price |
| 2nd |
Steve Carter |
Jon Roder |
Jim Roberts |
| . |
Donnie Young |
Dave Opperman |
Bill Reich |
| . |
. |
. |
. |
| . |
Super GM |
Veteran Super Master |
Juniors |
| 1st |
Mike Hardy |
Ralph Hibbard |
Bob had 7-8 |
| . |
Bob Johnston |
Luis Marquez |
Juniors but we |
| 2nd |
Steve Baure |
Gary Harper |
don't have the |
| . |
Dan Price |
Harvey Sundel |
names |
Finally, I’d like to thank and acknowledge Stan Dunlavy and Mark Hammond,
my Co-Directors and Cody Parker, who is taking over for Gene Waldvogle as our Webmaster, IT & Media Specialist. Cody helped produce the HOF Program, as well as providing assistance with the draw.
Also thanks to Bear Meiring for helping with the draw and other behind the scenes activities. And Gene Schneider-not only for providing great fruit, but for producing School of Mines players who support this tournament.
Finally, I want to thank the many donors who assist in making this a First Class Event.
The State Singles will be held at the DAC, April 17th-19th. Entries should have been received in your CHA newsletter & available on WWW.ColoradoHandball.COM
We look forward to all of you returning for the 2010 event. The dates will be announced shortly. You should have sufficient time to arrange your schedules.