Thursday, September 16, 2010

Bill Sidebottom Jr. & Angus McIntyre Win Belle Isle A-Z Doubles

Competition in the Motorvation Belle Isle 2010 A-Z Double finished Monday, Sept. 12. The rain-interrupted event, which tragically saw the loss of our fellow player Marv Burke [see tribute below], saw the team of Bill Sidebottom Jr. and Angus McIntyre win a hard fought match over Rick Leonard and Bob Kozak.

Bob Kozak, Rick Leonard, Bill Sidebottom, Jr. and Angus McIntyre

Special thanks to Bob Kozak for organizing this always fun and exciting summer season-ending event and to Motorvation Drive in providing its sponsorship for the second straight year.


Marv Burke In Memoriam

We are saddened to announce that Marv Burke passed away on the Belle Isle Handball Courts during competition in the Belle Isle A-Z Doubles Tournament. Valiant efforts were made to save him by CPR by follow players Ken Dziuba, Larry Rueben, Kyle Casey, Stewart Shevin and Brian Callahan who worked so hard to save him during the time it took the EMS to arrive.

Bill Cantwell wrote the following.

Perhaps you have heard that Marv Burke passed away this past weekend. Marv was an avid supporter of Michigan Handball and will truly be missed. Here is the obituary and funeral arrangements:

Marvin Edward Burke, age 76. June 1, 1934 to September 11, 2010. An avid sailor, athlete, and barbershopper. He is survived by his loving fiancée Peggy Ann Grover; children, Juli Lynn (Duke Kunkler) Burke, the late Edward Paul Burke and Karyn Burke (Richard) Whitcomb; granddaughter Alexandria Phelps; sisters, Mary Ann (Sam) Adams and Nancy (Hank) Bruggeman; brother Ronald (Peggy) Burke; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by countless friends who enriched his life. Marvin is predeceased by his parents Mary Ellen and Edward Samuel Burke, his adoptive father John T. Janisse and his sister Martha.

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 16, from 3- 8 p.m., with a barbershop prayer service at 7 p.m. at Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores. Funeral services will be held Friday at 1 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 30205 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Motorvation Belle Isle 2010 A-Z Tournament

Sept. 11 Belle Isle Motorvation 2010 A-Z Tournament Pairings
Sponsored by Motorvation Drive

Note from the Commissioner Bob Kozak: "Starting times for the 1st 6 matches will be 9 AM Sat. If any 1st round matches can be played on Wed it will help the congestion on Sat morning."

Click picture below for clearer view.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

2010 State 3 Wall Singles Results

MHA State Singles 3-Wall Handball Tournament
Held at Belle Isle, Detroit, August 14 & 15, 2010


MHA President John Schandevel, along with Vice President Dale Chimenti and Treasurer Bill Cantwell, presented plaques to the families of David Rott, Jim Golden and Ed Novak in a ceremony after the singing of the National Anthem, led by Bob Kozak Dave, Jim and Ed were honored and remembered for their many, many years of handball excellence, accomplishment, leadership and friendship throughout the handball community. Their families spoke briefly, recalling how handball had impacted their lives in a very important, positive and joyous way, and thanking handballers everywhere for being a part of it.
Thanks to your MHA officers for putting this tournament program together. Also, thanks to Rick Howe for assigning courts and keeping things running smoothly. Thanks to Larry Reuben for manning the grill for several hours. And thanks to the others who stepped up to help where needed.

If you like humidity, this was the tournament for you! It was stifiling! Unfortunately, scores and draw sheets were not recorded in an orderly fashion and can not be replicated here. However, the excitement and winners are recalled as follows:

State Open Singles
Many excellent players competed in the most coveted 3-wall tournament offered each year in Detroit, the Open. Rising out of the humidity were two veterans from the state of Ohio, the familiar Phil Kirk (Maumee) and newcomer to Michigan, Jim Karner (Cleveland). Kirk had upended Rob Louis-Ferdinand in a hard-fought semi-final match, while Karner had edged-out Pat Oliver in a very close three gamer. Both Kirk and Karner agreed to put off the final match until the next day, possibly due to the high humidity still lingering over the Island. The Sunday final was a continuation of handball excellence, Karner winning a tight tie-breaker, 11-8, to take the title.


State 3-Wall Golden Masters (50+) Singles

Dale Chimenti upset David Vanecek, which surprised most people, except those of us who have played against Dale this year. But, that joy was short-lived, as the finals pitted Joe Ivy against Rick Howe. Joe, exhibiting a very tough serve, was not to be denied as he powered his way to his second title in this division. Rick, a four-time winner of this event, was heard to say that he could have done much better if he could have gotten Joe's serve back!

State 3-Wall Super Masters (60+) Singles
Tom Michael, in great control of his high game, making it look easy, won this division title for the third consecutive year, a frustrated Carl Valentino finishing second, just as he did last year.

State 3-Wall Diamond Masters (70+) Singles
Norm Young, perennial winner of everything, struggled a little bit in the humidity, but still managed to defeat a very strong challenge from Don Colone (19 points in the second game).

State 3-Wall B Singles
Two great competitors and friends, who beat each other seemingly multiple times each week, met in the finals of the B Singles. Arnold Lackey prevailed this time over Glenn Paraskevin.
Submitted by: Bob Plater