Hello Pacific Northwest and British Columbian handball players!
Last week was the 69th National Handball Tournament, held this year at Los Caballeros Sports Club Village in Southern
California.
There were 20 players, 17 men and 3 women, from the Pacific Northwest Region out of the 308 total players registered.
SO HOW DID WE DO?
In short, TERRIFIC!
Bracket Winners
Ed Grossenbacher, Portland, won both the 80’s Singles and the 80’s Doubles, (paired with Norm Young of Lansing Michigan). With these two wins, Ed became the ALL TIME winningest Nationals and Masters Champion with 58 titles, passing Max Lasskow’s 56 title record that has stood for decades.
Mike Flannery, Bellingham, won the Men’s Singles 60+ title.
WHO GOT SECOND?
Heather Murbach, Portland, finished second in the Women’s A bracket.
Michael Miller, Medford, finished second in the 80’s Singles.
Jean Kastner, Beaverton, OR, finished second in pool play in the Women’s Singles 35-50.
Paula Perry, Bend OR, also finished second in pool play in the Women’s Singles 35-50.
Jean Kastner did beat Paula Perry in a playoff for third place in Women’s Singles 35-50.
WHO MADE IT TO THE SEMI FINALS?
Ryan Grossenbacher, Boise ID,
made it to the semi finals in Men’s Singles 50+.
Craig Trull, Lake Oswego, OR, made it to the semi finals in Men’s Singles 65+.
Rob Sapp, Mulkilteo WA, made it to the semi finals in Men’s Singles 75+.
Overall, it was a terrific showing for the Pacific Northwest!
If you have never experienced a Nationals Handball Tournament, it definitely needs to be put on your “bucket list”!
Plan now to attend next year’s 70th National Handball Tournament at the University if Minnesota, June 10-14, 2020!
LeaAnn Martin
USHA President