Another handball season is nearly behind us and soon many of you will return to your outdoor activities…. golf or as a taxi driver for your kid’s activities. Handball can also be an outdoor sport. Come play or watch handball at the 3-Wall courts located next to the Grubb YMCA while soaking up the sun. The concrete has been expanded at the back of the two courts for you long ball swingers.
This summer at the outdoor courts we will continue to offer handball lessons to the Grubb YMCA youth. We have also developed a relationship with the Boys & Girls Club and hope a few of them will join us.
This past winter season at the Riverfront YMCA lessons were given to Grubb and Downtown Y kids. We also continue to work with a couple older teenagers, Noel Gonzalez and Chris Gomez. If their schedule works out, both will play in the Tallcorn Tournament.
The Tallcorn is May 4th weekend and the entries are coming in each day. While tournament attendance across the country has been down some, we do expect a good turnout at our 64th Tallcorn because of its reputation as a great handball event. Thank you to all volunteers that make it a success, but we can always use more… if only a couple hours of help to relieve others. Please let Tom Kopp, Jim Hartzell, or myself know if you can help out. Otherwise, just stop by and watch some great handball.
What handball do you prefer… USHA 21, Ektelon, or the old Red Ace? Maybe we should bring back those black balls. Anyhow, which handball to play with has become quite the dilemma, not only for local play, but also tournaments. At the Tallcorn we will make both the 21 and Ektelon available due to not enough availability of either one. We’ll let you know how this predicament plays out at the Spring Stag.
Plans are underway for the Spring Stag to be tentatively held on Wednesday, May 16th. We have narrowed down to a couple locations and menu options. Save the date and attend the stag party as we induct the 2012 Des Moines Hinder Club Hall of Fame recipient, as well as, updates on the Award, youth handball, Tallcorn results, and what ever else y’all have on your mind.
Also on our minds is our beloved comrade Chuck Muelhaupt. He was a large presence in our handball community and for many years a big supporter of the Turkey Tournament with his turkey donations and big smile. On the court, Chuck was well known for his skillful court positioning and quick hands. Rarely could you get a ball past Chuck from either direction the ball would travel. Chuck Muelhaupt always had his spot covered on the court and he will always have a spot in our hearts. Thank you Chuck for the fun and laughs. You will be missed!
Play Handball and Take Care!
Ned Jorgensen