More on Nik
Nik’s dad, Steve, is very supportive of his son and guards his development like any caring father would. Steve goes to all of Nik’s practices, and enjoys watching him improve and be successful. He reports that Nik is a student of the game and asks a lot of questions of the coaches. Nik feels that it is most important for him to learn and improve his timing, body position, strike zone and move his feet. Coaches continually urge him to move his feet as well as attack his competitor’s weaknesses.

Nik and his Dad have a signal between them that means, “play big” which is defined by them to mean, “play like you own the court - be the beast.” To stay sharp, he hits 30 of every type shot daily. (He used to do 500.) Nik also does tap drills, and is working on picking up “hook’ serves.

Nik’s handball heros are Vince Munoz in 3 Wall and David Chapman in 4 Wall. He also has a fondness for Dan “the hand” Armino who offered to play him at a tournament in Colorado. Nik’s big heroes are his Dad, who accompanies him to numerous tournaments, and his family. Has a sister named Kelly.

This quiet and confident youngster was a highlight at the Queen City Shootout, and we expect to hear more about Nikolai Nahorniak in the future.

• Tournament date conflicts will be resolved by creating a 12 month calendar indicating every tournament in the period to include Erie, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; and Western PA.
• Cleveland will host the 2004 state handball tournament at Severance Hall in Cleveland Heights, OH on February 20-22. The goal is to have 125 entries and have all brackets represented.
• The Ohio Commissioner of Handball is NOT responsible for the Ohio Hall of Fame. Jack Prather, the Mid-America representative to the USHA should be involved.
• Strong advocate of low cost tournament entry fee, e.g. $25.00. Food is important but not critical. Should incentevize Juniors and players with 3 years or less of experience by returning part of tournament entry fee.
• There should only be 3 brackets or rankings in handball.
  a. Open
  b. Age 40 or greater.
  c. Anyone of any age with less than 3 years experience.
• Lot of potential to teach new players with big blue ball. Big blue ball is not just for the young players. White ace is NOT the answer. Not enough surface area to hit and the ball is not slow enough for new players.

• 80% of tournaments should be no more than 2 days and require NO referees.
• The new professional league, Professional Handball Association (PHA) was needed because the USHA sponsored pro tournaments were being won by one guy and he got all the money.
• Women should play volleyball.
• Jim Corrigan’s idea. Consider USHA memberships be started or renewed through local handball club memberships, e.g. GCHA. Local club would then forward a portion of the membership money to the USHA. New and renewed members will feel better about joining/affiliating with a local club.