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News Blurbs, Spring 2006

Father of Bob Hiance passes
HIANCE, Robert J. Sr.,
beloved husband of Anna Hiance (nee Burr); devoted father of the late Mary Kay (Edward) Broomall, Robert J. Hiance, Jr. and Scott Hiance; dear grandfather of nine grandchildren; brother of Mary Ann Schneider. Saturday, May 27, 2006. Resident of Fort Thomas, Ky.; age 82 years. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday 7:30 P.M. at St. Catherine of Siena Church, Fort Thomas, Ky. The Family will receive friends and family in McCrystal Hall, the Church undercroft, immediately following the Mass. Memorials requested to Wood Hudson Cancer Research, 931 Isabella St., Newport, Ky. 41071.

In addition to the official notice, Mr. Hiance was also the subject of a feature story in the Post obituary section.

Published 5/29/2006.


Father of Gary Reece passes

Reece,
REECE, Martin L. Age 83 of Hamilton, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at 7:25 A.M. He was born in Butler County, Ohio on June 20, 1922 the son of David and Mary (Harding) Reece. Martin was employed as a crane operator and a locomotive engineer at Armco Steel Co. for over 36 years, retiring in 1982. He was also a life member of the VFW #7670, and loved going hunting and fishing. On April 15, 1950 in Liberty, Indiana, he married Domenica "Domma" Arminio. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Domenica "Domma" Reece of Hamilton; two sons, Gary Martin Reece and his wife Victoria of Mason, Ohio, and David Lee Reece and his wife Marcia of Hamilton; two daughters, Rosemary Nettro and her husband Ron of Pewee Valley, Kentucky and Cheryl Ann Stockstill of Union Township; one sister, Edna Mae Hale of Wyandot, Michigan; six grandchildren, Cara Adney and her husband David, Justin and Remington Reece, Sean, Johnnie, and Travis Stockstill; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Cleadus, Cecil, and CM Reece. A memorial service will be held at the Brown-Dawson Funeral Home, 1350 Millville Avenue, on Sunday, April 23, 2006 at 1 P.M. with Rev. Jacob Flannery officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Julie Billiart Catholic Church, 224 Dayton St., Hamilton, Ohio 45011 or to Vitas Hospice, 11500 Northlake Dr., Suite 400, Cincinnati, Ohio 45249. Because education was important to Martin, he donated his body to the University of Cincinnati to further medical studies.

Published in the Hamilton Journal-News on 4/21/2006.


Gary passes along gratitude and thanks to all those who called and sent remembrances in honor of his father's recent death.

5/6/06


Ralph Weil
Featured in Sunday Enquirer

Ralph Weil is profiled in the Cincinnati Enquirer. Read the on-line version here, or check out the Enquirer from Sunday, April 16, 2006, Sports section, page C-2. (Rumor is he'll autograph your copy, if you ask.)

Posted Sunday, April 16, 2006


Photos
2006 Miami Tournament

Marion Kollstedt sent in these pictures taken at last month's Miami University tournament.

Received 4/13/06


Results
2006 Charlie Nall Memorial Tournament

The first annual Charlie Nall was held at the Westerville Athletic Club just outside of Columbus, Ohio. Eric Neff of Columbus took home the B singles, Cleveland's one-waller Victor Quevas conquered the pride of Youngstown, J.J. Beshara, for his first ever C title, and Bruce Frankenfield continued his domination over Steve Dykes in the singles. Thanks to all entrants from all around Ohio for making this a fun day-and-a-half and to the guys who helped: Jim Burley, John Friedrich, Mark McCoy, Ray Mayo and to Sherry Ockley and Linda Mayo for the food.

Singles Division
Winner
Runner up
Semi-Finalists
Open
Bruce Frankenfield
Steve Dykes
John Friedrich / Ray Mayo
B Singles
Eric Neff
Jim Flynn
Joel Hunt / Dean Burkey
C Singles
Victor Quevas
J.J. Beshara
Colin Meeker / Jon Doughty
60/70 Singles
Tony Meconi
John Barr
Ralph Weil / Bob Kirkbride
Open Consolation
Jack Whitlinger
Paul Johnson
Kurt Hebel / Bob Shadel

B Consolation

Jim Skogstrom
Greg Macklin
Kevin Pape
Doubles Division
Winner
Runner up
Open
George Miller / Jim Lowe
Jim Burley / Mark McCoy
B
Kevin Pape / Eric Neff
Bob Shadel / Bob Kirkbride

Received 4/11/06


Father of Denny Dupps passes

Dupps
Dupps, William Bill, devoted husband of Mabel Joyce Dupps (nee Kinnard), beloved father of Dennis William (Elma nee Krewina) Dupps, loving brother of the late Jack (Jean) Dupps, proud uncle of John David (Patty) Dupps, James William (Lori) Dupps, Thomas Edward (Margie) Dupps and Sally Raye (Toby) Wehby (nee Kelsch), proud grandfather of Vicky Lynn (Jon) Suttmiller (nee Dupps), Laura Beth Clift (nee Dupps), Matthew William (Paige) Dupps and George Julius Stoeppel, great grandfather of Michelle Nicole Callaway, Haley Lynn Callaway, Mark Andrew Callaway, Logan William Dupps, Zachary Robert Dupps, Taylor Grace Clift and Cassandra Nicole Suttmiller, also survived by many nieces and nephews. Funeral Service will be at the Hodapp Funeral Home; 8815 Cincinnati Columbus Rd., West Chester, OH 45069. Friends may call from 9:30 - 10:30 A.M. Saturday, April 1, 2006, with a memorial service beginning at 10:30 a.m. followed by burial services at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Greenhills American Legion Post; 11100 Winton Road; Cinti., OH. 45218.

Published in Cincinnati Enquirer, 3/29/2006


Akron Open Tournament Results

Mario Dolciato has forwarded the results of the Akron Open tournament, held March 17th - 19th.

Singles Division
Winner
Runner up
Semi-Finalists
Open
Tyler Stevens
Bruce Frankenfield
Andy Joseph / Jim Corrigan
40+
Norm Wilson
Lou Farris
Mario Dolciato / Doug Lamusga

50+
John Friedrich
Kent Fusselman
Jeff Cattron / Dave Francesconi
60+
Chuck Vacaz
Dan Sindlinger
Mike Martines / Sam Sottosant Sr.
A
Kirk Rys
Sam Sottosanti, Jr.
Scott Kaczmar / Carlos Vasquez
B
Jay Cattron
Guy Imbrogno
Tom Jansa / Greg Deniro
C
Joe Gruden
Zack McManus
Doug Kohl / Steve Albrecht
Novice
Ed Kouri
Colin Meeker
Consolation
Jeff Patterson
Doug Lamusga
Doubles Division
Winner
Runner up
Open
Brad Sponseller / Doug Weatherbee
Larry Alesnik / Jim McDonald
60+
Frank Martter / Jim Milan
Ken Schley / Frank read
B
Steve Cirino / Jim Flynn
John Wheeler / Tony Meconi

Received 3/28/06


Wife of Bill Keener passes

Bill Keener's wife, Lois, passed away last week. Bill, "the bricklayer," is a long-time member of the GCHA and the downtown Central Parkway YMCA. Our condolences to Bill and his family.

Keener, Lois Jean
Keener, Lois Jean (nee Miller) beloved wife of William Keener; devoted mother of James Keener, Richard Keener and Thomas Keener; dear grandmother of seven grandchildren; also survived by nieces and nephews. Friday, March 10, 2006. Resident Fort Thomas, Ky.; age 68 years. Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday 11 A.M. at St. Catherine of Siena Church, Fort Thomas, Ky. Visitation Wednesday at the Church from 9:30 to 11 A.M. Memorials requested to St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Fort Thomas, Ky.

Published in Cincinnati Enquirer, 3/13/2006


Handball Champion Ralph Weil Repeats

Ralph Weil of The Athletic Club at Waycross, last year’s winner of the 75-year-old masters handball championship held in Cincinnati, successfully defended his title in Laurel MD.

The bracket had nine of the countries best in this age group participating including perennial champion Sonny Schaefer of New York, California champion Dave Thoreson, and former National Champion Al Crosat of California. Weil easily defeated Maryland’s best, Tony Merlene, then faced Ed Ellett of Knoxville TN who played strongly in the first game (21-17) but faded in the second (21-5). In the championship match, Weil faced Dave Thoreson who had defeated Sonny Schaefer in the semi-finals. The first game Weil easily won by using an effective lob serve to the right which Thoreson had trouble returning. Thoreson stormed back in the second game and took a commanding lead of 17-13 at which time Weil changed tactics and used a combination of serves including a power serve to the left and let up a little on his powerful returns during the rallies in order to keep the ball from reaching the back wall. Weil tied the game at 17-17 and Thoreson made one more point. When Weil again won the chance to serve, he ran off four points for the victory (21-18).

March 10, 2006


Tournament Listing

Email received announces another new local tournament.

Information about the 4 wall tournament at Miami University is now available online at www.muohio.edu/muhandball.

Briefly the tournament will be held March 24-26 on the campus of Miami U. All proceeds will benefit the Miami Handball club. Please let your members know about this event and encourage them to come!

Feel free to direct any questions you may have to the team at muhandball@gmail.com.

Thanks,
-Isaac

March 10, 2006


BlueBook 2006

The Ohio "BlueBook" Player Directory has been completely revised and is now available. For greater speed, the directory has been divided into four sections, A - E, F- K, L - R and S - Z. Check your listing for accuracy, and if all items are not correct, please use the Online Feedback Form to submit the corrected information.

March 10, 2006


Update

After a few days at the Christ Hospital Tropical Oasis Retreat, your webmaster is back on his feet and back on the job. Thanks for the calls, the visits and the good thoughts. Special thanks to the hundreds of offers to play during my first week back after the experience.
Jim Krailler

February 27, 2006


Ohio Handball Championships

Congatulations to Ohio 's 50+ Singles Champion, Jack Prather, who defeated Columbus' Ray Mayo in a tie-breaker. Ron Rosselot was the runner-up in the 60+ Singles, in a tough loss to Kent Fusselman. Bob Hiance used the tag-team approach, pairing with both Ron Rosselot & Steve Cirino to win the A doubles championship.

The UC handball club also participated in the Ohio Handball State Championships, and managed their best performance in the last two years! Congratulations to Mark Schuette & Sam Ma. They won the C Doubles division in a close tie breaker over UC teammates Adam Baron and James Dennis.

In the C Singles, UC's Mark Schuette won three matches over some very experienced players before losing in the final. Mark had to overcome some serious adversity to achieve his successes. In the first game of his semi final singles match against the #1 seed, ahead 15 - 6, he injured his right foot. He was in a lot of pain but after a short rest he decided he wanted to continue. He won the match in two games, then played the singles and doubles final. The day after the tournament mark went to the emergency room and learned that he had broken the large bone on the side of his foot. Wow!!! What an effort!!

Congratulations to all of the members of the UC handball club. Most of the students in the UC club just started playing last year and they really love the game.

February 17, 2006


Youngstown Dinosaurs Tournament

The following email was received at GCHA.org on Sunday, January 29th, 2006.

Handball Players: We have finished the tournament and below are the winners and runner ups. Brackets and scores will be forth coming. Thanks to all that help during the tournament and thank you to those that made cash donations and to those that provided goods which were used during the tournament. Open winner and runner up received $250 and $125 respectively. All other division winners and runner ups received a nice navy blue windbreaker embroidered with 2006 Dinosaur Open around a dinosaur head.

Division
Winner
Runner up
Open
Chris Sammarone
John Friedrich
50+
Jeff Cattron
Mike Yuhasz
B
Carlos Vazquez
Guy Imbrogno
60+
Scarsella and Dudzik
( to be played this week )
Doubles
Lamusga / Francesconi
Smith / Sampson

Finally, thank you for all that played, especially those from out of town.

Jeff Patterson


News From Dayton

Ken Rosenzweig sends an update from the Dayton area, with photos.


Glenn Laque,
Get Well Soon

The following email was received from Ron Rosselot on Monday, January 16th, 2006.

As many of you know, Glenn Laque recently was operated on to remove a malignant brain tumor. The doctors are confident that they removed the entire tumor, but Glenn will be undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments for the next 6 weeks.

All of us who know Glenn know what a positive strong person he is. He has a terrific attitude, great family support, and a very positive prognosis if he continues to monitor his condition on a regular basis.

If you feel the need to call Glenn or visit, please feel free to do so. He also plans to continue working out at the Williams YMCA shortly.

Ron

 


Bob Bierbaum, RIP

Carl Topie sent a note to GCHA to report the death of Robert Bierbaum, who passed away on December 25. He was 93-years-old. He played handball for many years at the Williams YMCA and at several other courts.

BIERBAUM Robert,
beloved husband of the late Evelyn Bierbaum and the late Winnona Bierbaum, cherished father of Dennis (Annie) Bierbaum, loving grandfather of Wendy Sullivan, Dori McMillan, Kim Bierbaum and Elise Brun. He is also survived by his three great-grandchildren Christopher, Kelsey and Madison. Passed away on Sunday, December 25th at the age of 93.
Sympathy may be expressed in the form of a donation to the charity of donor's choice. Mr. Bierbaum was truly one of Nature's Noblemen. His zest for life and love for the City of Cincinnati was only exceeded by his generosity to his family and many others in need.
(reprinted from Cincinnati Enquirer, 12/28/2005)

 


Wife of Vern Roberts Jr. passes

Gina Viola Roberts
Gina Viola Roberts, born May 23, 1954, started her next journey on December 12, 2005. Gina loved and lived this life despite her long battle with lung diseases. One of 11 Viola children, mother of two, Gina loved family, friends, nature, yoga and reading. Preceded in death by her dad, Sam, and brother, John. She is survived by her husband, Vern; daughter, Samantha; son, Adam; mother, Agnes; sisters, Margie, Teri, Agnes, Mary Jo and Cathy; brothers, Mike, Tom, Tony and Joe. Friends loved and respected her spirit, vibrant smile and total immersion into the "now." In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to your favorite charity or the Lung Cancer Alliance.
Published on Tucson.com on 12/15/2005.


Email from the Mid-American Region Commissioner

Dear Fellow Handball Enthusiast:

Thank you for your support in the recent election for the USHA Board of Directors position for the Mid American Region. I will be attending my first board meeting in January, 2006 and would like your feedback. Listed below are six subjects relating to Handball. Would you please take a moment and prioritize these items by assigning a number from 1 to 6 to each, with 1 being the most important to you and 6 the least important.

Please e-mail your response to me at wrcantwell@ccccpa.com

  • Player Development
  • Facilities
  • Ball
  • Professional handball
  • Tournaments
  • Other (specify) ___________________

Thanks for your input.

(Received 12/15/2005)


Email from Ralph Weil

Please express my thanks to all of the members of the GCHA for making my birthday party so wonderful. I wish that all 200 members could have been there to share in the fine food and drinks. We had a nice turnout of the players from the tournament and my friends and family.

The cakes that Elma Dupps made were outstanding. Jim Wohl went beyond great to have so much good food. The Waycross Club was an excellent setting for a handball gathering and Paul and Beth Baker were fine hosts.

Sincerely,
Ralph Weil

(Received 12/13/2005)


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