TWIN CITIES

HANDBALL LEAGUE

 

2003 Twin Cities League Championships

April 5, 2003

98th Street Northwest Athletic Club, Bloomington, MN

 

The Twin Cities Handball League held its 13th annual championship playoff for the Tuesday Night League and 9th annual playoff for the Monday Night League at the 98th Street Northwest Athletic Club in Bloomington, Minnesota. The nearly 50 participants and spectators dined on pizza and beer.

 

Again this year, the members of the first, second, and third place teams received a twelve-ounce mug for their trophy collection and use.

 

Tuesday Night Championship

In the #1 singles Chris Iverson defeated Bill Brown 21-12, 21-19 in a close match to give the River Rats 9 points.  The Skyway came back in the #2 and #3 singles, but it was too little to prevent the team loss as the River Rats Mike Kloos and Ryan Maloney played a great match against Skyway YMCA Bill Hickey and Leif Wallin in the Doubles match, barely winning 20-21, 21-9, 11-8 and taking the League championship.

 

Tuesday Night Third Place

Thwarted in their bid to return to the consolation finals, the St. Anthony AC SAAC Squad squared off with the home court team, the NW Clubs.  With both teams weakened by lack of healthy players, the captains agreed to the two doubles-one singles format.  Todd Brazmann and Curt Schlenner surprised John Miller and Brett Broxey in the first game while Clancy Mylan pulled off a win in the singles as the SAAC Squad looked to be pulling off a miracle.  Clancy went on to defeat Dale Taylor in a tie-breaker but Miller and Broxey recovered from their slow start to win in a tie-breaker.  Tom Bowman and Mark Haukedahl never really let Larry Larson and Brian Coonce get going in the #1 Doubles match.

 

Tuesday Night Consolation

The Midway YMCA made a tactical error thinking the White Bear Boys would show up with less than a full team like they have in the past.  White Bear took consolation honors by sweeping the singles when the Midway came up a man short to complete the team.

 

Monday Night Championship

Completing the TC league sweep – the Skyway River Rats swept the Monday night championship finals over the Midway YMCA with commanding wins in all three individual matches.

 

Monday Night Third Place

Southdale YMCA claimed third place when the U’s most productive player failed to show up.  But the doubles match sure provided plenty of drama as Kevin Tauer and Steve Vazquez (U of M) defeated Ron Anderson and Tom Lynch in a back and forth 14-21, 21-18, 11-6 win.