1998 Hall of Fame Banquet

Gary Rohrer Inducted Into the MSHA Hall of Fame

Dr. Gary Rohrer was inducted into the Minnesota State Handball Association Hall of Fame at the annual MSHA Awards Banquet Friday, May 15, 1998. Held at the Fort Snelling Club, this sixth annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony was attended by nearly 100 MSHA members, their spouses and friends of Gary's.

1998 Hall of Fame Inductee Gary Rohrer and wife Saundra Good friend and national doubles partner Paul Schulz presented Gary as the 1998 Hall of Fame inductee. Al O'Neil, Warren Mitchell, Alva (what's your name?) Rankin also spoke on Gary's behalf.

Long-time MSHA member Tom Quilling opened the ceremonies by welcoming everyone and introducing secretary Sheldon Silberman who acknowledged all of the top finishes in this year's nineteen different divisions spread over four tournaments (see results). He noted that attendance was once again down from the previous year prompting the board to consider cutting back on the number of tournaments and divisions.

An invocation by Steve Subak preceded the banquet meal.

Following dinner, Mr. Quilling brought Al O'Neil, MSHA historian to the podium. Al spoke of Gary's "humble" involvement with handball and his many national achievements. He told the audience of how Gary took over the reins of the Twin Cities Handball Association creating the Minnesota State Handball Association. Gary stumped for sponsors so the association could run first class tournaments. He brought his knowledge of well run tournaments from around the country as a model for our state tournaments. "We have, without a doubt, the best state handball association in the country, and it all falls on that one guy, and that's Gary Rohrer."

Warren Mitchell, grade school buddy of Gary's spoke next. Warren described the early years and tried to answer the question many ask him - "Has he always been that way?" He told how he and Gary started both played trombone in high school. Much of their physical development was under the watchful eye of Doc Daniels at the Winona YMCA where Gary and Warren saw their first handball. Warren provided insight to Gary's early years "... during these last 50 years we have grown together, and he has become one of my very best friends."

Alva Rankin entertained the crowd with several anecdotes from his twenty-three years of association with Gary. From the first days when Gary would always say to Alva "Who are you?" to semi-annual dental check-ups, Gary has been a force in Alva's life. Alva told stories that reminded us all of typical encounters with Gary both on and off the court.

Paul Schulz pulled it all together with stories from the old North Central tournament and the years competing with against Bill Yambrick and Terry Muck and other Minnesota greats. He talked of Gary's antics while on the road and of his torn Achilles in 1973. Paul recalled how Gary brought him back to handball after over a dozen years away from the game.

"Gary has really rejuvenated me and got me back in the game, which he has done for a lot of people here... so I thank him for that."

There is no question he is the ambassador of handball, not only locally, but around the country. He has done so much for this game and when I think back 40 years, I can't think of anybody who has made such an impact in this game as Gary Rohrer has."

After a resounding ovation, Gary took his place at the podium and told his side of the stories. He spoke of his good friend and teacher, the late George Rogge and how he taught Gary to hit his famous hops. He thanked his family for their support over the years. He told of dragging wife, Saundra to a handball tourn-ament on their first date. He thanked many of the original MSHA board members for their help he setting up the current association - especially Roy Carr and Pete Hauser who helped put the association on solid financial ground. He thanked Al O'Neil for his tremendous effort in assembling the Hall of Fame scrapbooks. He remembered countless tournaments and matches and dropped famous handball names from the past and present - all of whom he challenged on the handball court - a real tribute to Gary's great abilities in over four decades of handball!

The Hall of Fame induction was followed by recognition of this year's Top Ten handball players and presentation of the Top Ten shirts.

Also recognized with embroidered shirts were three of our top sponsors Gary Rohrer, Steve Subak and Scott Sayer.

The evening closed with "special" presentations by MSHA President Brett Broxey. Dick Faunce for the "Iron Man" award because he played in five divisions in four tournaments. Jim Turman for the "Host with the Most" for his role in hosting the upcoming Nationals at the U of M in 2000. Bill DeVahl for the "Skipper" award for being able to skip the ball into the front wall with both hands. Mike McGraw received a watch for timeliness (this was close call between Mike and Tom Bowman.) Sheldon Silberman and Mark Haukedahl were selected for the esteemed "sportsman" award based on a tremendous demonstration at the Open Singles tournament. (You had to be there!)

Of course the evening would not be complete without the traditional housecleaning the MSHA calls door prizes! Everyone went home with something from Gary's tournament souvenir storage as well as some fresh Pearson's Candy courtesy of Don Svitak.

Gary is joined by some of his fans