2000 Nationals a BIG Success

Congratulations to all the participants and volunteers - this was truly a quality group effort. The MSHA and its volunteer staff received numerous kudos for one of the best hosted tournaments ever. Here are just a few:

"You’re AWESOME!! Thanks,"

- Vern Roberts, USHA

"Thank you for all your work. I was very, very impressed with the MSHA and how everyone worked together. The MSHA [is] to be commended for a job well done."

- Mark Carpenter, USHA

"I appreciate all of your efforts in putting on a great tournament - my first nationals and certainly my first visit to Minneapolis - lovely. Even though ya’ll talk funny - I couldn’t get enough. Thanks again to each of you - I know how much work these tournaments take."

- Alicia McKoy - The gal with the long dark braid

"I want to thank you and all the other volunteers for all your hard work in planning, organizing and working to make this year’s Nationals a great success. I have been a volunteer worker and leader at the ‘83,’86 and ’95 Houston Nationals so I can truly appreciate the many hours y’all spent. Even though it is a labor of love, I thank you for your sacrifice."

- Chuck Reeve

"Thank you Minnesota. Great job! Your organization and players made for an outstanding week."

- Gary Cruz, So. California Handball Association

Thanks to all the sponsors and the 120 or so participants from Minnesota.


Two of the many volunteers - Bill DeVahl and Mike Kloos


The bleachers are packed for one of the Pro matches.


The locals crowd around to watch a match.

Congratulations to the top finishers from Minnesota:

Anna Christoff: Womens Pro Doubles Champion, Womens Pro Singles runner-up

Luke Friendshuh: Open Singles Consolation Champion

Jeff Ryan: Open Singles Consolation finalist

Andy Hoisington: Seniors Singles runner-up

Andy Hoisington/Steve Johnson: Srs Dbls runner-up

Steve Christoff: 40+ Singles semi-finalist

Phil Kleineschay: 40+ Singles Consolation finalist

Gary Rohrer/Brad Baker: 40+ Doubles semi-finalists

Bob Bennett/John Miller: 40+ Dbls Coni Champions

Greg Sothern/Randy Tinsen: 40+ Dbls Coni finalists

Paul Dorland: 45+ Singles semi-finalist

John Nett: 50+ Singles runner-up

Gary Rohrer: 55+ Singles semi-finalist

John Stout: 60 B Singles Champion

Jerry Rice/Gene Johnson: 60+ Dbls Coni Champions

Larry Seiberlich/Skip Kiland: 60+ Dbls Coni finalists

Erv Duffort: 80+ Singles runner-up

John Stoffel: B Singles semi-finalist

Jim Buege: B Singles Consolation Champion

John Kunesh: B Singles Consolation finalist

Silas Danielson/John Stoffel: B Doubles semi-finalists

Mike Kloos/Darryl Ekstom: B Dbls Coni Champions

Bill DeVahl: C Singles semi-finalist

Pete Kaehler: C Singles semi-finalist

Fred Wilkenson: C Singles Consolation finalist

Nick Brown: 19 and Under runner-up

Everyone had a great time and we got to see one of Minnesota’s greats, Bill Yambrick inducted into the USHA Handball Hall of Fame. The tournament exceeded our hopes for setting the standard for a first-class event - Minnesotans should be very proud!


Warren Mitchell, Bill Yambick, Gary Rohrer and Paul Schulz at the 2000 USHA Handball Hall of Fame induction of Bill Yambrick.