Minnesota State Handball Championships
Masters Doubles Handball
Central Courts, Columbia Heights, MN
February 27-28, 2009
It was a small but faithful crowd for the 2009 Master Doubles tournament at the Central Courts. One of the more entertaining matches was the High School Singles third place match where Austin Kleineschay defeated David Miller soundly with high Z serves in the first game. David, a quick learner came back in the second game serving the same high Z serve and soundly defeated Austin in the final two games. The crowd was impressed with DavidŐs ability to learn so quickly within the match.
The Master A doubles featured some great handball. We havenŐt seen shooting like Tim Labey offered since, well, since Tim Labey was competing regularly in the state tournaments. But shooting and ace serves by Tim were not enough to defeat the defending champions Ray Miller and John Nett in the semi final match. It was just enough, however for Tim and Steve to capture third place over Brett Broxey and John Miller in 16-21, 21-11, 11-6 entertaining match. MSHA Hall of Fame inductee Paul Dorland and Andy Hoisington breezed through last yearŐs runner up team of Broxey and John Miller keeping the competition out of rhythm. The final with Ray Miller and John Nett was a hard-fought battle but PaulŐs uncanny shots from anywhere in the front were too much to overcome. Phil Kleineschay and Bill Hickey captured the consolation honors over Don Reiter and John Nakasone.
The Master B Doubles round robin ended in a three-way tie as no one went undefeated. Head-to-head competition and total points determined Bob Spinharney and Dean Held were champions by the slimiest of margins over Curt Schlenner and Mike Leiter. One more point in there first game against the chmpions would have been enough to take the top spot. Todd Brazman and Marty McNamara had to settle third place.
Defending Super Doubles champions Greg Taylor and Rich Ryan had plenty of competition in the round robin. But they proved equal to the task and went undefeated in their matches to claim a repeat championship. Paul Nelson and Paul Ernster pushed the champs to three games but had to settle for the runner-up trophy. Mike Erdmaczyk and Lee Anderson teamed up to claim third place.
David Miller proved age and size DO make a difference in the High School Singles handily defeating all the competitors. Trevor Kleineschay took second defeating both his younger brother and MichaelŐs younger brother.
The Central Courts once again provide a perfect venue for the State Championships as everyone saw some great handball and enjoyed the usual MSHA hospitality.
See photos from
the 2009 MSHA Master Singles Championships.
Masters (40+) B
Doubles (round robin)
3. Todd Brazman (St. Paul)/Marty McNamara (Hastings)
High School Singles
(round robin)