| Results -
$10,000 1st place Interstate Mixed
Doubles - Saturday September 24th, 2005 - Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY.
Sponsored by South Kearny Truck Repair Center, Florida Truck Center,
and CPQ Freight Systems. Rookie & Gladys said "show us the money"
John "Rookie" Wright raises his fist in Victory. (click on photo to view larger version) The tournament created a buzz throughout New York City, since it had contained one of the largest money prizes in recent history in this area. It all started in Miami Beach, Florida when business man Juan-Carlos Guerra took interest in one-wall Handball. The story goes something like this, a couple of New York City Handball players Victor and Joey (Spiderman) who had relocated to Florida, had approached Juan about sponsoring a Handball tournament…and the rest is history. Juan-Carlos Guerra and sponsors have been very generous; they coordinated several events in Florida, a $5,000 event in June, a $10,000 event in July, a $15,000 event in September, and the upcoming $25,000 event on November 12th, 2005. Several players already have received round trip plan tickets to the Miami, Florida event, paid Hotel nights, and spending money…since they have proven they are the superstars of this sport. There are already rumors of even larger prizes in future events. This may be the catalyst that brings the sport of one-wall Handball mainstream, and perhaps more sponsors will develop interest in this game.
Robert "Ice Man" Sostre goes for shot down the line. The $10,000 Coney Island Mixed Doubles Tournament was a huge success; it was coordinated by Tony Roberts and Melody Ruiz. They did a terrific job with making sure it started on time, matches being reffed properly, and everything ran on schedule. In fact Tony and Melody presented Juan-Carlos Guerra with a crystal award that stated in Spanish, "Juan-Carlos an honorable man who has worked miracles for the Sport of handball. We love and appreciate you.” They wanted to give him something for everything he has done.
Juan-Carlos Guerra showing off his Award. (photo by Albert Apuzzi) The tournament was packed with action with so many competitive matches. Everyone was thinking of the large prize money. Many people would view a Mixed Doubles tournament and think, just pick on the female player. In NYC even the girls have game and strategy. As the male players would take most of the court, leaving their weak hand corner open as they try to pound the ball at the females. The female would then go cross court to their corner and make them pay with a killer or hit a drop shot in front of them. The most competitive game of the day was the Men’s exhibition match where the winners received $2,000. The tournament also had the largest fan attendance of the 2005 Handball season.
Sala/Lopez and Sostre/DeJesus do battle for $2,000
First place team John “Rookie” Wright & Gladys Miranda split $10,000, second place PeeWee Castro & Brenda Pares split $3,000. Awards were also given for 3rd place George Figueroa & Veronica Figueroa $800 and 4th place Karen McConney & Shaheem Nelson. Women’s Exhibition winners Stacy & Mari received $1,000, and Men’s Exhibition winners Ray Lopez & Cesar Sala received $2,000, MVP-Most Valuable Player female winners Tracy Davis & Dejanna received $1,500 each, Men’s MVP players Robert Sostre & Oscar DeJesus received $1,000 each.
Semi-Finals Action was fantastic.... The Bling Bling went to John “Rookie” Wright. Juan-Carlos Guerra awarded Rookie a thick platinum iced out bracelet (est. worth $5,000-$50,000) Rookie had entered all of Juan’s tournaments, and has won 3 out of 4 of them. Juan also announced to the cheering crowed that he will be sponsoring 2 more tournaments in New York City in 2006.
Brenda Pares places a power shot back to the wall.
"Bronx Monster" Cisco Aponte hits a roll shot.
Stephanie models FREE T-Shirt (front/back)...which was given to all entrees.
|
 The crowed was cheering throughout the Finals.
Little Eddie Styles focusing in on a kill shot.
PeeWee Castro going for a kill in Gladys Miranda's corner. (photo by Albert Apuzzi)
Interstate Mixed Doubles Handball Tournament 9/24/05
Tracy Davis and Lian Chin sporting their T-Shirts. |
NEWS HANDBALL LOCATIONS DISCUSSION FITNESS TOURNAMENTS PHOTOS PLAYERS STORE LINKS CHAT
Copyright ® 2005 HandballCity.com
