Fellow local handball players, as I assume the role of Current Maryland Handball Commissioner from Dan Zimet, I look forward to continuing and building on what Dan has accomplished as our lone Commissioner over the past ten years. His efforts have helped build a solid foundation of handball in the community and his hard work has enhanced the financial position of Maryland Handball as an organization.
With Dan’s continued help, the commitment of Commissioner Elect Dan Ho, as well as dedicated others (Titles and Committee members to be determined) my hope is to keep handball in the local area moving in a positive direction and to build on the camaraderie we enjoy together as handball players throughout the region.
Over the next few months I will be seeking volunteers to serve in somewhat of an official capacity, perhaps as Tournament Chair, Food and Refreshment Chair, Publicity Chair, etc. I know that many of you worked with Dan in the past and the support you have provided is immeasurable in making events and tournaments run smoothly and in keeping them enjoyable for all participants and their guests.
As we move into a new calendar year of handball, I anticipate a seamless transition with only one significant change to our current local tournament structure. The change which has been discussed with prior board members and other prominent faces in the handball community is one of formatting the Maryland State Singles and Doubles tournaments into a single event. The idea to combine both the singles and doubles into a two-day event is due to the fact that individually, each of the tournaments has met mixed success as to the number of participants. Certainly, participation from outside the immediate local commuting area has dwindled. With a two-day event, the hope is to expand on the overall tournament venue, increase the number of handball participants and guests, and perhaps most importantly, expand on our camaraderie that is important to the game of handball.
Therefore, the Maryland Singles tournament scheduled for March is cancelled. With the help of your input, a future date will be determined combining both a singles and doubles format.
In concluding, I welcome all comments and suggestions. I welcome new ideas or old ones that still work. I have pretty thick skin for criticism and welcome constructive debate. My goal is simply to keep handball alive and enjoyable for us all.
Thank you for taking the time to read and correspond with me any thoughts. I look forward to seeing you on the handball court soon!
Bob Maguire ( bonzomagoo@aol.com) …until I set up a handball account