Pete Tyson took the opportunity to combine two celebrations: his retirement from The University of Texas and his 75th birthday.  A handball instructor and coach at UT for 52 years, Tyson has spent much of this time hanging around the spectacular show court in Gregory Gym. The event, planned by wife Nancy, started with, of course, handball!  Players from across the country and UT handball alumni filled the courts with doubles play starting in the early afternoon.  Play was interrupted for a formal presentation of a plaque for Pete.

The plaque honoring the handball legend will be permanently mounted near the show court. Pete, a man of few words and fewer haircuts, humbly accepted the honors.

Eight Hall of Famers were in attendance, sharing stories and glories. The Hall of Famers included Fred Lewis, Stuffy Singer, Alvis Grant, Ron Emberg, Ken Davidoff, LeaAnn Martin, John Bike, Jr., and Pete. Many UT alum participated in the celebration by playing or stopping by to thank Pete. It was a wonderful culmination of an epic handball career.

~ Submitted by LeaAnn Martin

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PORTLAND - Tracy Davis outlasted Jennifer Schmitt in the final of the Women's Classic with an 11-8 win on Sunday.  That wasn't the only tiebreaker, as Glenn Carden edged David Steinberg in three for the 55 title and several women's playoffs went to the breaker as the women's format did exactly as it's intended -- end up in competitive brackets.

John Robles slammed in the 35 and 45 events and Mike Linnik repeated in the 50s.  Vance McInnis ended Craig Trull's run in the 60s and Greg Raya controlled the 65 final over Bruce Handelman.  Mike Griffin of Virginia won his first national title in the 70s and Charlie Wicker was on fire in the 75 final.  Lew Buckingham had one of those good days, as his wife Nancy described it in his win over Joe Lenhardt for the 80 title.  The Portland folks had lots to cheer about on Sunday with four players in the final but not one pulled through.

One of the best matches was Jean Kastner's 11-10 win over Kristin Steele on Sunday.  Prior to the event, no one wanted to offer who deserved a higher seed and Sunday's conclusion sure didn't clear things up.

Everyone enjoyed the Hawaiian dancers and the women's classic entrants were presented with leis at the Saturday Night Luau in Portland.  After the matches, the food was served and Chatten Hayes was presented with the Carl Porter Award by Vern Roberts for her contributions to the sport.  

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