ALBERT APUZZI - His 7 consecutive national doubles championships makes him a USHA record holder. Power, speed and stamina were his trademarks. Captured two national singles titles before a career ending arm ailment robbed him of prime years in singles play. Still a force in singles and doubles but now needs to ration his hard hitting in an attempt to get his arm to go the distance. Also very active behind the scenes running tournaments. Handball's #1 goodwill ambassador.

JOE DURSO - When all-time greats are discussed Joe is mentioned in the same sentence with Steve Sandler and Oscar Obert. Lethal combination of intelligence, power and finesse. Dominated during the mid 80s to mid 90s. Fooled experts who said a big man would be awkward - Joe probably had the most fluid movements of any big man who played. At 46 he made the semis in the 2001 Nationals. Still a contender despite his age.

JOE KAPLAN - 1999 National Singles Champion as well as 2000 National Doubles Champion. Quick, strong and not afraid to work hard. Kaplan has a good shot selection. respresents, along with his doubles partner Sala, the future of one-wall handball. The birth of his first child, Joe Jr., resulted as expected in a less than stellar performance in 2001.

KENDELL LEWIS - New Yorker who started out playing one-wall. His talent was recognized early on and nurtured. Continually improved and now competes on the USHA 4-Wall Pro-tour. Fast and powerful with two good hands. His wife and top female player, Sydell Smith, along with his son Kavon form a true handball family.

ED MAISONET - Despite his questionable stamina, Ed's a big serve and impressive offense has earned him a few national singles and doubles, with Paul Williams, titles. When he's hot, Maisonet still has one of the best one-two punches in the game.

TONY ROBERTS - Smooth swing with either hand. In addition to winning the last two World Doubles Championships, Roberts has also racked up a couple of national doubles championships and established himself as one of the premier doubles players. Only the lack of foot speed has kept him from capturing the singles title. Great disposition on the court. Always accompanied, often in matching outfits, by his number one fan and girlfriend Melody Ruiz.

DAVE ROJAS - Captured the last two World Doubles Championships, with Roberts. Has 3 National doubles titles. The latest one was the 2001 with Rookie. His strength, speed, power and solid off hand also make Dave a formidable singles player. Distinctive tatoo on right arm.

CESAR SALA - This youngster's athleticism, speed, and smooth opposite hand helped him become the 2000 National Doubles Champion, and current National and World Singles Champion. Although he sometimes wears his emotions on his sleeve, has a total package when he allows his natural talent to shine through. Can look forward to a long and properous handball career. Currently studying at Kingsboro College. Hopes to join the police force.

ROBERT SOSTRE - When you talk about great athletes from NY of the last 20 years you have to include him. Gifted paddleball phenom burst onto the scene at the tender age of 14 and started a legacy. Can boast of National singles and doubles championships. Speed, reflexes and ability to focus are this natural lefty's, who believe it or not plays right handed, best assets. His sister, Lilly who films all Rob's matches, is his #1 fan. You can only wonder where this kid would be if someone had put a tennis racquet in his hand when his was young.

AL TORRES - At age 58 most remarkable physical specimen you'll find in any sport. In his countless years of tournament play Al has beaten just about everyone at one time or another. Partnered with Artie Reyer for many years. Was still contending for open titles while also playing in masters events. Has already been inducted into the in USHA Hall of Fame as a Grandmaster. His strength was his devastating two-way hooking serve and killshot. Never argues with fans or officials. represents the highest ideals of sportsmanship that most aspire to but never reach.

PAUL WILLIAMS - At first sight he looks more like your average football lineman than an agile handball player. Paul has captured 3 National doubles titles but he is also well known for his rewarding work as ICHA President and USHA Vice President. Paul runs youth programs, recruiting kids from all over the city to go to out-of-town events as far off as Canada, Ireland and Wales. Williams does important work and makes a huge contribution by serving as a mentor to inner city youth.

JOHN "ROOKIE" WRIGHT - Undisputed best big blue player in the country. Produced biggest upset in years by capturing the 2001 ICHA Mayor's Cup singles championship. Followed up with a close semifinal loss, in the singles, and doubles championship at the 2001 Nationals. Tremendous conditioning, power and size make him a formidable package. Intimidating presence on court. Charismatic personality who keeps up a constant stream of chatter while playing - to the annoyance of his opponents and the amusement of the spectators. But as Satchel Paige said "It ain't bragging - if you do it.".

Benjy plans on writing more profiles, including women, in the near future