Feature Article - November, 2005

Handball Homecoming

Photos by Rick Stevens, Story by Sandy Snyder

Diamond Singles: Bill Myers & Michael Jennings

Seeking a sport for exercise that would fit into his busy class and work schedule, Bill Myers found Handball to be the Perfect Game. The two courts were dingy and dark with 14 foot ceilings. But the desire to play with the black rubber ball, overshadowed the inadequacies of the courts.

The year is 1949 and tuition is $75 plus $37.50 out of state fee per semester at Bowling Green State University. Bill, from Buffalo, New York, sought the quiet cornfields and hard-working attitudes of the midwestern culture.

During Bill's career in Human Resources, travel to Ireland offered him the privilege to play on the oversized courts (40' by 60') at the birthplace of Handball.

52 years after graduating, Bill noticed an announcement for a tournament at his alma mater in the USHA magazine. Curious to see the changes in the campus, the town of BG, and enticed by the promise of 10 "beautiful" courts, Bill decided to see for himself. He entered the George Miller Sr. Memorial tournament at age 75 in the Diamond Singles and Super Doubles divisions.

Bill enjoyed his weekend reminiscing, exploring the BGSU campus, looking for old landmarks, and playing in the tournament. He found northwestern Ohio flat, windy, and quite a contrast from his home in Cape Point, New Jersey. He especially enjoyed the banquet which was capped off by winning the 50/50 drawing. He looks forward to coming back next year with a new knee and to visit with new friends.