The USA Collegiate Championship battle is set and less than 60 days away.  Myrtle Beach is ready for us, and I, personally, can't wait to round up our college students and have this event unroll. As you already may know, this championship will be held outside on our great, shiny red, white and blue SnapSports courts. Some of you may be asking why outside? We say, why not? Yes of course a tad risky, but 30 years of weather reports show less than 6 percent chance of rain at that time of year. Let's hope 2010 doesn't prove to be an exception! Regardless, backup plans exist and given good weather, the event promises to draw crowds and not only determine our champions but become an exhibition to non-handballers! Like I've always said, a tournament between four walls is great, but a tournament which is in open view to the community is better! Let's face it, one open air match with passers-by allows outsiders to partake in our event and embrace our sport since it's the best form of free advertising.  In the long run, you can't beat it.
 
Now in terms of participation, we always count on our armed forces to be well represented. West Point Army teams and Air Force teams are coming ready for battle as always! UNC, Furman, also a constant. Looks like we'll even see some fresh teams this year! No doubt we will offer the warmest of welcomes.
 
I also want to put out a special invitation to any college student who wishes to play to contact us.  If your college doesn't have a team, don't fret, there's always a place for you at USATH.  In as much as we, Regional Directors, pound the pavement entering college doors to expose our sport, we know the country is too vast to cover it all so quickly.  Our promise to those students without teams is that we will find a way for you to play.  Our Competition Committee is in its final stage of determining how best to do this.  We want students and more students, plain and simple!
 
For now, spread the word! This event WILL be fun, exciting, filled with hard core handball, socializing time, games, and maybe even a little after hours beach handball competition!  Get rested and ready for a great weekend and don't forget to sign up as early as possible at http://usateamhandball.org/pages/8220?ngb_id=4 Book your hotel to ensure our preferred USATH rate too! Our hotels are only hundreds of feet from the courts, restaurants, entertainment, canals and attractions.
 
Questions, ideas, recommendations...call or e-mail me as usual!
 
Dominique
561-301-8730
Dominique@usateamhandball.org