Greetings from the center of the handball universe

Greetings from Vienna, one-time seat of the Hapsburg Empire and the center of the handball universe this weekend.

On Saturday, the USA delegation will attend the semifinals of the European Championships.  On hand are Dieter Esch (chairman of the Board of Directors), Brad Krassner (president), Marilyn Gauthier (director), Matt Coffin (friend of and potential investor in USA Team Handball), Mariusz Wartalowicz (technical director), Fred Bernstein (special events) and myself.  Board members attends events like this to bolster and develop our international contacts.  (In light of another handball ethics scandal, it bears mentioning that USA board members pay their own way and expenses on trips like this.) Meantime, Mariusz W. participated in the EHF Coach’s Seminar this weekend, along with Greg Morava of the Colorado Springs Landsharks.  Fred and I have been using the time to deepen some business relationships for USA Team Handball.

It has already been reported in Polish media that we have signed all the contracts related to the Germany-vs-Poland match to be played this summer in Chicago, Illinois.  On the heels of Poland’s first-ever Semifinal berth in the European Championships, we’re excited to bring their exciting team to the USA.  While Germany’s failure to reach the Final Four is causing great consternation north of here, we anticipate that this summer’s game will mark the return of Pascal Hens to the national team.  The charismatic star of Germany missed this competition due to injury, but is poised to return to the USA just a few months after his New Year’s visit.  Look for our formal announcement next week.

We’ve sat down with some of the key figures in and around handball this week, including Dr. Gerd Butzeck of the GCH, influential owners and administrators of various GCH clubs, IHF VP Miguel Roca, PATHF president Manoel Oliveira, EHF president Michael Wiederer, players, agents, coaches and others.  The on-going presence of the USA on the international stage grows – with more and more individuals approaching us to find out our long-term plans.  News of events like the Big Apple Tournament, the partnerships with Bundesliga clubs, the success of international referees in USA events and yes, the play of more and more Americans in various European countries, is not going unnoticed.

On the court, Thursday’s Croatia-Denmark game was one of the best matches of the tournament.  It featured do-or-die consequences for both teams and bruising, inspired play by both teams.  Every time Croatia seemed to strike with a goal, the run-and-gun Danes raced upcourt and smoothly answered with beautiful goals from distance.  Ivano Balic is in top form – setting up Saturday’s showdown against Poland. 

The French arrived today from the site of their group play.  Les Bleus are everyone’s favorites on paper – as everyone openly wonders if any country can find a chink in their armor.  Their semifinal features their grace and explosiveness against the relentless fundamental play by Iceland.  Can Iceland avenge their Olympic final defeat?

Find out Saturday...