Manchester, CT, WPH Press, 8/11/24
The spectacular Charter Oak Park played host to the 2024 Dan Gebben Classic at one of the Northeast’s premier outdoor handball destinations. In addition to the refurbished 3-Wall courts, the Connecticut handball community recently completed 1-Wall courts on the back side of the 3-Wall courts, making Charter Oak Park one of the few parks with both 3-Wall and 1-Wall at the same park in the Northeast.
The 2024 Gebben featured 3-Wall small ball doubles, 3-Wall big ball doubles and 1-Wall big ball doubles.
Current USHA 1-Wall national champion Tyree Bastidas and current USHA 4-Wall national champion Killian Carroll headlined the 2024 Dan Gebben, showcasing the world’s best for the handball-crazed Charter Oak contingent.
From Charter Oak Park ambassador Mike Sullivan:
“Thanks to the weather gods, the leadership of Tom Marzilli, and the outstanding grounds crew of CT handballers, the Dan Gebben tournament was able to start on time. The tournament had 55 players entered this year. As always, a huge thank you to the Town of Manchester leaders, especially the Public Works Department, for their ongoing help in getting the courts ready for this tournament.
The Dan Gebben tournament was highlighted by the return of Killian Carroll and the first-time appearance of Tyree Bastidas. Their quality of play throughout the day was a real treat to see for everyone who participated in the tournament, as well as the many other people who came to watch. So, thanks to Killian and Tyree and we hope to see them again next year.
Tyree and Sheikh Hossain beat Killian and Chris Diminico in the Open 3-Wall small ball finals in a very close match.
In the two big ball brackets, Allan Sanchez and Manny Carabello won both events, beating Sal Duenas and Carlos Torres in the Open big ball 3-Wall doubles and Bori Love and Hector Marte in the 1-Wall big ball doubles.
Rafael Guzman and Freddy Torres won the 50’s small ball 3-Wall doubles over Jared Vale and Joe Kaplan. For those following the older, “more experienced” players, Steve Ingemi and Roland Langevin beat the defending champs John Bransfield and Mike Sullivan in the 60’s small ball 3-Wall doubles.
Once again, thanks to Tom Marzilli for all his efforts in directing this annual event. Based on the continued success of the tournament, we expect to see even more players next year.”
“The truth is without Mike Sullivan’s tireless and relentless efforts with the town officials to ensure the courts continue to get attention, there would be no handball at Charter Oak Park,” stated Tom Marzilli. “Mike singlehandedly has stayed on them and used his tact to ensure we have a place to play.”
2024 Dan Gebben Open Doubles Champions
3-Wall Small Ball Doubles champions: Tyree Bastidas and Sheikh Hossain
3-Wall Big Ball Doubles champions: Allan Sanchez and Manny Carabello
1-Wall Big Ball Doubles champions: Allan Sanchez and Manny Carabello
Watch the Dan Gebben Small Ball Doubles Final, courtesy of Jai Ragoo HERE
Photos courtesy of Mike Sullivan
Follow all of the results from the 2024 Dan Gebben HERE
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer