Manchester, CT, WPH Press, 6/28/25
The spectacular Charter Oak Park played host to the 2025 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 2025 Dan Gebben field featured handball legend and current USHA 3-Wall national champion Killian Carroll and many of the Northeast’s top players.
“Despite a three-hour rain delay, the 2025 Dan Gebben 3-Wall Doubles Classic went off without a hitch thanks to the unflagging leadership of tournament director Tom Marzilli and his loyal deputy Eric Barnes,” stated Charter Oak handball ambassador Michael Sullivan. “Many thanks to the Town of Manchester, especially its Public Works Department, for its continuing support of this event, including doing a complete paint job of the walls in anticipation of the Gebben. Many thanks as well to honorary groundskeepers Ken and Susan Greco for taking the initiative to put tarps down on the court floor the day before.
This year’s tournament featured the return of Killian Carroll, who has been away from competitive handball for over six months. Notwithstanding this absence, Killian looks to be in great shape and his shots and stamina are, as always, remarkable to behold. The Connecticut handball community was thrilled to welcome him back to Manchester.”
“The 3-Wall small ball doubles final was Really hard fought, much closer than score,” continued Sullivan
Open/A Small Ball — Tom Marzilli (CT) and Victor Lopierre (NY) beat Killian Carroll (MA) and Chris Diminico (MA) 25-12
Open/A Big Ball — Killian Carroll and Victor Lopierre def Jack Wu (NY) and Max Chiang (NY) 21-13
Big Ball 0ne-Wall —Joseph “Pooba” Delgado (CT) and Joseph Gines (CT) beat Luis “Bori Love” Garcia (CT) and Hector Marte (MA) 25-24
50’s — Rafael Guzman (CT) and Jared Vale (NY) beat Freddy Torres (NY) and Oscar DeJesus (NY) 25-17
60’s —Roland Langevin (MA) and Steve Injemi (MA) beat Mitch Milone (CT) and Chris Diminico 25-9.
“Finally, we would like to thank both the WPH and the USHA for their ongoing support for the Dan Gebben tournament,” stated Sullivan. “There are not many sports where local and regional tournaments get this level of attention and support from national organizations. So thanks again, and we look forward to seeing more states represented at the Dan Gebben next year.”
“Michael Sullivan’s tireless efforts with the town ensure this event goes off smoothly each year,” stated Dan Gebben tournament director Tom Marzilli. “Without Mike, the courts would essentially be unplayable. Each year Mike works with town officials to ensure we have proper court maintenance to play.”
Thank you to Charter Oak Park ambassador Michael Sullivan for updates from the 2025 Dan Gebben.
Follow all of the brackets from the 2025 Dan Gebben Classic HERE
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer