Written by Martin Mulkerrins
College Station, TX, WPH Press, 4/20/26
Texas A&M Handball Club were delighted to partner with the WPH for the R48 Pre-Qualifier for both the Men’s Open and Women’s Open Singles events in the Spring Aggieland Classic on the third weekend in April. The 2026 Aggieland Classic Race 4 Eight Pre Qualifiers, TX State Doubles & Randolph Cup was a unique tournament, as it also included the Texas State Doubles Championship and the Doug Randolph Cup, a co-ed team event between Texas A&M, the University of Texas, Angelo State University and Missouri State University. The tournament featured 141 entries, 102 of whom were current college students.
R48 Pre Qualifier Singles
Since its inception in the Fall semester of 2023 the Stan Lowy Men’s Open Singles at each Aggieland Classic has drawn a quality field and this year was no different. The top four seeds progressed to the semifinals.
In the top half of the bracket, number one seed Martin Mulkerrins defeated Adam Bernhard 15-8, 15-8. In the bottom half, Diarmuid Mulkerrins and Taylor Schmitt matched up for the third time in a month, with both players having won one of the previous matches. It was a close first game, which Diarmuid won 15-12, and he followed with a 15-5 second game win.
In the final, Diarmuid raced out to a 10-3 lead in the first. Martin chipped away at the lead, eventually tying the game 12. Martin continued his streak, completing the comeback to win 15-13.
Game two was very close throughout, but like game one, older brother Martin was able to close out the game and match 15-12.
Semifinals
Mulkerrins def Bernhard 15-8, 15-8
Mulkerrins def T. Schmitt 15-12, 15-5
Final: Martin def Diarmuid 15-13, 15-12
WR48 Pre Qualifier Singles
Emma Allen Bates (Texas A&M) reached the semifinal against number one seed Terry Bowman (Dallas). Bowman used her vast experience to book her place in the final, 15-2, 15, 3.
In the bottom bracket, Erin Bland (Missouri State) matched up against number two seed Corinna Fleming (San Angelo). Angelo State University alum, Fleming, powered her way to the final 15-1, 15-8.
Having won the Texas State Women’s Open Doubles Championship together on Sunday morning, Bowman and Fleming turned from partners to opponents in the Pre-Qualifier Final. The final went the distance, with Fleming taking game one 15-10 and Bowman dominating the second to force the tiebreaker, 15-5. Fleming regrouped, and momentum swung back in her favor to take the game and match 11-3. The win added a new name to the Stan Lowy Women’s Open Singles and also marks Corinna’s first Pre-Qualifier win!
Semifinals
Bowman def Bates 15-2, 15-3
Fleming def Bland 15-1, 15-8
Final: Fleming def Bowman 21-10, 5-21, 11-0
JR WPH Clinic at the 2026 Aggieland Classic Race 4 Eight Pre Qualifiers, Texas State Doubles, and Randolph Cup
Texas A&M Head Coach, Martin Mulkerrins coached a clinic with Angelo State University Coaches Diarmuid Mulkerrins and Aoife Holden to students, recent graduates and players from around the state. For many players the tournament had motivated them to continue to improve their game, and through group discussions, the consensus was to find courts to practice over the summer months to focus on improving the non-dominant hand.
Coaches posted the question, “How much time do we spend practicing our non-dominant hand.” Most of the players concluded that they practiced their dominant hand significantly more, but yet once a match starts, most serves and shots their opponents hit will be directed at the non-dominant hand. When it comes to ‘return on investment’ for the time spent practicing, there was also consensus that 50% or more of the time spent in many court sessions should focus on shots with the non-dominant hand. Different ideas and drills were discussed and demonstrated on how to improve the non-dominant hand, as well as how to hit shots with proper form. The latter paid particular attention to emphasizing the importance of getting the bend in the elbow for side arm strokes as opposed to rigid, stiff-armed shots.
“It was great to have the opportunity to have a clinic with the group at this time of the year, as it will hopefully provide some technical feedback, as well as motivation for players to develop their game over the summer to be better placed to hit the ground running in the Fall,” stated Martin Mulkerrins.
Southwest Hall of Fame Induction: The Texas A&M Handball Club congratulates Aggie legend and Handball legend, Priscilla Shumate, who was inducted into the USHA SW Handball Hall of Fame during the banquet on Saturday Night.
The Club would like to thank final year student intern Tommy Ball, who did a wonderful job as the tournament director and all our generous sponsors, in particular the Houston Handball Club for their significant contributions in making this large event possible.
Race 4 Eight Pre Qualifier explained HERE
Follow all of the brackets from the 2026 Aggieland Classic Race 4 Eight Pre Qualifiers & Randolph Cup HERE
Pictures courtesy of Eilish Owens
Written by Martin Mulkerrins