Coach W and Charlie, US Open Circa 2017
Editor’s Note: This happened back in 2021 but this guy made an impact on our sport nation-wide.
It was a sad day for me yesterday and my heart is heavy today. I am doing my thing, coaching up folks when the phone rings and my friend, Leo calls me with the news Charlie Garfinkle passed away. This was written some time ago for my tip of the day and I reprint it in honor of Charlie, competitor and friend.
Awhile back an old photo of me winning the 35 age division in Fishkill, NY circa 1981. surfaced. This was a significant match for me personally.
In 1973 I played my first tournament ever. I was a senior in College. I played the #3 ranked player in the world at that time, Charlie Garfinkle, now a Hall of Fame member. He beat me 21-8, 21-6 or something like that. I was so excited because I knew I could beat him.
My attitude was “if he is number three” I can play with the big boys. Two years went by and I never won a match. I got beat in the first round almost every match I played. (no skill divisions back then-open only) finally I had a break-through and ended in the finals vs Charlie. I lost a close tie-breaker.
What followed was five more years of tie-breaker losses. Finally I beat him. The best part was the next year I beat him again and that one was more satisfying. After that, it was all Charlie. My life time record vs Charlie is 2 wins and so many losses I cannot count them (but he probably could!). All of our matches were close because of the way we matched up. Me being 5’9″ vs his 6’6″ spelled doom on the ceiling! His ceiling ball was hit from the chest on his frame and over my head on mine!
After I finally beat him I wrote an article in the NY local racquetball paper and thanked him. I told the truth. Charlie made us all elevate our game in Western New York. Two National champions came out of that area due to Charlie’s indirect influence. So if you have someone who always wins in your area, be thankful. That player elevates your game. And that player deserves your respect!
RIP HOF’er Charlie Garfinkle, fellow Upstate New Yorker