disclaimer-this is a mythical letter–so do not try to find the player in Texas! haha)
Coach Help-one player in my State is winning all the tournaments. We cannot beat this player. What to do?
Signed,
Ticked off in Texas
Dear “Ticked off”,
(Editor’s note:
Charles Garfinkle passed away some time ago. This post was written circa 2018. RIP to a great opponent and greater friend, Charlie Garfinkle.)
Awhile back someone posted an old clipping of me winning the 35 age division in Fishkill, NY circa 1981. (photo above) This was a significant match for me personally. Stay with me here because this good player thing affects all of us!
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 inductee. 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 in 1981 I beat him. In 1982 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. Usually being 5’9″ vs 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!
Go get’em tiger!!
Coach W