Los Cab Sports Village

2 ❘ LOS CAB LIFE ❘ September 2017 HOLDING COURT ■ LOS CAB'S GARY CRUZ ENTERS THE HANDBALL HALL OF FAME G ary Cruz, who's had a hand in the growth of handball both locally and nationally for decades, has earned the sport's highest honor: induction into the Handball Hall of Fame. He was enshrined during a cere- mony on July 6 for his distinguished contributions to the sport. "Naturally it ranks at the top, but it was not a life goal," said Cruz, who received a jacket and plaque commemorating the honor. "It was an accumulation of contributions that I made over about 25 years and not any one task, the accomplish- ments just mounted up." Cruz was introduced early to the game by his father, a firefighter who played often with his colleagues. He soon became enthralled. "Handball is like no other sport in that it is all about you. Expensive equipment, being tall or strong held no benefits," Cruz said. "I enjoyed that handball embraced speed, power, anticipation and shot selection. Most importantly, the people who played respected the game and played it competitively and honorably." Cruz joined Los Cab in 1987, at a time when the sport "was booming." He was 40 years old and had just moved to Newport Beach. "We had socials, leagues, parties, and, notably, I met Tom Gilbert, who knew everyone," he said. Though his influence reaches throughout handball nationwide, Cruz said he's most proud of the work he's done closer to home, such as hosting the USHA National Four- Wall seven times at Los Cab. While he was honored by the in- duction, Cruz said it wouldn't have been possible without his club. "After meeting up with Tom, we helped to rebuild handball at Los Cab and service Southern Califor- nia," he said. "The administration and ownership at Los Cab helped to make that happen. There is no club in the world, that I have seen, that supports handball like Los Cab." LEGACY ................. CELEBRATING TOM GILBERT A familiar figure in the local handball com- munity, Tom Gilbert (pic- tured) was instrumental in nearly every SoCal tournament for more than 40 years. Though he died in September 2015 at age 59, his work has not been forgotten. Tom's life and legacy will be cele- brated at the Second Annual Tom Gilbert Birthday Bash, set for Sept. 16-17 at Los Cab's handball courts. The $25 entry fee includes tour- nament play, barbecue, refreshments, prizes and giveaways. The event, which drew 120 players last year, is open to anyone who knew Tom, whether or not they play handball. "Tom was all about doing things for every- body," said event organ- izer Larry Fisher. "He was a very giving guy." • • • Along with informal competition, Los Cab's eight courts host a Hand- ball Social the last Friday of each month, as well as pro exhibitions. ...................................... > LEARN MORE about handball at Los Cab. "HANDBALL IS LIKE NO OTHER SPORT IN THAT IT IS ALL ABOUT YOU." – GARY CRUZ Gary Cruz, with plaque, surrounded by friends and family at his induction ceremony.

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