November, 1989

GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE Page 7

JUST JOCKS

First golf tourney

a success

by K.D. Mahnal

The first annual Lesbian-Gay Community Golf Tournament teed-off on September 23, at Cleveland Metropark's Big Met course.

....

Response to the tournament was tremendous, even though inclement weather postponed play for a week. “I'm stunned and thrilled a real diverse group of men and women I've never met," commented tournament organizer Susan Schnur. Over half of the 24 entrants were unable to play on the rain date. However, this did not dampen the enthusiasm of the golfers who challenged the Big Met course. Fortunately, the weather improved, making the experience even more enjoyable. "People who didn't play really missed a great time...

. . . we're already planning a summer league," exclaimed Schnur.

The only controversy of the day was when Big Met's manager asked Susan

Schnur to remove a sign, posted at the course entrance, welcoming golfers to the first annual lesbian-gay golf tournament, According to the manager, the sign was offensive to "some people." Schnur refused to remove the sign because she could not find the "some people" who felt insulted.

The course at Big Met is an 18-hole, 6,045 yard course. Par (total strokes) scores were 74 for the women and 72 for the men. Entry fees for the tournament were $5 for tees, balls, trophies, ball markers and $9 for the Big Met greens fee.

Maureen Thompson was named best woman golfer, while Bob Taylor captured the men's championship. The tournament also teed-off on fun and awarded Shari Bailes its "Smartest Dresser" trophy. Other participants were Dick Desmone, Rich Goudi, Jim Gruzosky, Allan Wheulon, Tony Wallner and Susan Schnur.

Volleyball is on

by K.D. Mahnal

From meager beginnings as a social group, the North Coast Volleyball League (NCVL) has begun its eighth season as an organized sport.

The league was begun in 1981, on the front lawn of Tempcraft Co., on the shores of Lake Erie, by 20 players with a strong love of the game and an undending desire to see volleyball grow within the community.

It is that desire that nurtured the slow but steady growth of the NCVL. The league now has six teams and 48 members and plays on Fridays at Cudell Recreation, at West Blvd. and Detroit, from 9 p.m. to midight.

A blend of competition, camaraderie, and fun, the league encompasses all ability levels, from novice to skilled. The league holds a two-week orientation on rules and techniques prior to the start of the season. Players are then evaluated on skill level and placed into three categories: skilled, average, and new players. A lottery process places an even number of participants from each skill level on teams.

The NCVL's purpose, however, reaches beyond volleyball. Its goal, according to NCVL Commissioner Alex Bruchac, is “to get more and more of the community involved." The league encourages both men and women to compete together. "I like to see an interaction within the community,” continues Bruchac, "I don't like to see isola-

tion."

Teams play three-game matches. The winner of at least two games takes the match. Games may go to 15 points with a two-point victory margin. Each week, two teams compete in a doubleheader, and, on a rotating basis, the teams assist the United States Volley Ball Association referees with officiating. Sponsors fees are $125, while each player contributes $15 for the entire 12-week session.

In opening week games, Over the Rainbow rallied from a first game loss to beat Team #6, with sores of 9-15, 15-11 and 15-13. Five Cent Decision swept three game from Keys 15-12, 15-7 and 11-3. In their second match of the night, Five Cent rallied from behind to defeat U4Ia two games to one 6-15, 15-10 and 15-13. Rainbow then defeated Team #2 in the nightcap 15-7, 15-12 and 15-2.

In games played Oct. 6, Team #2 won their first match of the season, defeating Keys 3-15, 16-14 and 15-11. Over the Rainbow then handed Keys their second match loss of the evening, 14-16, 15-0 and 15-8. Five Cent and U41a each won by forfeit scores of 15-0 for all three games against Team #6, who did not have enough players for either match.

The league invites the community to watch the fun! A social volleyball group also meets on Sundays at the YMCA, W. 32 and Franklin Blvd. Games begin at 2 p.m. and everyone is encouraged to participate. ▼

Photo by K.D. Mahnal

Karen Venus of the 5 Cent Gang breaks up the middle for a first down, as Mr. Morrison's defense led by Jo Salvatore pursues.

Touchdown!

by K.D. Mahnal

This is the cry heard on Sundays as the Ladies' Touch Football League enters into its its fourth year and second fall season.

The league was founded by Cindy Pizzino after the women's Professional Tackle League, in which she participated, disbanded. Pizzino was determined to see football survive in Cleveland, but realized a softer, less physical format would enhance league growth. An adaptation of Canadian Touch rules provided the best of both worlds. "The goal of Ladies' Touch is to represent those women who can combine fun, skill, and knowledge successfully in a competitive sport, without internal turmoil," states Pizzino.

The fall league has four teams, each with a minimum roster of ten players. Seven players are active on the field, which measures 45 by 80 yards, at any given time. "The fall season has raised the awareness level that the women's league exists," comments Pizzino in response to the fall turnout. The league also operates a spring session, which has grown from three to five teams.

Opening week competition took place on Sept. 17, and saw Axxion's defeat ALT+1 by a score of 18-7. Then, 5-cent Gang defeated Mr. Morrison's 12-6, as Cathy Starcher returned a shanked seven yard punt for a touchdown (TD) late in the fourth quarter, to provide the margin of victory.

In games played Sept. 24, Axxion's blanked Mr. Morrison's,

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16-0. Axxion's quarterback, Laura F., completed 11 of 20 passes for 148 yards, one TD, and a pair of two point conversions. Point after touchdown conversions are passing or running plays, instead of kicks. On defense, Axxion's Donna B. had three interceptions, one for a 40yard touchdown. ALT +1 then handed 5-cent Gang its' first loss, 26-20, in a game that went into overtime. Judy M. of ALT+1 caught the winning TD pass from Laura F., who completed 16 of 27 passes for 204 yards.

In a close contest on Oct. 1, Axxion's squeaked by 5-cent Gang, 15-12. Excellent defensive play by Angela Lanzilotta and Shari Pearce of 5-cent, who combined for six quarterback sacks, could not overcome Axxion's offensive attack. 5cent quarterback Lisa Anderson was also intercepted, as an Axxion player returned the pass 25 yards for a TD to help seal the victory. Second game action saw ALT+1 crush Mr. Morrison's, 44-0. Mr. Morrison's never got on track as ALT +1 quarterback Laura S. threw for 305 yards, five TDs, and scampered into the end zone for a 10-yard score. ALT+1 receiver Chris R. had 120 yards and three TDs, while teammate Chris D. added 60 yards and two TD's to the offensive explosion.

Send all sports inquires and scores to: The Chronicle, K.D.Mahnal, P.O. Box 556, Edgewater Branch, Lakewood, OH 44107.

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