National Handball Championships in Fridley Crown Local Champ

Fridley was the site of the U.S. Handball Association’s national four-wall championships last month—and the winner in the 45-plus division didn't have to travel far to pick up his trophy.

The national competition was held June 21-26 at , 1200 E. Moore Lake Dr.

Tim Labey, a Roseville resident, triumphed in his age bracket by defeating Egin Jensen of Ireland 21-12 and 21-1 in the final round.

Tenacious
Labey always had talent—he won a YMCA national championship and a 23-and-under national title in the early 1980s and played professional handball for seven years before giving up the sport to raise a family and start a career.

Now 49, Labey has never lost his love and passion for the game. He also hasn't lost a step, either.

"It was fun," said Labey. "I trained pretty hard and it paid off. I ended up beating up on everybody pretty good, especially in the finals - that doesn't happen too often. It was great to play and win in front of family and friends who came and watched and supported me.”

Labey, who owns Restoration Professionals, a Twin Cities company that specializes in fire damage restoration in residential and commercial sectors, said he practiced, lifted weights, biked and went to Como Park to do sprints in preparation for the national championships.

His intensity and aggressive play is what sets him apart, he said. 

"I'm very aggressive, very offensive-minded," he said. "A lot of people have a hard time playing with me because it's hard to maintain the pace I want to play at. It can take a toll on the body, but playing tenacious is the only way I know how."

Vern Roberts, a Handball Hall of Famer and executive director of the United States Handball Hall of Fame, said it was good to see Labey back in action.

"He left the game back in the late 80s to start a family and a more lucrative career than professional handball could provide," said Roberts. "While the game missed Tim, he also missed the game, the workout and camaraderie.  It was great to see him back in shape for the nationals in his backyard of Fridley. He dominated age group play. Hopefully the competition whet his appetite for more and we'll see him again next year." 

Labey said he will continue to play and train in preparation for the 3-wall national championships this fall, and ultimately for the World Championships in Ireland in 2012.

"I love to play and will do so as long as I can," said Labey.