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Sal Duenas Is a Handball Wizard
The Santa Ana native is king of Orange County's handball courts—but can he go further and bring the sport some much-needed respect?
The day goes on with trash-talk, wads of cash wagered among spectators, and people getting drunker by the hour. Dueñas couldn't find any referees or even someone to monitor the matches; instead, players report to him who won and who lost. The tournament continues through the weekend, and Dueñas comes in fifth place, taking home no cash, probably even losing some. Nevertheless, Dueñas looks triumphant. "Look how many people came out!" he says. And tomorrow, he has a match scheduled at Canyon Terrace Health Club in Tustin for cash.
Dueñas' next goal: to make handball an Olympic sport in 2016. It's a long shot—according to Cruz, it "doesn't got a prayer"—but Dueñas says if just two more countries participate, handball will get Olympic approval, and when it does, he plans to suit up. "I'm not giving up hope on this," he says. "Right now, I'm playing better than I've ever played. I don't stumble; I don't fall on the floor and dive. And I can play one way one day and a totally different way the next. I don't want anyone to learn my game.
Ediphotoeye
Ediphotoeye
"Sometimes, I think, man," he concludes, "if only I played tennis, I'd be a freakin' star."
This article appeared in print as "Handball Wizard: Sal Dueñas is the king of Orange County’s handball courts—but can he go further and bring the sport some much-needed respect?"
14 comments
This article is awesome. I'm happy for you Sal and I know you will go far and be very successful!
Look, I could give two craps about handball... but Sal Duenas is undeniably HOT! I hope he is at least bi-curious because I would love to test out the elastic on his shorts. I would get on my knees for him anytime. Seriously, I've used these pics to pleasure myself about 5 times this week. He is such a cutie.
man i agree, these pics are awesome! love the article, i feel like i'm actually at one of his matches. pretty impressive.
Wow! Very nice Sal very nice ;) I'm impressed! I am still going to hold u up to taking me with u one of these days so I can see u in action ;) Cassie
hey right on thanks Julie, ALL, please feel free to add me on facebook or say whats up! facebook.com/salduenas
Those photos are awesome. I always thought no one ever used handball courts when I would go running. That's cool that there's a whole community developed around handball culture. Better than having kids run around looking for mischief.
I agree this sports is getting day by day the fame and people are now loving it much more than that they do before, its a good sign and i think its a really unique idea as well for promoting.
That's a good nickname for you Sal, El Mago de Big Blue 3-Wall Handball. Thanks Michelle, that was a well written and entertaining article.
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