Marshall inducted into Missouri handball hall of fame

TOPEKA -- In an awards ceremony held recently at the prestigious Missouri Athletic Club in downtown St. Louis, State Senator Bob Marshall, R-Fort Scott, was inducted into the Missouri State Handball Association (MSHA) Hall of Fame.

Marshall said, "Of course I am humbled and gratified to be given this honor. I have received so much enjoyment over the years from playing the game, from bringing together others who like to compete, and from introducing the sport to those who have never played it. It is one of those sports you can pursue throughout your life; it can help keep you fit, both mentally and physically. I'm grateful to the MSHA for this recognition."

Sen. Marshall has twice been the Kansas state singles champion and has been the doubles champion five times. He has also won his age group in a number of championships in Kansas and in tournaments around the nation, including Atlanta and Jacksonville, Fla. He has won singles, doubles and age group titles in the All Marine Championships and also in North and South Carolina, back when he was a resident of North Carolina.

He led the successful fundraising effort to build four handball courts at the Prairie Village YMCA. He ran handball tournaments and promoted handball competition in leagues in the Kansas City Metro Area. Sen. Marshall continues to play as a member of the Overland Park Athletic Club.

The MSHA Hall of Fame started in 1980. The Association includes the metropolitan areas of Kansas City, Mo., and St. Louis.