Vic Di Luzio

Vic Di Luzio, at the height of his power, is the best Victorian player ever. He was handball skill personified. He was fast and fiery with beautiful balance and Vic always seemed in control. He was light footed. He anticipated. Vic played top level squash which we think influenced his game a lot because he often used the side wall to catch his opponents wrong footed. He was the master of the spin serve and sometimes ended a rally with a spin shot. That changed the game. That made opponents change their tactics and others imitate. Vic could probably be the best two-handed player ever with extraordinary control open or closed fist. There was something purring, aggressive, powerful and rhythmic about his approach. That made him a champion.

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I won my first Victorian and Australian title in 1960 playing with the late and great Jack Hughes. Winning my first Australian 3 wall open title in 1960 as an 18 ear old is imprinted on my memory. I then had great battles with Geoff Walsh for the Victorian titles. I had great partners in Warren Pipkorn, Fred Italiano and Peter Yurrita. I am very proud of the fact that I competed in the finals of the Victorian singles and doubles championships between 1960 and 1980 and won more than my fair share of them.

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I could go on forever regarding my Australian titles matches, with Paul Fallon, Lou Ravesi, and Paul Sweeney.

But that may have to be for another time.

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Going to Ireland in 1970, for my first world championship, was a huge highlight and there I was playing against world class champions Pat Kirby and Joey Maher. Living and training in Dublin for a couple of months during and after those championships I feel, made me a far better player.

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When my three wall career finished I was ever grateful for indoor courts which had been built in Melbourne and allowed me to keep playing. I could attend world championships, even to this day.

The game has changed in the 60 plus years that l've been playing. Handball has been a huge part of my life From three wall, to 4 wall, and now it seems as if the one wall game will progress all over the world. I'm grateful for the experiences.

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Vic