|
DYLAN HOGAN
The namesake
of the Circuit, Dylan competes for years before disappearing to the outskirts of Detroit (an outskirt itself). But his performances
in 2006 led to a most unlikely MVP award and almost a handful of KOB victories. It's as if Bob Hope won the Bob
Hope Classic. Now living in a palacial estate in Bloomfield Hills, MI, Dylan still finds his way to the beach on occasion,
and it's anyone's guess what role he will play in '07.
Dylan's Fast Facts... Dylan never expected such fanfare after his departure from the
Chicago beach volleyball scene in 2004. Having played among cab drivers, perverted photographers, and robotic women (none
of whom are currently active with The HC, for the record), he was in for quite a culture shock in Bloomfield Hills. After
his first indoor volleyball match, his entire Bloomfield Hills team went to the "club" and drank sherri while discussing the
intricacies of a vertical leap.
 DARRYL NASH
WHen he came on the North Avenue scene in 2000, Darryl carried on his perennial
old-school, sky-balling, AVP-watching, website-creating, cagey veteranly career who attributes all of his successes to a little
something called "Sinjin-uity." He was the runner-up for '06 MVP and won Performance of the Year honors with Gunnar Stapp
for their efforts in Miami in 2006. HE and Ben Killy have placed as high as 2nd on the EVP scene, 6th (out of 7!) in the international
Gay Games, and an amazing championship win at the '07 "QOB" at Hollywood Beach.
Darryl's Fast Facts... This spring would have been the official launch of the Darryl
Nash Memorial Tennis League had he not returned to the sport just in time. According to Kip Henry, the league was in its infancy
stages when Darryl was seen shopping for racquets at Sports Authority. A month later, Hogan promptly thumped him yet again,
6-1, 6-4.
GUNNAR STAPP
Named the Rookie Bachelor of the Year in 2005, Gunnar
has been riding high ever since. No one logs more mileage than Gunnar Stapp, both on the highways and byways of the Midwest,
and also in the Milwaukee social scene. Now the most recognizable Stapp on the beach, he has officially overtaken his brother
both in the Circuit rankings and in the length of hair category. The former poster boy of The HC, but now the topic of constant
tabloid scrutiny and inappropriate magazine layouts, Gunnar remains among the tour's most recognizable faces.
Gunnar's Fast Facts... When he showed up on the cover of Metro Magazine last year,
it appeared Gunnar was destined for media greatness. They loved his charisma and his metrosexual stylings. But soon after,
more headlines showed up on newsstands nationwide - "I Gave Birth to Gunnar's Love Child" was among them, as was "Gunnar and
Paris Paint Milwaukee." The distractions finally faded when he grew his hair out, and all the little teeny-boppers went scurrying
elsewhere.
 CHIH-WEN "Chino" YANG
Like a megasale at Walmart in December,
you'd best arrive early or the goods will be gone. Such is the case with Chino, who is a lock for early summer competition
before disappearing into thin air after the 4th of July. A world traveler whose game remains utterly domestic, The Man They
Call Chino has indeed perfected the role of "cameo" appearance. He still commands kudos, however, for his performance at the
'06 Miami Open, both on and off the court. At a gathering along a posh Florida promenade, Chino himself was worth the price
of admission.
Chino's Fast Facts... Did you know? Chino is famous for his suburban barbeques. Even
though it's a fair drive north from the city, party revelers maintain that Chino's bashes go unrivaled. The sizzling steak
tips, the seasoned burgers and fries, baked potatoes - not to mention bikini-clad women dancing on tables, live bands, and
skinny-dipping in his backyard kiddie pool. Of course, no one has ever been to one of these bashes, but we hear they are great.
 LUIZ SOBRINHO
For years, the Hogan Circuit has been seeking
to meet the demands of our international audience by adding some transcontinental talent to the Tour. Behold, Luiz! The Brazilian
workhorse burst onto the sand and gained the attention of fans and sponsors alike with his spectacular defense. Always willing
to take the court, rain or shine, Luiz may be the precursor to a global expansion taking The HC far beyond the beaches of
North Avenue, and his 2006 Rookie Bachelor honors place him among the elite after only one year on tour.
Luiz's Fast Facts... It seems Luiz is a folk hero in Brazil, his homeland. Having won
Rookie Bachelor honors, his countrymen celebrated with parades in the streets, 48 hour dance parties, and libations til dawn.
Brazilians decked out in elaborate costumes toured Rio de Janiero and chanted his name over and over. It was a great day for
Luiz. It was also Carnevale.
GREG LAMONICA
Greg competed on the Co-ed circuit before finally arriving
on the Mens 2s court a number of years ago. Now back amongst the singles, he's liking those Co-ed games a little more these
days while still competing on The HC tour. A stellar 2005 season earned him The HC's MVP honors. More importantly, a
freak toe injury somehow landed him a sponsorship deal with Vandelay Industries, and he became the proud spokesman for "Taste
of Lamonica" BBQ Sauces. In 2006, his season was marred by knee injuries that limited his play schedule, yet admirably, he
continued selling the sauce.
Greg's Fast Facts... Did you know? Greg is planning to compete in the 2007
Morton's World Series of Go-Fish next October. While initially hopeful of a spot in the Poker Championships,
Greg has been amazingly successful in stealing people's cards while maintaining a plethora of his own merely
by uttering the words, "Go Fish." Good luck, Greg!
|
