Barbara Canton-Jackson
by Ben Brighton

	Click for bigger picture
	Barbara during the 2001 USHA Nationals

Think of some the famous teams in show business - Abbott and Costello, Martin and Lewis. Although they got top billing, Bud Abbott and Dean Martin were considered supporting players to their funnier counterparts. Each partner was instrumental to the success of the team. And so it goes with the doubles team of Dori Ten and Barbara Canton. Although Dori may be more well known, from playing in Brighton's famed West 5th St. courts and being married to Albert Apuzzi, "B" is an equal partner in the Dori-Barbara corporation. Fives times National Doubles Champion and 2000 World Doubles Champion (with Dori) and two time National Singles Champion (over Dori) is an impressive handball resume.

A powerfully built women, her strength is driving the ball which sets Dori up to make a "kill." Add a good left hand, her size, a coolness under pressure and the left side of the court is in great hands. She plays in 3 and 4-wall events to keep fit year round and enjoys the camaraderie of her fellow players. "B" and "Tenny" are like sisters off the court displaying a chemistry that clearly contributes to their on court success.

Barbara is equally successful off the court. She always has her child with her, dividing her attention from the game to Mark's needs. Demands on her time placed there by family considerations and career goals (she has a successful career in the Brokerage Industry) forced her to drop out of competitive singles play and concentrate solely on doubles.

Where Martin and Lewis broke up after ten years Barbara and Dori are still going strong after over a decade and have many more years ahead of them.

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