Java Skills: Anyone?

Hey if anyone has java programing knowledge I need your help. I am in the process of creating a java program that creates brackets for our tournaments. I need to figure out a few things:

How can i store a persistent database that stores all previous information held in the "Player" class so I dont have to re-enter the information every time i run the program?

How can i enhance the program to selectively pair players based on league rank?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Answer to question 1. import java.sql.* and create a database class for connection to the database.
Answer to question 2. change your result set to something like this "select from player where player.rank=gold" //for gold players, player.rank=bronze and so on