WPH Press, July 30, 2018- Now in its tenth year, the Hope in Handball youth initiative continues to inspire young people to develop life skills, discipline, camaraderie, friendships, and an active lifestyle through handball in Eastern PA. Led by David Botero, Hope in Handball has provided life skills for his Jr members and continues to inspire future groups.

Hope in Handball recently hosted a one-day 1-Wall tournament on the newly renovated Evergreen Street Court in Harrisburg to encourage new players to handball. “This tournament was an invitation for the community to come out, enjoy handball whether you’re playing it or watching it, have fun with the family, and showcase and demonstrate your skills on the court,” stated Hope in Handball founder David Botero, speaking to CBS 21 News. “We have a lot of talented players in the Harrisburg area.”

Story on Hope in Handball on CBS 21 News HERE

Hope in Handball also hosted a summer camp in July, in which Hope in Handball current team members and recent graduates served as coaches and mentors to youngsters playing handball for the first time.  “There was a lot of interest amongst the new players to continue playing,” stated Botero. “Our coaches used the WPH Coaching Manual for drills and ideas. Eight kids want to continue coming to our weekly program, planting those seeds!”

In addition to hosting community-building tournaments and summer camps, Hope in Handball meets once a week for handball practice at the Harrisburg YMCA.

The WPH is proud to have hosted Hope in Handball at several tournaments in PA, as well as providing instruction, equipment, and coaching training to the sensational Harrisburg youth development program. “I have been fortunate to have known Dave Botero for nearly 10 years and I am always overwhelmed and inspired by his passion for handball and developing the next generation of community leaders,” stated WPH Development Director David Fink. “Dave is truly one of the best ambassadors in handball and our sport is so fortunate that Dave is involved in such a major way. Thank you to Dave and all of the Hope in Handball mentors, players, and volunteers for making such a positive difference through handball in Harrisburg.”

Pictured: Hope in Handball 1-Wall tournament on the Evergreen Street Court, Hope in Handball weekly YMCA clinics, Hope in Handball founder Dave Botero picking up a game with WPH mega donor Rodney Fink. Photos courtesy of Hope in Handball and Dave Botero.

Keep an eye out on juniorhandball.org, as new clinic opportunities and recaps pop up weekly. Want to coach a clinic or a junior handball program? Need more information regarding junior handball? The Junior WPH group spans multiple countries, continents and oceans with clinics happening daily. We can help! Contact WPH Development Director David Fink at david.fink@wphlive.tv

To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments across North America with Certified WPH Coaches, the World Players of Handball invites you to make a tax-deductible donation today in supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development.  Donate on-line here, or send your generous gifts through PayPal (extremehandball@cs.com) or by mailing checks to:  WPH, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718.

Los Angeles, CA, WPH Press, 7/22/18– JR WPH proudly hosted a jr handball clinic at the JR Vazquez CA State 3 Wall Doubles Championships for the f4th consecutive summer, with WPH cross over stars Shorty Ruiz and Mando Ortiz mentoring nearly two dozen SoCal jr handball stars. The two SoCal handball superstars provided the youngsters with the thrill of a lifetime, as the aspiring handball players learned the sidearm stroke and the serve from the two greats.

“I am always happy to coach the next generation of players,” stated 3-time 3WallBall World Champion Short Ruiz. “The kids are the most important part of this game because they will be the ones to keep this game going, so I’m always happy to help the youngsters learn and enjoy the game more.”

Keep an eye out on juniorhandball.org, as new clinic opportunities and recaps pop up weekly. Want to coach a clinic or a junior handball program? Need more information regarding junior handball? The Junior WPH group spans multiple countries, continents and oceans with clinics happening daily. We can help! Contact WPH Development Director David Fink at david.fink@wphlive.tv

To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments across North America with Certified WPH Coaches, the World Players of Handball invites you to make a tax-deductible donation today in supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development.  Donate on-line here, or send your generous gifts through PayPal (extremehandball@cs.com) or by mailing checks to:  WPH, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718.

WPH Press, Tucson, AZ, 7/17/18– JR WPH was thrilled to coach jr handball clinics for the Lohse Downtown Family YMCA Summer Camp in Tucson, AZ, with world class handball instruction from JR WPH Certified Coaches. The first-time Lohse summer camp players learned the basics of handball; on throwing and hitting the ball with both hands and then rallying and playing short-court points. The youngsters also participated in several physical fitness activities, to include relay-races, burpees, mountain climbers, and side-to-side jumps.

“JR WPH has held winter junior handball clinics at the Lohse YMCA and we were excited to introduce handball to the Lohse YMCA summer campers this summer,” stated WPH Development Director David Fink. “The youngsters really enjoyed playing handball for the first time and many of them improved dramatically from the beginning to the end of the clinics.”

“A few of the kids were apprehensive about playing handball for the first time and each of them told me after the clinics how much fun they had,” stated Lohse YMCA Camp Director Kendra Whetton.

Keep an eye out on juniorhandball.org, as new clinic opportunities and recaps pop up weekly. Want to coach a clinic or a junior handball program? Need more information regarding junior handball? The Junior WPH group spans multiple countries, continents and oceans with clinics happening daily. We can help! Contact WPH Development Director David Fink at david.fink@wphlive.tv

To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments across North America with Certified WPH Coaches, the World Players of Handball invites you to make a tax-deductible donation today in supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development.  Donate on-line here, or send your generous gifts through PayPal (extremehandball@cs.com) or by mailing checks to:  WPH, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718.

Juarez, Mex, WPH Press, 6/19/18– JR WPH was thrilled to host an outstanding junior handball clinic at the 2018 WPH/E4 Torneo de Handball, featuring more than a dozen junior handball players coached by several of the Race 4 Eight’s Elite on the second weekend in June.

Race 4 Eight stars Luis Cordova, Daniel Cordova, Sean Lenning, Mando Ortiz, Shorty Ruiz, Dr. Ashley Moler and JR WPH Juarez Head Handball Coach and 2017 JR WPH Coach of the Year Drft Fernandez led the clinic for the enthusiastic youngsters, focusing on proper form to hit the ball, effective beginner serves, and first-strike kill shots following a good serve. “We first had the kids throwing the ball and explained how the throwing motion should be the same as the motion when you hit the ball,” stated R48 #6 and 2017 & 2018 Torneo de Handball champion Lucho Cordova. “The clinic was really fun and the kids loved it. After the instruction the pros signed autographs for the youngsters, mingled, and played cross court two-bounce. 

At next year’s Torneo de Handball, we are going to try to incorporate a JR/Pro doubles to give the kids the opportunity to play with and against the pros.”

Thank you to Luis and Daniel Cordova, Sean Lenning, Mando Ortiz, Shorty Ruiz, and Dr. Ashley moler for giving the youngsters the thrill of a lifetime in sharing the court and learning from the world’s best players. Thank you to AreLee Cano de Cordova for the pictures. Special thanks to JR WPH Juarez coach Drft Fernandez for inspiring the youngsters on a daily basis, organizing clinics, traveling with the youngsters to tournaments, and everything Drft does to make the JR WPH Juarez junior handball program one of the best junior handball programs in the world.

Photos courtesy of AreLee Cano de Cordova

Keep an eye out on juniorhandball.org, as new clinic opportunities and recaps pop up weekly. Want to coach a clinic or a junior handball program? Need more information regarding junior handball? The Junior WPH group spans multiple countries, continents and oceans with clinics happening daily. We can help! Contact WPH Development Director David Fink at david.fink@wphlive.tv

To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments across North America with Certified WPH Coaches, the World Players of Handball invites you to make a tax-deductible donation today in supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development.  Donate on-line here, or send your generous gifts through PayPal (extremehandball@cs.com) or by mailing checks to:  WPH, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718.

Pensacola, FL, WPH Press, 5/22/18- The University of West Florida’s handball team enjoyed a sensational ’18 USHA Collegiate National Tournament, taking 2nd place in DII and 6th overall on the back of Sierra Hansen’s All-American performance; becoming the first UWF player to reach the open, as well as Argo stars Zach Babcock, Ryan Gaynor, Annie Wallace, and Alan Moore making the semifinals in their respective skill divisions.

In addition to the USHA Collegiate Nationals, the UWF Argos held tournaments and clinics at the UWF Rec Center during the 2017/2018 season, including a WPH-sponsored clinic from R48 #1 Killian Carroll, while also traveling to major handball tournaments in Texas and Missouri. The Argos not only improved their handball games, but also gained experience and built friendships with fellow handballers in the Southeast and Midwest.

The JR WPH sponsored UWF Argonauts have an exciting summer and fall planned, as the UWF handball fanatics will introduce new players at the Argos Kids Camp for youngsters between the ages of 6-15 and host freshman handball orientations at the start of school in the fall. “A lot of our players caught up on coursework after the collegiate nationals to wrap up the spring semester, but we’re all looking forward to getting back on the courts this summer,” stated UWF Handball Club founder and 2017 JR WPH Collegiate Coach of the Year Michael Morgan. “On top of coaching at the Argos Kids Camp and introducing new players at freshman orientation, we’ll start practicing regularly and hold a tournament or two during the summer months.”

UWF is one of the most active collegiate handball programs in the country and JR WPH is thrilled to support the Argos. Keep up the great work!

Keep an eye out on juniorhandball.org, as new clinic opportunities and recaps pop up weekly. Want to coach a clinic or a junior handball program? Need more information regarding junior handball? The Junior WPH group spans multiple countries, continents and oceans with clinics happening daily. We can help! Contact WPH Development Director David Fink at david.fink@wphlive.tv

To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments across North America with Certified WPH Coaches, the World Players of Handball invites you to make a tax-deductible donation today in supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development.  Donate on-line here, or send your generous gifts through PayPal (extremehandball@cs.com) or by mailing checks to:  WPH, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718.

ASU, Tempe, AZ, 4/24/18– Twenty nine competitors from Phoenix and Tucson squared off across four divisions in a one day event that tested player’s skills in both big ball and small ball.  This “Homework & Handball” tournament is part of a series of events developed by the Sun Devil Handball Club at ASU.  This program encourages excellence in academics as well as handball because ASU is interested in the development of the complete student athlete.

After introductory remarks on sportsmanship, effort and learning, the players were given an ASU swag bag with eye guards, balls, t-shirt, gloves and college admission info.  The morning event featured a big ball tournament where each competitor had three matches against opponents with closely matched skills.  The players battled nonstop on ten courts at the beautiful Sun Devil Fitness Complex. 

At 12:30 pm, the big ball competition finished and competitors, coaches and volunteers enjoyed a 90-minute lunch break.  During the last 30 minutes of the break, the Sun Devils helped high school students understand the opportunities available in college. 

Then the “me3” app was demonstrated, which helps high school students explore majors and careers that fit their interests and passions. This allows the student to design an academic pathway to the future that they want.

Then it was back in to the courts for small ball action.  The afternoon format was similar to the morning only with a smaller, quicker blue ball!

Student-athletes participated from Carl Hayden HS, Camelback HS, South Mountain HS, the Fred Lewis Foundation and ASU. Jesus Castillo (CHHS) slammed, winning two Contender division events.  Rodrigo Silva (CHHS) and Alejandro Sandoval (FLF) came up big on the day by splitting the Elite division big ball and small ball championships between them.

Special thanks to the coaches and volunteers including Chris Hogan, Abe Montijo, Don Stewart, Jim Reitmyer, Ben Fernandez, Fred Lewis and members of the Sun Devil Handball Club.

Big Ball Championship Results

Elite: Rodrigo Silva (CHHS) def Alejandro Sandoval (FLF)

Challenger: Fernando Hernandez def Belisa Camacho (FLF)

Contender: Jesus Castillo (CHHS) def Chris Cedeno (CHHS)

Successor: Camron Thompson (FLF) def Ben Fernandez (Phx)

Small Ball Championship Results

Elite: Alejandro Sandoval (FLF) def Rodrigo Silva (CHHS)

Challenger: Angel Mariscal (FLF) def Frank Huerta (CBHS)

Contender: Jesus Castillo (CHHS) def Eliezer Hernandez (CHHS)

Successor: Luis Madrigal (CHHS) def Carlos Ortiz (CHHS)

SEE ATTACHED Power Point for the full story and pictures

Dan Willeford

ASU Head Handball Coach

Buena Park, CA, WPH Press, 3/20/18– JR WPH was thrilled to present a fun junior handball clinic and tournament for 20 junior handball players in Buena Park, CA on the third Sunday in March. Pro Players led the clinic for the young future stars; emphasizing the value of good footwork and fundamentals, hydrating during matches, and always having fun on the court. Coach Duenas also stressed the importance of being humble, playing with integrity and sportsmanship, and respecting your opponent.

The youngsters had the opportunity to demonstrate what they learned in the junior singles tournament that followed the clinic. The 20 youngsters competed in four divisions, with all of the passionate junior players displaying outstanding sportsmanship and skills.

19 and under

Champion: Jesus Mendez

Finalist: Freddy Espindola

16 and under

Champion: Jesus Mendez

Finalist: Daniel Barrientos

13 and under

Champion: Eddie Rocha, Jr.

Finalist: Moises Barrientos

11 and under

Champion: Matthew Garcia

Finalist: John Garcia

Thank you to Tom Flores for organizing the clinic, Coach Duenas for coaching the clinics, and to all of the junior players and parents for participating.

Keep an eye out on juniorhandball.org, as new clinic opportunities and recaps pop up weekly. Want to coach a clinic or a junior handball program? Need more information regarding junior handball? The Junior WPH group spans multiple countries, continents and oceans with clinics happening daily. We can help! Contact WPH Development Director David Fink at david.fink@wphlive.tv

To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments across North America with Certified WPH Coaches, the World Players of Handball invites you to make a tax-deductible donation today in supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development.  Donate on-line here, or send your generous gifts through PayPal (extremehandball@cs.com) or by mailing checks to:  WPH, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718.

Juarez, MEX, WPH Press, 2/18- JR WPH Juarez hosted a five-week junior handball tournament, starting in mid – January and ending on February 18, featuring 21 junior handball players from the JR WPH Juarez program. 2017 JR WPH Coach of the Year and JR WPH Juarez head coach Richie “Drft” Fernandez organized the five-week extravaganza, providing the junior players with various handball formats tailored to the level and age of the players. The more experienced players played full-court, while the less experienced players played the popular half-court “2 Bounce” game.

“I’ve had an opportunity to watch the Juarez youngsters play for several years and I am so impressed with their improvements and passion for the sport,” stated WPH Development Director David Fink. “The Juarez juniors are absolutely incredible to watch, both for their handball skills and their tremendous sportsmanship and eagerness to improve. Thank you to JR WPH Juarez and Coach Drft for providing opportunities for so many youngsters to learn and play handball in a positive, family-friendly, and structured program that emphasizes the importance of teamwork, camaraderie, discipline, and developing a physically active lifestyle through handball.”

JR WPH Juarez 5-Week Tournament Results

Group 1
1-Alejandro Garcia Jr (Froggy)
2-Andres Cordoba
3-Jose Villa Soto (Cheche)
4-Eder Renteria
5-Sebastian
6-Gabriel
7-Angel Araiza (Blondie)
8-Diego Hernandez
9-Esteban
10-Roberto

Group 2
1-Astrid Hernandez
2-Andres Araiza
3-Leo Galarza
4-Chuyito
5-Rafa
6-ball
7-Wendy Chavez
8-heimy
9-Jose
10-Daniel-Iveth
11-Emiliano Araiza

Look for JR WPH Juarez to be back in action against Tucson’s Fred Lewis Foundation in the next installment of the “Battle of the Border” later this year.

Keep an eye out on juniorhandball.org, as new clinic opportunities and recaps pop up weekly. Want to coach a clinic or a junior handball program? Need more information regarding junior handball? The Junior WPH group spans multiple countries, continents and oceans with clinics happening daily. We can help! Contact WPH Development Director David Fink at david.fink@wphlive.tv

To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments across North America with Certified WPH Coaches, the World Players of Handball invites you to make a tax-deductible donation today in supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development.  Donate on-line here, or send your generous gifts through PayPal (extremehandball@cs.com) or by mailing checks to:  WPH, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718.