JR WPH at The Aces

Posted on May 8, 2023May 8, 2023 by DV

Salt Lake City, Utah, WPH Press, May 8th, 2023-

Junior WPH was thrilled to host a collegiate clinic for the Utah State University Aggies at the 2023 WPH Aces Player’s Championship, this past weekend. World Player’s of Handball Foundation Master-instructor David Fink and 2023 Race-for-eight Rookie Player-of-the-Year Mark Doyle led the clinic for the enthusiastic collegiate players at the Sports Mall, home to the Aces Player’s Championship. Fink and Doyle discussed and demonstrated strategies to develop consistently solid contact, the footwork for the power serve, how to play the ball off the back wall, and lob serve techniques. Following the instruction, the players had a chance to try to return Doyle’s power serve, with several returning the Rookie of the Year’s best serves down the left.

“We love having the opportunity to coach players at the Race 4 Eight events,” stated Fink. “All of the pros have been inspired by the pros before them, and we are thrilled to inspire the next generation of players.”

Thank you to the Utah State Handball Aggies for their passion for the game.

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 (HERE) or by mailing checks to: WPH, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718.

Become a handball insider by enjoying never before seen videos, pro commentary, special awards, Sports Casts archives and new episodes, live broadcasts, and much more by supporting the WPH and inspiring the next generation of players through the WPH Patreon program.

Become a WPH Patreon HERE

David Fink

WPH Senior Writer

JR WPH Spring Classic

Posted on May 8, 2023May 8, 2023 by DV

Brooklyn, New York, Junior-WPH Press, 5/8/23

Junior WPH was thrilled to sponsor the 2023 St. John’s WallBall Association & Junior- WPH Spring Classic at St. John’s Park on May 6 in Brooklyn, New York. This junior mega-event featured junior boys and girls 1-Wall Big Ball singles-and-doubles, with sixty junior handball players competing on a beautiful Saturday in Brooklyn.

The juniors played throughout the day on Saturday at St. John’s Park, with the players demonstrating tremendous skill, sportsmanship, and passion for the game.

2017 WPH Volunteer of the Year Veronica Figueroa hosted the 2023 St. John’s WallBall Association & JR WPH Spring Classic, promoting and organizing the event, in addition to running the event. “This was the fifth event we have thrown with JR WPH and each event has been a huge success,” stated Veronica. “I want to thank the WPH and all of the sponsors who made this event possible. When I went to these organizations and sponsors, they didn’t hesitate to donate. We hope next year will be even bigger.”

“JR WPH was thrilled to team up with Ms. V for the fifth time in hosting this junior mega event,” stated the WPH’s David Fink. “Ms. V. is a huge part of the New York handball community, serving as a promoter, ambassador, volunteer, and tournament director and JR WPH is honored to run events with the St. John’s WallBall Association and all of the sponsors who made this event such a huge success.”

2023 St. John’s WallBall Association & JR WPH Spring Classic Champions & Finalists

Girls

18-and-under girls singles champion: Jenna Santiago

18-and-under girls singles finalist: Ariana

18-and-under girls doubles champions: Jenna and Kennedi

18-and-under girls doubles finalists: Madison and Nyliayah

16-and-under girls singles champion: Tiffany

16-and-under girls singles finalist: Kennedi

16-and-under girls singles doubles champions: Katherine and Hillary

16-and-under girls singles doubles finalists: Anna and Kelly

Boys

18-and-under boys singles champion: Nicholes

18-and-under boys singles finalist: Danny

18-and-under boys doubles champions: Danny and David Z

16-and-under boys doubles finalists: Ervin and Nicholes

16-and-under boys doubles champions: Carlos and Andy

16-and-under boys doubles finalists: Aiden and Rob

Sponsors

JR WPH

St. John’s Wallball Association

St. Albans Handball Association

Handball Toast Promotions

Inner City Handball Association

United States Handball Association

Castle Hill Handball Association

Impact Pro Handball Association

Long Island Heat Paddelball Organization

Roger (Wingate)

Broadway Anna (Florida)

Thank you to Veronica, JR WPH, and all of the sponsors who provided the opportunity for 60 junior handball players to enjoy a wonderful tournament.

Become a WPH Patreon HERE

David Fink

WPH Senior Writer

JR WPH Clinic in Mexico

Posted on April 4, 2023April 4, 2023 by DV

Juarez, Mexico, WPH Press, April 1st, 2023: Junior WPH was thrilled to coach twelve of Juarez’s best junior players in a special junior clinic at the 2023 WPH-Juarez R48LTE, as the WPH’s David Fink and R48 pro Stephen Cooney taught the corner kill, played King-of-the-Court doubles and organized target-hitting competitions. Each of the junior players took turns practicing the corner kill, learning to turn sideways and step with their front foot towards the side wall. The kid’s faces lit up when they had a chance to team with the pros in doubles, as several of the kids killed balls right in front of the coaches. The clinic wrapped up with the kids trying to hit targets.

“This is the reason we run the Race 4 Eight tour, to inspire the next generation of players,” stated Fink. “We love seeing the enthusiasm and smiling faces and hope to see these youngsters on the tour in the next few years.”

All of the juniors played in junior singles brackets at the 2023 R48LTE Juarez as well, showcasing the future of the sport. “The highlight of any tournament is seeing new players, especially when those new players are enthusiastic junior players,” stated WPH Executive Director Dave Vincent.

JR WPH is proud to have supported the JR WPH Juarez program for the past decade.

Become a WPH Patreon HERE

Carl Hayden High & JR WPH

Posted on March 29, 2023March 29, 2023 by DV

Phoenix, Arizona, Press- Junior WPH returned to Carl Hayden High School to conduct multiple-clinics during the two Hayden High School lunch periods on the last Tuesday in March, in Phoenix, Arizona. Under the direction of Coach Chris Hogan, Carl Hayden High School has become one of the most vibrant and well-organized high school handball programs in the country, as the high school players play daily at school with several in-school tournaments during the school year, in addition to traveling throughout Arizona to play events.

The WPH’s David Fink jumped right into the courts during the two Carl Hayden lunch periods, playing small ball and big ball singles and doubles. Fink offered some advice to the high school players, but mostly faced a gauntlet of challengers throughout his two hours on campus.

“We always love having the WPH visit our school,” stated Carl Hayden head handball coach Chris Hogan. “I introduced small ball to some of the kids a few weeks ago and they really loved it. A bunch of our more experienced players have “senior-itis” but are starting to come back to the courts. We also have some new players. The kids love having David’s time, presence, and connectivity. It’s amazing. David does such a good job and we are blessed when he is on campus.”

“JR WPH is proud to support Coach Chris Hogan and the Carl Hayden handball program,” stated WPH Development Director David Fink. “Chris has worked passionately and tirelessly to promote handball at his school and having the opportunity to visit the Carl Hayden campus and play with the kids is a thrill. Several of the kids have a lot of game.”

In the last four months, the Falcons have played in Don Stewart’s Phoenix 3-Wall Shootout (February), the WPH Tucson Memorial, and the WPH R48 Icebreaker (HERE), and will head to Tucson on April 15 for the USHA Hall of Fame/WPH R48LTE.

JR WPH is proud to support the Carl Hayden Handball Program, hosting the players several times each year at Tucson events and providing instruction and support.

Become a WPH Patreon HERE

JR WPH & ST. John’s Wallball

Posted on March 28, 2023March 28, 2023 by DV

St. John’s WallBall Association & Junior-WPH Spring Classic: May 6th, 2023

Brooklyn, New York, WPH Press, March 28th, 2023

Junior-WPH is thrilled to announce the 2023 Junior Singles St. John’s WallBall Association & Junior-WPH Spring Classic at St. John’s Park, located at 233 Troy Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11213, May 6th. This Megaevent will feature junior boys and girls 1-Wall Big Ball singles, with 12-and-under, 14-and-under, 16-and-under, and 18-and-under age brackets.

Entry is free

Players can pre-register by emailing Ms. V at veronicafig@msn.com

Players can register on site at 9 am

All players need to be on site by 9:30 am

Draws will be made at 9:30 am

Play will start promptly at 10 am

The last of four (HERE) St. John’s WallBall Association/JR WPH events featured 90 junior players between the ages of 11 and 19, with many of New York’s top stars and ambassadors helping to run the event.

“We are expecting a lot of players for the 2023 St. John’s WallBall Association & JR WPH Spring Classic on May 6,” stated 2017 WPH Volunteer of the Year Veronica Figueroa (HERE). “This is the fifth event we have thrown with JR WPH and each event has been a huge success. We are looking forward to this one.”

“We are thrilled to be teaming up with Ms. V for the fifth time in hosting this junior mega event,” stated the WPH’s David Fink. “Ms. V. is a huge part of the New York handball community, serving as a promoter, ambassador, volunteer, and tournament director and JR WPH is honored to run the May 6 St. John’s WallBall Association & JR WPH Spring Classic with Ms. V and her St. John’s WallBall Association team.”

Stay tuned for recaps from the 2023 St. John’s WallBall Association & JR WPH Spring Classic.

Become a WPH Patreon HERE

Legend Leads Clinic

Posted on January 18, 2023January 18, 2023 by DV

Race4Eight Legend Naty Alvarado Leads Junior Clinic in Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon, #WPHPress, January 18th, 2023

Race 4 Eight Legend Naty Alvarado, Jr. hosted a JR WPH clinic at the Lloyd Athletic Club in Portland, OR during the second weekend of January, working on basic swing fundamentals and proper training for each individual participant.

“It’s always fun breaking down swing faults,” stated four-time Race 4 Eight finalist and perennial R48 top three pro Alvarado, Jr.

“Naty is a handball legend and a true student of the game, so to have the chance for him to break down your swing and technique is an experience any passionate handballer would cherish,” stated WPH Development Director David Fink. “Naty is a hero to so many handballers, especially in Portland where he has cultivated so many close friendships.”

Thank you to Naty for his endless enthusiasm for growing the game. Thank you to the USHA for helping to sponsor the clinic.

To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments 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 (HERE) or by mailing checks to: WPH, 3602 E. Ft. Lowell Dr., Tucson, AZ, 85716.

Become a WPH Patreon HERE

David Fink

WPH Senior Writer

WPH Proudly Hosting

Posted on January 17, 2023 by DV

….Collegiate Handball in New Orleans

New Orleans, LA, WPH Press, 1/16/23

The WPH proudly hosted twenty-three collegiate players at the 2023 Race 4 Eight New Orleans Mardi Gras event, providing collegiate players from the University of Texas, Missouri State University, Minnesota State University Mankato, Lake Forest College, and Texas A&M University to be inspired by the best players in the world at one of the sport’s premiere events. Several of the college players played in the pro brackets, while the majority of the collegiate players entered the Men’s and Women’s A and B singles and doubles.

“It was great to have a couple of players from TAMU make the trip to NOLA, which will help them immensely in their preparation for the collegiate nationals next month,” stated R48 New Orleans champion and TAMU handball coach Martin Mulkerrins. “They thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and Trevor Austin won the B/C singles, which was a super achievement for him considering he only started playing in September. But it was also fantastic to see other collegiate players from UT, Missouri State, Lake Forest and Mankato at the event and performing very well!”

“The mission of the WPH is to inspire the current players and promote the game to new players,” stated the WPH’s David Fink. “We saw so many new faces and hopefully lifelong players in New Orleans. More than 80% of the draw in New Orleans were under the age of 31, with more than half of the field being active college students. We are thrilled these college players made the trip to New Orleans, with several driving for ten hours and others flying thousands of miles. I remember playing in tournaments when I was younger and being the youngest player in the tournament by twenty years. I love seeing the younger generation at our events!”

Thank you to all of the collegiate players from Texas, Missouri, Illinois, and Minnesota for making the tremendous effort to travel and be a part of the Race 4 Eight Mardi Gras event.

2023 New Orleans Mardi Gras Collegiate Player Highlights

Clodagh Munroe: 2^nd in the WR48 singles

Mark Doyle: 7^th in the R48 singles

John A. Bike: 17^th place in the R48 singles

Trey Safford: Men’s A singles champion

Trevor Austin: Men’s B singles champion

Jordan Sammis: Women’s B champion

Trey Safford/Christian Madsen: Men’s Open Doubles Champions

Become a WPH Patreon HERE

David Fink

WPH Senior Writer

Irish Juniors Excel

Posted on December 31, 2022December 31, 2022 by DV

WPH Press, Pleasanton, CA, 12/30/22

The USHA proudly hosted the 66^th Annual USHA National Junior 4-Wall Championships at the Bay Club Pleasanton in Pleasanton, CA, featuring more than 50 players from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Ireland.

Rising star Kyle Jordan (IRE) made a statement in winning the 19-and-under boy’s small ball singles, outscoring his three opponents by a combined score of 126-21, including a two-game sweep against college baseball/handball sensation Ryan “Waddy Pup” Watkins in the final. “Kyle was really good,” stated Waddy Pup. “The only thing that kept me with him was my fitness. I play a lot of pros in L.A. and he is better than them. Kyle has every shot and does not make errors. I did not make many errors, just couldn’t get a rhythm going with my serve. We went back and forth for a while and then he ran away with it.”

Ireland’s Leah Minogue cruised to the 19-and-under girl’s small ball singles title without dropping a game, including a close two game final against 17-and-under girl’s small ball national champion Jodie Keeling.

Boy’s Small Ball Singles Finals

19-and-under boy’s final: K. Jordan (IRE) def R. Watkins (CA) 21-7, 21-5

17-and-under boy’s final: R. Carthy (IRE) def A. Cordova (MEX) 21-7, 21-6

15-and-under boy’s final: A. Clifford (IRE) def E. Gutierrez (CO) 21-5, 21-0

13-and-under boy’s final: A. Duval (WA) def I. Holguin (NM) 21-3, 21-8

11-and-under boy’s final: A. Valenzuela (NM) def L. Cordova III (MEX) 21-14, 21-3

Girl’s Small Ball Singles Finals

19-and-under girl’s final: L. Minogue (IRE) def J. Keeling 21-19, 21-16

17-and-under girl’s final: J. Keeling def I. Klicker (IL) 21-4, 21-1

15-and-under girl’s final: C. Kelleher def K. Jordan (IRE) 21-5, 21-17

Pictures courtesy GAA Handball

Congratulations to the USHA on a great event and congratulations to all of the junior players who competed at the Bay Club Pleasanton at the 66^th Annual USHA National Junior 4-Wall Championships

Follow the draws from the 66^th Annual USHA National Junior 4-Wall Championships HERE

Watch the matches on the GAA Handball Facebook page HERE

For more on the USHA, visit ushandball.org

David Fink

WPH Senior Writer

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