JR WPH in Portland

Posted on January 1, 2019January 1, 2019 by DV

JR WPH and the USHA proudly collaborated on the ’18 USHA 4-Wall Jr Nationals/R48 8 Portland to inspire junior handball stars with opportunity to meet, receive autographs, play, and learn from the pros, as well as showcasing two special jr feature matches live on ESPN3.

R48 Elite 8 Autograph Session

The R48 Elite 8 signed autographs for the star-struck juniors competing in the USHA 4-Wall Junior Nationals, handing out 8 x10 autographed pictures signed by each member of the Elite 8. “I’m Killian Carroll,” exclaimed an ecstatic 11-year old proudly holding his signed picture.

R48 Pros Take the Court with the Juniors

Throughout the collaborative USHA 4-Wall Junior Nationals/Portland R48 8 event, R48 pros could be seen in the courts with the awestruck juniors, playing two-bounce, giving advice and sharing their passion for the sport. “The highlight of my weekend was playing two-bounce with six of the juniors,” barked R48 Elite 8 pro Emmett Peixoto. “The kids were so enthusiastic and were really good players too. I can remember how inspired I was as a junior to watch and meet the pros and I’m honored to be able to provide the same opportunity for today’s juniors.”

Special ESPN3 Junior Features

17-and-under boys singles final: Ure vs. Pimentel

Junior stars Ray Ure (IL) and Jorge Pimentel (AZ) played for the 17-and-under USHA 4-Wall Juniors National Championship live on ESPN3, showcasing the next generation of junior handball stars. Ure and Pimentel dazzled the galleries with sensational rallies in the first half of the first game, with both junior stars extending rallies with incredible grit and determination. “Those rallies in the first game were amazing, both of the guys were diving and making great shots,” stated USHA Hall of Famer and Executive Director Vern Roberts.

Ure pulled away in the first game’s second half and cruised in game two for the 17-and-under championship. “I’ve been working really hard on my game and it feels really great to win this title,” stated Ure.

19-and-under Boys Singles: Walsh vs. Gaulton

The second USHA junior handball showcase match featured David Walsh (IRE) challenging Michael Gaulton (CAN) in the 19-and-under boys singles final.

Former R48 ranked pro Gaulton started well in game one, building a 7-2 lead before Walsh took over, scoring 19 of the final 23 points of the first game. Gaulton and Walsh were tied at six in game two when Walsh pulled away, using the back left corner glass to force errors and offensive opportunities and capitalizing against a quickly fading Gaulton.

“I was just gassed in there,” Gaulton would later say.

“We’ve been here (Portland) since the 23^rd just waiting to play and I’m really happy to have gotten on the court and started playing. I spent countless hours watching Killian practice in our alley (in Ireland) and he inspires me. He’s living the dream winning titles in the U.S. and we all hope to reach his level.”

Thank you to the USHA for the sensational collaboration with JR WPH in providing the junior handball stars with an unforgettable week in Portland.

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 WPH Patreon HERE

(Cover photo courtesy of USHA/Vern Roberts)

JR WPH Hood River Thriving!

Posted on December 22, 2018December 22, 2018 by DV

Hood River, OR, WPH Press, 12/21/18- The first semester of the JR WPH Hood River program has wrapped, and as students are beginning their holiday break, Hood River instructors Oscar and Helen Stenberg are prepping for the next semester of handball classes.

Given the success of the first semester, the second semester is expected to be a much bigger group. The program has a number of experienced instructors, including the Stenbergs and their sons Michael and Andrew, local players Ron Harder and Pat Hartford, and former top five WPH Women’s pro Jennifer Hinman.

A total of 23 students were introduced to handball during the first semester in Hood River, participating in six handball sessions of approximately 75 minutes per session at the Hood River Elks Lodge. Students were initially introduced to the big ball and quickly transitioned to the white label small ball.

“The kids loved it and were looking forward to each class,” exclaimed JR WPH Hood River head coach Oscar Stenberg. “After Christmas, a new group will sign up for the months of January, February and March.”

JR WPH Hood River hopes to register students from the fall and upcoming winter semesters for the April 12-14 2019 WPH Oregon State Singles Championships in Portland. “We’re setting aside courts on Saturday for the high schoolers to compete,” stated Oregon Handball Chairman Nick Flores. “Students from Hood River will compete against students from Eugene’s Sheldon High School for the first Oregon High School Championship”.

“I would assume we will have a much bigger group,” stated coach Stenberg, discussing the upcoming winter semester. “We want to give a huge ‘thank you’ to the WPH for the generous support of our program”.

Junior WPH Hood River would not be possible without support from the World Players of Handball Foundation and the Hood River Handball Association. “The Oregon Handball Association would like to express gratitude for the WPH on this project,” stated Flores.

If you would like to support the JR WPH Hood River project, please contact the HRHA at hoodriverha@gmail.com for more information.

Thank you to Nick Flores for the update from JR WPH Hood River.

JR WPH @ Pima College

Posted on December 10, 2018December 10, 2018 by DV

Tucson, AZ, WPH Press, 12/10/18- JR WPH proudly hosted a beginner handball clinic at Pima College’s 3-Wall courts on the west side of Tucson. Pima College sophomores gathered on a perfect December afternoon to learn the rules of the game, handball fundamentals, and techniques to play the game. After the afternoon of drills, games, and rallying, each of the players were given gloves, eye guards, and handballs to continue their handball development.

“JR WPH is always willing and enthusiastic to host handball clinics to students of all ages and levels,” stated WPH Development Director David Fink. “Our donors are extremely passionate about seeing the game grow and our instructors are thrilled to have the opportunity to fulfill our mission to grow the game. We hope to see the new Pima College recruits on the courts for years to come.”

JR WPH Goes to Tempe

Posted on December 9, 2018December 9, 2018 by DV

Tempe, AZ, WPH Press, 12/8/18- JR WPH traveled 100 miles west from the WPH headquarters in Tucson to Arizona State University in Tempe to host collegiate and high school handball clinics and a special Q&A session at ASU’s 2018 Homework & Handball event at the Sun Devil Fitness Complex.

JR WPH Clinics

JR WPH coached multiple clinics at Homework in Handball for the Arizona State University Handball Team and Phoenix’s Carl Hayden High School Handball Team, with the players separated into groups of 4-5 by handball experience. The clinic lessons were tailored to each group’s level of play, with the players learning the “Dave Chapman Line Drill,” the power serve, the back wall return, the return of serve, and a number of drills to reinforce the proper stroke and shot selection.

“We really appreciated all of the lessons and we’re excited to start practicing all of the new drills and fundamentals while the ideas are fresh in our minds,” stated Carl Hayden High School Head Handball Coach Chris Hogan.

JR WPH Q&A

Following the clinics, all of the junior and collegiate players and coaches gathered for a special JR WPH Q&A hosted by WPH Master Instructor and R48 #5 David Fink. The youngsters were eager to understand all things handball, enthusiastically discussing cross-training for handball, hitting power serves with spin, the toughest players to play on the R48, and much more.

“I’ve never seen the kids so talkative,” stated ASU Head Handball Coach Dan Willeford. “They were really absorbing everything.”

“Coach Dan Willeford (ASU) and Coach Chris Hogen (Carl Hayden High School) are doing such a fantastic job introducing handball and developing passionate young handball players,” stated WPH Development Director David Fink. “I’ve never seen a more enthusiastic group of young players so interested in learning about the game. JR WPH is thrilled to be able to supplement the lessons that Coach Willeford and Coach Hogan are teaching on a daily basis. Phoenix junior handball is really booming!”

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.

JR WPH at #TucsonMemorial

Posted on November 7, 2018November 7, 2018 by DV

Tucson, AZ, WPH Press, 11/4/18-

JR WPH proudly hosted a JR WPH Clinic and junior singles brackets at the 2018 Tucson Memorial, providing opportunities for the youngsters to learn from the game’s best and to showcase their talents at one of the sport’s premiere events.

JR WPH Clinic

WR48 superstars Catriona Casey and Ciana Ni Churraoin led a special Q&A session for a number of enthusiastic youngsters on Super Saturday at the 2018 Tucson Memorial, detailing their growth in the sport, their passion for the game, how they prepare to play in pro events and much more. The WR48 superstars then fielded questions from the awestruck junior players.

“The juniors were really interested in the types of drills and practice we do to improve,” stated first year Sports Psychology graduate student at Mankato State and former WR48 finalist Ni Churraoin. “Catriona and I also discussed our tournament preparation and what makes handball so special.”

Thank you to Catriona and Ciana for inspiring the next generation of players and providing an opportunity for the youngsters to develop and understanding of what it takes to become a world-class athlete.

JR WPH Singles

The 2018 showcased junior handball, with several dozen junior

players from Tucson, Phoenix, El Paso, and Juarez demonstrating passion for the game and outstanding sportsmanship in the JR WPH singles.

Tucson’s Antonio Rivera won the Contender singles, defeating El Paso’s Osvaldo Marquez in the rising stars bracket.

2018 Tucson Pre Qualifier Sportsmanship Award Winner Luke Lambert won the Contender’s dropdown bracket, defeating Jaiden Chacon in a tiebreaker in the final.

Future R48 star Andres Cordova won the 17-and-under singles, defeating Phoenix’s Jesus Castillo in the final.

Phoenix’s Uziel Rodriguez clinched the 17-and-under dropdown, defeating Phoenix teammate Lorenzo Medrano in the final.

Sebastian Canales completed the 17/19-and-under Juarez junior singles sweep in the 19-and-under singles, defeating Phoenix’s Rodrigo Silva in the final.

Thank you to junior coaches Abraham Montijo (FLF), Drft Fernandez (JR WPH Juarez), Chris Hogan (PHX), and Dan Willeford (ASU) for bringing their teams to the 2018 Tucson Memorial.

“The juniors are the highlight of the event,” stated WPH Development Director David Fink. “While the pros inspire the juniors, it’s the juniors that inspire the pros and the rest of tournament players.”

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.

JR WPH UWF “I Love Handball”

Posted on October 25, 2018October 25, 2018 by DV

Pensacola, FL, WPH Press, 10/25/18- The University of West Florida proudly hosted the JR WPH UWF “I Love Handball” Fundraiser Classic at the HLS Facility on the campus of the University of Florida on the third weekend in October, featuring collegiate players from the University of West Florida and the University of Texas. JR WPH has proudly sponsored the UWH Argos Handball Team since 2013, one of the best collegiate handball programs in the country.

The University of Texas’ Jeremy Aguilar captured the four-man Men’s Open singles round robin, defeating Nicholas Wilson (FL), Mike Desgrottes (FL), and the 2017 JR WPH Collegiate Coach of the Year and UWF handball standout Michael Morgan.

Coach Morgan bounced back in the Open Doubles, teaming with Desgrottes to overcome Enrique Arancibi (TX) and Aguilar.

Avery Shepherd (TX) captured the Women’s Open singles, defeating Tiffany Duncan (FL), Annie Wallace (FL), and Bella Smith (TX).

“JR WPH is extremely proud to support the UWF Team and the exciting UWF events and clinics throughout each year,” stated WPH Development Director David Fink. “Seeing the University of Texas travel to Pensacola to challenge their UWF friends and rivals is awesome!”

Thank you to UWF tournament directors Kayla Fulghum and JR WPH Collegiate Coach of the Year Michael Morgan. Photos courtesy of Michael Morgan.

Follow the brackets and results from the JR WPH UWF “I Love Handball” Fundraiser Classic HERE

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.

David Fink

WPH Senior Writer

JR WPH at U of A Campus

Posted on October 10, 2018October 12, 2018 by DV

JR WPH Clinics at the U of A Fall Break Camp

Tucson, AZ, WPH Press, 10/10/18- JR WPH coaches were thrilled to coach junior handball clinics for youngsters between the ages of 7-12 at the University of Arizona Fall Break Camp at the campus Rec Center.

JR WPH Coaches tailored the lessons to each group, focusing on hand-eye coordination, agility, and balance exercises for the younger students and drill-based handball exercises and games for the older students.

“We loved that the kids had the opportunity to learn handball,” stated Rec Center director Allison Brown.

“Thank you so much for taking the time to teach the campers about handball!” explained Fall Camp director Alexandra Graham. “It was really cool to hear them tell their parents about what they learned that day!”

“JR WPH is proud to have held handball clinics at the U of A Rec Center each semester for the past five years,” stated WPH Master Instructor David Fink.

“JR WPH is always excited to share our passion for handball and the lifetime benefits our great game provides to players of all ages and abilities.”

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.

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