X-Fest Junior WPH 1 Wall @ Venice Beach, California

The WPH Outdoor X-Fest Xrossover Challenge 3 Wall Small & Big Ball in Venice Beach this past weekend (June 19-21) may have grabbed the headlines, but the 1 Wall Big Ball Junior Challenge stole the show with multiple clinics and plenty of action on the three backside 1 wall courts.  Junior WPH, along with Albert Martinez, Timbo Gonzalez, Sal Duenas, Ciana Ni Churraoin, Catriona Casey and WPH Development Dir, Dave Fink, administered clinics and coordinated the junior brackets all weekend long.  “The junior clinic and tournament were a HUGE success,” chirped David Fink.  “With a number of the big ball pros coaching over 30 enthusiastic juniors players each day while in Venice.”

In the 15 U 1 Wall Big Ball Singles, Jesus Mendez, got past Danny Vasquez (both from Los Angeles); meanwhile, first round loser, Manuel Yep JR wins the 15 drop down.  In 19U doubles, local talent, Jeffrey Burrios and Jason Ke (NY) teamed up to take the title in a bracket that featured 17 teams!  James Ramirez & Eddie Rocha fought-through some tough competition before falling in the finals in that bracket.

The 11 & Under bracket with 19 juniors was exciting from the first round to the last.  #1 Seed, Young Ben Torres, fell to Eddie Barrios in the quarters; while Xavier Flores took down Marco Vasquez in the bottom bracket.  Flores and Barrios eventually got beat by Michael Bautista and Eddie Rocha, respectively, , which set up a thrilling extra-inning bash that landed Rocha with a trophy.  Congrats to all competitors.

The 15-player 19U division had Rolo Ruiz and Jason Ke (NY) roll through the bracket with lopsided wins until a thrilling final that lasted well over one hour long.  In the end, Ruiz took the East Coast Kid by two points to close out the event.

Each junior player received a Tournament Souvenir Bandanna, WPH Towel and free hospitality, plus multiple junior/pro clinics throughout the weekend.  “We really had an amazing time,” claimed  Alexia Lozano, mother of one participant and volunteer. “They [junior participants] all showed good sportsmanship, played by the rules, showed discipline, respect, and most important they had a lot of fun playing the game. Thanks to the entire WPH staff. You have devoted so much time and effort into making The Junior’s Clinics and tournaments the success it is today. You have taught my son Michael and all of the kids sportsmanship, fair play and many values that they will need throughout life. Thank you for your guidance and continue support.”

For more information on Junior WPH, please visit www.juniorhandball.org or contact Junior Director, David Fink:  fink@race4eight.com.