Colorado had three junior players participate in the recently concluded 4 Wall Junior Nationals.

Playing under the Costigan Youth Handball banner were:
Jon Gutierrez, Garrett Rose, and Abraham Sanchez

Jon, now a more seasoned nationals player, lost his first round match in the 19 and Under to a strong Irish lad who ended up finishing second, to yet another, stronger Irish lad. In the drop down B's, Jon won the next two matches before losing in the semi-final. And, as luck would have it, he and his partner lost to the same two Irish lads in Doubles. As Mike Dau put it, Jon, as well as the entire field of the 19's just could not deal with the talent of the Irish. Jon remains resolute and says he's committing to training hard, playing hard, and meeting these guys again for a revenge match.

Garrett Rose, playing in his first Junior Nationals, proved he's got tournament grit winning his first match in the 17 and Under against a much higher seeded player, lost the next to the eventual finalist, and won again in the drop down. His Mom, Sandra, reported Garrett and his doubles partner had the skill to win their doubles match, but couldn't figure out how to team together before it was too late. We are particularly proud of Garrett's performance. I think this experience will add to the fire in his belly.

13 year old Abraham Sanchez had the best performance of our three players. Abraham's game has taken a sharp up turn lately and it showed in Chicago. Abraham finished 3rd in the 13 and Under Big Ball, 3rd in the 13's small ball, and 2nd in doubles. Abraham returned home with three pieces of hardware around his neck, a huge grin and a proud father.

On behalf of Costigan Youth Handball, Mark Cunningham and Erin Hickman, congratulations to all three young men. When you see them, shake their hands, pat 'em on the back and them encourage them to get back to work to improve their game and have even more success in future Junior Events.

 

submitted by:  Bob Hickman