Clara Sturak

Mirror Contributing Writer

   Kids and teenagers from all over southern California gathered in the summer heat last weekend to participate in the second annual Junior Three-Wall Handball National Championships at Venice Beach. The two-day tournament co-sponsored by the L.A. City Department of Recreation and the California Junior Handball Development Association was "fantastic" according to organizer Sal Galvan. "We had 59 entries -- more than expected. A lot of them were last minute, so we were very busy, pairing the kids up and getting them settled. But everybody pitched in and we had a great event."

   Galvan, a competitive handball player who's been playing on the Venice courts for over 15 years, volunteers his time coaching youngsters who are interested in handball, and organizing tournaments so they'll have a place to test their newly-learned skills. Why does he do it? "As a Venice local, it's important to me to give my time to the kids here. And I get so much enjoyment out of watching them learn all the rules -- and the tricks -- of the game." Galvan also gives credit to the families of the young participants who come out to the events. "Everyone comes out to watch their children play, and they cheer-on all the kids. It creates a real sense of community."

   Highlights of this year's tournament include a rollicking 9-and-under series, won by Michael Aguayo of Venice; and the 19-and-under competition, which featured 16-year-old National Champion Oscar Quesada of Oxnard defending his title against 18-year-old Glendale resident Eli Barajas -- a match that went down to the wire.

   There are two upcoming handball events at Venice Beach: the 1999 Big Ball Singles Tournament (adults) - July 31st and August 1st, and the Rudy Lopez Memorial California State Singles Three-Wall Championships (youth and adults) - August 14th and 15th. Both tournaments are open events. For information or applications, call the Venice Beach Recreation Center, (310) 399-2775.

1999 JUNIOR 3-WALL HANDBALL

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

WINNERS IN AGE DIVISIONS

Age 9 & under:

Michael Aguayo (Venice)

Age 11 & under:

Ricardo Ruiz (Commerce)

13 & under:

John Wayne Cortez (Norwalk)

Girls Division 13 & under:

Vanessa De La Torre (Huntington Park)

15 & under:

Raymond Cota (Commerce)

Girls Division 15 & under:

Jackie Ruiz (Commerce)

17 & under:

Sal Duenas (Santa Ana)

19 & under: