As this is my first blog after returning from my deployment, I want to thank a few people, starting with Julie Wilke. In addition to covering the region while I was gone she has done a great job with the Boys and Girls Club program this summer, covering four teams in the “Western League.” Additionally, I wanted to thank everyone in USATH for the wonderful transition back to normalcy. Finally, I want to thank everyone in the Southwest for their patience, as my time for many months leading up to and during my deployment was spread very thin between many duties.

I wanted to update everyone on handball in the Southwest Region. Even though the adrenaline from the Battle of Chicago hasn’t even worn off yet, there is no time to rest here in the Southwest.

This week and next, 8 Boys and Girls Clubs will complete all remaining competitions in the Texas Team Handball Youth League. Both boys and girls teams will compete for the title of Texas Youth Champions.

Seeds are being planted to start a youth league in the city of Huntsville, where parents are getting very excited about the sport.

With hundreds of 10-12 year olds playing the sport this year across Texas, work will soon be started to start a summer high school program, or “Futures,” next summer.

Texas A&M Handball continues to grow. Houston Community College has officially started a club, and we are tracking possible start up clubs at UT Arlington and Oklahoma State next season.

Work has begun to start a 4+ team “Southwest Regular Season,” that could spur competition and growth for upcoming years.

I hope we all can continue to work hard and move forward to grow our sport. It isn’t easy, but after witnessing the Battle of Chicago, I have been reminded once again what this sport can become. I look forward to talking with you all, and hopefully seeing you all on the handball courts, soon.