Phoenix, AZ, WPH Press, 2/9/25
The Carl Hayden Handball Program was proud to present the 2025 Hayden Handball Kickback Classic at Carl Hayden High School in Phoenix, AZ on the second Saturday in February, featuring twenty Big Ball Open Doubles teams and nine Big Ball Junior Doubles teams, with each team playing at least two matches.
Carl Hayden Handball Coach Chris Hogan leads one of the biggest high school handball programs in the country and was thrilled with turnout for the 2025 Hayden Handball Kickback Classic. “What a great day to play handball,” stated Coach Hogan. “We honored Ramon Martinez, who passed away. He worked in the Math Department for thirty-two years.”
WPH Outdoor and Race 4 Eight pro Albert Pizano teamed with his dad Misael to dominate the Open Doubles. “Tabares and Polivoz played really good, but I don’t think they had a chance against us,” stated Albert.
“The games were great because the competition was good,” stated Coach Hogan. “There were some long rallies and some great shots!”
Final: Team Pizano def Team Tabares/Polivoz 21-14, 21-9
“We run this event as a thank you to all of our supporters,” stated Coach Hogan. “I want to thank our junior players for competing. I want to especially thank our local handball players for supporting our tournament and sharing their appreciation for the event and our school.”
Thank you to Coach Hogan for continuing to grow the game on a daily basis in Phoenix with his high school program and weekend tournaments.
Photos from the 2025 Kickback courtesy of Coach Hogan
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer