Chris Watkins WPH Rapid Fire Challenge

WPH Press

Known affectionately as the “Waddy Dog,” Chris Watkins combines several decades of pro experience with a lot of talent. Watkins has sparred with the best players in the world, sharing the court weekly with Naty Alvarado Sr, Naty Alvarado Jr, John Robles, and John Bike. Waddy has used this experience and knowledge gained from playing the best to become one of the best over 40 players in the world. Now let’s see how Waddy tackles the WPH Rapid Fire Challenge.

Chris Watkins WPH Rapid Fire Challenge

1.   Best city to play: Orange County, CA Los Cabs
2.   Who is your toughest opponent: Sparring against Naty Jr. for 30 years has been humbling
3.   Fastest person in handball: Killian
4.   Who is the hardest hitter in handball: No one has ever hit a back wall set up harder than Dessie.
5.   Best server in handball: Naty Jr. had a serve that was relevant for 3 decades.
6.   Best off-hand in handball: Naty Alvarado Senior set the stage
7.   Handball hero: El Gato
8.   Favorite court: Spring Valley Lake Country Club Dungeon (John Bike, John Robles and Naty Jr. can attest).
9.   Player with the best offense: Tati Silveyra (Shoulder high kills on the rise? Crazy good!)
10. Player with the best defense: David Chapman, Vern Roberts
11. Most satisfying tournament victory: Ducksey
12. Most disappointing loss: Egin Jensen in National Final (Up 10-0 in breaker and lost. Don’t think I choked, he played flawless and took it)
13. Most important title to win: Nationals or Players Championship SLC
14. Favorite doubles partner: John Robles ( We had a great run in the masters and had a blast!)
15. Longest match you ever played: 1990 California State Championship vs. John Libby (3 hours 15 minutes).
16. Favorite sport besides handball: I am a sports junkie, hard to pick one. I love to watch people competing.
17. Favorite tournament (ever): 2012 Worlds was some event. Very Special.
18. Best match you’ve ever played: 2012 Nationals vs. Ducksey 
19. Best match you’ve ever watched: 2012 Worlds Brady V Moreno or 1988 Nationals Alvarado vs. Kendler (This match got me hooked on handball).
20. Title you’d most like to win: Would like to win the Worlds
21. Favorite sport to play besides handball: As I age, Golf. Used to run around the pitch quite a bit with two decent feet.
22. Favorite athlete (any sport): Naty “El Gato” Alvarado Sr.
23. What is your favorite book: Farewell to Manzanar (Book about Japanese Internment during WWII. My students really get into it)
24. What is your favorite movie: Tombstone or Crimson Tide
25. What is your favorite tv show: Impractical Jokers (Stupid fun)
26. Most important shot in handball: Fist (quick jab can generate enough power to get you out of trouble and reset the rally).
27. Your best shot: Serve, right side natural. When it’s on, I have a chance to score in bunches.
28. Legend you’d most like to play in his prime: Vern Roberts. His game was so clean.
29. Best Fans in Handball: We are One big handball family!!

Chris Watkins discusses his most grueling match HERE

David Fink

WPH Senior Writer