Los Angeles, CA, WPH Press, 9/14/25
Vic Perez and the LAFD proudly presented the 9/11 LAFD Handball Tournament at Venice Beach on the second weekend of September, featuring several dozen players in the Open, A, and Juniors.
Seven teams entered the Open doubles, including pre-tournament favorites and Race 4 Eight stalwarts Vic Perez and Mando Ortiz. Race 4 Eight pros Ricardo Palma, Dylan Hernandez, Stephen Cooney, Marcos Chavez, and Rafa Martinez, as well as WPH Outdoor three-time Icebreaker champion Brian Medina joined the tournament host and Ortiz in the Open draw.
Team Perez/Ortiz advanced to the final in the round robin format, meeting fellow LAAC teammates Dylan Hernandez and Ricardo Palma in the final. Team Perez/Ortiz gelled in the final, showcasing their years on the court playing with and against each other.
“Vic and I were dominant from start to finish in the tournament, never allowing our opponents to gain momentum. We were convincing in the final against Ricardo and Dylan, winning 25-10.”
“Ricardo was the clear MVP of the tournament, putting on a show with highlight-reel 50-foot kills from the backcourt,” 9/11 LAFD Open doubles competitor Stephen Cooney would later say. “Dylan’s crack serves kept opponents on their heels, adding firepower throughout the matches. In the final, Vic and Mando showcased textbook doubles strategy, steady, disciplined, and error-free. Their experience shone through as they applied relentless pressure from start to finish, ultimately securing the win.”
“The LAFD, under leadership of Vic Perez, brought back the 9/11 Memorial 3-Wall Handball tournament to the world-famous Venice Beach,” stated SR48 star and LAAC Race 4 Eight co-tournament director Rafa Martinez. “Race 4 Eight pros Vic Perez and former #1 Mando Ortiz were too strong for the field, besting Ricardo Palma and Dylan Hernandez. Great turnout and beautiful weather made it a memorable event. Thank you to Vic Perez and the LAFD firefighters for hosting the event.”
“After nearly seven years since the last 9/11 tournament, this one carried extra meaning,” echoed Ortiz. “Players came out strong to honor and support all firefighters, making it a tremendous turnout. The weather was perfect—not too hot, just right—setting the stage for a memorable day at the historic Venice Beach courts.”
Open Doubles Final: Team Perez/Ortiz def Team Palma/Hernandez 25-10
A Doubles Final: Team Marcus Hough and Jimmy Ramirez def Team Erik Gonzalez and Mundo
Thank you to Mando Ortiz for info and his thoughts from the event. Thank you to Vic Perez and the LAFD for hosting a great event. Thank you to Stephen Cooney and Rafa Martinez for their thoughts from the 9/11 LAFD Doubles.
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer