WPH Handball Destination Series Showcases the Los Angeles Athletic Club
WPH Showcase, High Los Angeles, CA
The WPH is excited to continue the WPH Handball Destination Series to showcase the world’s greatest handball cities and venues. On this edition of the WPH Handball Destination Series, we will feature the Los Angeles Athletic Club, home to the 2012 Race 4 Eight LAAC, the WPH Manning Cup Champions, the LAAC Race 4 Eight Pre Qualifier and Race 4 Eight stars Marcos Chavez, Vic Perez, Mando Ortiz, Stephen Cooney, Dylan Hernandez and Ryan Watkins.
Courts at the LAAC
Four
Two show courts (glass back walls)
Two back courts
Singles and doubles at LAAC
Mainly singles with frequent “shootout” doubles
Most Popular Times to Play at the LAAC
Wednesday nights at 6 pm, Saturday mornings at 10 am
Number players at the LAAC
12 regular players
Top players at the LAAC
Marcos Chavez, Mando Ortiz, Vic Perez, Stephen Cooney, Dylan Hernandez
LAAC Club Leaders
Paul Godina and Vic Perez
Tournaments at the LAAC
Annual Race 4 Eight Pre-Qualifier in December
2012 Race 4 Eight LAAC Brackets HERE, Recap HERE
LAAC Wafe Reisner Events HERE
LAAC Race 4 Eight Pre Qualifiers (2017-present) HERE
Current and Past Pros at the LAAC
Marcos Chavez, Mando Ortiz, Vic Perez, Stephen Cooney, Dylan Hernandez, Tati Silverya, and Naty Alvarado JR.
Most Memorable Tournament at LAAC
“The (doubles) shootouts are always really fun, but the Pre-Qualifiers are really fun tournaments with good turnouts,” boasted Watkins. “Hopefully more people make it out this year.”
Enter the December 8-9, 2023 LAAC R48 Pre Qualifier HERE
Guests are always welcome at the LAAC
“You can hit pretty much any of the LAAC players up, and we are able to get you in,” stated Ryan Watkins. “Vic Perez typically handles the guest passes.”
What does Ryan Watkins like about playing at the LAAC?
“The LAAC is an amazing place to be. It’s arguably the best club in terms of talent, I’d say in the world. We have had so many past and current pros. The list goes on forever. I’d say our players are some of the best at any club. The LAAC also has an incredible atmosphere with bars/restaurants, basketball court, pool, fully renovated gym, recovery areas with cold tubs, saunas, hot tubs etc., tons of amenities, and a rooftop that overlooks all of Downtown LA! The top three floors of the club are hotel rooms. Come stay in Downtown and play with us at the LAAC!”
Team LAAC validated Watkins’s claim of “the best club in terms of talent,” winning the 2017 Manning Cup for best handball club/city in the sport. Team LAAC, comprised of then Elite 8 pros Marcos Chavez, Mando Ortiz and Vic Perez overcame Team Tucson, Team NYAC, Team Juarez, Team SoCal, and Team NorCal to win the Manning Cup.
Team LAAC Wins the 2017 Manning Cup HERE
Enter the December 8-9, 2023 LAAC R48 Pre Qualifier HERE
Thank you to Ryan Watkins for sharing info and what he loves about handball at the LAAC.
Would you like to see your handball facility featured on an upcoming edition of WPH Handball Destination Series? Please contact David Fink at David.fink@wphlive.tv to showcase your city
Check out all of the WPH Destination Series HERE
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer