Local youth play in Red Death tourney

MISSOULA, Mont. — Thanks to the generous efforts of Sandpoint West Athletic Club owner Don Helander, nine area youth experienced a memorable weekend in the three-day Red Death Handball Tournament in Missoula.

Two weeks ago Helander offered to pay the entry fee if any kids wanted to go, and nine signed up, with Helander also footing their lodging expenses.

Kevin Hutchens beat Dean Sutton 21-17 and 21-8 in the “C” championships, to claim the lone title. The youth also attended a clinic on Saturday put on by Abe Montijo, a ranked pro in attendance, and Jake Plummer, who helps coach the Sandpoint players. All told, 15 players from Sandpoint took part in the tournament, which boasted more than 100 players.

The shot of the tournament was turned in by Nik Feyen, who dove to successfully return a low shot, before rising to one knee and quickly diving again to roll a shot out of the corner, earning a loud round of applause from those watching. The youngest competitor was Alex Feyen, who at 12 years-old more than held his own on the court.

When Tevin Hamilton and doubles partner Eddo Hans Feyen took the court before a match, one of their master level opponents quipped that he and his partner had 130 years of combined experience. The Sandpoint team responded that they had two months. Hamilton also stayed in a competitive “B” singles bracket for three rounds.

“One of the best things I saw was all nine of them improved their play from their first point in the tourney to the last point in that quick amount,” said Helander, adding the kids met at 9:30 a.m. on Friday and before leaving town went into the court in a huddle and started a chant. “That kind of youthful energy going into something I feel was worthwhile . . .I was excited about that.”

Helander recently applied for a grant from the United States Handball Association, and received a $1,000 donation to continue teaching the life sport to area youth.