The handball players from Fire Station 69 made their second attempt to dethrone Fire Station 92 as the number one handball house on the LAFD. Fire Station 92 has held the title for more than two years. With four members ranked in the top 20 on the Department Ladder, including Chris Yokoyama – the Department Singles Champion, and Ryan Carlos and Joseph Steiner – the current Department Doubles Champions, they have a dominant team.
Team 69, lead by Tati Silveyra, appeared to have the talent to mount a strong challenge against Team 92, however the champions exhibited the pride that has allowed them to maintain the crown for so long. The format of the challenge was best three matches out of five; with three doubles and two singles matches. Team 92 swept Team 69 by winning the first three matches: Joe Steiner and Chad Rolish, known as the “Tatoo Panthers,” defeated Kevin Egizi and Dennis Hain. Jared Cooper and Craig Nielsen defeated Ronnie Munoz and Billy Barrera. And Chris Yokoyama defeated Alan Black.
If you would like to see the Department Handball Trophy, it is permanently mounted at Fire Station 92. Rumor has it that Fire Station 66 will be the next challengers, with Trevor Insley, Casey Glynn, Johnathan Stevens, John Garnica and Alex Garcia quickly moving up within the ranks of LAFD players.
The winner of the “Golden Masters Division” of the fall singles handball tournament was finally settled with retiree Jesus Pasos defeating Joseph Castro for the title.
Upcoming Tournament
Start preparing for the Spring Doubles Tournament. It will be starting in early April. This will be the first tournament coordinated by the new commissioner, Chris Yokoyama. Sign up early and show your support!
By the Commissioner
