Editor's Note: The following write up was submitted by the West Point Team Handball Club.
[b]Army and Air Force Set to Square Off in Inter-Academy Battle[/b]
After only about a month, the U.S. Team Handball season has already seen many intriguing moments. And it figures to become a whole lot more interesting this week as two familiar foes prepare to clash in what promises to be more than just an ordinary exhibition game.
The Army Team Handball Club, the defending collegiate national champions, will renew its fierce rivalry with the Air Force Team Handball Club this Friday at 6 p.m. on the banks of the Hudson River in West Point, NY. The two teams, expected to be among the nation’s premiere college clubs this year, traditionally compete every year during Army vs. Air Force week, a week that includes several athletic competitions between the two military academies culminating with the Saturday football game. These brothers in arms butted heads several times last year, in addition to their annual meeting, with the most recent match resulting in an Army victory at College Nationals this past April.
Army, led by seniors Justin Key (LW) http://www.usma.edu/uscc/dca/clubs/thbm/BIOS/Key.htm , Jake Abramowitz (RB), Brian Walsh (LB), and Elmo Vance (CB), is fresh off of a 4th place finish at the Chicago Inter Challenge, a tournament featuring U.S. Team Handball powers New York Athletic Club, Chicago Inter, and Atlanta United. They hope to build on a victory over Chicago Inter in round-robin play and their strengthened team chemistry in preparation for Air Force.
With emotions and tension always running high between the two clubs, fans can expect an intense, hard-fought match. Junior Preston Pham, who has logged minutes at both wing positions and center back this season, looks forward to the battle on the court, “Every year Air Force gives us a competitive game that has no favorite. It’s definitely anybody’s game.”
As if personal pride and bragging rights would not be enough to play for, the coveted Commander-in-Chief’s trophy will also be on the line for Friday’s victor.
The game will take place in Arvin Gymnasium in front of a large and raucous crowd, looking to give Army the true home-court advantage. When asked about the game, Key added fuel to the already flaming fire by responding quickly and confidently, “I love the energy and anticipation surrounding the game. I live for it, and I guarantee a win.”
Needless to say, this matchup should not only be an exciting one for Army and Air Force but also for the United States Team Handball community at large. This matchup will begin at 6:00 pm on Friday, October 31. It will take place on the fourth floor of Arvin Cadet Physical Development Center, located on West Point, NY. There is no admission charge for spectators.