Handball Club Wins National Championship

Jacob O'Dell - ASU National Champ The ASU team took first place in the Men’s B Division to win the national championship ahead of runner-up Texas A&M University. ASU’s Jacob O’Dell of San Angelo won an individual national championship in the Men’s B3 Division, defeating William Henry of Texas A&M in the final. O’Dell made it to the final by defeating his teammate, Anthone Luna of San Angelo, in a semifinal tiebreaker, 11-10.

“This year’s team consisted of all first-year players,” said Dr. Warren Simpson, professor of kinesiology and head coach. “Only one player on the entire club team had more than four competitive hours on the courts prior to going to the national tournament. I’m incredibly proud of how they all performed, and the future of the club looks very bright if they all stick with it and more players join the club.”

Thirteen men’s and women’s players represented ASU at the national tournament, including:

ASU Men’s Team

• Cameron Cavanaugh of Troy
• Logan Drake of Schertz
• Clayton Hagey of San Angelo
• Anthony Justice of Temple
• Trey Lopez of Eldorado
• Anthone Luna of San Angelo
• Jacob O’Dell of San Angelo
• Cade Varrichio of Arlington

ASU Women’s Team

• Daniella Alvarez of Midland
• Karen Barrera of Colorado City
• Sara Barrera of Colorado City
• Jaci McElyea of Sweetwater
• Carla Rodriguez of Eagle Pass

Dr. Warren Simpson In December 2020, ASU received a $1 million grant from the Lubbock-based Randolph Foundation for Higher Education Inc. to endow the “Dr. Warren Simpson Excellence Fund for Handball” that supports the ASU Department of Kinesiology and the Handball Club. This was the first time the Handball Club was able to utilize the fund to assist with travel expenses to the national tournament.