by James Crozier, Tournament Director
Twenty-Four teams from all regions of the United States converged at the campus of the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind November 8th-10th, 2012, to compete for 2012 USABA National High School Goalball Championship titles. The tournament proved to be action-packed, with a tournament field comprised of highly competitive teams. There were many great contests boasting intense action, which contributed to an exciting event for the fans and the student-athletes involved had experiences they will never forget.
On the girls’ side, the Utah Rage captured the gold medal and 2012 National Championship. Led by girls’ tournament MVP, Marybai Huking, the Utah Rage frustrated teams with their outstanding defense, allowing only 3 goals during the entire tournament. In the gold medal game, they would rely on that defense as they were locked in a close battle with the Oregon Reign. After several scoreless minutes, Utah was able to score on a penalty shot to take the lead 1-0. Later in the second half, Utah added another score to go on to win the gold medal game, 2-0, while Oregon would claim the silver.
Also on the girls’ side, the bronze medal game would pit the home team, Florida, against a talented team from the opposite coast, California. The Florida girls were able to get some timely scoring, play good defense and capitalize on California penalties to go on to win, 11-4, and claim the bronze.
On the boys’ side, VIP Sports (Pennsylvania) captured back-to-back National Championship titles with their 2012 tournament effort. Led by boys’ tournament MVP, Callahan Young, the boys from VIP battled a tough and spirited Arizona team in the gold-medal game. The action was intense with neither team able to maintain a lead as the other would respond quickly with a goal to answer. In the end, VIP had the last word, as they went on to defeat a very talented Arizona team, 10-9, to capture the 2012 title.
Also on the boys’ side, the bronze medal game would feature California facing off against Texas. After a close opening several minutes, the California boys went on an offensive tear to cruise to a 14-4 win, claiming the bronze medal.
In addition to gold, silver, and bronze medals being awarded, first and second place teams also received trophies. The tournament also awarded and recognized an All-Tournament Team, Tournament MVP awards, and team sportsmanship awards. Below are the tournament results:
Girls Boys
1st Place – Utah Rage 1st Place – VIP Sports
2nd Place – Oregon Reign 2nd Place – Arizona (ASDB)
3rd Place – Florida (FSDB) 3rd Place – California (Junior Blind)
Girls Boys
Marybai Huking – MVP (Utah) Callahan Young – MVP (VIP)
Eliana Mason – (Oregon) Jernigan Neztosie (Arizona)
Kayla Collins (Florida) Abel DelToro (California)
Maddy Stafford (Utah) Nathan Purcell (Washington)
Justine Montanez (California) Jahron Black (New York)
Vanessa Coleman (Florida) Armando Cruz (Arizona)
Tasha Everrett (Oregon) Dustin Vargo – MVP (VIP)
Girls Boys
Texas (TSBVI) Washington (WSSB)