2nd Annual EWAF NY Warriors Al Youakim Invitational
[RESULTS]

On October 3rd and 4th in Kinnelon, NJ, the EWAF (Eastern Wheelchair Athletes’ Foundation) New York Warriors Quad Rugby Team hosted the 2nd Annual Al Youakim Invitational Tournament. The tournament kicked off the 2009-2010 quad rugby season and was the debut tournament for the former NY Jets who are back with a new sponsor, new players, a new look and a new name. The EWAF New York Warriors, now “Powered by Easter Seals,” had a strong start and anticipate a great season to come. 

 As the first tournament in the northeast region, teams tested out rosters, plays, and strategies for the coming season. Five rugby teams from the northeast came to compete for two days in a round robin tournament. Tournament favorite, the Magee Eagles from Philadelphia, came out strong with their skilled players. Predictably, the team took first place handily. Second was to be decided by the final game. The Northeast Passage Wildcats already had two wins, as did the NY Warriors, but NY had their final game against the East Coast Cripplers from Virginia.  The Cripplers, who had been defeated by the Wildcats the day before, were positioned to be the spoilers. A victory for Virginia in this final game, would have created a three-way tie for second.  The East Coast Cripplers, who always provide a battle and close finish, fell to the Warriors in the tightest match-up of the weekend. The New York Warriors defeated VA by a score of 44-40 to secure second place.

All-Tournament Team honors were awarded to low pointer, Bill Bouffard of NH, mid-pointer Eric Ingram of VA, high-pointer Rob Deller of PA, MVP to Carlos Avila of NH, and Sportsmanship to AJ Nanayakkara of PA. The Al Youakim Spirit of the Game Award, which is awarded to someone who shows “strength of spirit” and “selfless service,” was presented to NY Warriors manager and EWAF Chairperson, Christine Blake-Jeremias for her 15 years of dedication and service to the team.  She received the award from last year’s recipient Bob Lopez. Lopez, the team’s trainer and internationally respected referee, has been with the team for 20 years.

     This tournament honors the memory of nationally known wheelchair sports pioneer, Al Youakim, who passed away during the summer of 2007. Thanks to his involvement, several of the team’s rugby players are involved in the game today. Youakim was best known for his involvement in wheelchair basketball, being an inductee in the Wheelchair Hall of Fame, and for over 60 years of dedication to wheelchair athletes.  But, for members of the NY Warriors, he’s remembered as coach of the now defunct Jersey Jaws rugby team and a presence at practice who always offered guidance, wisdom and support. Players recall having been recruited by Al as he tracked them down in parking lots of shopping malls or approached them at sporting events to encourage them to get involved in wheelchair sports. His influence on them and on wheelchair sports in general is immeasurable. It was the team’s intention that his legacy live on as he is honored by our tournament each year. 

  
For additional information or to make a donation to the EWAF NY Warriors, please visit EWAF.org.