Stockton Italian Athletic Club’s Bocce Ball team wins national championship and represents U.S. at the World Championship in Brazil

Recently, the 2002 Bocce Team of the Stockton Italian Athletic Club was inducted into the Stockton Athletic Hall of Fame for its achievements at the 2007 National Championships. Team members, David Canclini, Romano Lotti, Richard Wagstaff, Alberico Leonardi, and Ron Jacobs won all three of the team events at the Nationals. This had never been done before by any team. The events were Volo, played with brass bocce balls, Open Rules, and the International game of Punto, Raffa, Volo.

By winning the Punto, Raffa, Volo Championship, the team qualified to represent the United States at the World Bocce Championships held in Passo Fundo, Brazil that year.

Italy won the World Championship easy by winning all its games. In world play, three games are played against each opponent. The first game is triples, the second is singles, and the third doubles. The United States team played Italy in its round robin division. Although the U. S. team lost, it scored more points against the Italian team then any other team up to that point in the competition.

The United States team finished in ninth place and only one point away from advancing into the next round with the top eight teams. It was an honor for the I.A.C. team to represent its country at the World Championships and an experience that will never be forgotten.

PHOTO - (left to right, front row): David Canclini, Ron Jacobs, Richard Wagstaff. Second row: Alberico Leonardi, Romano Lotti.

10631 Vinedale Street, Sun Valley, CA 91352 - Phone (818) 767-3413 - Fax: (818) 767-1410