2003 marked a significant evolution of the National Yo-Yo Contest.

This was the second year the National Yo-Yo League pre qualified players. Winners of nine NYYL regional contests landed ceded spots into the National finals. As before, all players had the opportunity to enter the preliminaries and earn a spot in the finals on the day of the contest.

The 2003 1A and 2A National Championship Titles this year were won by Johnnie DelValle, of St. George, Utah in 1A division, and Matt Harlow of Paradise Valley, Arizona in 2A division.

This year we previewed new divisions 3A (Two long-spin), 4A (Off-string), and 5A (Counter weight/Freehand). These were originally planned as exhibition contests that would later grow to Championship status.

However, such a qualified turnout, and high-level participation this year, led us after the contest to accelerate this evolution and award the winners 2003 Championship Titles.

The following 2003 National Champions will be officially recognized this October.

Paul Yath of Minneapolis, Minnesota in 3A division,
Cody Taylor of Derby, Kansas in 4A division, and
Miguel Correa of Garland, Texas in 5A division.

In the 2003 Sport Division the string trick and looping trick ladders were for the first time, combined for an overall score. For the first time ever we had a tie. John Bozung of Spokane, Washington and Sam Miller of Chico, California shared the title.

The National Spin-Top Championship Title was won by Miguel Correa of Garland, Texas.

At the 2003 Awards Dinner the following were recognized as the leaders of the industry, and as those who have given to the yo-yo community in a significant manner.

Gregory Cohen received the 2003 Duncan Family Award for Industry Excellence. Greg was awarded for his promotion of contests, and boundless generosity in advancing the sport on the Internet.

Lucky Meisenheimer received the 2003 National Achievement Award. Lucky was awarded for his collecting and publishing activities that have positively influenced the sports development.

Patrick Mitchell received the 2003 Mark Sitton Sportsmanship Award. Bestowed on Pat for demonstrating the best in sportsmanship and helping others learn these qualities.

Thad Winzenz received the inaugural National League Merit Award. As the director of the NYYL, Thad works hard to improve the yo-yo league through leadership and organization.

Johnnie DelValle was selected for the 2003 Trick Innovator of the Year Award. This award’s past recipients chose Johnnie as the years influential creative developer of new yo-yo tricks.

Michael McDonald won the 2003 Best Junior Player Award. This award is sponsored by Holiday Inn-Chico and is presented to the highest scoring player aged 12 or younger in the Championship divisions.

Rob Kitts was awarded the 2003 Most Inspirational Player Award. The judges chose Robb as an inspiration to other players at the contest by pre-qualifying in two divisions in the NYYL.