WCB Sophomore Competes at Basque Pelota World Cup

Francisco Xavier Mendiburu Perez, a sophomore Business Analytics major at Xavier, is taking time this semester to accomplish something pretty unique. This month, he will represent Mexico at the Under 23 Basque Pelota World Cup.

Basque Pelota, which originated in France and Spain, is a non-contact racket sport with several modalities typically played between 2 teams of 2 players. Played in several countries in Europe, Latin American and in the US, it is known as the fastest sport in the world; it was also an official Olympic Sport in the 1900 Paris Olympic Games and a demonstration sport in 1924, 1968, and 1992.

Francisco’s family migrated from Navarra, Spain to Mexico, where he was born. As a young child they returned to Spain where he lived for 12 years before moving to the United States 8 years ago. After attending a Jesuit High School, he found Xavier in his search for a school close to home that would allow him to continue his education in a community immersed in Jesuit values.

Francisco competes in a version of the sport called Pala, played on a 36 meter court using a Pala Corta or “short bat” and says his inspiration to learn the sport was watching his father play while growing up. He secured his spot in the World Cup by placing 2nd place in several national tournaments against players from all over Mexico. With deep ties to the sport, Francisco will be the 3rd generation of his family to compete for the Mexican National team in an international tournament.

Competition for Francisco and his partner, Santiago Barberena, begins October 17, 2021 in Spain. While this is certainly not a traditional semester of college, the WCB believes Francisco is a shining example of the unique aspirations and successes of students in both the College of Business and the University, and will be rooting him on along the way!

If you’re interested in watching matches, and following results of the 2021 Basque Pelota World Cup please visit http://fipv.net/index.php/es/