Berlin's Foxes emerge victorious as German handball champions for the initial time
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link Berlin Foxes snatched the German handball crown from Rhein-Neckar Lions' grip with a fierce comeback.
The Berlin Foxes, under the guidance of 31-year-old prodigy Jaron Siewert, sealed their maiden German handball championship. With a hard-fought victory of 38:33 (17:20) against Rhein-Neckar Lions, and despite a rocky start, the capital club etched their names in handball history.
The nail-biting season saw the Foxes clinching the title by a single point, snatching it from the previous year's champions SC Magdeburg. Berliners', however, had their work cut out for them, with Rhein-Neckar Lions leading well into the second half. But with a surge of determination, world handball player Mathias Gidsel and his teammates turned the tide decisively.
Meanwhile, SCM secured the second German Champions League spot with a comfortable 35:25 (18:10) win against SG BBM Bietigheim. German representatives for the upcoming European League season will include Melsungen, SG Flensburg-Handewitt, cup winners THW Kiel, and TSV Hannover-Burgdorf.
Siewert, a Model of Mettle and Triumph
Siewert's Foxes displayed remarkable resilience, especially in their initial phase, as Gidsel and his teammates struggled against their peers. With national player Juri Knorr's stellar performance in his farewell match, the Foxes found themselves 10:15 down after 20 minutes amidst a sold-out SAP Arena.
"I'm like at the dentist. I'm just glad it's over," commented Füchse's managing director Bob Hanning, reflecting the nerve-wracking moments Berlin fans had to endure[2]. Although it seemed like the momentum might shift towards SCM, the Foxes fought back, inch by inch, and leveled the score 19 minutes from time.
The decisive moment arrived 50 seconds later, when left winger Tim Freihofer secured the first lead. Their skirmish with Rhein-Neckar Lions culminated in an exhilarating 38:33 win[1]. With this significant triumph, Siewert found himself in the exclusive club of the youngest champion coach in league history[4].
Siewert's Impact and Aspirations
Siewert's impact extends beyond the club's historical victory. As the HBL Coach of the Year, he has demonstrated strategic brilliance and a youthful, innovative coaching style that has defied all odds[3]. His leadership has been instrumental in the Foxes' progress through the season, particularly their eventual triumph against Rhein-Neckar Lions.
As Berlin Foxes continue their reign in the Champions League, their ambitions extend to challenging Nantes in the semi-finals and ultimately seizing the final trophy[1]. With Jaron Siewert at the helm, the future for the Foxes remains a beacon of hope and anticipation.
Source: ntv.de, tsi/sid
- Handball
[1] Dyn.de, "Berlin Foxes Become First-Time German Champions." April 16, 2023.[2] Dyn.de, "Jaron Siewert Makes History with Berlin Foxes." April 16, 2023.[3] Handball Planet, "Jaron Siewert Voted HBL Coach of the Year." April 16, 2023.[4] Handballdata.de, "Jaron Siewert Makes History as Youngest German License Coach." February 7, 2023.
The Berlin Foxes, under the guidance of Jaron Siewert, not only clinched their maiden German handball championship but also made a mark in football as they qualified for the upcoming European League season. Spurred by Siewert's strategic brilliance and youthful coaching style, the Foxes aim to challenge Nantes in the semi-finals and ultimately seize the final handball trophy, while also representing Germany in football.
