Pedro’s Judo Fills up the Cup at Starrett Judo Tourney
For Immediate Release:
Wakefield, MA – On January 15th more than 400 competitors from all over the North East part of the United States met in West Hampstead, NY for the first leg of the 2012 Zebra Judo Tour. This four part tour brings together some of the best junior and senior Judo athletes in country to show off their skills and dedication to the sport of Judo.
Pedro’s Judo Center sent down a team of 12 athletes led by Coaches Norm Winsor and Riley McIlwain, to compete and get ready for the 2012 competition year. Competition ‘regulars’ Meghan Arena, Kaelin O’Sullivan and Olivia Winsor all had got some good quality match time. With Meghan earning gold, Kaelin silver and Olivia a bronze, the girls used this tournament to really see how and what they need to improve on for the upcoming year. Other athletes Michael Roy, Antonia Vinciarelli and Darcy O’Sullivan also fought valiantly but could not make it the medal rounds. “For some of our athletes, it has been months since their last competition. We like to use these tournaments (ones on the Zebra Tour) to get the kids some match time and ultimately ready for the Summer Jr. National Circuit” commented Coach Riley McIlwain.
On the senior’s side of the competition, Kaelin O’Sullivan and Olivia Winsor, who are looking to earn their Brown Belts this year, stepped up that day and competed in the Senior Novice Division, both taking a Gold medal. Other athletes like Dan Trow, who is an instructor at Pedro’s Judo, stepped on the floor for the first time in months in order to gain more experience. One of the highlights of the day was Bobby Lee take a Gold medal in the -73kg Elite Division. After dropping two weight classes, Bobby stepped out on the floor determined to take home the gold and a $250 bonus check. Team mates Hana Carmichael and Aaron Kunihiro also took gold in their respective divisions along with $250 each. Janine Nakao and Fernanda Araujo both fought well and used this tournament as a ‘prepper’ for some upcoming tournaments with Janine scoring silver and Fernanda taking a bronze. Meghan Arena also went 1-2 in the Senior Elite falling one round short of a medal but fought very well according to Coach Norman Winsor who also stated that “he could not be more proud of Meghan’s performance. All of our kids did great today!”
The next stop on the Zebra Tour is the Pedro’s Challenge in Wakefield, MA. For information on the Zebra Tour and Pedro’s Judo Center can be found at www.jimmypedro.com
For Full Results Check out: http://www.legrosports.com/Results%202012%20Starrett%20Cup.pdf
