The Ninth Annual Renshinkan Judo Dojo Championships were recently held in Cooper Hall of the State University of New York's Brockport Campus. Conducted under the direction of Dr. Sachio Ashida, the tournament brought together judo enthusiasts from Western New York to Maryland. Over 40 contestants, ranging in age from six to forty-five, competed for Gold, Silver and Bronze medals which were presented during the Awards and Closing ceremonies. The Renshinkan Tournament is a stepping-stone for area judo enthusiasts to prepare for continuation, of their studies, in the sport of judo. The tournament, in its ninth year, has been a proving arena for hundreds of judo participants over the year. During the Opening Ceremony, Valerie Deriquebourg delivered the Athlete's Oath. Volunteers from the Renshinkan Judo Club of Brockport produced the 2002 tournament. Technical advisor to the club is Dr. Ashida, with assistance from Marge Gaskin, Patricia Unterborn and Janet Johnson. This year's tournament utilized the assistance of over 20 volunteers from the club and community. Athletes winning Gold Medals for First Place included Suzie Boulet, Valerie Deriquebourg, Daniel Ramundo, Nicky Ramundo, Ivan Kriminski, Zachary Wojhar, Andrew Gugino, John Farrar, Brian Lopez, Alexander Palmer, Eugene Medvedev, Irving Ortolaza, James Martinez. Taking home Silver Medals were Nick Tonery, Paul McCracken, Sean Turner, Walter McDonald, Brianna Wojner, Chris Hutzinger, Isaac Bonilla-Lopez, Matthew Jarkowski, Brandon Nance, Matt Brooks, Andy McNamara, Alexander Eschbach, Brian Lopez and Joe Gugino. Bronze Medal winners included Paul Chase, Justin Higgins, Kevin Oszcalkiewicz, Mitch Ashcroft, Damien Gregoire, Steven Prelmeier, Josh Ortolaza, Tony Miosi and Emily Platt. With the success of the ninth consecutive tournament, the volunteers have started the planning stages for the 2003 event. In addition, the Renshinkan Judo Dojo plans to host the first Kata Tournament and Clinic in December of 2002; this will be held in honor of Dr. Ashida's 50th year in the United States. Members of the Renshinkan Judo Club of Brockport. |
