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Judokas prep for Junior Nationals

Consider it Hai School. The recent judo tourney was the last chance for competitors to practice techniques in a tournament setting before heading south.

Consider it Hai School.

The recent judo tourney was the last chance for competitors to practice techniques in a tournament setting before heading south.

About 24 Judokas, spread over seven divisions, took part at the Golden Horn Judo Tournament, hosted by the Golden Horn Judo Club, and held at—you guessed it—Golden Horn School on Saturday.

“It was nice to see how the kids have progressed over the years,” said Dan Poelman, president and official chair of Judo Yukon. “There were lots of different throws and lots of excitement again and some close matches.

“It was good to see some of the juniors trying some of their techniques and I guess it pays off when you keep consistent and it’s finally clicking for some of them.”

All three Whitehorse clubs were represented, with most competitors in the 13-and-under division, but a few adults did take to the mat as well.

“Some divisions were mixed—boys and girls,” said Poelman. “The parents and friends were out there cheering, which was nice.”

The tournament marked the last event in the Yukon for the season. However, a handful of Yukon judokas will likely be heading to the Junior Nationals being held in Calgary at the start of July.

“It’s also preparations for the Junior Nationals that are coming up,” said Poelman. “We’re not quite sure yet (who will be going). Everyone is still training, but perhaps eight people or so—we’re still finalizing some details with the coaches.”

Apart from throw downs and holds, another draw was the concession stand, said Poelman.

“It’s known for its famous chili,” he said. “It’s one reason people come out, I guess. We also had some door prizes this year, as well.”

Results

Mixed/U11/-32KG

1st Brady Ford

2nd Tayler Mitchell

3rd Georgia Gaw

3rd Isaac Pumphrey

Mixed/U9/-35KG

1st Rene Koep

2nd Max Zaparinuk

3rd Dana Sellers

3rd Hugo Burgess

Boys/U13/-50KG

1st Erik Vasseur

2nd Tim Schimmer

3rd Sam Christopherson

3rd Jordan Runions

Mixed/U13/-56KG

1st Woojin Jung

2nd Andrew Jensen

3rd Argus Huggard

3rd Tristan Ledgerwood

Girls/U13/-53KG

1st Ashley McCallum

2nd Camila Gaw

3rd Lizzy Sparling

Boys/U13/-62KG

1st Nicholas Widdes

2nd Tavis McCallum

3rd Finley Sparling

Male/seniors

1st Marc-Andre Lavigne

2nd Dane Vasseur

Contact Tom Patrick at

tomp@yukon-news.com