West Central Illinois Judo: Coach's Report

Report from Coach George Weers on our team's performance at the tournament yesterday. Way to go team !

-----------------------------------------------------------

Aaron Prosser, Joe Taylor, Stefan Habsburg, Blaine Duhs, Coach George Weers

Hollis Park Judo was, heavily, represented at the 2015 Irwin Cohen Memorial Judo Tournament. This year our team of players consisted of one 90kg, Stefan, two -100kg, Joe Taylor and Aaron Prosser as well as Blaine at +100kg. For Aaron and Joe it was their first experience at a National level event and they comported themselves well.

Joe’s first match was against, international player and multiple National Champion, Mark Fletcher. Joe played well and was able to execute a few attacks. Mr. Fletcher’s experience, however, prevailed.

Aaron faced a, more, experienced opponent in a, two-out-of-three, situation, which provided a valuable bench-mark for Aaron’s future development.

This event was Stefan’s first venture into the -90kg division. In his first match, Stefan faced a visually impaired (VI) athlete who was able to match Stefan’s ground play skills, tit for tat. It was a very entertaining match, over which the VI player was able to persevere with a small score. Unfortunately, Stefan tweaked his knee in his second match.

In a bizarre twist of bracket bungling, Blaine dominated the +100kg division. Blaine’s superior footwork, grips and transitions made easy work of all comers. The Cohen’s event served as a good warm-up for Blaine’s trip to Dallas and the President’s Cup next weekend.

I would be remiss in not thanking our support group of Natalie, Marisa, Melissa and Julie. Their efforts in soothing boo-boos and bolstering egos was an invaluable asset.

Congratulations to all! You have upheld the reputation of Hollis Park Judo and provided your Coach with great pride!

Coach