& Kata National Championships (aka JF Jr.Nationals)
July 2-4, 2004, Honolulu, Hawaii
Ten Mojica Judo Students attended this year's JF Jr. Nationals, held in Honolulu, Hawaii.
With 800-1000 competitors from all over the country in attendance The Mojica Judo Team
prepared for months for this year's JF Jr. Nationals. Competition took place on
Saturday July 3 thru Sunday July 4, 2004 at the Neal Blaisdell Center Arena.
The Mojica Judo Club skipped the other two Jr. nationals and Junior US Open this year, to spend extra time in Hawaii. The first three days the team concentrated on the tournament. Amelia, Kevin, Anthony, Rodrigo, Stevona, and Tomas competed on Saturday, while Paula, Walter, and Dustin competed on Sunday. When Monday arrived, however, the team spent four wonderful days on the beautiful beaches, seeing the sights, and just enjoying Hawaii.
Anthony VaSquez - 2 GOLDS
Kevin Duarte - GOLD
Paula Duarte - 1 GOLD/1 SILVER
Lawrence Garcia- Inspirational Award
Rodrigo Vega
Stevona Delgado
Tomas Castillo
Walter Mendez
KEVIN DUARTE in his second national was so nervous that he didn't hear his name being called out when his time came to compete. Even with his gi a mess, and his belt loosely tied he Ipponed his first opponent, and went thru the others with ease to come home with Gold. (4Wins/0Losses)
Even though his opponents had much more experience, and the fact that this was his first National, ANTHONY VASQUEZ, did not appear at all nervous. He Ipponed his first two rivals, and when the Gold Medal match went down to Golden Score (OT), he was able to score with a penalty, and took Gold. Anthony was also part of the Nanka Boys Team that competed on the second day of competition. With his two Ippons he helped the Nanka Boys Team bring home Gold. (5Wins/0Losses)
Hawaii was PAULA DUARTE'S fourth national. Her first two rivals were taken down quickly by Ippons. Her Gold Medal match was with Kayla Harrison-Ohio (a player with much more experience). After losing to Kayla, Paula had one more match: Winner would take Silver, loser would take Bronze. Paula beat Jullian Roman-Georgia and came home with Silver. After competing, Paula was asked to replace Victoria Anthony, who was injured during her competition on the Nanka Girls Team. Up for the challenge, Paula beat both her opponents by Ippon and the Nanka Girls Team took home Gold. (5Wins/1Loss)
Mojica Judo team member, LAWRENCE GARCIA, was unable to compete, and was given the honor of leading the California delegation into the stadium during opening ceremonies. Lawrence also received an Inspirational Player Award from US Olympian Kevin Asano.
Even though the other five members of the Mojica Judo Team did not place, each showed the Mojica spirit, and never gave up.
WALTER MENDEZ, was the veteran of the group, but still in the building stages with the Mojica Club, won his first match and lost the next two.
TOMAS CASTILLO had a huge 27 man pool. His first two matches were no contest, but when he went up against Giovanti Ortiz (Gold medal winner), he took his first loss. In his next match, he Ipponed his opponent, but took his second loss in his fifth match. (3Wins/2Losses)
This was the first nationals for three Mojca Team members. They came with a lot of heart and determination, and gained experence, vowing to come back next year!
DUSTIN O'NEILL (1Win/2Losses), RODRIGO VEGA (2Wins/2Losses), and
STEVONA DELGADO (1Win/2Losses)