San Jose, CA
March 19-20, 2005
This is only the second year that the nationals have included Middle school competition at Nationals for Grades 7th thru 9th. The High School competition is for grades 9th thru 12th. Competition was fierce as middle & high school students from throughout the nation came together to compete.
This year's High School champions will have the opportunity to travel to Japan and earn the bragging rights to being called All American High School Champions.
The title of HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC ALL AMERICANS was awarded to those athletes who have maintained a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher. We're happy to report that Paula is on that list!
Kevin Duarte is in the seventh grade at Sierra Vista Jr. High School. Because of the unusual division set up, Kevin was only able to compete once. He lost against a 9th grader from Rego Park, New York and came home with Bronze.
Paula Duarte is a freshman at Sierra Vista High School. Paula could have competed in the Middle School Nationals, but her coaches had her compete in the tougher High School division. In a fifteen man pool, Paula was a fierce competitor, winning her first two matches by ippon. In her third match, she lost to Hannah Martin from Burnt Hills, NY. In her fourth match she beat Tara Clark from Hercules, CA. In her fifth and final match, Paula lost to Janine Nakao, from Marina, CA, to come with fourth place.