The Army Judo team traveled to Newark, New Jersey, for their debut tournament at the 38^th Annual East Coast Championship. Starting off the 2004-2005 season with a large regional tournament, the team finished well with many cadets placing in the top three.

Some outstanding performances included Brian Bishop (2007) and Sean O’Connor (2007), who both placed 2^nd in their respective weight divisions. Freshman JD Caddell took first place in the 73 kg novice division. Brent Carr (2008) placed 2^nd in the brown belt division, and Team Captain Michael Kolton (2005) placed 3^rd in the black belt division.  Team President Tanilla McDaniel (2005) led the women and took 2^nd place. Junior David Dunham went 3-2 in the black belt division fighting against internationally ranked players.

Although more than half the Army team has less than 2 years of experience in Judo, their performance at the tournament was at a level well above all reasonable expectations. The East Coast Championship marked the beginning of a very promising and demanding season for the Army Judo Team.