October 25th, 2003

       While the Marlins traveled from Florida to New York for Game 6 of the World Series, Army Judo departed New York for one of their most crucial competitions of the season in Miami. The Eastern Collegiate Judo Association (ECJA) incorporates university teams across the Eastern region of the United States. This weekend Army Men’s Team went to ECJA’s annual tournament to defend the championship title, which they have held for the past 4 consecutive years, while the Women sought to retake the title from the competitive Florida International University Team. Every member of Army’s traveling team placed in the top 4 in their division. Army Coach CPT Dave Slivka was awarded 2003 ECJA Coach of the Year as the Men’s and Women’s team both placed second in overall competition, which combined Novice and Advanced competition results to determine overall Team score. The Team now looks ahead to beating Air Force at Colorado Springs next weekend.

Men’s Black belt Division

      Performing at a level of intensity that dominated the tournament, the Men’s advanced team took first in the Blackbelt division. Michael Kolton ‘05 (60 kg), Don Kanase ‘04  (66 kg), Brandon Hathorne  ‘04  (81 kg), and Bryan Fitzpatrick ‘04  (100 kg and 100+ kg) all placed first in their respective divisions. Paul Neal ‘04 (60 kg) and Nick Simpson ‘04  (73 kg) took second, and Dave Park ’05 (81 kg) took third. Senior Fitzpatrick’s entry in two divisions provided for a tough day, but he was able to successfully beat FIU’s heavyweight blackbelt to secure his first place finish. Junior Michael Kolton and Senior Paul Neal successfully made it to the finals in the same weight division for the third consecutive year, and battled for the championship title. Brandon Hathorne, facing some of the toughest competition of the tourney, was awarded Outstanding Male Competitor of the Year.

Men’s Novice

      The Men’s Novice Team faced the impressive number of fighters that FIU brought for the Tournament (50+), which was on their home turf. Freshman Jordan Bellamy (90 kg) and Junior Russell Poweledge (100 kg) took first in their division. Sustaining a painful shoulder injury in his first match, Junior Dave Pierce (81 kg) defeated his opponent and continued to fight 4 more matches to a third place finish. First year Army Judo Team fighter Michael Lee ’06 (90 kg) took second while freshmen Chris Behm (81 kg) and Tom Buller (90 kg) took third and forth respectively. The Novice Team met expectations and proved that they will are preparing to fight in tough competition as the season progresses.

Women

      The Women’s Team of Florida International University poses one of the most competitive opposition for Army. With a larger roster, FIU placed multiple fighters in the Women’s weight division. Despite the overwhelming opposition, Tanilla Mcdaniel ’05, Catherine Johnston ’05, Jean Scrivner ’06, and freshman Jennifer Lichty, all took first place. Highlights included Tanilla McDaniel being awarded Outstanding Female Judo Competitor of the Year. Additionally, Jennifer Lichty’s improvement as a first year beginner was outstanding. With only two previous competitions behind her, Lichty was able to win her fight in the finals for the Novice division title.