Youth Judo Members Take State In Wrestling
For the past couple of years, we have had the great opportunity to train some of the Edmond Generals Youth Wrestling Team, and in late 2009, started a dedicated judo program for the team. Cord West, father of Caden “Bam” and Carlee West committed to offer the judo class for the wrestlers, assisted by Ryan Willoughby and Mike Darter. Since then, the class has grown to about 14 kids, and is continuing to grow. “Cord has done an outstanding job with the program, and we can’t wait to see them transition over to judo after the season” said OKCDT Director and head coach Mike Darter. Soon the class will expand to 2 days and will offer a dedicated “Freestyle Judo” class. Freestyle Judo is a new movement started by a group of Welcome Mat Judo Clubs in Kansas, Missouri and Illinois, and offers an optional competition style to judo, adding no gi divisions with more of a focus toward groundwork.
The Edmond Generals is led by 2009/2010 Coach of The Year-Hardell Moore (pictured above), who is uncle to youth wrestlers and OKCDT judo members Keegan and Zachary Moore. Both Keegan (11-12, 96lbs) and Zachary (11-12, 92lbs) are State Champions, along with other OKCDT members Kaden Gfeller (9-10, 70lbs), Paxton Rosen (11-12, 64lbs), and Bam West (6-under, 52lbs). Bam West is also a National Champion, undefeated this season (see stats below). Ian Brown (9-10 year old, 76lbs.) placed 4th in State this year and brothers Austin and Blake Neil are both State Qualifiers. Other members include Cy Trindle and Brett Black. Cy was a 2009-2010 Varsity 78 lb for Edmond North Jr. High Wrestling Team. Cy has also been a 5x Oklahoma Kids State Placer, finishing 3rd place in 2010. More stats on Cy below. Brett Black is a novice wrestler who won several novice tourneys this year, but recently broke his arm at open regionals and can not compete but has not missed a judo class. He comes and watches until his cast is off. These are all great wrestlers, and OKCDT is very proud to be associated with them in judo. “We would not be where we are, or had the past success without judo as a foundation” said coach Cord West, as he is currently finishing their season. Soon, many of the classmates will be competing in the 2010 Oklahoma State Judo Championships, on March 27th in Tulsa, OK.
Bam West Stats:
Div.1 52lbs Undefeated 82 wins-0 losses
Champion Amarillo Nationals
Champion Cliff Keen Kickoff
Champion Tulsa Nationals
Oklahoma Wrestler of the Year
Central Oklahoma Regional Champion
Oklahoma State Champion
Currently Ranked #1 WOW National Rankings
USJOC Champion
Cy Trindle Stats:
5x Oklahoma Kids State Placer, 3rd Place 2010
2x Oklahoma Kids State Runner Up
2x Oklahoma Kids Free Style State Champ
09 Adidas Brute National Champ
09 Adidas Brute 6th Grade Division Outstanding Wrestler
09 Cliff Keen Amarillo National Champ
09 Oklahoma Series Academic All State
09-10 Varsity 78 lb Edmond North Jr. High Wrestling Team
Judo is becoming more of an addition to wrestling programs, not only here, but across the US, as seen in this article on the US Olympic Judo Team site. Judo compliments wrestling and can be a great foundation on the mat, as stated above by coach West.
The below slideshow is from the 2010 OKWA State Championships.
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