BY: PAMELA STERN
On Sunday, April 10th the Starrett Spring Invitational Judo Tournament was held at the Brooklyn Sports Club (BSC). Judo clubs came from Maryland, Pennsylvania, and other areas of New York including Long Island for this tournament.
This year the Starrett Judo Club honored Luis Cavallos, who was a former student of Sensei Legros and worked at the BSC and passed away. Cavallos’ wife and two children were in attendance for this honor. This year’s recipient was a parent who exemplified this award on his behalf and is in appreciation for their sincere devotion and dedication to the students of the judo club. The award winner was Krystal Pena, the mother of Jackson and Kelsey Billups. In addition, the most out-standing athlete award went to Adam Faraq, who was in 1st place.
“The kids did well, Kelsey (11 years old) fought an adult and did an outstanding job. Now they see why I yell at them during practice because they see the fruits of their labor at the tournament. I am proud of all of them, they did an outstanding job!” said Sensei Legros.
The members of the Starrett Judo Club have been practicing hard and it shows. Eleven of the Starrett Judo Club members participated in this event.
Here is how the Starrett Judo Club placed at the Starrett Spring Invitational Judo Tournament:
- Adam Faraq first place
- Jackson Billups first place
- Kelsey Billups first place in two divisions
- Dominick Bonserio first place
- Raj Pope-carter 2nd place
- Cayen Altidor 2nd place
- Jeremiah Reddick 2nd place
- Kevin Bailey 3rd place
- Rex Pope-carter 3rd place
- Nathan Ciprian 3rd place
- Jordan Gonzalez first place seniors
The Starrett Judo Club will be heading to the Garden State Championship in New Jersey on Sunday, April 24th.
Photo Courtesy of: Krystal Pena