Gym Etc. Judo Athletes Fare Strongly in Event

Gym Etc. Judo Athletes Fare Strongly in Event

By LISA COFFEY

The Ledger

Four athletes from the Gym Etc. club showed their summer training paid off as they returned home with top five finishes from the United States Judo Association's National Judo Championships held last weekend in Boca Raton.

Katie Germain led the eightplayer contigent, taking second in the 11-12 year old, 38 kg division.

Kelly Germain took third in the 9-10, 34 kg division.

"Obviously I'm very proud of how my daughters fought," said father/coach Brian Germain. "Being a father and coach brings special challenges, but also special rewards when you are able to share the experience of competing at a higher level with your child."

Mike Kowalczyk placed fifth in the 13-14, 53 kg division, in his first junior national tournament.

Eric Wortman earned fourth in the 14-14, 48, kg division, getting edged out by rival Max Schneider of Chicago.

Gym Etc. members will go to Fort Lauderdale this weekend for the U.S. Judo Federation's Junior Nationals.

The Shoutpoint Shooters 16and-under basketball team with players from all over Polk County reached the quarterfinals of the Kentucky Hoop Fest last week. The Shooters went 4-1.

Both Marcus Capers of Lake Region and Tyler Auberbacher of Auburndale stood out, according to coach Eric Robinson. Auerbacher tallied five 3-pointers in one of the games.

Even though they placed second in the District 7 All-Star baseball tournament, the Bartow age 11-12 baseball team will be playing in the state tournament this weekend in East Lakeland.

Haines City held off North Lakeland to win the Little League District 4, Junior All-Star title. They will be playing in the Section IV tournament this weekend in East Bay.

Lakeland City claimed the Little League Senior District 4 title. They will also be at East Bay this weekend.

Fonte: The Ledger - Lakeland,FL,USA - http://www.theledger.com/