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September 30, 2008

Harrison wins double gold, Pedro inducted into US Judo Hall of Fame

Colorado Springs, Colorado:  Pedro’s Judo Center sent 8 Team Force members to compete at the US Open September 26^th & 27^th.  The US Open was held at the United States Olympic Training Center.  The team picked up 4 medals over the weekend.  Pedro’s Judo Center front man, Jimmy Pedro, was honored the day before the event by being inducted into the inaugural USA Judo Hall of Fame.  Pedro’s career highlights include 2 Olympic medals and a world title.

Kayla Harrison (18) led the way for the PJC contingent winning 2 gold medals.  Harrison was the only double gold medalist at the event.  Kayla went 3-0 in her normal 78kg division winning all of her matches by Ippon.  Harrison then opted to compete in the Open weight division where she racked up another 3 wins and another gold medal.  Kayla is now the proud owner of 4 US Open titles. 

2008 Jr. World team member Hana Carmichael (19) turned in a career best performance picking up a silver medal in the 57kg division.  Carmichael defeated an opponent from Canada before easily defeating rival Angelica Delgado (FL) in the semi final.  This marks the 8^th consecutive win over Delgado for Carmichael.  Hana lost the final against Hannah Martin (NY). 

Aaron Kunihiro (19) captured his first US Open medal by winning a bronze medal in the 60kg division.  Kunihiro lost in the quarter finals but fought his way through the repechage to set up a bronze medal bout with US #1 Nick Kossor (NY).  Kunihiro lit up the scoreboard, scoring several times with various techniques.  Aaron's stellar performance allowed him to overtake Kossor as the new #1 ranked player in the nation.  This is a career best ranking for Aaron. 

2008 Olympian Daniel McCormick (22) and US National champ Bobby Lee (20) both just missed making the podium losing the bronze medal matches in the +100kg and 73kg divisions placing them 5th.  Chris Round (19) had a solid showing in the 90kg division.  Chris fought hard all day long and walked away with a respectable 7th place.  Aaron Handy (100kg) and Alex Cress (90kg) also competed at the event for Pedro’s Judo Center.