Mocco & Rousey Win Gold

         Ft. Lauderdale, FL - For the second straight week the Jason Morris Judo Club (JMJC) turned in the best performance for the USA. The JMJC took 4 total medals at the US Open October 1-2, 2005 including 2 gold matching last week's 4 medal showing in Montreal at the Rendez Vous Canada. Katie Mocco (21) and Ronda Rousey (18) led the way winning their respective divisions. Mocco went 4-0 on the day in 70kg division including a thrilling ippon victory over Emilie Leroux (Canada) in the final. Mocco became the first ever JMJC member to claim a title at the US Open other than it's founder and 4x Olympain, Jason Morris. Ronda Rousey followed suit after Mocco by capturing gold in 63kg. Rousey went 4-0 including a win in the final over the much anticipated rematch of the Redez Vous Canada final with Ikumi Tanimoto (Japan). After losing last week in a tight  final, Tanimoto didn't accompany the rest of Japanese team home and opted to stay in North America to get another shot at Rousey. This time around Ronda had the answer for the Japanese and dominated the bout from the first bell to the end, throwing Tanimoto for ippon with 1 minute remaining for the championship. Carrie Chandler (24) and Aaron Cohen (24) both turned in workman like performances taking bronzes in their respective divisions. Chandler posted a 3-1 record in the 52kg weight class and Cohen went 4-1 in 81kg including an impressive win in the bronze medal match against, Bandi Davaadorj (Mongolia). Chandler's only loss was to eventual champ and 2005 World championship fifth place winner, Maria Alous (Romania). Jeremy Liggett (16) fought well again placing 9th in 60kg going 2-2 on the day. Liggett's losses were to eventual champ James Millar (23) from Great Britain, then an overtime loss to Juan Barahona (Ecuador). Yuko Sin (18) also placed 9th in 81kg with a 2-2 record. One of Sin's losses was a tight battle with rival, Travis Stevens. Dave Chapman (19) and AJ Silverman (17) lost their opening round matches and were eliminated closing out the JMJC members participation at the 2005 version of the US Open.