PRESS RELEASE

Swamp Judo Results
Chandler and Torra win Gold Lafayette, LA - Nate Torra (18) and Carrie Chandler (20) of the Gleville, NY based Jason Morris Judo Club, continued their winning ways and won Gold medals at the Swamp Classic Judo Championships, Saturday March 23, 2002. Torra won the 60kg weight class going 6-1 in the double elimination event. Torra rebounded from an early loss to Hiram Cruz (FL) and reeled off 5 straight wins including 2 against Cruz. This was the third title for Torra on the national Judo circuit in as many weeks. He won his first Collegiate National title last week in San Jose, CA and won the Midwest Championships in Chicago, IL the week before that. During that span, Torra is 13-1. With this win, Torra now leads Taraje Murray 20-14 in the USA Judo points race to qualify for the Jr. Pan Am team that will compete July 13-14 in Brazil. The team will be selected June 1, 2002. Chandler easily won the 57kg title going 4-0 including another win over rival Crystal Ransom of the Olympic training center. This win gives Chandler a 12-11 lead against Ellen Wilson on the USA Judo point roster in 57kg. Wilson still is ranked #1 due being a "A" while Chandler is a "B", but Wilson must win a medal this weekend at the Dutch Open to retain her "A". If Wilson fails to medal then Chandler will claim the #1 ranking and become the second Jason Morris Judo Club member to do so. Nate Torra held the #1 raking in 60kg for 2 weeks in November, 2001. Liz Burns (17) went 2-2 tin 52kg add a bronze to the club medal count. Burns lost a tough match to rival Katherine Ensler (OK) making her record against Ensler 2-4. Burns is battling Ensler for the Jr. Pan Am and Jr. World spots and currently trails Ensler 24-21. Next up for these three athletes will be the Sr. Nationals in Cleveland, OH April 13-14, 2002. Torra and Chandler both won National titles last year and Burns was a bronze medalist.