PRESS RELEASE

Burns & Chandler Win Medals in the Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - Liz Burns and Carrie Chandler of the Glenville, NY based Jason Morris Judo Club won medals at the Fed Cup International Judo tournament, Saturday June 1, 2002. 20 year old, Carrie Chandler won a Silver medal in the 57kg division and 17 year old, Burnt Hills High School Junior, Liz Burns won a Bronze at 52kg. Chandler cruised to final with 3 straight ippon (full point) victories. In the final, Carrie had the edge until she got countered for ippon by Jessica Garcia (PUR) at the 2 minute mark of the 5 minute match. With this win, Chandler recaptured the #1 US ranking at 57kg moving ahead of 2000 Olympian, Ellen Wilson by a half of a point (12.5 - 12). Wilson and Chandler are likely to meet up this Saturday, June 8 when they both will be competing in the Benito Jaurez International Judo tournament in Mexico City, Mexico. Burns lost her opening bout, but recovered to win 3 straight matches to win the Bronze including a brilliant come from behind victory in the Bronze medal fight. Burns solidified her lead on Katherine Ensler to make the US Jr. World team which competes September 12-15 in Jeju, Korea. Nate Torra went 2-2 at 66kg for the Jason Morris Judo Club on the men's side looking very sharp at times, but still is getting used to this weight class. Torra recently has moved up from 60kg. Torra is also vying for a spot on the Jr. World team and the closest to him in that race is Steve Wolery. This Wednesday, these three athletes along with their coach, Teri Takemori will travel to Mexico City, Mexico to compete in the Benito Juarez International June 8, 2002.