PRESS RELEASE

Burns & Chandler head back to Europe
Glenville, NY - Jason Morris Judo Club (JMJC) members and 2004 Olympic hopefuls, Liz Burns (19) and Carrie Chandler (22) left today to compete in two major European judo events. Their first stop will be Rome, Italy to participate in the Citta de Roma International tournament March 20-21, 2004 then they will attend an International training camp at the Italian Olympic training center March 22-25. They will then travel to Tallin, Estonia for the Estonian Open March 27-28 and return to the US on March 29. This is Burns and Chandler's second European trip this year having Competed in the Athens, Russian and Bulgarian Open's in January. The Citta de Roma and Estonian Open are both "A" level events meaning that Burns and Chandler can earn US ranking points if they take fifth place or better. Burns (52kg) and Chandler (57kg) are currently ranked #2 in their respective weight classes and all  these events are in preparation for the Olympic trials on June 5 in San Jose, CA and hopefully the Olympic Games in August 13-29, 2004. The Judo part of the Olympics will be contested August 14-20 and if they make it, Burns will go August 15 and Chandler will be August 16. Other Olympic hopefuls for the JMJC include Jen Conte (78kg), Gina Franzese (57kg), Taylor Middendorf (63kg), Katie Mocco (70kg) and Nate Torra (66kg). To make it to the Olympic Judo trials to have a shot to make the team you must be in the top five in your weight class. Torra is currently #3, Franzese & Mocco are #7 and Conte & Middendorf are not ranked as of yet, but have a good chance in the up coming weeks to change that.