PRESS RELEASE

Torra Wins Gold
Mexico City, Mexico - Members of the Glenville, NY based Jason Morris Judo Club (JMJC) won 5 total medals including one Gold at the Benito Juarez International Judo tournament May 14-15, 2004. Nate Torra (21) led the way going 4-0 to capture the 66kg crown. This is a good win for the Clarksburg, MA native going into the Olympic trials on June 5 in San Jose, CA. Carrie Chandler (22) who is orginally from Dalton, MA went 4-1 to win a Silver medal at 57kg losing in the final to 1992 US Olympian, Valerie Gotay. Gina Franzese (23) from Clarkstown, WA continued to improve and impress by following her Silver medal performance at the US Nationals posting a 4-1 record winning Silver here at 52kg. Franzese is now currently ranked #5 in the US. Liz Burns (19) from Lake Havasu, AZ and a graduate of Burnt Hills High School took a bronze at 57kg losing only to teammate Chandler in the semis. Burns plans to move up to 57kg from 52kg after the Olympics and has already moved into the #5 spot at 57kg with this result. Katie Mocco (20) from North Bergen, NJ went 3-2 and claimed a bronze medal giving her a career high #2 ranking at 70kg. Taylor Middendorf (22) from Hull, MA turned in a good performance taking fifth place with a 2-2 record at 63kg. That result earned Middendorf the #7 ranking which is the first time she has been ranked at 63kg.