What awaits a quintet of local judo competitors at junior nationals is tough to predict.
What is certain is that they we will be well-prepared.
After months of training Rebecca Hanson, Eryn Langdon, Haley Walz, Adam Langdon and Brock Pearson will represent the Moose Jaw Koseikan Judo Club at the Judo Canada Youth Nationals from July 2-4 in Lethbridge.
“All I care about is that they are prepared the best that they possibly can be for the fight and that they give 100 per cent,” said Koseikan instructor Derek Porter.
“On any given day, if the planets align, they can win.”
Hanson and Walz both made their nationals debut a year ago. Walz finished with a 1-2 record while Hanson lost both of her matches.
“I really hope that Haley has a strong performance,” said Porter. “She injured herself in Edmonton at our last big tournament. She hurt her elbow and didn’t get to see where she was at.”
Hanson and Walz should benefit from their experience last year, but Porter knows it will be tough for the three debutantes.
“When you have three at their first juniors I think it will be an eye-opener for them — especially the caliber that is there,” he said.
All of the athletes have been working hard so that they’re ready to put their best foot forward when they hit the mat.
For more please see Tuesday's TImes-Herald.
