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2011 Night of Champions
May 21, 2011
Night of Champions – A Huge Success!
Over 200 people showed at the semi-formal/black tie event held Friday, May 20th at the exclusive Denver Athletic Club. Judokas, wrestlers, family and friends arrived to pay tribute to four deserving honorees at the Colorado Night of Champions. Those who were honored include Leonard “Buck” Wessell and Dr.Dennis McGuire, honored by USA Judo; and Arno Niemand and Scott Beck who were honored by USA Wrestling.
President Lance Nading and CEO, Jose Rodriguez presented awards to the USA Judo honorees. Both honorees delivered powerful messages to the attendees on creating and behaving as a champion. USA Wrestling, who partnered with USA Judo on the event also had their CEO, Rich Bender and Jim Scherr, former CEO of the US Olympic Committee and Olympian present on behalf of USA Wrestling to their distinguished guests.
Leonard “Buck” Wessell, founder of Boulder Judo Training Center and co-founder of the Team Force program spoke about the attributes of a champion and stressed that while there are many champions, true heroes give back and show gratitude. Wessell also thanked his family and emphasized how fitting it was that the two organizations, USA Judo and USA Wrestling, had created a partnership for the event.
Dr. Dennis McGuire, founder of Northglenn Judo club one of the oldest judo clubs in the country, spoke about his journey with the program. He recognized many individuals that had assisted him along the way and made special mention of Buck Wessell, Lance Nading and Lee Sands, all who were leading competitors in his program during the early days. He also thanked his family and encouraged the youth judokas in attendance to continue to pursue their dreams.
“USA Judo is proud and humbled to honor these individuals” stated CEO, Jose Rodriguez. “Their contributions to the development of judo in the United States will be recognized and leave a legacy long after this evening is over.”
“We realize that there are many deserving individuals that have contributed to our sport from all across the country and we look forward to beginning a tradition where we can pay homage to those people through the Night of Champions event” concluded Rodriguez.
Also honored for their outstanding performance in competition were nine Colorado athletes including; Brittany Burger, Robert Burger, Alexa Liddie, Dartanyon Crockett, Connor Murtha, George Truong, Joseph Hashimoto, Mike Kannianan and Myles Porter. An award of special recognition was presented to Pat Nading-Amman, President of Colorado Judo League, for her continued support of USA Judo especially in the state of Colorado.
Anthony Robles, the athlete who won the 2011 NCAA Wrestling Championships with only one leg, spoke to the crowd about overcoming obstacles and taking charge of the things that you have power over. His inspirational story was a perfect fit for the affair.
Senator Hank Brown of Colorado served as the Honorary Chair of the event. Brown recognized the impact of youth sports in Colorado and complimented the honorees on their dedication to the development of judo and wrestling in the state.
To see a complete photo album on the event, visit USA Judo on Facebook.
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