Member News

November 11, 2005

U.S. Athletes Win 14 Medals in Costa Rica

(Colorado Springs, Colo.) – Team USA started off the Pan American Infantil Championships Nov. 11 in San Jose, Costa Rica with a second place overall performance in the 11-12-year-old division, claiming 14 medals (four gold, one silver and nine bronze).

David Terao (Honolulu, Hawaii/Shobukan/31kg) and Carly Patton (Zephyrhills, Fla./ El Mambi/53kg) were named Outstanding U.S. Male and Female Player of the tournament, respectively. Both athletes won gold in their divisions with Patton defeatng each of her four matches by ippon (instant win), including two matches that ended in less than 10 seconds. 

Katelyn Bouyssou (Hope, R.I./Mayo Quanchi/31kg) also won gold, continuing her young record of being undefeated in competitons held outside the United States. 

The only returning U.S. athlete in this division from last year's event, Kayla Hall (Granite City, Ill./USA Stars/38kg) won the third gold medal for the U.S. girls, placing them first in the female medal count, ahead of Brazil and Puerto Rico. On the boys' side, Brazil, Venezuela and Colombia are currently the top teams.

Brazil leads the overall medal count with a total of 16 medals (six gold, six silver and four bronze) while Colombian athletes will return home with two gold and two silver medals.

Completed Pool Sheets

11-12-Year-Old Division

Male

Gold

31kg: David Terao (Honolulu, Hawaii/Shobukan)

Silver

48kg: Ruben Martin (Burleson, Texas/Ruben Martin Judo Club)

Bronze

28kg: Eric Benevides (Fall River, Mass./Mayo Quanchi)

34kg: Everet Desilets (Hope, R.I./Mayo Quanchi)

42kg: Max Schneider (Chicago, Ill./Tohkon)

53kg: Max Golembo (Vernon Hills, Ill./Cohen's Judo Club)

Fifth Place

38kg: Ren Hirokawa (Wahiawa, Hawaii/Shobukan)

Christian Gil (Miami, Fla./Falcon Judo Club/+53kg) competed, but did not place.

Female

Gold

31kg: Katelyn Bouyssou (Hope, R.I./Mayo Quanchi)

38kg: Kayla Hall (Granite City, Ill./USA Stars)

53kg: Carly Patton (Zephyrhills, Fla./ El Mambi)

Bronze

28kg: Micayla Maes (Wheatridge, Colo./Northglenn)

34kg: Darya Cogswell (Westminister, Colo./Hyland Hills)

42kg: Carina Caminero (Tampa, Fla./El Mambi)

48kg: Kia Artis (Marion, Indiana/ Marion Youth)

+53kg Persila Bencomo (Miami, Fla./ Pine Crest)