Local youth compete in ATA Taekwondo tournament

Eighteen local Taekwondo students participated in the recent ATA (American Taekwondo Association) Region 109 Class B Taekwondo Tournament held in Aurora, Colo. on February 16.

The regional competition included several categories for all levels of experience, ranging from Tiny Tigers (3 to 6-yr-olds) to adult Fourth and Fifth Degree Black Belts, with special performances in the XMA/Creative Competition.

Six students found success in the highly competitive and entertaining matches. Debbie Martin, a Blue Belt competing in the adult women group, placed third place in One Steps/Free Sparring. Joe Tomsick, a Blue Belt in the boys 15-17 age range, took third place in Traditional Forms and Meghana Nakkanti, a Blue Belt in the girls age 8 group, took second place in One Steps/Free Sparring.

Meghna Krishna, a Blue Belt in the girls age 9 group, took third place in One Steps/Free Sparring, and Rishi Krishna, a Blue Belt in the boys age 8 group, placed third in Traditional Forms and third place in One Steps/Free Sparring.

Rachel Blauert, a Green Belt in the 15-17 girls age range, took home first place in Traditional Forms and first place in One Steps/Free Sparring.

Also, three students participated in the Midwest Regional Championship Class B Tournament held March 9 in Grand Island, Neb. All received honors in their events.

Joe Tomsick placed first in One Steps/Free Sparring, first place in Traditional Forms and first place in Combat Sparring.

Cara Tomsick, a Blue Belt competing in the 12-14 girls age range, won first place in One Steps/Free Sparring, first place in Traditional Forms and second place in Combat Sparring.

Rachel Blauert, a Purple Belt competing in the 15-17 girls age range, took third place in One Steps/Free Sparring and first place in Combat Weapons.

The students are members of the local American Taekwondo Association (ATA) studio taught by Tony Virgalitte, a Fourth Degree Black Belt, and Sandy Virgalitte, a First Degree Black Belt.