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1st Pan American Games Recap
Saturday turned out to be one of the hottest days of the year as we watched the 1st Pan American games turn up the heat. Oh, the weather was good too. Hamburgler impersonation. And let me warn all of you who think that you are pretty good, you have your work cut out for you.
The kids started off the event, illuminating themselves to the finals. I saw some of the best action that I have seen for kids. Incredibly, these youngsters knew the control game - they knew the positioning game and damn, they even attempted submissions. All this from five, six, eight , 12 year olds. They landed submissions from as simple as a kimora to as complex as reverse triangles.
Next, the girls got a chance to show that they to are a force to reckoned with. This was a great tournament for girls to show their stuff and show they did. Some of them even competing with the boys and having success. Amie Turton (NJ I.M.B./Cabeca) won her division, which included the boys, with an arm bar. It just goes to show that skill and technique are what counts. And the women were incredible, going for and escaping submissions that I’ve seen some of the top fighters have problems with.
We then got a chance to see some of the top talent around and some trying to get there. We watched many hard fought battles and there were a couple of fighters that we followed. One such fighter was Javier “Showtime” Vasquez (Millennia Jiu-Jitsu) - former KOTC champion.
I asked him how his knee was doing. He tells me it’s doing really good and he can’t wait to get a rematch for the KOTC title. And obviously, it was doing well as he took on opponents like Bao Quach (Team Oyama) and others to win his division.
Another fighter we kept our eye on was Don Rocco (Submission Company), who told us that he is about 9 lbs over his comfortable weight and felt tired and heavy.
It showed as he competed in his division and lost.
But with hopes of taking a medal, Don refocused his attention and entered the open division knowing full well that these competitors are some of the best of the tournament.
Unfortunately, a bad turn of events occurred - his Coach/Instructor Rick Lucero could not be there for the Open division due to a injury that another one of Rick's students suffered during a match, Mike Sweety. Sweety suffered what looked to be a broken forearm and Mr. Lucero accompanied him to the hospital. Sweety showed guts and determination throughout the competition and our Best thoughts go out to Mike. Get better soon.
So, you wanna guess who ended up coaching Don?
Yes, no, maybe?
I’ll tell you anyways - yours truly, me.
I was screaming at him what to do at the same time I was recording his match with the video camera. I hope the video came out (it did). Don went on to win the gold and a well deserved rest. Rest up Don.
To all those that competed - Congratulations on a great tournament and a great showing of your skills. And to the staff, you did a great job.
Till next time, AL
(8/24/03)
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