The 17th annual Prairie Wildfire Taekwondo Challenge was once again a success, despite Yorkton Kee’s Taekwondo opting to move the event forward some six months in the hopes of drawing in new athletes.
“We’ve changed our date from November to now,” said Master Wayne Mitchell, adding that they hope the change in dates will allow for more competitors to attend the event in coming years. “In November we had about 50 athletes that aren’t here now, but now we’ve got about 50 new ones that weren’t here last time because the dates work for them now, so we’re hoping that next year we’ll get all the ones missing this year back so we can get around 200 competitors next time.”
As it is, the competition drew over 150 athletes from three different provinces and one state (North Dakota).
In addition there were 24 local athletes that competed at their home event, although Mitchell feels that that number can also be higher in future years. “It’s not a bad number,” stressed Mitchell. “It’s just that we always hope for more because they don’t have to travel to compete but right now we have 24 from all ages, from beginner’s right up to black belts.
“This is a grassroots development competition more than an elite athletes one up until we get to the black belts. It’s about having fun and learning and applying what you’ve practiced.”
Poomsae results (local)
Black Belt Male Cadet Koryo – Tyler Buenneke (gold), Zane Chopik (bronze). Black Belt Male Adult second and third Dan – Shane Varjassy (bronze). Black Belt Male Ultra – Victory Surjik (gold).Mitey Mite Female Basic Form – Elizabeth Young (gold). Mitey Mite Taegeuk One – Brett Chepil (silver). Mitey Mite Taegeuk Two – Drune Rugland (gold). Pee Wee Basic Form – Griffin Hasper (silver). Pee Wee Taegeuk One – Hannah Surjik (gold), Pressleigh Dingham (silver). Pee Wee Male Taegeuk Two – Chance Corcoran (silver). Mitey Mite Male Taegeuk Three – Brandon Novak (silver), John Young (bronze). Pee Wee Male Taegeuk Four – Jakob Surjik (silver). Pee Wee Female Advanced - Elexa Daigneault (gold), Danika Kluk (silver). Pee Wee Female Taegeuk Six – Tyana Daigneault (gold). Cadet Male Taegeuk Six –Simon Dumalski (slver). Cadet Female Taegeuk Seven – Kallie Buenneke (gold). Adult Male Ultra – Brian Twardzik (silver).
Sparring results (local)
Black Belt Female Midget – Kallie Buenneke (gold). Black Belt Male Midget Light – Zane Chopik (gold). Black Belt Male Cadet Light – Tyler Buenneke (silver). Black Belt Male Junior Heavy – Eric Fookes (silver). Black Belt Male Adult Welter – Shane Varjassy (gold). Female Beginner Midget Light – Hannah Surjik (silver). Female Advance Midget Light – Elexa Daigneault (silver). Male Beginner Midget Middle – Griffin Hasper (bronze). Male Beginner Midget Light – Drune Rugland. Male Intermediate Ultra – Brian Twardzik (silver). Male Intermediate Light – John Young (bronze). Male Intermediate Heavy – Brett Chepil (silver). Male Intermediate Cadet Heavy – Chance Corcoran (gold). Male Intermediate Cadet Middle – Jakob Surjik (silver). Male Advanced Cadet Heavy – Simon Dumalski (bronze).
