Four members of the Southwestern Oregon Community College Judo Club competed in the 52nd-annual Obukan Judo Tournament in Portland last Saturday.

The event hosted more than 100 participants from throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Russell McMurray placed second in the men’s lightweight black belt division.

“We’re fortunate to have Russell in Southwestern’s program,” said Rob Schab, Southwestern’s judo instructor. “Russell has been involved in judo for many years in the Portland area and has competed in a number of national-level events.”

Aaron Sands, 14, brought home a silver medal in the boys 13-14 heavyweight division.

The other club members who competed for Southwestern were James Brandt in the men’s middleweight brown belt division, and River Morse, competing in his first tournament, in the boys 9-10 lightweight division.

Also on Dec. 1, Schab competed in the United States Judo Association Winter Nationals in Ontario, Calif.

The two-day event hosted more than 500 contestants.

Schab earned a bronze medal in the men’s 50-and-over middleweight black belt division.

Winter adult and children’s judo classes begin Jan. 8. For more information on the program, those interested can call Schab at 756-0414.

Grapplers in action

The South Coast grapplers sent their largest contingent ever to a competition — 33 wrestlers — in last weekend’s Coquille tournament, with 10 winning their divisions.

First-place finishers for the grapplers included Zac Schneider, Cole Smith, Tyler Campbell, Tucker Tavernier, Robert Catlett, Tyan Harvey, Zach Kissinger, Jared Davisson, Tyler Denman and Wyatt McCarthy.

Runners-up were Raven Skinner, Devon Hall, John Hubbard, Kermit Gaston, Ethan Smith, Cade Sandusky, Neovan Johannsen, Kenny Brown, Aliscia Brown, Kole Davis and Mathew Bynum.

Wrestlers who finished third in their weight classes included Cade Hite, Zack Catlett and John Phillips.

Others who participated in the event were Tanner Johannsen, Seth Hisel, Austin Harvey, Trenton Harvery, Trenton Brawley, Josh Phillips, John Solis, Fred Wright and Cameron Wright.

“For half the wrestlers, this was their first real matches,” said Derek Hite, coach of the South Coast Grapplers. “We had great results and a lot of fun.”

Sportsmanship winners

Bay Area Sportsman’s Association sportsmanship and official awards for Boys & Girls Club of Southwestern Oregon volleyball games played on Saturday, Dec. 1.

Sportsmanship Awards

Third-Fourth Grade: North Bend Medical Center Pediatrics (Bunker Hill 2), coached by Wendy Johnson.

Fifth Grade: Marineau & Associates (home school), coached by Kristen DeAndrea.

Sixth Grade: Jake’s Body & Paint (Reedsport), coached by Heidi Chamberlin.

Coquille Sixth Grade: LTM (North Bend 3), coached by Gigi Johnson.

Official Awards

Professional — Third-Fourth Grade: Brady Ball; Fifth Grade: Katie Wilson; Sixth Grade: Jen Smith; Coquille Sixth Grade: Beka Young.