105 judoka from 21 clubs ensured a record participation in the Heidmühler FC Watt’n Cup. But that was not the only reason why division manager Legler drew an extremely positive conclusion.
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Heidmühle – In the truest sense of the word, things went haywire last weekend at the Heidmühler FC judo department’s Watt’n Cup on 300 competition mats. The team of organizers led by department head Christoph Legler were able to welcome 105 judoka from 21 clubs to the sports hall on Beethovenstrasse – which was a record turnout.
The competition took place in the age groups U 9, U 12 and U 15. “We were able to organize the tournament, which was aimed primarily at beginners, with a lot of commitment and support from the parents and club members,” said Legler happily: “And thanks Thanks to the many volunteers, the event was a great success.”
The young talents who took part came from the region, but also from further afield. Including starters from BW Hollage (near Osnabrück) and JKG Norden. Local giants such as PSV Oldenburg and Vareler TB were also there. The host HFC was well represented with ten active judoka. “Four of them were on the competition mat for the first time and gained valuable experience,” reported Legler.
During the welcome, the head of the judo division once again focused on the beginner nature of the tournament and emphasized the judo values of “respect” and “self-control”. He appealed to athletes, coaches and parents to live these values during the competition day. “Inexperienced opponents in particular deserve consideration, and judges’ decisions should be accepted,” he said.
Local hero Thore Legler from Heidmühler FC threw an Osoto-gari to Kilian Fink (North) at the Watt’n Cup, which gave him victory.
No sooner said than done: Then it was time for the sporting competition. Some local heroes from Heidmühler FC made an exclamation mark: the experienced ones among them secured podium places. Hannah Weigert (U 15, up to 60 kg) and Rieke Hudaff (U 15, up to 42 kg) even made it to the top spot on the podium in their weight classes. Malte Dudenhausen (U 9, up to 26 kg), Jakob Weigert (U 12, up to 39 kg), Thore Legler (U 12, up to 36 kg) and his brother Thies Legler (U 15, up to 35 kg) also showed strong performances. They each took second place.
According to Legler, the HFC was particularly proud of the judo newcomers: Ben Lennox Folkers, André Rumpf, Arvin Dietrich and Jannes Reichenbach from the U9 showed great commitment in their first competition and performed well. “Although they didn’t win any medals, they were rewarded with a great judo keychain, which certainly caused envy among some medal winners,” explained Legler.
Finally, he concluded that he was completely satisfied with the tournament. “With its relaxed atmosphere and focus on gaining competitive experience, the Watt’n Cup was very well received,” said Legler: “The twelve judges who traveled ensured fair decisions, and the audience was also enthusiastic. Thanks to the great commitment of everyone involved, this tournament will certainly be remembered for a long time.” With the Watt’n Cup, the HFC has once again proven that the sport of judo is more than just competition: “It is a community built through respect and cooperation grows.”
