105 judoka wanted to prove themselves at the Heidmühler FC tournament. There were also some strong placings for the hosts.
To read this article, complete one of our offers or log in as a subscriber. All content on NWZonline and in the NWZ news app will then be available to you without restriction.
Heidmühle – A stage for young judo players was offered on Saturday „Watt’n-Cup“ of Heidmühler FC in the Schortenser sports hall on Beethovenstrasse. 105 judoka competed against each other in the U9, U12 and U15 age groups. 21 clubs from the region and beyond were represented, including BW Hollage (near Osnabrück) and JKG Norden. The main organization was in the hands of the HFC division manager Christoph Legler. He was supported by numerous helping hands from the club.
Ten active members of Heidmühler FC at the start
Heidmühler FC was well represented with ten judoka. Four of them were on the competition mat for the first time and gained valuable experience. The hosts’ older fighters shone with good fights and placings. Hannah Weigert (U15, -60 kg) and Rieke Hudaff (U15, -42 kg) each fought for first place in their weight class. Malte Dudenhausen (U9, -26 kg), Jakob Weigert (U12, -39 kg), Thore Legler (U12, -36 kg) and his brother Thies Legler (U15, -35 kg) also showed strong performances and came second.
However, the club was particularly proud of the 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 an awesome judo keychain.
The youngsters were accompanied by trainers Sandra Uber, Kean Kretschmer and Eike Rodenbäck, who provided advice and support during the fights but also immediately afterwards or during the preparation. With a lot of empathy and words of praise, the trainers corrected the club’s very young judoka. “Of course they were particularly excited at their first competition,” said Uber.
A tournament that will be remembered
The numerous guests at the HFC were also satisfied: thanks to the relaxed atmosphere and the focus on competition experience, the “Watt’n Cup” was very well received by athletes and trainers. The twelve judges who came always made fair decisions and the audience was also enthusiastic. “Thanks to the commitment of everyone involved, this tournament will certainly be remembered for a long time,” said Legler with certainty. “We have proven again that judo is more than just competition: it is a community that grows through respect and collaboration.”
Dennis Sandhorst
Sports editorial team, Jeversches Wochenblatt, Wilhelmshavener Zeitung