ISLE FILE
Wahiawa's Takata earns judo senior national title

Advertiser Staff

Hawai'i's Taylor Takata won his first USA Judo Senior National championship Saturday night in Cleveland.

Takata went 5-0 in the 60 kg (132 pounds) division and defeated Shozo Fukuda of San Jose, Calif., by ippon in the final. "I threw him with katagruma (fireman's carry) in like the second minute," Takata said.

Takata is a 2000 Iolani School graduate from Wahiawa. He has lived and trained full time at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs since May 2001 and attends University of Colorado.

Amy Tong, former Hawai'i resident and Team USA member, won the women's 78 kg (171.9 pounds) championship.

Mark Muranaka, head instructor for the Mililani YMCA Judo Club, won the masters (over 45 years) 55 kg (121 pounds) championship. Muranaka defeated John Alanitz of Chicago, Ill., Military Arts Institute.

SOFTBALL

• Hilo wins two: Hawai'i-Hilo swept Hawai'i Pacific, 8-0 and 7-3, in a Pacific West Conference doubleheader at HPU windward field.

In the first game, Kristine Kahoalii pitched a shutout allowing just three hits, while striking out four batters. Diana Kim had three hits for Hilo.

In the second game, HPU led 3-2 going into the seventh, when Hilo rallied for five runs.

Kayla Kahuli doubled to left, scoring the tying and go-ahead runs.

AROUND TOWN

• UH's Donovan to speak: University of Hawai'i's Jim Donovan, associate athletics director, Vance Singletary, football defensive line coach, and Marga Stubblefield, women's golf coach, will speak at today's Honolulu Quarterback Club meeting at the Pagoda Restaurant.

Lunch is at 11:30 a.m., followed by the meeting at noon.

Elden Esmeralda, Kapolei High athletic director, will also speak.

• Tackle football: The Hawaiian Warriors will scrimmage the Westside Wildcats at 7:30 p.m. today at Pacheco Park in Pearl City.