ISLE FILE
Takata steps up in class to win national judo title

Advertiser Staff

Taylor Takata, a 2001 Iolani School graduate from Wahiawa, won the men's 66-kilogram division of the 2004 USA Judo National Championships Saturday in San Diego.

Takata, who moved up from 60 kilograms because that weight class did not qualify for Olympic competition, clinched a spot in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials event on June 5 in San Jose, Calif. He was representing Shobukan Judo Club,

Scott Pak, also of Shobukan, placed fifth in the 66-kilogram division and might also qualify for the team trials.

In masters competition for athletes 30 and older, John Koomoa of Shobukan won the male 35 to 39 66-kilogram division, Stuart Fujioka of Kailua P.A.L. won the male 40-44 60-kilogram division, and Dave Palombo of Hodokan won the male 50 to 54 73-kilogram division.

GOLF

• Nelson, Sasada lead at Kapalua: Kirk Nelson and Brian Sasada, both of Makena Golf Club, each shot 3-under 70 yesterday to share the first-round lead of the Verizon Hawai'i Hall of Fame Championship on the Plantation Course at Kapalua.

Larry Stubblefield (76) leads the Senior division and Ron Castillo Sr. (75) heads the Super Senior division.

WATER POLO

• UH loses: Katy Kunkel and Jennifer D'Anna each scored four goals, leading UC Santa Barbara to an 11-7 victory over Hawai'i in the seventh-place match of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation women's water polo championships at Long Beach, Calif.

Seven different players scored for the Rainbows (13-14).