October 24, 2001
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Three Gold Medals for 11 yr old Aaron Flick
Submitted by Clarence Pettibone
Tae Kwon Do Instructor

Aaron Flick, yellow belt, son of Zane and Lisa Flick, took first place gold medals in the 11-13 year olds sparring, form and breaking events at the 11th Annual Wisconsin Tae Kwon Do Championships Governor's Cup in Appleton, Wisconsin on September 22, 2001.

Aaron and his father Zane and his little sister Anissa, along with their instructor Clarence Pettibone and several fellow students from the Black River Falls Park Institute Tae Kwon Do School, compiled a total of 34 gold, silver and bronze medals for their valiant efforts in the day-long event.

  

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Devin O Brien claiming victory over his opponent

With these tournaments, mental preparedness as well as a physical readiness and armed with a chest protector, forearm, shin instep, and a helmet, these students of the ancient Korean martial art also gain the mental aspect which enhances their inner strengths i.e., pride, confidence in themselves, building self knowledge, and self identity, to cope with the challenges of today and in the future.

Capturing medlas for their courageous efforts from the Park School were:

Randy Blackdeer, yellow stripe, 1st sparring, 2nd breaking
Chris De Marrias, 1st dan black belt, 2nd breaking, 2nd form
Anissa Flick, yellow stripe, 1st breaking, 2nd form
Zane Flick, yellow belt, 3rd sparring, 2nd form
Devin Funmaker, dbl black stripe, 1st breaking
Kathleen Funmaker, black stripe, 2nd sparring, 2nd form
Devin O Brien, yellow belt, 1st sparring, 1st breaking, 3rd form
Mike O Brien, yellow belt, 2nd sparring, 3rd breaking, 1st form
Heaven Sylvester, yellow belt, 1st sparring, 2nd breaking, 2nd form
Desiree Pettibone, black belt, 1st sparring, 3rd form
Ethan Pettibone, white belt, 3rd sparring, 3rd breaking, 3rd form
Katie Pettibone, yellow stripe, 3rd breaking, 1st form
Katrina Pettibone, black belt, 2nd breaking, 2nd form
Clarence Pettibone, 1st dan black belt, 3rd breaking, 3rd form

Instructor Clarence Pettibone stated, "For several of the students this was their first time competing at a tournament.  Four-year-old Ethan did a good job competing against kids in the five-six year old division who weighed 10-15 pounds heavier than him.  He was one of the youngest competitors there.   He had fun!  Aaron did a great job taking out his competition in the eleven year old age group.  He said he couldn't wait until our next tournament.  He has a lot of ambition.

Devin O Brien had a near-perfect day too with his first place in sparring and breaking.  He is so full of spirit and determination.   It's exciting watching him.  Anissa, Katie, and Heaven the newest of the female competitors had their hands full.  Each of them grabbed a first place in one of their events.  They sure have the stamina; they never let up on their competition.

Zane, Randy and Mike were fantastic in the adult categories.  Competition was very tough.  They kept focus and put some pretty awesome techniques together and surprised a lot of the competition.  They scored several points to the head.

Christopher, Kathleen, Desiree, Devin and Katrina competition never gets much easier, they have been to quite a few of these tournaments and they really enjoy them.  They really have expanded their sparring techniques and breaking skills to which I am very proud of.

Wathing them do 360 degree axe kicks, flying side kicks, jumping roundhouses, it's amazing to see what they can do and look forward to what will be next."