Prince Albert Kenshukan Judo Club sending four athletes to nationals in Calgary

Matt Callaghan’s advice for his athletes is, “Be ready, try your best and don’t get hurt.”

Matt is an assistant coach for the Prince Albert Kenshukan Judo Club. On Monday night at the Alfred Jenkins Field House, Matt led a practice for four of his competitors, or ‘judoka,” who will be in Calgary next week at the Canadian Open Judo Championships.

This is the third trip to nationals for 17-year-old Megan Neuman and 15-year-old Kace Callaghan. Last year the judoka took home bronze and silver medals, respectively, for their efforts. This year will be different, however, as Kace graduates from the under-16 age group to the under-18 class.

“This’ll be my first year in this age category, but I’ve been doing pretty good this year so far so I have high hopes,” he said.

Joining Neuman and Kace are 14-year-old Ethan McDougall and 13-year-old Jannessa Keays, who are competing at the national level for the first time.

“I feel pretty proud of myself getting this far and (I’m) hoping to do the best I can in my matches and hope to do better each time,” McDougall said.

“I’m a little nervous because it’s my first time, but I’m thinking I might be able to do well. It’s been a pretty great year for me so far so I’m hoping I can do great,” Keays added.

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