ARDEN HILLS, Minn. — The Brookings TaeKwonDo Competition Team traveled to the Twin Cities this past weekend to compete in the AAU Minnesota State Championships in Arden Hills, Minnesota.

This is the first tournament of the season and all seven athletes who participated qualified for the AAU National Championship this year.

“We were very impressed with our team and their commitment level during the event,” coach Mark Anawski said. “They all faced adversity and their dedication and persistence paid off this weekend. We could not be more impressed. We still have some work to do though.”

Over 200 athletes from all over the Midwest competed in the AAU Minnesota State Championship.

Here are Brookings’ national-qualifying athlete results:

• Liam Jones (Black Belt-Junior, Middle Wt. Division) Earned Bronze Medal in Olympic Sparring, Bronze Medal in Traditional Poomsae and Silver Medal in Weapons.
• Stephen Anawski (Black Belt-Junior, Lt. Heavy Wt. Division) Earned Bronze Medal in Olympic Sparring and Bronze Medal in Traditional Poomsae
• Clare Overby (Advanced-Junior, Heavy Wt. Division) Earned Silver Medal in Olympic Sparring.
• Nichole Waligoske (Advanced-Junior, Heavy Wt. Division) Earned Gold Medal in Olympic Sparring and Bronze Medal in Traditional Poomsae.
• Blythe Jones (Advanced-Cadet, Feather Wt. Division) Earned Gold Medal in Traditional Poomsae, Silver Medal in Weapons, and Silver Medal in Team Poomsae.
• Rebella Raatz (Advanced-Mini-Cadet, Fin Wt. Division) Earned Gold Medal in Olympic Sparring, Gold Medal in Traditional Poomsae, Bronze Medal in Weapons and Silver Medal in Team Poomsae.
• Kinley Prussman (Intermediate-Mini-Cadet, Middle Wt. Division) Earned Gold Medal in Olympic Sparring and Silver Medal in Traditional Poomsae.

Brookings TaeKwonDo travels to Redwood Falls, Minesota, for the USA/Korean TaeKwonDo Championships on March 16. For more information about Brookings TaeKwonDo, visit BrookingsTaeKwonDo.com.