Students from Pell City TaeKwonDo faced serious competition at the United Regional Tournament — and held their own. The tournament was held in November at the Oxford Civic Center.

Over 300 students from across Alabama and many from Georgia, Mississippi and Louisiana attended the event. Exciting forms, sparring competition and building new friendships were all part of the experience for men, women and children who competed.

“It was a fantastic event for our students,” said Tim Leirer, eighth Degree Grand Master and Owner/Chief Instructor of Pell City TaeKwonDo. “The more competitors you have at these events, the more even the matching can be, which makes of better competition and more growth.”

The students that went are all a part of a tournament team, consisting of students from different area schools, who share similar formats and values. The students range from 4four years old to over 50.

“A lot of our students can mentor those younger than them, it’s mutually beneficial,” Leirer said. “It helps students develop skills beyond the physicial, like leadership and the ability to be an example for those that follow.”

The tournament competition team continues to grow and succeed at Pell City TaeKwonDo. The team of 30 students earned an impressive 35 medals, nine gold, nine silver and 17 bronze medals.

Leirer is excited about the team’s next two events, which starts with a National Competition in Dallas, TX, in March and another regional event taking place in Orange Beach in May.

“While we typically score very well in medal categories it is unusual to have such a high ratio of Gold and Silver to Bronze.,” Leirer said. “I’m very proud of the hard work and dedication our staff and students have shown.”

The following students placed in one or more competition events at the Fall 2016 Regional event:

Peyton Moss          1 Bronze

Emily Creel           1 Bronze

Ethan Simpson      1 Gold 1 Silver

Alora White           1 Gold

Bri Tipton              1 Bronze

Gabriel Tipton         1 Gold

William Wilson-Hueter 1 Silver

Jay Tollison           1 Bronze

Alexya Cross           1 Bronze

Lyta Morris           1 Silver

Conner Pike           1 Bronze

Claire Tollison           2 Bronze

Colson Beaudoin           1 Bronze

Wesley Smith           1 Silver 1 Bronze

Jackson Love           1 Bronze

John Paul Rodgers        1 Gold

Sean Smith              1 Bronze

Aiden Marcus            2 Silver

Ryan Washington         1 Silver

Asher Warren           1 Silver 1 Bronze

Shelby Spanyer          1 Bronze

Gavin Warren           1 Gold

Sydney Spanyer           1 Gold

Peyton Rodgers           1 Gold 1 Silver

Dustin Wynn               2 Bronze

Kristen Archer             2 Gold