GRAND
SUMO OPEN
|
With over 4,000 fans in attendance, the Grand Sumo Open was the largest amateur event in the US to date. Some of the best amateur competitors fought for over $4,000 worth of prizes, including $2,400 cash. The top athletes (and prizes) included: |
 |
 |
 |
| Four competitors are US Sumo Champions (left to right): Kelly Gneiting, Trent Sabo, Troy Collins, Carl Pappalardo. | Heavyweights in action! | Professional rikishi Iwakiyama in the ceremonial "kesho-mawashi". |
 |
 |
 |
| The openweight matches are called by
professional Japanese sumo officials. |
Director Andrew Freund introduces the sumo heroes from Japan, and translates their speeches. | Yokozuna (Grand Champion) Musashimaru, the 530 pound
giant from Hawaii, "blesses" an infant! |
 |
 |
 |
| Sumo professionals Hochiyama and Iwakiyama prepare to square off. | Iwakiyama and Musashimaru award prizes to the only double-medallist, Troy Collins. | Hochiyama and Iwakiyama |
| MEN | ||
| Lightweight | Gold | Trent Sabo |
| Silver | Ford Lyon | |
| Bronze | Chris Patterson | |
| Middleweight | Gold | Troy Collins |
| Silver | Matt Anderson | |
| Bronze | Dan Kalbfleisch | |
| Heavyweight | Gold | Justin Crite |
| Silver | Kelly Gneiting | |
| Bronze | Marcus Barber | |
| Openweight | Gold | Carl Pappalardo ($1,000) |
| Silver | Troy Collins ($500) | |
| Bronze | Kelly Gneiting ($300) | |
| WOMEN | ||
| Openweight | Gold | Larae Crite ($300) |
| Silver | Michelle Pike ($200) | |
| Broze | Rieko Okada ($100) |
| The very special feature of the event was the professional sumo demonstration, including pro rikishi, a professional gyoji (referee), a professional yobidashi (ring announcer), and two Oyakata (sumo stablemasters – Sakaigawa and Musashimaru). This was the first time that an event in the US combined both professional and amateur sumo exhibitions! |