Morris Cup Judo Event Has Successful Return

BURNT HILLS — Over 500 competitors attended the 19th Annual Morris Cup Judo Championships held at the Burnt Hills High School on Sunday, October 9. The last Morris Cup was held pre- COVID in 2019. The event featured players from all over the East Coast as well as a large contingent from Montreal as Judo Canada sent a bus load of athletes itching to compete since many haven’t had the opportunity to do so due to COVID restrictions.  

“It was fantastic to get back on track after such a long break” Tournament Director and 4x Olympian, Jason Morris said. “Our local Judo community really needed this.”

 The 20th edition of the Morris Cup has been slated for Sunday, October 8, 2023. Burnt Hills High School Senior, Kyle Tran (17) was a triple medalist taking gold in the 60kg Brown Belt Division, bronze in the 60kg Cadet Category (15-17yrs) and a bronze in the Cadet 66kg Division. Melissa Myers (27) took gold in 70kg Elite Women’s then moved up and won silver in 78kg. Burnt Hills Grad and 2x Olympian, Nick Delpopolo (33) moved up from his normal 73kg to take silver in a very strong 81kg field. Burnt Hills 7th Graders, Dani and Randi Morris (12) were both double medalists winning silvers 11-12yrs +52kg and 11-12yrs 52kg weight class respectively. They both then moved up in age to take bronzes in 13-14yrs 58kg & 52kg respectively. Kell Berliner (28) bumped up a weight class from his usual 81kg to take a silver in the elite mens 90kg category. This was one of the biggest Morris Cups in its history. “Hopefully #20 is our best,” said Jason Morris.