2008 Snake River Sumo Classic
2008 Snake River Sumo Classic - December 13th, 2008
The Snake River Sumo Association held their 6th annual “Sumo in Idaho” tournament this year in Rigby, Idaho: home of Philo T Farnsworth (the inventor of television) and Kelly Gneiting (3-time US Heavyweight Champion)
The weekend started with snow and ice, and a car accident involving Jovann Rushing, Justin Crite, and newcomer Ryan White. All three survived the accident with a few bumps and cuts, but Crite was the only one still able to compete in the tournament.
In the lightweight category, 3rd in the world Trent Sabo dominated Idaho wrestlers Tyler Olsen and Levi Kendrick.
The middleweights saw the return of 6-time US Champ Rene Marte and 2-time US medalist Patrick Greer. Greer dominated Marte and Idaho powerhouses Rye McAfee and Matt Anderson to take the gold.
In the heavyweight division, I had to defeat 3-time US Heavyweight Champ Kelly Gneiting and new California Heavyweight Champ Joe Isamau.
In the openweight division, Patrick Greer defeated Rene Marte again to take 3rd. I beat Kelly again to win my second gold of the day.
Thanks again to Kelly Gneiting, Casey Burns, and the Snake River Sumo Association for hosting another fun weekend with tough sumo competition.