Rowe and White strike gold
Wexford kickboxing colleagues on top of the world
MARK ROWE and Dale White are on top of the world after returning from America with gold medals in hand.
The members of the Wexford Kung Fu and Kickboxing Centre were triumphant at the W.K.C. world kickboxing championships in Florida last week. Eight members of the club qualified to represent Ireland earlier in the year, and between them they brought home a fantastic medal haul of two gold, four silver and three bronze.
To put this in perspective, the entire Irish team took three gold in the week-long championships, two of them by Wexford club members.
Dale White is one of Ireland’s most successful young kickboxers. A former Junior world champion and silver medal winner in the Senior division last year, Dale is a top-class competitor with an array of international achievements.
A prolific competitor, he travels on average five or six times a year for international competition and training. Dale fought in the -75 kg. division, taking gold in just his second year competing in the Seniors.
Dale, who just recently turned 20, also competed in the Chinese forms section and with a flawless routine took a silver medal in this very competitive division.
This determined athlete will be sure to continue his success for many years to come.
Mark Rowe was all conquering in the men’s veteran’s section, a hugely popular result among the Irish contingent. Mark is selfless in his coaching duties at the Wexford club as well as international level.
Despite several injuries in training before the championships, the 47-year-old, who has been competing at international level for seven years now, showed real determination and after a hard first round encounter he cruised through his semi-final and had a comfortable win in the final against his American opponent.
Mark barely had time to celebrate his success as he immediately had to throw down his gloves and head to the other side of the stadium to coach his daughter, Rebecca.
Mark had a busy week to say the least, juggling his own preparations and competition with coaching the other members of the squad.
Chief instructor Bobby O’Neill said of Mark that ‘the success of the team would not have been possible without his help coaching and travelling around the country with the squad to tournaments and squad training’.
Michelle Casserly is no stranger to international competition. Having competed on the Irish team as a child, she took a ‘short’ 15-year break before returning to the ring three years ago.
Since her return Michelle has been one of the most successful ladies’ competitors in the country.
Taking gold in last year’s championships, she was highly fancied to do the same again this year. Cruising her way to the finals, Michelle fought one of the world’s toughest ladies’ opponents, and in a bruiser of a contest she had to settle for silver this time around.
Leaving her disappointment behind her, she then went on to the finals of the ladies’ Chinese forms section and took a well-deserved bronze medal.
Silver and bronze was a great result for Michelle.
Darren Hayes is a rising star in the international kickboxing world. Darren fought in the boys’ Under-17 continuous sparring, bringing home a fantastic silver medal in a very competitive section.
Watch out for this young man next year as he will still be in the same age section and with another year of hard work and experience he will be hotly tipped to take gold next time round.
Rebecca Rowe is one of the most experienced international competitors in the club. She competed in the sparring and Chinese forms events.
A heavy blow in the quarter-finals stopped her ambitions of bringing home a medal in the sparring section, but she dusted herself down and showed real composure to take a bronze medal in the girls’ Chinese forms section.
This was one of the most controversial decisions of the week, with most impartial observers agreeing that she should have at least taken silver if not gold. Still, it was a fantastic performance for this young lady who has just started college this year.
Adam Tierney had a dream start in his international debut, taking a silver medal in the boys’ Under-10 section.
This talented and dedicated young athlete put his stamp firmly on the Irish team this year.
His progress in training throughout the year since joining the club’s high performance squad has been substantial, and with continued international experience there will be high expectations for his future success.
Cathal Moran fought in the boys’ Under-12 section in his second year at international level. Cathal is a very talented and determined competitor and had his sights firmly on the gold medal.
Unfortunately, after some excellent fighting Cathal had to settle for bronze this time but he is more determined than ever to bring home gold from next year’s championships. With his talent and determination this is a very achievable goal.
Nathan Casserly is one of the club’s most dedicated and talented young fighters. Last year on his international debut he took home silver as a member the boys’ Irish team.
Nathan fought with great heart and determination in Florida but did not make it to the podium this time.
There’s no doubt at all that he will be back in winning form at the next championship.
Chief instructor Bobby O’Neill lavished praise on his team. ‘The results are fantastic, truly unbelievable; this team of talented athletes give everything they have in training, there is a fantastic team spirit in the club. My job as a coach is made easy by their attitude.’
The former W.A.K.O. world champion said that ‘the success of the club is built on many years of hard work by many people. The parents of the young club members have a huge part to play in the success of the club, and without their commitment this level of success would not be attainable’.
Bobby also particularly thanked Mark Rowe and Patrick Monahan for all their help over the years.
The members of the successful squad will be in action this weekend at a friendly tournament being held in the Riverbank House Hotel, Wexford.
The show kicks off at about 11 a.m. and will be showcasing points sparring, continuous sparring and sets/forms. Spectators are very welcome.
The club, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, trains in Image Health Studios, Westpoint Business Park, and new members of all ages are always welcome at any time.