Martial arts team hits new heights of AAU success

Elkhart Martial Arts' competition team achieved remarkable success at AAU national tournaments, returning with a record-breaking haul of medals. Thirteen athletes participated in 58 individual events across two tournaments in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The team secured 29 gold medals, 18 silver medals, and nine bronze medals.

Among the standout performers was Zachary Herban, who earned seven gold medals, and was also honored with the Grand Champion title, placing him among only 22 athletes nationwide to receive this prestigious distinction. Zach joined Walker Brigham and Apolo Mosier as Elkhart Martial Arts' only three champions in the team's history.

Head coach Lorrin Smith's assistant coaches played a crucial role in the team's triumph. After securing a gold medal in sparring, competitor Mark Davis was invited to the AAU National team trials. Amelia Wright, another assistant coach, earned a silver medal, securing her second invitation to the trials. Delilah Wright, known for her skills in forms, also earned a silver medal after representing the USA Taekwondo national championships.

Two first-time national competitors, Lilly Kinzel and Aiden Pace, brought home two and three national championships, respectively. The Herban family, led by son Zach's seven gold medals, contributed significantly to the team's success, with sisters Elizabeth and Molly adding five and two championships. The Dziubek family, making their first AAU National Championship appearance, earned a total of seven championships.

The hometown team continued its dominance in "buzzsaw" breaking, with eight members competing. Walker Brigham and his sister Jessica combined for one gold, four silver, and a bronze medal, with Jessica narrowly missing gold by a few hundredths of a second. The team's success is attributed to its strong family ties, with backers praising the camaraderie among parents, children, and siblings.