Local athletes place high at karate tournament

KEENE, N.H. – Brian Wardwell led a group of local youths with a second- and third-place finish Nov. 10 at the New Hampshire Nationals karate tournament.

Wardwell, a member of Bangor Tae Kwon Do, competed in the novice division for ages 13-15 and claimed second place in kata and third place in fighting. Also with Bangor Tae Kwon Do, Ryan Bailey took fifth in kata and fourth in fighting in the advanced division for ages 11-12. Crystal Jackins took second in kata and fourth in fighting in the women’s black belt, senior division, ages 35-44. James Bailey competed in the junior black belt division ages 13-15.

Laura Manocchia of Dover-Foxcroft placed fourth in kata and second in fighting for intermediate divisions, ages 16-17. More than 200 competitors from the United States and Canada attended.