Judo America's Jim Hrbek USA Judo Coach of the Year!

USA Judo is pleased to announce Jim Hrbek (Universal Judo, Universal City, TX)) as 2005 US Olympic Committee National Coach of the Year.

Hrbek, a five-time World Team Coach, has worked primarily as Chairman for Junior Development. The program yielded record medal counts (14 of 15 divisions entered) at the 2005 Pan American Juvenile Championships in Valencia, Venezuela. Through Hrbek's guidance, U.S. junior athletes also competed successfully in Junior and Senior division events throughout Europe.

In 2005, Hrbek's club boasted two #1-ranked IJF Junior (under 20) athletes, an athlete who is ranked # 2 in her senior division and who earned a silver medal at Senior Nationals.

Hrbek also has worked with athletes from other clubs throughout the United States.

"I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Jim Hrbek on his selection as USA Judo Coach of the Year," said Leo White (Lilburn, Ga.), USA Judo Development Director. "Jim has contributed a great deal to the sport of judo, has worked with numerous elite players and has been instrumental in bringing top junior athletes to positions on the senior roster and I would like to thank him for a job well done."