Anglemyer's continues success, brings home traveling trophy
CONSTANTINE — The Anglemyer Tae Kwon Do Academy is at it again.
Known for being an academy that stacks up the championship trophies, Anglemyer's most recent adventure took it to the North American Taekwondo championships in Elkhart, Ind. The group headed into the festivities expecting to have a solid day but also looking to regain the traveling trophy.
That trophy has been home at Anglemyer's for most of the past 40 years. But in recent years, the trophy was claimed by another academy, which fueled the Anglemyer group to look to improve. Cindy Anglemyer, an eighth-degree Grand Master in the art and teacher in Constantine, said the group overcame some adversity and found a way to get the job done.
"I'm totally blessed we actually have gained the trophy back," she said. "It's back where it belongs, where it's been for so many years."
Anglemyer's Academy continues to earn awards in Taekwondo
The competition was hosted back at the beginning of November. With the victory, the traveling trophy came back to Constantine and Anglemyer's Academy. Previously, the academy had held on to the award for 15 consecutive years — the most by any academy with the trophy. Recently, Anglemyer's had won four consecutive events from 2016-19.
Then COVID became a problem, and there was no tournament in 2020. The Anglemyer group was defeated in 2021 and 2022, as well. But this year was sweet redemption for the group, which was still bouncing back from the loss of Anglemyer's husband, Ken.
"We are back on top again, defending the title and bringing home the traveling trophy to Constantine once again," Anglemyer said.
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Throughout the tournament, points are added up based on the placement of each individual. First place equates to three points, second place earns two and third place earns one point. This year, the Anglemyer group posted 30 first-place, 24 second-place and 11 third-place finishes.
That built up 149 points. Brock Michalek was also named the Black Belt Grand Champion for the sparring competition.
Winning in the Black Belt competition were Sami Chaplin, Michalek and Carter Wickey all in first place for fight. Wickey and Chaplin each placed first in forms as well. Kris Alwine and Kaitlin Edwards both earned top-three finishes in forms and fight.
For the brown belt, Ashlynn Michalek was second in both forms and sparring.
In blue belt, Kevin Weeks earned first place in both forms and sparring. Grant Michalek earned first in sparring and second in forms while Trisha Hagman was second in sparring and third in forms. Coleman Foley earned third place in both forms and sparring.
For white belt, Tatum Alwine, Lucas Cook and Lillian Cook each earned first place in forms. Lydia Cook, Deegan Hayes and Rick Hayes all earned first place in sparring. Alwine, Lucas and Lillian Cook earned second place in sparring while Rick Hayes, Deegan Hayes and Lydia Cook were each second in forms.
Anglemyer's was represented by students between the ages of 5 and 57 this year; five of them competed in their first live event this year. There were 32 students in that group, and 10 Black Belts from Anglemyer's helped in the judging competition.
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"It can be hard for a small town against the bigger cities in events like these," Anglemyer said. "But we have dedicated students, and I feel blessed to bring home the trophy once again."
If you're interested in joining a winning culture, they have some open spots. Many families kick together at Anglemyer's as well. She said because all ages train together at her Academy, families are allowed to work together during the classes.
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They're actively looking to increase their success stories as well. Anglemyer said the first week is currently free for anyone looking to get into Taekwondo with Anglemyer's. The only requirement is to show up at their location — 1235 S Washington St. in Constantine — 15-20 minutes prior to class and meet with Anglemyer herself. She's no stranger to success, having won 15 consecutive state titles during her career and 14 golds with one silver.
Anglemyer has five national titles to her name and competed in two Olympic Team Trials.
Typical class sizes are in the 20-30 range and last 90 minutes. They meet Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays.
Contact Sports Editor Brandon Watson at bwatson@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as twitter, @BwatsonSJ.
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Local Taekwondo Academy continues successful run
