The Southwest Voice

By: Kim

Joey Stieger is a twelve year-old sixth grader at Bill L. Williams Elementary School. He is also the 2008 California State, Western Regional, and Tae Kwon Do National Champion. Joey represented Bakersfield, California and earned all his titles during the 2008 United States Junior Olympic Season. His National Title was earned in Detroit, Michigan on July 5, 2008. Joey battled his way to the title by defeating opponents from Nevada, Florida, Massachusetts, Texas, and Illinois. In addition, Joey’s fighting style drew crowds and cheers from Hawaiian, Texan, and California coaches. Due to Joey’s speed and scoring, all of Joey’s fights ended prematurely by a point-gap (7 point lead). 

 

In the months leading to Nationals, Joey was working out five days a week, three times a day with his team at Han’s Tae Kwon Do Academy of Bakersfield, California. Despite the demanding training regiment, Joey was required to maintain a 3.0 GPA at school to remain on the team participating at Nationals. Joey’s proud parents, Joe and Kim, along with his trainer, Master Francis Esposo, helped keep him focused throughout the season. Joey has dreams of trying out for Team USA in the future. Look for greatness from this young man from Southwest Bakersfield, California!

 

                For more information about Joey, Please visit www.Hanstaekwondo.com