December 16, 2023
While Clarksville was recovering from a tornado the previous day, one student at Renzo Gracie Clarksville was preparing for a different challenge.
Accompanied by RGC muay thai coach Will Calhoun and assistant coach Debra Frances, RGC student Steven Cryder travelled to Marion, Illinois to compete at the IKF PKB Point Tournament. His first competition, Cryder earned a first-place finish in the Muay Thai Boys’ Novice Welterweight division, defeating both Leo Morris and Ali Alasfour from Carbondale, Illinois.
Coach Calhoun later posted to Instagram “take some time to give this warrior a shoutout. Had a tornado hit Clarksville which lead to my fighter not having power. He still came out to represent [Renzo Gracie Clarksville] in a great way. Travel [two] and a half hours to compete after a tornado hit the city we reside in. [His] first tournament and he brought back a gold medal. This is just the beginning. More medals and titles are on the way.”
“Steven’s commitment to his muay thai team and sport is commendable,” said Lynda LaBelle, RGC’s marketing director. “We’re thrilled that he won his first gold medal and appreciate his coaching staff. Congratulations, Steven!”
Those interested in trying one of our muay thai or boxing classes, are invited to visit our website rgclarksville.com or social media. Our striking classes for ages 8+ are held Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:00 PM, excluding holidays.
