Tuesday, August 28, 2001

WILMINGTON, NC – UNC Wilmington’s largest-ever incoming freshman class of 2,000 students includes martial arts champion Aaron Pinkston from Highland, Md.

A graduate of River Hill High School, Pinkston ended 2000 ranked number one in the world in American-style Tae kwon do in Black Belt Boys Traditional Forms (for ages 16 and 17) by the North American Sports Karate Association (NASKA). This year, Pinkston advanced to the Men’s Division (for ages 18 to 29). He is ranked third in the world in Men’s Hard-style Forms and Hard-style Weapons vying against opponents with more years in competition. Team Charlie Lee, of which Pinkston is a member, won the 2001 world title for team demonstration from the International Sports Karate Association (ISKA). The team, which competes for Charlie Lee Karate based in Herndon, Va., is expected to repeat as champions. Cable sports network ESPN2 will air an event at which Pinkston and his three teammates from Team Charlie Lee competed at 8:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 31.

Pinkston, who has trained more than a decade to achieve his success, has competed in tournaments throughout the United States and the world. His remaining tournament appearances this year include competitions in Arizona, Georgia and Minnesota. In March 2002, he will compete in the French Open in Paris.

Having relatives in the area (his grandfather Frank Pinkston lives in the Porters Neck area) was one factor in his decision to attend UNC Wilmington; however, Aaron said that the final decision was the “great family atmosphere” evident through his campus visits. He plans to major in business with the goal of opening his own karate dojo. While in Wilmington, Pinkston trains at Champion Karate on South College Road.

Aaron Pinkston is available for media interviews. Contact him at 910/962-6164 or e-mail afp6812@uncwil.edu.