Losing The Potentials

Here is one view of the boxing equipment room at LaFollette Park.  I put most of the stuff back in their places.

Here is a second view.  No, the kiln hasn't been moved yet, but someone is supposed to come and get it and take it to another field house.  Mitch, one of the swimming instructors, helped me set the little table back up and put the small refrigerator on top of it.  The extra heavy bags still need to be put back in the room.

I made the announcement that this is the last week of the winter session, and it's time to sign up for the spring session.  Earl and TJ waffled on whether or not they would return.  David said he's on a swim team, so he probably won't sign up again.  Michael just said straight out he didn't want to take the class again.

Xavier, Tyler, Terrance, and Ben didn't show up for the teen class.  I signed up a new guy, Jesus, for the spring teen boxing class, but I'm wondering if any of the guys who are currently in that class will come back next session.

It's so frustrating to have people in the gym, especially if they are showing mad potential, decide to walk away from the sport.  Nearly two years have gone by, and I still don't have a core group of fighters that will stick around.  I know the football/basketball/baseball coach deals with the same issue.  But then those programs have great methods of recruiting players and getting the support of parent/guardians.  Even though Coach James loses a lot of the kids before the season ends, he still has enough of a crowd to populate the games.  And a lot of those kids keep returning year after year.

The gymnastics instructor was shaking her head that only four of her girls are ready for an upcoming competition.  However, she has many kids in that class, and that class continues to grow.  Some of the girls who used to be in boxing ran off to be in that class.

I feel as if some people sign up for boxing intending only to kick the tires and window shop.  They determine what the "trial run" will be, which is usually very short.  When that time is up, people are gone, and I'm sitting around in an empty gym, twiddling my thumbs.  I would like to bring my fighters to competitions, but that's hard to do when they're not there to begin with.  Depending on how soon the competitions are coming up, there's not always time to get people ready for fights.  Then I'm back to square one.  Again.

My Ann Wolfe Moment

Now I have eight people in the adult boxing class.  Steve, the park supervisor, said, "We might have to add the adult class back onto the spring schedule."  I hope so, just as much as I hope those who are in it now continue on.

Benny, Darryl, and Dominick are three new guys in the class.  All three told me they wanted to get in shape and have something to occupy their time.  All are in their twenties.  As I faced them as I was holding the punch mitts for them, I had an Ann Wolfe moment.  She is a former professional boxer who is now a trainer, and she was training James Kirkland.  When those guys, three young bulls, were attacking the mitts, I felt like I was at the beginning of training some guys who will do well.

The adult class was busy when Kier, one of the kids who plays football and basketball, sauntered into the gym.  Kier has an annoying habit of touching everything in any room that he's in.  He was fiddling around with the equipment on the table, while going on about the basketball game, and anything else that popped into his mind.  I was giving him "uh-huh" and "hmm", hoping that the kid would take the hint and leave.  He didn't notice my lack of responsiveness.  I was keeping my eye on the adults and stepping in whenever I saw they needed help.  I told him it was the adults' time in the gym.  Yet he still asked me, "Are they all adults?"  I refrained from rolling my eyes.

"Kier, you can't be in here because this is the adult class.  They paid to workout in here," I told him.  Thankfully, the kid left without any further conversation or whining.

The time that the teen class takes place looks like it's going to be an extended break time for me in-between the kids' and the adults' class.  No sign of Merinda, Jaquan, Kody, or Derrick Jr.  It bothers me when some of the teens' parents ask me, "How is my kid doing in here?" and I can't give them an answer because I haven't seen them.  Even more of a concern is the probability that the teens may be telling their parents, "Yeah, I'm going to the gym," but they are actually elsewhere, and the parents don't know that.

Something To Think About Regarding Youths' Sports Dreams

I saw this elsewhere on the Internet.  A high school teacher wrote an open letter to professional basketball player Stephen Curry.  I place it here to give parents of wanna-be athletes and amateur sports coaches something to think about. .  .

Dear Steph,

I am a Dubs fan. Always have been, always will be. I pass by Oracle Arena every day to and from work. Traffic is so bad on 880 I often get to admire, at length, the giant hanging posters adorned with your face and the gaudy playoff decorations in blue and gold. Those also happen to be the school colors of the high school nearby where I teach. I have a Baron Davis jersey from We Believe, I grew up watching Run TMC. I giggled each and every time Manute Bol drained a three. When I was a wee lad one of my favorite things to say over and over was Sarunas Marciulionis. I am a Bay Area native, and the Warriors are my team.

And I love you. You would be my favorite player except for I have a soft spot for emotionally unstable crazies, and so I really love me some Draymond Green. But you are amazing and I also give you credit for being an amazing person off the court as well.

But I have to ask you to do me a solid and make sure you don’t ever come visit my high school.

I know the NBA does great things in the community, and I realize the Warriors are no exception. Your boy Klay Thompson is a finalist for the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for having such an impact in and around Oakland this year. The NBA Cares campaign continually shows the league is committed to getting out in the community and helping those in need. When you get involved in soup kitchens, wrap Christmas presents for needy kids, and build homes for the homeless I am inspired. But where those kinds of civic-minded activities have clear benefits, I have to tell you something you probably haven’t heard: Coming to poor high schools like mine isn’t going to help any of these kids out, in fact, it might make things worse.

You see, Steph (I hope you don’t mind if I call you Steph), if you come to my school you will be your usual inspiring, humble, hilarious, kind self and you will say all the right things. But the reason I don’t want you to come has to do with what you won’t say.

You won’t say that since the day you were born you had a professional one-on-one tutor who helped you hone your skills on a daily basis. Your father Dell Curry was an NBA great just like you are after him, but you will not remind the poor kids at my school that they have never had such a wonderful instructor and they never will.

And if you do ever visit my school, you also won’t mention that along with your father’s success came all the monetary rewards NONE of my students have, like three square meals a day; a full sized court and hoop in the backyard; a sense of safety; a mother and a father; top schools, top peers, and community resources. I know you might not think of it like this, but you might as well have come from another planet. But you won’t say that, will you?

I mean, look at Klay Thompson. I wonder if anyone else finds it odd that the best shooting back-court in NBA history were both born with silver balls.

You also won’t talk about the fact that you are a giant man and taller than almost all of my students will ever be. Even though on the court you look like Peter Dinklage in high tops, when you are around real people you are very, very tall. Six-foot-three is nothing to laugh at, and if you did walk into my classroom, you might hit your head on the doorframe. You won the genetic lottery in addition to the monetary one, but you probably won’t be reminding my students that their size alone has already kept them out of competing in most American professional sports.

What you will do is shoot some threes, dazzle everyone with your dimples, high five the homies, and sign some autographs. It will be wonderful. At least, it will seem like that at first. But what you won’t see is the fact that most of these kids don’t have a backup plan for their dream of being you. If you ask the boys on my campus what they are going to be when they get older, the answer will involve a sport. They will claim they are going to play in the NBA or NFL, and seeing you there will make them think they can actually do it.

Because the worst thing you won’t tell them Steph, is that they can’t do it. You won’t tell them that will you? You won’t be able to bring yourself to tell them it is already too late. You won’t tell them about all those years when you were playing in top competitive leagues as a child. You won’t tell them that if they haven’t played organized basketball by the age of sixteen (twelve, really), they have no chance of going pro. You see, the kids I am talking about do not play year-round, they are not in a travelling league, and they have never even heard of a McDonald’s All-American; they just eat McDonald’s two meals a day and have Hot Cheetos in between.

Because by the time they are sixteen, boys in this country, if they have even a tiny, tiny chance of going pro, should already be on the radar of colleges and scouts. They should be the best player not just at their school but in their entire city. Probably their entire state. They should already be 6’3” and growing. You know this and I know this, but the kids who you will inspire with your presence will simply see you and think they too will be MVP one day, even though they don’t even play for our high school team. So instead of doing homework the night after your visit, they will grab their lopsided old ball and go play on the court with their little brother and shoot the ball badly, improbably thinking every time the ball actually does go in it means they are on their way to fame and fortune.

You see Steph, once you leave my school, the boys here are not going to run home and finish that essay, which is one thing they could do about their future that is in their control. Just like if Beyonce came here, the girls wouldn’t head back to their one bedroom apartments filled with two families and begin their science labs. When Beyonce tells them to make sure they pass Algebra, they look at her and ask “What for? Did Algebra help your voice?” Instead they will go home and look in the mirror and wish they were tanner and thicker and a better singer and dancer and they will cry into their mascara. Because that is what celebrity worship does, Steph, and we need these kids to do less of it rather than more. They are already very good at dreaming about being rich and famous, what we need them to do is get a little more realistic about what is in their control. We need less of an emphasis on sports and celebrity in high school, because it is hurting these kids too much as it is.

Really the more I think about it, the crazier it sounds to write to you and tell you NOT to come to my high school. I mean, you are such an awesome guy, you are a family man with a wife and daughter, with another on the way. That video your wife made is hella funny. You are humble, a leader, and clearly our young men need to meet a man like you. Maybe I’m wrong to write this letter.

Or maybe not. When I tell my students they are not going to be professional athletes, they like to say, “Won’t you feel stupid if one of your students does go pro?” And my answer is always the same: “No, because even if they do, that means I will still be 99.9% right. Right now I am one thousand for one thousand.” Steph, you and I know they have a better chance of winning the lottery, but no one seems to tell them these things but me. Would this letter make you feel better if I told you I discourage the California Lottery from giving inspirational speeches at my high school as well? If I wrote them a letter, would anyone think I was out of line? Probably not.

At risk of making Dub Nation mad at me, because I know how we can get, I don’t want you to think it has anything to do with you personally, or the team (I will be screaming every time you hit a three all throughout the playoffs). It’s me, not you. I mean, you are the man, and I am just a teacher–no one really. The truth is, every person on earth would probably get something out of meeting you in person. For you symbolize everything people in this country value most, you are the epitome of all we hold dear, you are the pinnacle of humanity: You are good at a sport."

Exercise and More Kids

At last count, I had four kids in the 8-to-12 year old boxing class, but none in the teens' class.  One girl has begun to show up with some consistency, but the other kids haven't been to the class for days.  I think there is some confusion about when the gym is open.  I typed up a brief info sheet for parents to let them know not only the times of the class, but what the kids will need for the gym.

The sheet came in handy when the little girl's father came in to see how she was doing.  It was also helpful when a woman came in with her two sons, one eight years old, and the other 10 years old.  She told me that her sons are also involved in other activities.  Most of the kids who hang around the field house are, not just at the field house but at the schools they attend.  I told the woman that I don't expect the youths to attend every class during the week, but they should attend at least two times a week.  She agreed, and hopefully, her sons will be in the gym tomorrow.

There's a mat in the gym now, so floor exercises like push-ups and crunches can be done.  According to my lesson plan, floor exercises should have been going on for awhile.  I just now started introducing the one student I have to doing warm-up exercises.  I thought that I would be standing off to the side and directing the exercise segments.  The one girl in the class likes when I do the exercises with her.  I hadn't done push ups or crunches in awhile.  It left me sore, and made me realize I need to resume doing those exercises.

The First Student

The photo above is of Sean preparing top raise the hand of the winner of a fight at the 2014 Loyola Park Boxing Explosion Show yesterday.

I was hanging out in the gym at LaFollette, putting more pictures up on the bulletin board.  A man came in with his son.  My first student!  Both his father and I spent time patiently showing the kid how to stand and throw left jabs.  They didn't stay but for about 20 minutes or so.  But they promised to return.  The dad is a former Marine who had done boxing and martial arts.  "I want my son to get into the sport, but I don't think I can teach him well," the dad said.  The dad is also interested in volunteering in the gym, and I welcome the help.

This is the first bulletin board I put together.

This is the second bulletin board.

A co-worker, Dwayne, gave me a good list of schools near the gym.  I can't wait to get the boxing flyers so I can distribute them.  A couple of the schools on the list were two that I attended when I was a kid.

I learned that Columbus Park used to have a boxing program.  I lived down the street from that park when I was a kid: I don't remember there being boxing there then.  It must have taken place later on.  From what I remember of the field house, Columbus has enough room to have a boxing program.

Humboldt Park is the closest one to LaFollette that has a boxing program.  I look forward to bringing fighters to their boxing show next year, as well as to Hamlin, Loyola, Seward, and any of the other parks that have boxing to where I can get the fighters.

Coaching This Week

There are posters in the gym that were up on the walls long before I was hired as a coach.  However, I needed to add some more pictures to the available bulletin boards.  I used to keep my old copies of The Ring magazine, but one of the last times I did a cleaning purge, I threw most of them out.  A few of the ones I kept as collectors' items I did not cut up.  But I did cut up the most recent copies I had for the gym's bulletin boards.  The Ring does feature stories about female fighters these days, but I was a bit miffed that I didn't have enough photos of female fighters to post.  One of my goals is to attract a number of girls to take up boxing.  It would be nice if they could see plenty of pictures of other women in the sport.  I still have to look among my stuff to see if I have any more boxing pictures.

I found out that I have to turn in a lesson plan.  I've been working on that for the last month.  The goal is to get across that conditioning is just as important as knowing how to throw punches.  I want to cut down on the "all I have to do is spar" thinking that I've witnessed out of people in other gyms.  In fact, I'm only allowing sparring to happen once a week, and that aspect of the training will not begin until next month.

I have a handout for parents which is on the staff computer at the field house.  It explains what amateur boxing is and what it isn't.  Most of the parents who have expressed a desire for their kids to be in the class are okay with their kids being in the sport.  The handout is more for parents who may uneasy with their kids wanting to box.

There's still not much equipment on hand for the kids who will start in the gym this week; more will come in eventually.  Luckily, boxing is not one of those sports that require a lot of equipment to get started.  There will be a big emphasis on shadow boxing and floor exercises for awhile.

I keep thinking about how I want the kids to address me.  "Coach" or my first name (or a combination) will be fine.  But I rather not be known as "Miss Hillari".  Makes me sound like some old schoolmarm in the Old West. I didn't mind when kids at the church where I used to attend called me that, but it doesn't sound right for the gym.

Speaking of church, I did try out a new one today.  If you've been following this blog for awhile, you know some of the difficulties I had at the church where I used to be a member (and from what I keep hearing, not much has changed).  It's been a little over a year since I attended regular services.  Afterwards, I had coffee with other newcomers to the church, a church member, and the pastor and his wife.  People were asked what they did for a living.  Everyone went wide-eyed when I told them I coach boxing.  "We would have never guessed that!" people said.

Thoughts About Being A Boxing Coach

Now that I'm the person running a gym as opposed to being a patron and volunteer, it has occurred to me that coaches need support as much as fighters do.  These are my opinions.  Feel free to comment and add other tips. 

1.  Hang out with other coaches.  I still call on Alan at Loyola Park, and keep in contact with Steve, who was the coach there before him.  I'm friendly with several Chicago Park District boxing coaches (Bill, Jack, George, Rodney, etc.), and I know a professional boxing coach (Fernando).  They can offer advice on how to handle different situations, share training techniques, as well as be sympathetic sounding boards when people need to vent. 

2.  Don't forget about others in the fight game.  Promoters, referees, fight doctors, timekeepers, managers, etc.  They are also good sources for advice and information.

3. Family and friends.  I've chronicled my late parents, my stepmother, my late younger sister, and some of my friends' negative reactions to me being involved in boxing.  But I have some cheerleaders.  Always be appreciative of whatever support is gained from this group and let them know what's going on.

4.  Books and DVD.  In an recent post, I mentioned that I've been reviewing some boxing books in my library to get ideas about how to help the fighters I'll be training.  There are also helpful DVDs available about boxing, in addition to other connected subjects such as strength training and nutrition.

5.  Prayer and meditation.  Don't laugh; it works.  Some days in the gym can be tough, and some people's personalities can be trying.  Pray, read your religious texts (Bible, Torah, Koran, I-Ching, etc.), meditate 15 to 20 minutes a day, take deep breaths, chant, count to ten, whatever it takes to remain centered and keep cool. 

6.  Exercise.  I remember Steve telling me that it's hard for a coach to get a workout in because they are helping others.  This is true.  If possible, get a workout in before anyone else gets to the gym.  If there is time at the end, do a workout then.  Otherwise, plan another time, but don't neglect the workout.  I think it's very helpful for a boxing coach to stay fresh on their skills because it helps when training others how to fight. 

7.  Be helpful to co-workers.  This is especially applicable if a boxing coach is an employee in a municipal park district (like me), or employed by a health club franchise.  Just the other day, a kid came up to the front desk and said the basketball gym floor was wet.  I could have just reported it to the attendants, but they were busy doing other tasks.  Instead, I went and got a mop.  I've learned a long time ago that always having a "that's not my job" attitude doesn't fly in any type of workplace.  The benefits of having a team attitude is that one needs help, it will be reciprocated. 

8.  Work in cooperation with parents.  The pastor of the church I used to attend didn't think that it was important to partner with parents in helping to make the youth ministry successful.   I never understood the pastor's line of thinking.  In my opinion, the youth ministry was not successful partially because of that.  If a boxing coach is training youths, they have to have good communication with the youths' parents and guardians and encourage them to be involved.  Parents should not be shut out of the process. 

The No Workout Time

I hadn't been outside all day long, so I had no idea how low the temperatures had dropped again.  As usual, I limped to the gym, but I did not bring my gear.  This is the week that Alan suggested that I don't work out because of the ongoing problems with my leg.  It was odd to be at the gym and not do a workout.  But I made myself useful by assisting with coaching the few who arrived at the gym.

Matthew sparred with Andres.  Andres wants to fight in the Golden Gloves; he already has his license.  It was the first time that Andres had been in the gym in awhile.

Here, Alan monitors the action between Matthew and Andres.

Alicia hits one of the heavy bags, while Jason watches Matthew and Andres sparring.  Jason asked Alan to show him how to jump rope.  "I used to be able to jump for a long time, but I think my knees can't take it much anymore," Alan told me.  I also showed Jason how to jump rope, but my knees wouldn't let me do that for too long, either.  As for Alicia, I showed her how to hold her hands better, and how to throw hooks properly.  I also noticed that Brandon was shuffling his feet to reset himself back into his stance after throwing punches.  If someone notices him doing that during sparring or during a fight, they'll use that moment to get a punch in.  Alan agreed with me.  "Don't always throw the same punches and move the same way each time so the other person can't predict what is coming next," the coach said.

I learned that Jason lives way out in the southern suburbs.  That's dedication to come all the way up to the far north side of the city to train, especially in this weather.  The weather has been affecting attendance big time this session.  I have to appreciate all who continue to make their way to the gym despite of that.

Boxing For A Job

I had to hustle up to Garfield Park for an interview that was scheduled for today.  Luckily, I didn't have anything else planned, so I took a ride out to the wild, wild, west side of Chicago.  Once again, the weather was bone cold, and public transportation wasn't moving as fast as it should.  But amazingly, I made it on time.

As I walked up to the Garfield Park field house, I flash backed to one of my earliest memories of being in that building.  I was going to be in Kindergarten that particular year, and all kids have to have immunizations.  Immunizations were being offered for grade school kids at that field house, so my mother took me up there. We lived in the area back then. I don't know if she had to pay for them, and I don't know if I had a fit when I received the shots, but I do remember walking through the building.  When I got there today, a few workmen were standing in the lobby discussing some construction that had to be done on the inside.  I looked around and thought the building hasn't changed very much over the years.

Waiting for a few minutes to be seen gave me a chance to warm my hands up.  I seldom wear gloves, no matter how cold it gets.  But I didn't want to offer the interviews a frozen hand if we had to exchange handshakes.

Tommy, the current head of the park district's boxing program, was one of the interviewers.  I didn't want to give the impression that I expected any special consideration because he knows who I am.  Two women, Ms. Garcia and Ms. Walton, were also in the room.  The interview for the boxing coach position open at Seward Park was very brief.  They had a specific set of questions that they needed to ask.

For a minute, I thought the interview was going to end quickly.  You see, I have more than the educational requirements needed.  The minimum is an AA degree; I have a bachelor's degree.  But I don't have any significant coursework in physical education or similar fields such as health.  The one swimming class I took when I was a college freshman wasn't going to count.  Fortunately, Ms. Walton said, "Let's see what other experience she has."  So I talked -- a think a little too long -- about having taken boxing classes for the past thirteen years, twelve of those within the Chicago Park District, my becoming a volunteer assistant coach at Loyola Park, and having had six fights.  I also mentioned that I had worked the corners as a second at numerous fights.

I cringed a little inside when I was asked if I had ever organized a boxing tournament. That's something I would like to do at some point.   Unfortunately, I've been on the periphery, but never one of the people who were on the inside.  Near the end of the interview, I put heavy emphasis on my passion for the sport, and  encouraging people, especially youths and women, who want to put on the gloves.  "I would emphasize that boxing is fun, and also point out the health benefits", I told the interviewing panel.

I'm not sure how I did.  There was an interview ahead of me and one behind me, and I'm assuming we were the only three who had been called in.  As I walked back to the Conservatory 'L station, I kicked myself for not mentioning that I do have an amateur coach's license.  It was on the resume, but I still should have said something.  I'd like to get that job, but with the economy and competition for jobs being the way they are, I have to be cautious about getting my hopes up too high.

Coaching Thoughts

I've always liked this photo of Brandy and Alan, which was taken during last year's Golden Gloves boxing tournament.  Brandy is all smiles, while Alan looks like he's going to give orders to some associates later on: "Saul, Reuben. . . .it'll happen at the warehouse at midnight.  There won't be any slip-ups this time."

Now that the new year is here, I realize that it'll be time to renew my coach's license soon.  I originally went to a coach's clinic and got a license out of frustration.  I wasn't getting any actual fights for the longest time, then I was diagnosed with diabetes, and there went my chance to compete in sanctioned matches.  There was a point when I was going to walk away from boxing completely, then it dawned on me that I liked coaching.  I had been assistant coaching unofficially down at the gym ever since Steve was the coach, so I decided to make it official.

There's no school for coaching.  Every coach I know picked it up by working next to a seasoned coach and observing what they did.  It also helped that most of them had boxed, whether as amateurs and/or professionals, so they knew what all goes into that.  Learning how to coach also involves observing other boxers in the gym and analyzing what they do. 

Each coach has their own style.  Some are very hands on, stepping into the ring themselves to spar in order to better show fighters techniques.  Other yell orders and curse from the sidelines like drill sergeants.  Some are better in one-on-one situations, while others can work with large groups at one time.  I've done the group lesson approach from time to time, but I feel I do better with one or two people at a time.  Sometimes, I think I sound more coherent around a few people than with many.  I'm always concerned about either rambling too much or repeating myself unnecessarily, too. 

My mother used to say to people, "You know I can sing, so that means I know how to scream loud, too."  Sometimes, I use that same phrase on people, depending on the situation.  But I'd rather not scream and yell to get points across in the gym.  Most people tend to be more receptive to advice when it's delivered with an inside voice as opposed to an outside one.  But I'm an urgent encourager, and I try to show that I can relate when a fighter is trying to push through and master a concept.  A few years ago, Momo (Muhammad) was in the middle of a sparring session.  He had barely got to the middle of the second round before complaining about, "I'm too tired!  I can't go on!"  Momo was running from the other person, not returning punches, etc.  "I need to lose some weight, and I'm got arthritis in both knees, but I keep going.  Momo, you're about twenty years younger than me - you can do this," I told him.  He completed the round.

Watching a lot of boxing matches is another good way to develop an eye for what works and doesn't work during fights.  I don't mind listening to the boxing analysts while watching fights, but it might be a good idea to record the fight on the VCR, DVD player, or the TiVo, then play it back with the sound turned down.  See if your opinion matches up with what the analysts saw. 

I've helped out coaching kids, and I've helped out with coaching adults.  Which group is easier?  It depends on the people involved.  The younger the kids are, the more eager they seem to learn and the closer they listen.  Some teenage boys walk into gyms with the "I know everything already" attitude, however.  Some adult men do the same thing, and that is hard to work with.  Females can be a mixed bag.  Some are game to take on challenges from day one regardless of what level of experience they had before they got to the gym.  Others will recoil in horror as soon as I start talking about taking and giving punches.  Most women are not afraid to ask a lot of questions, and they will usually investigate thoroughly before signing up for lessons. 

Patience is valuable in coaching, because all kinds of personalities show up at boxing gyms.  The coach has to work with everyone, but they're not going to click personality-wise with all who come through the door.  When people in the gym are showing out, the coach can't always go there with them.  My father would often say, "I don't want to say anything, because I know it's going to start an argument."  But Dad would always ignore the filter and make his remarks anyway, and then the shouting matches between him and I would begin.  There's been a many a day in the gym where I kept my filter on in order not to make a tense situation worse.  The few times I did blow up -- on Igor,  and on Jordan, in particular -- I still made an effort to carefully measure out what I was going to say. 

I'd like to attend another coaches' clinic at some point.  Unfortunately, most of them are held way out in the 'burbs, and I can't get to them easily.  They're also usually held on days and times when I can't go due to something else on my calendar. I'm at Level 1, and I'm thinking maybe it would be to my advantage to move up to the next level. 

A Coach's Job

The picture above was taken a short time after Jake and I sparred.  Take a good look at the photo.  See how much taller he is than I?  I came in low like I usually do when my sparring partner towers over me, and ran into a right that Jake threw.  Stunned, I stepped back.  "Are you okay?" Jake asked.  "I'm fine," I said, as I shook my head to make it clear.  "That was a good one!"

Afterwards, Jake said, "I thought you were going to duck as I threw that punch, but you came right in."  "Hillari always goes in with her head down," Alan commented, and he was right.  Too many times, I don't see the punches coming at me as I'm rushing in.  There are also too many times when my eyes are closed as punches come in, and I'm answering them in the dark. 

I heard Igor asking Alan about sparring.  "Here we go again," I thought to myself.  Alan suggested that he spar with me.  "I'd be glad to," I said, a little too gleefully.  But I knew that Igor wasn't going to spar with me or anyone else Wednesday evening.  Later, Igor asked Alan about entering the Golden Gloves.  I rolled my eyes.  The finals are happening next week, so Igor's a little late inquiring about signing up.  Alan pointed out that Igor was too old to compete in the Gloves; the Chicago version doesn't include a Masters' Boxing division.  That's something that both myself and Steve, the former coach, had told Igor a thousand and one times in the past. 

Matthieu came in with a friend of his named Steve.  Matthieu's ankle is better, but he hasn't been cleared yet for exercise by his doctor.  He kept his workout short, and so did Steve.  But before Steve left, I did show him some basic punches and moves. 

Paul, Alan's boss, impressed me by how he used the wheel, an exercise device that helps flatten the stomach.  Paul stretched out on the canvas, pushing the wheel in front of him, but when he pulled the wheel back, he got all the way up on his feet.  I have a wheel at home, but it's rare that I use it. Alan uses the wheel each time he's in the gym, but he couldn't raise back up on his feet.  I have to admit it appears that one has to have strong back muscles to pull that off. 

Earlier today, I was returning home from the grocery store, when I saw Barry at the end of the block.  He was out with the truck, on duty with Streets and Sanitation.  "I've got an interview with the park district next week for a boxing coach's job at Simons Park," I announced to him.  "That's great!  If you get that job, you and I will be partners in crime!" Barry smiled.

I told Alan about it the night before.  "Good!  Now if you get that job, you can't walk in that gym and be intimidated," he told me.  "I know how to yell.  You know if I know how to sing, I know how to scream," I laughed, using a phrase that my mother used to say.  "You have to tell people, 'there's only one boss in the gym, and that's me'", Alan said.  I asked Alan what the interview process for him was like when he became a boxing coach over thirty years ago.  "I had been training at the gym for awhile.  The coach who was there left to do something else.  I was asked if I wanted the job, and I said yeah.  It was different back then.  I didn't have to go through a background check," he told me. 

I told Paulette about the upcoming interview earlier on Wednesday.  "Where is that gym located?"  She asked.  "It's near Humboldt Park," I answered.  She gasped.  "I'd like for you to get the job, but that's a rough side of town!" Paulette exclaimed.  Aaron, who was standing in my office told her, "What are you worried about?  She'll knock somebody out if they try something!"

I grew up in some rough areas on west side of Chicago (Rockwell Gardens, Garfield Park, K-Town, South Austin, South Lawndale), so I can handle Humboldt Park.  It won't be a hassle to get there on public transportation.  Location aside, it would be great to to get that job.  On my side, I've been boxing for eleven years (one at Degerberg Martial Arts Academy, ten at Loyola Park). I've been an official volunteer with the boxing program at Loyola Park for six years, first acting as an assistant coach to Steve, and now Alan.  I have four amateur fights under my belt, and I've worked fighter's corners at park district bouts, show fights, and at the Golden Gloves.  I have a USA Boxing Level 1 coach's license. 

But as I began to daydream about how I would run a gym, I had to remind myself to be prepared for stray punches that may come up during the interview.  Boxing is still predominately a boys' club, despite the fact that there are women who fight, judge matches, act as referees, and manage/promote fighters, and yes, do coaching.  I'll have to make a strong case that a 5 foot 1 woman can be in a gym that will probably be mostly populated with males and command respect on top of being able to teach boxing techniques. 

There's also the fact that my participation in boxing will do a shift.  I remember when I first started assisting Steve in the gym.  It was the first day of the Winter session.  There were several guys in the gym, including J.J., who were training for the Golden Gloves.  Steve was working hard to get them ready, but a lot of new people had come in.  He asked me to show them technique, so he could focus on the contenders.  At the end of the evening, I said, "I was so busy that I didn't get a workout in."  "That's one of the downsides of being a coach.  There's a lot of times when you won't get to do that," he told me.  I never forgot that.  That means I'll have to work harder to carve out other times to exercise.

Competing will be out for me as well, which I know will make a lot of people happy, like my stepmother, and most of the people at church, for example.  Sparring may still happen; Steve sparred occasionally, and Alan spars often. 

Another adjustment if I get the position - and it's a major one - is that I won't be at Loyola Park's boxing gym anymore.  That will be the hardest change to deal with since I've been there for so long.  But I'll have to cross that bridge if and when I come to it.

A Little Training and Some Fish

Janay came in just as sparring had begun between Ed and Jamil.  I showed her how to do hooks.  We also reviewed the left jab and right cross, which Alan had taught her the week before. 

My own workout took a little time to get into.  It felt like I hadn't done anything in awhile, even though I exercised six days out of the previous week.  I gained ten pounds back over the holidays, and those pounds
-- plus a lot more -- have to come off. 

There's a ten-pound medicine ball in my apartment which I haven't used since I brought it a few years ago.  If I remember on Wednesday, I'll donate it to the gym.  I was going to give away some of my old dumbbells, too.  While exercising to a walking DVD on Saturday, I made use of them, so I decided that it's worth keeping them. 

Fish kept popping into my mind while I was at the gym last night.  There is a bag of fish sticks in my freezer, and I thought they would go well with the Ceasar salad I brought.  When I opened the refrigerator upon returning home, I saw a catfish fillet, so on the ol' George Foreman grill it went.  I truly don't like to cook, and I'm not good at it.  But it's easy making food on that grill, especially where fish is concerned.  Catfish was a huge staple of my diet last year, but then it became too expensive to buy all the time.  Beef is a favorite of mine, but fish does need to be a bigger part of my diet, along with veggies.  Unlike fish, I have to force myself to eat vegetables.

JJ's Lessons

Rick, who's a boxing official, as well as a coach, came in with JJ last night.  Rick set up a camera to record JJ's moves so they could work on improving them.  "There are people who can box, but not everyone who boxes can teach boxing," Rick told Alan and I later.  That's true.  I often find myself stumbling over words in order to explain technique to people.  I have it in my head, but I can't always communicate it like I want.  I have to work on that. 

Leon and Ieisha were no shows again.  Oscar wasn't there, either.  Vivian and Ashley came in, did a short workout, then they left.  Jamil complained of not feeling well, and he was gone before the evening ended, too.  Carlos came in, but he didn't have Justin with him.  Mike came in; he told me that he saw the video of my fight on YouTube.  "You were Joe Louis, and your opponent was Muhammad Ali," he said.

Apparently, I have not been throwing my right all the way out.  Alan told me, "Don't shorten it, extend your arm and turn your leg into it."  "I've been working on the overhand right, but it doesn't come out the way I want," I told him.  "Then don't use that punch.  Use the other ones in your arsenal and modify them to make them work for you," the coach replied.  I continued to shadowbox, and worked on body punches and hooks, a set of punches that I seldom seem to use while sparring.  I'm going to have to employ them more, especially for the match in December.

When I arrived at work this morning, I discovered that someone had dropped off a box of clothes and a bag of toys for the food and clothes pantry.  Fitz, the custodian, helped me put them away.  I went through the bag of toys and found a Spiderman action figure.  "Justin might like this," I thought to myself, as I took it back to my office.  If he comes in with his dad tomorrow, I'll give it to him.

"When is your match?" Pastor asked me before I left work today.  "It's on December 9th, the day after my birthday," I told him.  Virginia said, "That sounds like that's on a Wednesday."  "Yes, it is.  We can't go," Pastor said.  Prayer meeting and the Adult Bible Study take place on Wednesday nights.  I thought to mention Sheridan Park, which has a boxing show later this week.  However, there is no guarantee there'll be a fight for me there. 

Monday's Coach

Everyone was hanging around in the hall outside of the gym on Monday, wondering where Alan was. "He's probably running late," I answered. Then I remembered he said he wasn't going to be in that evening. I found Carol and BK so they could open up the gym.

Two new people, a man and a woman, were there. The man looked familiar to me. He might have signed up for the gym in the past and not stuck around for too long. The woman's name was Shanice, I believe. I spent time showing them the one-two combination (left jab, right cross) and how to stand.

I didn't get much of a workout in, partially because I was lazy, partially because I was coaching people, and partially because I was watching the room. Three other people roamed in, two guys and a girl who looked like they were in their late teens/early twenties. The taller of the two guys asked if he could hit the bags. It's annoying when people walk in and assume they are entitled to play around just because the door is open. However, I was polite as I explained they had to pay to play. Fortunately, they strolled back out after a few moments.

Carlos brought his little boy, Justin, in with him. Justin got bored, as five-year-olds will do when asked to sit and stay still for long periods of time. He had a couple of action figures to play with, but Justin kept getting up and down. "Which superheroes are those?" I asked him. "One is black Spiderman, and the other is red Spiderman," he answered. "Do you read the comic books?" I said to him. "Yeah, sometimes," Justin replied. "I used to read Spiderman comic books and watch the cartoon when I was little," I informed him. Justin gave me a curious look. "Spiderman was around when you were little?" he inquired. "Spiderman first came out when I was a little girl," I smiled. I didn't tell him that the character was created in 1962. Little kids cannot wrap their minds around the concept of decades. It's kind of funny, actually, about small kids and their concept of time. Years ago, another five-year-old told me that I was old. I was fourteen years old at the time.

Pathway To Boxing Glory

Alan was out this past Wednesday, so I ran the gym. A couple of guys came in, one of whom I recognized as a former tenant in the building I live in. The former tenant's friend was looking for a place to learn how to box because he wanted to go professional. Amateur boxing can be a springboard to a professional boxing career. The Chicago Park District's boxing program is purely an amateur program. But joining a boxing gym/club is the first step.

Starting training early, preferably before the age of eighteen, is a plus. Train often, and maintain a stable weight. Sparring is good practice, but a boxer will have a better handle on their strengths and weaknesses when they participate in an actual match. It is good to go up against a variety of opponents.

Males still have the advantage in this sport because there are several avenues they can take to move up, especially if they have an eye on the Olympics. Competing in the Golden Gloves, the P.A.L. tournaments and the Pan-Am Games are crucial steps in that direction. The Olympics are not yet open to female boxers, but work is being done in an effort to make that possible.

All boxers wanting to go pro should look into finding good trainers, as well as managers who have contacts with professional matchmakers. They should also join one of the professional boxing associations (IBF, WBO, WBC, WIBF), and obtain a license from the boxing commissions where they intend to compete.

Where Is It?

A check of my bank account online showed that USA Boxing has yet to cash the check I wrote for my coach's license. Mike Q. warned me that the folks in Colorado can be slow to get around to doing things. I knew that too, but the hold up is going on for too long.

I sparred with Heather on Monday. I couldn't seem to get the hooks in. Alan told me I should use more overhand rights. Melanie was in the gym, but she didn't spar with either Heather or I that evening. Heather won't spar with Melanie because Melanie is her boss at work. I guess she doesn't want to start any hard feelings.

To my delight, it appears I have finally gotten used to wearing my mouthpiece. Steve told me a long time ago that I just have to keep wearing it often to get over gagging on it.

"But, She'll Kick My. . . !"

Alan's suggestion to the women in the gym that they spar last night, didn't go over well. All of them begged off. Melanie wasn't going to, but then she asked me questions about about it. "Have you ever had a fight with anyone before?" I asked out of curiosity. "No, I've never been in a fight in my life," she said. "I was in a lot of fist fights when I was younger, so boxing was just a natural progression," I chuckled.

Later, I heard Alan asking her about sparring again, and she told him, "But, Hillari will kick my ass!" I promised Melanie that I would go easy on her, and I did. That's my rule: if I'm sparring with a woman, and I know she hasn't had much experience, I do not go hard. It's not fair to them. Guys, on the other hand, regardless of what experience they've had, I whale on them (smile).

Alan said he didn't mind that sparring went on while he was gone, but he didn't think that Mary would approve. As a rule, I won't let anyone spar while he's gone anymore, regardless of the fact that I'm now registered as a coach. Steve would only let people spar when he was out if Nate Sr. or Barry happened to be hanging around the gym that day.

I emailed Steve to tell him about getting my coach's license. I also updated him on what's been going on at Loyola Park since he's been gone. Steve has been following JJ and Edward's progress in the Golden Gloves.

Speaking of Barry and Nate Sr., both of them were in the gym when I got there last night. Barry had his little girl, Laila, with him. Finally solved the mystery of the digital scale being left out and unlocked. Barry wants to keep it ready to weigh the guys in who have tournament matches coming up. Edward was also getting in extra practice. His match at the Golden Gloves finals takes place on Saturday. He assured me that he was going to bring it when he steps into the ring. "I know that's right!" I told him. Edward is hungry, and he looked very good against his last opponent during the semi-finals.

A Kid's Request

I received an odd request from a little girl who was hanging around the gym on Monday night. She wanted to borrow a pair of boxing gloves. "I'll bring them back on Wednesday," she said. She claimed that she was visiting the city and would be going back to New York soon. "The gloves are Park District property, and can't be given out," I told her. I don't know what she planned to do with the gloves.

It appeared that half of the new people who began the Spring session last week did not return to the gym. That's not unusual. What was unusual that it was the first time in seven years that the adult boxing gym didn't at least have two or three guys competing at the Gloves this year. The gym is usually hopping with activity this time of year with guys preparing to go for the belts.

I was going to buy Golden Gloves tickets online, but I had a funny feeling. I didn't notice anything that assured me that the web site was secure. I'll just have to take my chances and show up early next week to see if any tickets for the final bouts are left.

There is actually a coach's certification clinc on Saturday. I'll have to get up early in the morning to catch a commuter train; the clinic is in Harvey, IL. I downloaded the latest copy of the rules and regulations (I had last year's copy at home) to make sure I was up on the new changes in the rules.

Listed Online

Just checked the Chicago Park District's web site, and lo and behold. . .Steve's old boxing coach job is now posted. I'll see if the field house has job applications on hand either on Saturday or Monday, and I'll pick one up. If I run into any of the guys who had expressed interest in the position, I'll tell them about it also.

I was worried that it wouldn't appear until much later. After all, it is now July, and Steve has been officially gone since May. Perhaps the rest of the summer session can be salvaged if some one is hired soon.

Closer To The End

Rich told me he'd been away for a month, training in Brazil at a mixed martial arts gym. He said it was intense, with training going on practically every day. Sounded fascinating to me. If I had a little more martial arts experience (I only have a yellow belt), and was about 15 years younger, I would have been all over mixed martial arts.

Steve announced that he and Ellen are very likely to sign a contract to teach at a school out of state. Terrell, Rich and Wally wondered what would happen to the adult boxing program once Steve is gone. Steve wasn't sure. I told him about Willie expressing an interest in the job. Steve said that Willie would probably make a good coach because he has the presence for it. Terrell didn't remember who Willie was, until I reminded him about the sparring match they had a few weeks ago. Willie went a little wild, and Terrell took a lot of shots to the face. "Oh, that guy," Terrell laughed.

The Chicago Park District has instituted a stricter procedure for hiring, which requires that anyone teaching a sports or exercise class has to have a degree. "Boxing is not something you go to college to learn," Steve pointed out. Barry became the kids' boxing coach because he was recommended by Harlin, the late boxing coach who ran that program for 20 years. The adult program came into being because Barry recommended Steve for the job. Steve had started in 1999, assisting Barry with the kids.

While driving me home, Steve asked me if I would be interested in taking over the coach's job. "I like coaching. But I don't have the experience that you and Barry have," I said. I would also have to get a coach's license, which I need to get next year. "I think you could do it. But you'd have to ask yourself if you'd be comfortable dealing with the characters that come in the gym from time to time," Steve said. Every time Steve has been absent, stray kids roam in along with adult oddballs. I've learned how to deal with them. I've even gotten better where the kids are concerned. I used to act so evil towards them; I guess I'm mellowing out as I get older.

My main concern is being accepted by the males. The guys who come there now are used to the middle-aged lady in the gym. I'm usually the only woman in there after all the other women have dropped out. Any new women coming into the gym would probably be comforted to see a female coach. The new guys who sign up might be a different story. I still remember one guy who was miffed because Steve asked me to teach him the basics the first day of a new session. The guy had the usual attitude of those who want to jump into the ring without learning what to do first. He also had a problem with a woman telling him anything, so he never came back after that day. As boxing is still extremely male dominated, I could see some challenges due to my gender if I became the coach.

I don't have a car, which is important for taking the fighters and their gear around to matches. I could rent a car when needed, I suppose. My father's probate case is still pending; if that money comes in there may be enough to buy a used car, I don't know.

The extra money would come in handy, that's for darn sure. There is some lead time before Steve resigns, so I will seriously give it some thought.