Competition For Coach

Steve said, "You have some competition for my job", this past Friday. Paul and Nate Sr. have expressed an interest in applying for the coach's job.

The advantage of having Nate Sr. as the coach would be his experience. He was a professional boxer in his youth. Like me, he's volunteered in the program -- with both the kids and the adults -- for a long time. Also, many of the young guys like and respect him.

Paul, who's around the same age as JJ, could bring a lot of guys into Loyola Park's gym. Paul is a good boxer with a good record. He's well known. His girlfriend, Kristin, is hooked up with other female boxers around the city, including Rita, who is a professional boxer. She could help bring some women into the gym who could represent Loyola Park in various competitions. Also, there's the added value of her bringing more women in who would be serious about the sport.

I told Steve that Willie was interested in his job, too. I like Willie, and he has boxing experience. But Willie does have a temper. No matter how many hotheads may be in the gym, the coach has to be the one person who can keep his or her cool most of the time. Even if I don't get it, I'll still continue to assist whoever becomes coach.