Fourteen Bouts

Instead of judging fights at Harrison Park's boxing show, I worked the gloves table instead.  I followed the lead of the guys who were already at the table when I arrived.  The gloves and the headgear had to be wiped down after each fighter returned them after their bouts. 

Fourteen fights were done.  That was the biggest number of fights I had seen at a show in a long time.  Most of the bouts were slugfests. One girl received a bloody nose during one of the bouts.  One heavyweight appeared to try and wrestle the other one down to the canvas during another bout.  There were several knockdowns throughout the evening, but no knockouts. 

Too bad Juan -- from my gym -- couldn't attend.  He had to attend a party for an older brother of his who is going away to college.  Juan probably would have gotten a fight.  There was a long line of people trying to get matched up.  If Jaylin hadn't pulled a recent disappearing act, he may have been able to fight, too.  I'm just now learning that Jaylin has been missing for the past couple of weeks because he went on vacation. 

I was talking at length with Keith who spent five years in the amateur ranks, then 17 years as a professional boxer.  He said that most people who take up the sport don't want to run, but it is very important for stamina.  I do include running as part of the training I give, but people only do a couple of rounds of it within the gym.  It's seldom practical to have people run on the track behind the field house especially once the weather cools and the clocks are turned back.  The youth classes are only an hour.  Some kids are always rolling into class late and then dragging to get anything done.  I'm going to ask the youths to do running when they are outside of class.  I know it's a long shot to expect most of the kids to do extra exercise when they're not in the gym.  But something has to be done.

Shifty received an award for 30 years of service being a referee during the show.  He was surprised by that.  It was nice that he was recognized for his dedication. 

There Are Other Reasons Than Money

There are PSAs currently running on television bemoaning the fact that kids are dropping out of youth sports.  CBS News recently released a report stating that middle-class and poor kids are pulling out of sports due to not being able to afford to participate in them.  Lack of money is an issue especially in certain sports like tennis and golf, which carry heavier prices to play than others.   know of at least a couple of kids who dropped out of the boxing program because of their parents not being able to afford money for gas or bus fare to get the kids to the gym.  That happens.  However, lack of money is not the sole reason for the lack of participation in every case.

Technology is heavily to blame.  We now live in a world where playing video games is considered a sport.  There are massive gaming competitions that take place, some on a worldwide level.  I've had kids in the boxing gym tell me they can't wait until class is over so they can go home to their XBoxes, Nintendo Switches, and Play Stations.  Often, the kids are registered for my program because their parents and guardians want to keep them from sitting and playing video games constantly. 

It appears that many grade schools have cut back on physical education classes.  Some grade schools don't have those classes at all.  Of the ones who still do, kids have told me they play kickball or dodge ball during the classes.  They don't do exercises.  I know because of all the blank looks I receive when I ask the kids to do crunches, push-ups, leg raises, etc.  The kids don't know how to do any of that.  It makes me wonder if the kids are moving much during recess if that is still allowed in most schools.  I'm guessing recess is probably another chance to play video games on their cell phones.

Housework is a way to get exercise.  Judging by the kids I deal with, it doesn't seem they are required to do that at home.  A kid on one of the sports teams at the field house asked me where he could find a broom and I pointed to a nearby utility closet.  They pulled out a mop.  When I corrected them, they went back to the closet and pulled out another mop.  I remember another kid telling me they shouldn't have to do housework because their only job should be to have fun. 

Parents who don't support the youth programs are another reason.  I have to deal with parents who use my program for babysitting purposes and don't care what their kids are doing while in class. On the other side of the coin are helicopter parents who push their kids to the point where the kids no longer find sports fun.  Those same parents grumble to me and the volunteer about everything from the length of the gym hours to the quantity of equipment available for use. 

The cries about kids dropping youth sports don't tell all of the stories. 

Summer Continues To Stumble Along

As summer stumbles along, situations in LaFollette Park's boxing gym remain the same.  Jaylen and Damaris appear, for all intents and purposes, to have dropped out of the class.  Damaris' attendance has been spotty since the season began.  Jaylen's attitude wasn't right the last time I saw him, and I had a feeling I wouldn't see him anymore.  Their parents have not contacted me to explain the absences.  The youth class has been empty.

As for the teens - Darnell straight up told me he does not want to compete.  Darnell's parents are more interested in their son getting in shape.  I have been having Darnell do combinations on the punch mitts.  I plan to do that with the participants from here on in because I hadn't been teaching combinations as much as I should have.  Juan wants to fight and he splits his time between LaFollette and a private gym.  Juan is advanced in terms of his skills, so I don't have to constantly watch him.  Sahia gives Juan a lot of drills outside of the ones I have posted on the bulletin board. 

I'm not much in the mood to attend boxing shows this year, but I will have to make some effort for Juan as well as for some of those who sign up for the fall session who may want to compete.  I skipped Seward Park's show.  Jaylen was supposed to attend that but didn't show up regularly to train for it.  Sahia has suggested that Juan should attend as many of the boxing shows as possible.  However, I'm probably going to skip Sheridan Park's show, too.  Sahia has generously offered to go to some of the boxing shows in my place with the youths who want to attend.  I plan to take her up on that. 

The Difference Between Night and Day In The Gym

Juan and Darnell, two teens in the boxing class, are different as day and night.  Darnell doesn't have an interest in competing.  His relatives are more interested in Darnell becoming fit and knowing how to defend himself.  So far, I'm constantly pointing out that Darnell needs to pay attention in class.  Also, Darnell can't do simple exercises properly, which is mainly the fault of the school system which does not provide good physical education classes these days.

Juan has had four fights, and he splits his training time between a private gym and the Chicago Park District.  His parents are very supportive of their son being in the sport, more than most of the parents that come through LaFollette Park.  From what I've seen of him so far, Juan is a decent fighter and he believes in working hard.  Juan also acts respectively towards adults.

Respect is something that has been lacking where Damaris and Jaylen are concerned.  Neither one of them has been in the gym this week.  Damaris is averaging once a week as far as her attendance is concerned.  She is still showing her disinterest in the sport and lack of motivation.  It was brought to my attention that she cursed at her mother recently.  I have witnessed Damaris smarting off to her mother in the past.  However, I never realized she was going that far with her disrespect.

I never get a notification when Jaylen isn't there at all nor acceptable excuses upon his return. Jaylen continually shows up late, often as much as twenty minutes some days.    Then several more minutes are wasted waiting on Jaylen to put on hand wraps and change his clothes and shoes.  Jaylen moves like molasses and gets an attitude when I expect quickness.  I've grown tired of the "I forgot" excuses used about things Jaylen has done numerous times before.  If I and Sahia don't stand over Jaylen, not much gets done.

I want to take Juan to the boxing shows that are scheduled in August.  Damaris' poor attitude disqualified her from participating in the shows some time ago.  I was going to take Jaylen to Seward Park next week, but that's now a no-go. 

Cancel Summer

A couple of days ago, Sahia forced Jaylen to give me a statement about planning to do better in the gym.  I wasn't impressed as Jaylen's words were insincere and the boy's attitude was extremely funky.  "Uncoachable kids turn into adults who don't want to listen when someone is trying to tell them something to help them out.  People don't want to be around others who act like that," I replied.  I made it clear that we were not going to Garfield Park's boxing show, which took place yesterday, because of Jaylen's laziness and attitude problems.  Jaylen didn't come to the gym yesterday, and I suspect because of being ticked that he couldn't go to that show.  That was another signal to me that Jaylen fails to recognize who really is in control at LaFollette.

I'm seriously considering skipping the rest of the boxing shows that will take place this summer.  Jaylen lack of motivation, as well as Damaris' continued disinterest, irritates me constantly.  They are the only two who come to the youth class, and it's not worth me closing down the gym in light of their attitudes and spotty attendance.  I don't mind judging fights, but I'd rather not do that at every boxing show because I don't have people who want to compete.  I'd rather be working the corners.  Plus, public transportation to get anywhere was difficult when I was able-bodied.  Riding the trains and buses is even more of an issue now that I'm hobbling around with a cane.

There is no doubt there will be criticism from my supervisor and the boxing program coordinator if I decide to cancel participation in the summer shows.  The boxing program has been operating poorly for the past few years largely due to the lack of support from the area where the field house sits.  Each session, I'm confronted with more people who sign up for the program but would rather be elsewhere -- that's if they sign up at all or bother to show up once they've signed up.  I'll deal with the heat. 

A guy signed up his son for the teen class yesterday.  However, his younger son was with him, not the older son.  I'm always concerned when people don't have their kids front and center during the registration process.  I want to talk to the kids as well as the parents and guardians so everyone is on the same page regarding the program.  "Your son will be the only one in the class.  The other teen dropped out, and the rest of the teens in this area aren't interested in this sport," I told the dad which is the honest truth.  The dad was interested in his son learning self-defense since he'll be starting high school.  Once again, I wearily had to point out that boxing is not a self-defense class.

Then the dad assumed his younger son was automatically signed up for boxing because his son is currently in summer camp.  "First of all, the class for that age group is full.  Also, each program here has to be signed up for separately," I informed the parent.  I'm always boggled by what people think they should be entitled to instead of recognizing that rules probably prohibit what they want to happen. 

I'm not expecting that guy's son to last long in the class.  What usually happens with the teens is when they notice there aren't others in the gym to interact with they get bored and drop out.  That on top of most of the teens in general not wanting to put the effort into doing the workout also ends their time quickly in the gym. 

A Sport That Needs To Have Clean Hands

Boxing has a reputation for being a dirty sport.  I believe that is one of the main reasons why the sport is no longer mentioned in the same breath as football, basketball, and baseball.  Many Hollywood movies have shown the underside of boxing - Requiem For A Heavyweight, The Set-Up, the Rocky series, etc.  They are not far off the mark when it comes to professional boxing.  But amateur boxing doesn't have clean hands, either. 

A few years ago, there was a scandal involving how the Chicago Golden Gloves was being run. Apparently, issues had been going on for a long time.  Situations have since been corrected but for a time, it appeared that the franchise was in danger of permanently being put on ice.  That would have delivered a hard blow to many amateur fighters, especially those who had their eyes on moving on to the Olympics and/or a professional boxing career. 

Often, I hear stories about sketchy moves that take place in amateur gyms here and elsewhere around the USA.  Someone told me that they took offense that several individuals claiming to be boxing coaches were allegedly hanging around in an amateur gym trying to recruit people to fight in what appeared to be an unsanctioned, underground show.  Underground shows, or smokers as they are sometimes referred to, are illegal.  Fighters who participate in such shows run the risk of being seriously hurt.  Several years ago, a female amateur boxer was paired with a professional female boxer during such a show.  I believe it took place in New York City.  The amateur boxing took a beating that left them with permanent brain damage. 

Sooner or later, coaches, fighters, officials, parents, and guardians, as well as others dealing cards from under the deck where boxing is concerned will get caught.  However, people tend to get away with stuff for long periods of time.  When the actions are finally exposed, major damage has already been done. It just gives more ammunition to those who constantly push for boxing to be banned altogether.  The sport also further gets pushed into the status of a niche sport, supported by a few devotees, but not receiving the resources, attention, endorsements, etc., of other sports that are seen as more "acceptable". 

I don't put up with much so I run a clean gym.  It's better, in the long run, to do that for the fighters as well as for my conscious. 

An Off Session In The Gym

It doesn't feel like summer.  There have been cooler than warm days, and it was raining again today.  Just as well, because things haven't been too hot down at the gym.

Jaylen didn't show up to the gym on Friday or yesterday. I know Jaylen was disappointed because of not being able to get a fight during the boxing show this past Thursday.  However, Jaylen's dad appeared to be more upset and not just because his son wasn't matched up.  Sahia told me he kept asking her who she was.  She explained that she was the volunteer and not the coach as Jaylen's dad assumed.  Jaylen's dad appeared not to be satisfied with her answers nor with anything else concerning what he saw at the boxing show.  "Something doesn't feel right to me here," Jaylen's dad told her as he patted his hand over his chest.  Sahia feared that Jaylen may not be allowed to return to the gym.

First of all, Jaylen's dad has seen me before, and we've had conversations.  He knows who I am.  If there wasn't clarity about the boxing program, Jaylen's dad should have come to me with further questions.  It could be another case of a parent or guardian thinking they know more about boxing than the people who are actually involved in it.  Maybe the parent has a problem with two women coaching in the gym.  I don't know.  But if Jaylen doesn't return, I can't do anything about that.

Aarav and Kareem (I hope I have the spelling right) are only able to be in the gym one day a week.  Kareem's dad, Chris, used to box out of Garfield Park.  He explained that due to his and Kareem's mother's work schedules, it's hard to get their son there other days of the week.  However, Aarav and his parents live closer to Seward Park.  This was pointed out to them when Aarav was registered for the class last summer.  "My wife likes you and the volunteer which is why she rather our son come here," Aarav's dad explained.  But their son has to train more days to be ready to participate in boxing shows. 

Javionte has missed days in the gym, and Damaris, in addition to being absent, too, is showing her usual lack of interest in training.  Adrian is having some issues, so he won't be in the teen class for a while, if at all.  No adults have bothered to sign up.  It's going to be a long ten-week session in the gym.

A Cool Night For Boxing

Finally, after two years of being rained out, there was another boxing show at LaFollette Park.  The skies were overcast in the morning, but as the afternoon went on, the sun broke through and the threat of rain went away.  Only five other parks were involved in the show: Franklin Park, Portage Park, Garfield Park, Hamlin Park, and Loyola Park.  Barry, the youth coach at Loyola Park, told me it was his first time at LaFollette.  "This is a nice big gym over here!" he smiled.  "This place is at least twice the size of Loyola's gym," Alan, who runs the adult class at Loyola, said. 

There was no fight available for Jaylen, the only kid from LaFollette who was available to participate in the show.  There were other eleven-year-olds on the premises, but Jaylen was bigger than the other kids. 

Before the show, Sahia was telling the Portage Park coach that she wanted to get back into boxing.  The challenge was going to be finding people her age to have fights with.  I understood that completely as it was always hard for me to get fights while I was competing for the same reason. 

Only eight fights took place.  The first fight was an exhibition match.  I helped judge the fights.  I had a hoodie on, and I shivered a little as the cool breeze was not summer-like at all. 

Gabe and his brother Sebastian, who I hadn't seen in a long time were there.  Gabe did get a fight against a guy from Hamlin.  Gabe lost, unfortunately.  The guy he fought kept jamming Gabe up against the ropes. 

All in all, it was a good day for fighting.  I told Jaylen that the next show we'll go to is the one at Garfield Park.  Hopefully, there will be an even bigger crowd of fighters who will show up there so Jaylen may have a better chance of getting a fight. 

Forgetting and Other Issues

The class for those 12-years-old and under is full, but only Damaris and Jaylen bothered to show up yesterday for the first class of the summer session.  Jaylen didn't have any of his personal boxing gear with him.  Sahia and I were told that his mother wouldn't let him come home to get his personal boxing gear for some reason.  Luckily, there is equipment in the gym.  As for Damaris, she was doing her usual lallygagging.  I made clear to her that she was not going to participate in tomorrow's boxing show.

Courtesy calls were made to remind parents and guardians that the summer session has begun.  I got the usual, "Oh, I forgot", excuses from a few of them.  I've come to learn that "I forgot" often means there has been a change of plans regarding attending the class.  I guess it's too much like right to tell me they are no longer interested.  Aarav's parents did what I expected they were going to do.  "We'll bring him in on Saturdays, then we'll see if he can do the other days," I was told.  I will remind them like I did when Aarav was in the class a few sessions ago that I'm not going to put their son in boxing shows if their son can't train more regularly.  Voice mail picked up at the other numbers I dialed.

I've received several inquiries about the class lately from parents and guardians whose kids don't meet the age requirement.  Apparently, no one is going online or reading the paper schedules and fliers before talking to me.  There are a few park district gyms that accept kids under the age of eight, but not at the gym where I am.  I told one young woman with a three-year-old and a five-year-old that some private boxing gyms and martial arts dojos will accept younger kids. 

As usual, I've also received inquiries from parents who wait until the week school is out - which is this week - to look for summer activities.  I'm still trying to figure out why people wait until June to register for anything.  The disappointed looks I see every year when they discover everything is full has become tiring. 

Go To A Private Boxing Gym

The Chicago Park District has a boxing program.  However, the park district does not run boxing gyms per se.  It runs boxing classes.  There is a difference.  A big difference.

Muhammad Ali helped found the boxing program in the early 1970s while he was living in Chicago.  The story goes that Ali had a bike stolen from him when he was a kid.  A cop overheard Ali expressing a desire to beat down whoever took the bike and led Ali to a boxing gym. I believe the initial lessons were free, hence why the park district offers boxing free for kids and teens.  Ali probably stipulated that the classes should be at no cost.  Later on, adult boxing classes were added.  As those classes were not a part of the original deal Ali and the park district worked out, those classes had a price attached.

Here's where many adults, particularly those with an interest in becoming professional boxers, miss the point.  The park district's focus is on providing recreational activities to youths.  The majority of all of the activities offered are after-school programs.  Boxing is an amateur program at the park district that gives youths the chance to compete and show off their skills.   The program only operates between four to six hours depending on the field house.  The days the gyms are open also depends on the field house as well as interest coming from the area where the field house is located.  It is not the only program at any field house; it has to fit in with the rest of the schedule.

Over the years, I've encountered many adults who have expressed an interest in signing up at park district boxing gym.  There is always grumbling about not being able to use the gym when they want, how they want, and for as long as they want.  Recently, I had an adult tell me that the hour-and-a-half class for adults where I coach was not enough time to work out. 

The solution?  Go to a private boxing gym.

Some of the park district boxing coaches know professional boxing coaches, professional boxing officials, and professional boxers.  Some of those who coach the amateur boxing classes also are qualified to work the corners at professional boxing matches.  But the Chicago Park District is not involved in professional boxing and has no plans to ever do that.  Those who think and expect that the park district gyms should operate as professional boxing gyms are trying to fit circular objects into square holes.

Many professional boxers got their start through the park district.  Rudy Cisneros, David Diaz, Michael Bennett, Junior Wright, and Fres Oqendo are just a few.  They got the basics of the sport at the field houses.  But when they wanted to move up, there was a realization that they needed to come out of the amateur boxing gyms. 

Rain On The Ring

Rain is in the forecast for the boxing show that is scheduled later this week.  If it does get rained out, that will be the third year in the row the field house hasn't had a show.

The show always seems to take place right at the beginning of the summer session which begins tomorrow.  The new kids and teens in the class can't compete in that show because they will not have trained enough to participate in it.  I only have one kid from the previous session who plans to fight - Jaylen - and there is no guarantee there will anyone from the other parks with whom he can be paired off in the ring. 

Whether the show at LaFollette happens or not, I expect the usual resistance from parents and guardians regarding allowing their youths to participate in the other boxing shows from now to the end of the year.  Sahia shook her head when I explained some time ago that parents and guardians have a problem with going to certain sides of town as well to certain neighborhoods.  "That's how it's always been in Chicago," I told her. Then I get admonished by the boxing program coordinator and the field house supervisor for not having youths in the shows.  I'm still wondering what the two of them think I'm supposed to do about that - or the lack of interest most have in the program in general.

Four of the youths in the class for those under 12-years-of-age are return customers: the aforementioned Jaylen, Kayla, Damaris, and Aarav.  Not many of the new ones on the list talked to me before registering despite that being a requirement listed online and on printed schedules and fliers.  That always makes for frustrating moments during the session.

Adrien is the only person signed up for the teen class  Adrien is good at what he does but doesn't show up at the gym enough for my taste.  One of the boys who play team sports at the field house inquired about registering for boxing.  That kid might be a good match for Adrien in terms of sparring. I haven't heard any more about that from him, or more importantly, his parents and guardians.  Even though there is plenty of room in that class, in light of the fact the boxing shows have started, people still can't take their time about signing up.

No adults have signed up, but I refuse to take that class off of the schedule.  I used to do 90 minutes classes with the youths when there was no adult class and that wasn't a good idea.  I have to do a stronger job of marketing that time period those who already know how the box but are looking for an extra spot to get their workout in. 

What Summer Brings

Summer is the busiest time of year for the Chicago Park District.  For me, the season can also be the most frustrating in terms of work. 

The gym at LaFollette Park is closed this week for the break between the spring and the summer sessions.  I'm hoping it will be a quiet week.  But I'm not looking forward to what I'm seeing on the horizon.  Summer camp starts next week which mean kids will be in my gym trashing it:  dropping food on the floor, playing around with the equipment, messing with the bulletin boards.  My complaints in the past have been dismissed as well as met with indignation.  I'm still trying to figure out the lack of understanding regarding the very real possibility of kids getting hurt because of playing around on the equipment. 

The summer kids are NOT well supervised.  The first full summer I was there, adults made up the seasonal camp staff.  For the past couple of years or so, teenagers have been employed to watch the kids, and no, it hasn't been working so well.  Very few of the teens have been responsible, and the younger kids who attend the camp give the teens grief.  They look at the camp counselors as older siblings who aren't worthy to be authority figures.  Some of the staff involved with the camp are going to be ticked because it looks like I'm going to have to scream, yell, and hurt some feelings to get my points across. 

I have an adult -- I believe the guy's name is Jose -- and he wants to take the adult class and bring a couple of his brothers along.  Since the attendance in the adult class has always been thin, this seems like a good development, right?  Hold up, not so fast.  Jose told me he wants to be a professional boxer.  Then one of his older relatives dropped by to inquire about the program.  "An hour and a half is not enough time.  They need to work out for two to three hours," I was told.  The park district doesn't deal with professional boxing and the gyms are only open for a few hours during the day.  Jose asked if he and his brothers could come in early, but I pointed out that was not possible because of the youth classes.  Judging by the look of disbelief on Jose's face, I might have a battle on my hands regarding usage of the gym.

I saw a report on the news last night that claimed that crime in the area where the field house is has gone down.  I found the statistics hard to believe.  Shootings tend to increase, and the number of assaults goes up this time of year.  Items, regardless of whether they belong to the park district, the customers, or the staff, get stolen more often.  Every year, the supervisor and the staff find ourselves escorting people acting up inside the field house to the door.  I expect more of the same. 

Summer used to be my favorite season. 

When A Meeting Is Not The Answer

When I first began coaching at the Chicago Park District, I attempted to set up meetings with parents and guardians to explain the boxing program.  There were no takers.

Eventually, I had the line "Must speak with the instructor before registering" added to fliers about the class as well as in the class listing online.  Only a few actually walk in to see me.  The rest bypass the talk especially when online registration hasn't closed. 

The two main and wrong reasons parents and guardians register youths for the boxing program are to have free babysitting and for the youths to learn self-defense.  Conflicts begin when the parents, guardians, and youths run into the park district and the boxing program's rules and regulations without learning what those are before class start.

Full disclosure here - my patience with most kids is thin.  My parents were the same way only unlike me, Ma and Dad didn't figure that out before they had children.  My low patience was one of the reasons I opted out of parenthood.  There are many parents and guardians at the field house who also don't seem to have much patience with kids.  I get the feeling that some adults are irritated that the school day isn't long enough to keep the kids out of the house.  The next best thing is to send them off to after-school activities.  However, some of the adults don't particularly care about their kids having any kind of enrichment experience from being part of after-school programs. 

I'm always wondering - if the parents and guardians don't want to be bothered with their own kids, why do they think or expect that others want to be bothered?  When faced with a room full of youths who don't want to be in the gym but are on the premises because the people who are raising them have dumped them there, that makes for a long, frustrating work day. 

In light of the fact that most schools, even up through the college level, have zero tolerance for violence policies in place, I'm surprised that a lot of kids are being told to hit back when picked on.  Too many parents and guardians come to me with, "I want my kids to know how to defend themselves."  One parent actually told me, "I know boxing is not a self-defense class, but could you show my kid a few things so they can fight off other kids at school?"  Seeing how weapons are involved in a lot of fights these days, I don't understand how parents and guardians think fists alone will be a good defense against blades and bullets. 

Even when I have the chance to talk to people before registrations take place, I get the impression that most of the information I give out goes into one ear and out of the other.  Some people expect to be accommodated in what they want to do despite established rules.  When I make it clear that I can't and won't bend the rules, class attendance goes down, often to zero.

So why should I bother to have meetings with parents and guardians?  The older I become, the more aware I am that my time needs to be used wisely.  I keep being confronted with parents, guardians, and youths who seem determined to not only waste my time but theirs as well.  The program works better when everyone is on the same page, but that seldom happens. 

Not My Circus

Sahia told me she could see the frustration on my face.  David and his cousin Esteban already can't be in the gym for more than three days out of the week.  Also, David never stays for the full hour because he attends a competitive swimming class.  I allow those two to spar early in the week because of that.  However, I'm not happy about doing that.

David has said that his dad won't let him fight.  "Then why does he allow you to take a boxing class?" I asked.  "He wants me to work out," David answered.  Seeing how David gets a workout during swimming, it almost appears to be overkill to have him do a boxing workout, too. 

Based on the information I've received that his parents aren't on board with their son's participation in the sport, I'm doubtful that Esteban will participate in LaFollette's boxing show next month.  Now Esteban is saying that he's graduating from eighth grade in June, and being in the boxing show may not be a possibility.  I don't know of any middle-school graduations that have ever taken place in the evenings, so I don't get why there would be a conflict with appearing in the boxing show.

Then there is Adrian whose father used to be a professional boxer but is not supportive of his son being in the sport. Adrian's dad basically told Sahia that she is responsible for providing whatever Adrian needs to stay in boxing.  One of the things she has been doing is chauffeuring Adrian between boxing classes at LaFollette Park and Portage Park. 

I'm beyond tired of the participants' outside dramas encroaching on how the boxing program needs to run.  I'm especially irritated when participants don't tell me about things that impact plans that I have made in relation to the boxing program.  That has been happening too much as of late. They often tell Sahia things because she will ask if she suspects something is going on.  I'm always the last to know something and hearing the news secondhand.  But even if I was given the courtesy of being the first to know, there's nothing I can do.

First of all, it's not my concern.  I often have suspicions that things are going on, but as an employee,  I am very limited as to what I can do.  I'm also not one to pry.  If people choose to divulge something to me, fine, but I'm not going to go digging for it.  My main concern at work is seeing that the boxing program is run within the guidelines of the park district's expectations.  I've been confronted with a lot from participants' lives including medical, mental and emotional issues, run-ins with the police, homelessness, etc. 

Besides, I'm constantly contending with my own personal issues.   I do have some sympathy and empathy for others' situations at times.  But I didn't carry any of those kids for nine months. I'm always thinking that parents and guardians need to strive harder to correct home situations where their kids are concerned.

A NIce Idea

There was a woman registered for the boxing class who was interested in extra training for a charity match.  She only showed up at the gym once.  However, there are always people, even those who are members of private boxing gyms, who seek extra training time.  There is a way that the Chicago Park District could meet that need.

All of the boxing gyms in the park district could be operated as open gyms during the day.  Just like how the park district's fitness centers are run, customers could have the option of paying for a day pass, three months membership, six months of membership, or membership for a year.  The boxing gyms could be open as soon as the field houses are open in the mornings.  Customers could be issued a pass indicating their level of membership.  However, no instruction would be given during the open gym hours; a coach would just be there to keep an eye on the equipment, the participants, and the room.  One coach could run the open gym as well as the regular classes - four hours for open gym and three or four hours for the regular classes for a full-time coach. Or have one full-time coach during the day for six hours and a part-time coach for the regular classes for three or four hours.  Both amateur and professional boxers could use the facilities. 

The regular boxing classes for youths and adults would take place once the open gym hours were done.  Those in the classes would also have the option of practicing their skills during the open gym hours.  Perhaps those in the regular classes would not have to pay for the open gym hours.  But they would have to have some documentation showing they are registered in the regular classes.

This would generate more revenue for the park district.  But the main issue is park employees would have to be watchful due to the extra foot traffic coming into the field houses.  Park employees would also have to make sure they are on top of collecting the fees for the open gym time.  The park district would also have to hire full-time boxing coaches or promote some of the current part-time boxing coaches to full-time status.  It is because of the high probability that those things would not be taken care of that my plan hits a snag. 

Nice idea, however. 

Sleeping On The Program

Sahia arranged for Adrian to come to the gym yesterday to spar with both David and Esteban.  Adrian is now signed up for both the spring and summer boxing class at LaFollette.  However, Esteban didn't show up.  David told me his cousin was at home sleeping.  "Sleeping ain't gonna win a fight," I commented.

Adrian is very good in the ring, and also very good at giving pointers.  David kept acting like his left hand wasn't working and dropping his right hand.  Adrian helped David by giving him pointers. Esteban could have benefited from that too if only sleeping hadn't been more of a priority.

Jaylen, Aria, and Aaliyah didn't come in at all and didn't bother to call the field house to explain why.  I told Sahia that seldom does anyone bother to make those calls.  The few that do are lucky if I get the message as the phone at the front desk counter is often not answered or messages aren't written down and delivered most of the time.

I keep having a bad feeling about the boxing program.  The usual issues have been increasing lately.  Both Sahia and I are at a loss as to how to improve things because the area around the field house neither supports the program nor takes it seriously.  It is possible that the program could end up on the chopping block sooner than later.  The field house supervisor hinted at such when he complained to me recently about the lack of youths participating in the boxing shows -- and that was not the first time the supervisor brought that up. 

Honestly, my interest in being a boxing coach has gone down.  I'm sick and tired of taking a long commute to get to LaFollete Park and back and fighting to shore up a program that is not progressing. 

More Antics

Jaylen was caught on tape being disrespectful towards Sahia.  Mikayla was taping her mom as she was helping out with the kids yesterday.  Upon reviewing the video later, Jaylen was seen rolling his eyes and sticking out his tongue behind Sahia's back every time she had given him instructions.  Luckily, I didn't catch that because Jaylen would have been sent home.  Jaylen didn't come to the gym today, but I will have some strong words when I see him next. 

David showed up today without his cousin Esteban.  Esteban couldn't come to the gym, I was told, but David had no other explanation as to why.  "Okay," I sighed, deciding not to waste my breath making any further comment.  Sahia has made arrangements for a teen from another gym to come in next week to spar with both David and Esteban.  I'm not going to be happy if either David or his cousin decide to blow that opportunity off.

Aaliyah and her sister Aria did much better today, but I would still like to see more focus from both of them.  If they sign up for the summer class, there will be a few more girls in class for them to work with.  Kayla re-signed up yesterday, and to my surprise, Damaris re-registered today. 

A new kid, Javonta, signed up for the summer class.  "I want to be like Mike Tyson," he told Sahia and me.  The only issue is his mom being able to get her son there.  The boxing class schedule bumps up against the mom's work schedule.  I hope she can work it out because Javonta looks to be very eager to learn how to box. 

Sahia suggested that I call the parents in for an introductory meeting to go over the rules and regulations of the program each session.  It's a great idea, but seeing how half of the parents are using the program as a free babysitting service, it's not workable.  Few of the parents follow the instruction to talk to me before signing their kids up.  I can't expect them to show up to a meeting. 

Distracted and Unfocused Training

It wasn't really a surprise when David announced that he was not going to compete in LaFollette Park's boxing show that takes place next month.  He told Sahia that his dad doesn't want him to box  Then why did David re-register to be in the class?  "Did he have a fight the last time he was registered for the class?" Sahia asked me.  "No. David was also taking swimming classes at the same time, just like now," I replied.

So far, David's cousin Esteban is still planning to fight, but I'm not betting on that.  The family is going out of town right after the boxing show.  Esteban might come up with an excuse as to why he can't compete, either.  Sahia had planned to ask some teens from another gym if they would like to come in and give David and Esteban some sparring.  It doesn't seem to be worth the effort to arrange that now.

Both Sahia and I were shaking our heads at the listless manner of Jaylen, Aria, and Aylia.  I have to keep telling the kids they need to act like they want to be there.  Aylia is twelve years old, yet acted like she didn't know the difference between her left and right feet in terms of staying in her stance.  Aria kept dropping her hands.  Jaylen was constantly plopping down to sit between rounds as well as poking around during rounds.  Sahia caught Jaylen running with his cell phone in his shorts pocket.  "What do you need the cell phone for?" she asked.  I ordered Jaylen to put it in his backpack which took him several moments.  I snapped, "It's not brain science to put the phone up!"

I'm ticked at Jaylen because he distracted me with a useless question about Arai and Aylia's whereabouts the other day.  I lost my mp3 player; I must have dropped it at some point while Jaylen was questioning me as I arrived at work.  I didn't notice it was gone until it was time for me to get off work.  Of course, I snapped on him about causing me to misplace it when I saw him again.  Jaylen has missed days in the gym, so I fail to understand why he was concerned about someone else's attendance.

The summer class for the eight to 12-year-olds is nearly full.  Kayla, who had been in the class when Damaris and Anayah were attending, re-registered. However, teen and adult classes have no participants.  Anyone who signs up for those classes will register late and barely attend if they show up at all.  Few people want to be in a hot gym during the short time there's nice weather in the city.

Pulling A Bolander

It's bad enough when parents and guardians are pulling Bolanders (doing annoying, irritating, dumb, etc. things)  to upset the balance in the boxing program at the park district.  Boxing coaches are also frustrated by things that are done by management as well, especially coming from the field house supervisors.

The main issue that gets on coaches' nerves is when they find out that the field house supervisor is not supportive of their program.  Okay, everyone doesn't care for every sport.  However, regardless of my personal preferences, if I'm the one running the field house, I'm going to give equal time to every sports program that is there.  I remember sitting in a boxing coaches' meeting a few years ago where several of the coaches complained about not being able to get the resources they need.  One coach grumbled that every time they asked for anything, their supervisor just flat out turned down the request without much of an explanation.  According to that coach, the other sports programs at their field house had no problems getting what they needed. 

Another issue is the lack of promotion.  A monthly email newsletter is distributed by the park district that highlights various programs and activities.  The boxing program is not given much press, not even during the annual City-Wide Boxing Tournament nor during the weekly boxing shows that go on during the second half of the year.  Once again, depending on a supervisor's personal feelings, the program may not be advertised much at the field house.  The boxing coaches are part-timers, and most have other obligations when they aren't at the gym, so the time they have to promote the program is limited.

In a city as big as Chicago, the boxing program should exist in more than 23 field houses.  I understand that at one time in the past, it did.  I was told that Clarendon Park, whose boxing program was cut ten years ago, was the crown jewel of the program.  The park district is always talking about offering positive programs especially to keep youths off of the streets.  It would do well to shore up and build up the boxing program more. 

A Life Support Situation

My supervisor asked if I had anyone who was going to be in the field house's boxing show.  The show isn't until mid-June, first of all.  Jaylen is the only kid in the class for those 12-years-old and under.  I'm not sure he's going to sign up for the summer session even though I mentioned it to both Jaylen and his mom.  David, who was in the class about three years ago, signed up for the teen class for this current session.  But David can only show up a couple of days to train because of swim class.  Plus, the other three teens in the class dropped out some time ago so David won't have others to work train with at the gym.  All of the adults in the class are gone, too.

As usual, there's a problem about me not having many participants in the shows.  Once again, I had to explain the issues that have plagued the boxing program for the past five years.  "Well, Derek runs the gym over at Franklin Park, and he had 20 to 23 kids in the City-Wide Tournament," my supervisor said.  Before Derek started with the park district, he ran an independent neighborhood boxing program.  Derek came into the park district with followers.  I didn't.  I had to build up what is there now from the ground up.

The supervisor told me that he and I were going to have to meet soon regarding the performance of the boxing program.  The program might have to be "moved" if things continue the way they are. 

Oh, really?

Boxing has always been dead last in the popularity contest behind football, baseball, basketball, gymnastics, and swimming down at the field house.  Most of the neighborhood is unaware of the program's existence despite my efforts in promoting it.  Too many of the kids think they're going to be handing out knockouts in the ring from day one.  When the kids find out they have to do some real work before they are ever allowed to participate in matches, the interest in the sport quickly disappears.  Parents and guardians are disappointed when I tell them I'm coaching a sport not running a self-defense class to help their kids avoid being picked on.  And the list of issues that plague that program -- the majority of which are out of my control -- goes on.

My supervisor is not there when the boxing program starts each day so there is a disconnect about actually knowing what I have to go through.  I was told, "I understand", yet I'm still considered to be at fault for what goes on.  All I can do is to keep running the program the best I know how, but it's been on life support for a long time. 

To paraphrase Dr. McCoy on "Star Trek": I'm a boxing coach, not a doctor.