2008 Woodie Awards
COLUMN: NMU boxers' Olympic dreams on the rope
Luis Gomez
Issue date: 9/13/07 Section: Sports
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I was 16 years old when I was first introduced to the United States Olympic Education Center (USOEC) at Northern in 2000. That year, NMU hosted the Junior Olympic National Championships. After qualifying for the tournament, I was able to visit Marquette and meet a few of the people associated with the organization, including coach Al Mitchell. From that point on, my goal was to get admitted into the USOEC residential boxing program. My initial interest was entirely focused on the coaching staff and training facilities of the USOEC. However, I soon began to adjust my focus to the educational opportunities that the organization offered to its athletes.
The final decision as to whether or not I was accepted into the program didn't come until the 2002 Golden Gloves National Championships.
In my semifinal bout I had to compete against one of the USOEC's own. After a grueling punch-fest, I lost the bout in a close decision, but I had done enough to impress the coaches. Months later I was on my way to NMU's USOEC boxing program. My goal had been accomplished.
Along with the determination and discipline the program instills in its boxers, it also assists them in acquiring lifelong skills that will help them overcome future obstacles, reach goals and achieve great things. In the end, as they depart from the USOEC, they will leave with a mindset that will never allow failure to become a possibility.
Semesters flew by, training remained consistent, and each boxer's purpose for being in the program was identical-the Olympic dream. We all set our sights on that one goal. Unfortunately, the USOEC is now in danger of losing its boxing program due to funding cuts. This means that the Olympic "dream" may become nothing more than its literal translation-a dream; an illusion.
As a former member and current spokesman for USOEC boxing, it is heart-wrenching to see the boxing program experience this. Amateur boxing is one of five Olympic sports within the USOEC and its loss will have a significant impact on the organization, the community and the university.
The final decision as to whether or not I was accepted into the program didn't come until the 2002 Golden Gloves National Championships.
In my semifinal bout I had to compete against one of the USOEC's own. After a grueling punch-fest, I lost the bout in a close decision, but I had done enough to impress the coaches. Months later I was on my way to NMU's USOEC boxing program. My goal had been accomplished.
Along with the determination and discipline the program instills in its boxers, it also assists them in acquiring lifelong skills that will help them overcome future obstacles, reach goals and achieve great things. In the end, as they depart from the USOEC, they will leave with a mindset that will never allow failure to become a possibility.
Semesters flew by, training remained consistent, and each boxer's purpose for being in the program was identical-the Olympic dream. We all set our sights on that one goal. Unfortunately, the USOEC is now in danger of losing its boxing program due to funding cuts. This means that the Olympic "dream" may become nothing more than its literal translation-a dream; an illusion.
As a former member and current spokesman for USOEC boxing, it is heart-wrenching to see the boxing program experience this. Amateur boxing is one of five Olympic sports within the USOEC and its loss will have a significant impact on the organization, the community and the university.
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