Boxing program to be cancelled at Northern Michigan

[Dennis]

Others besides Ricky need to do it too.

[boxmel]

didnt floyd mayweather ever go there?!? he just gave mention last night that the left hook he used to dispose of hatton was a "check hook" that he said he learned at northern michigan!!

Not that I know of. He may have trained with Al, or the team, at some point but he was never enrolled in the program.

[Dennis]

They host a lot of training camps there which is another reason the program needs to survive.

[rickyraytaylor]

Ricky - have you emailed your support yet?

Mr. Wong,
I am a '92 graduate of NMU having attended the OEC program from '89 to '92.
This letter is to perhaps enlighten you on an issue regarding the Boxing program and its athletes living at the OEC at NMU. My hopes are to shed a ray of light on an element within its makings that may have been overlooked.

During my tenure at the OEC I witnessed numerous lives that were salvaged from poverty and despair at home (usually from a broken home) while granted sincere opportunities to advance themselves in Marquette. To be truthful, most of the Boxers who were granted this chance for advancement plainly did not recognize the fortuitous circumstance which befalled them. I truly believe that the reason for so many "missed opportunities" circulating through the OEC is solely because of the "crop" by which the majority of Boxers hail. Most have never even "known" anyone in college and most certainly don't associate with or "live" with college students in their impoverished neighborhoods. These athletes are being introduced to an alterior path of success beyond the boxing ring while helping make Marquette a POWERHOUSE in the world of Boxing.
Yet, for the countless SUCCESS stories arising from the program - lives are being reborn with a newfound sense of hope and dignity. Moreso, lifelong acquaintances are being formed with OTHERS who are moving forward as well.

For the sake of so many with very little left to strive for elsewhere,
please reconsider any and all options which may KEEP this program located on your campus.

Sincerely,
Ricky Ray Taylor
http://www.BoxerDRILLZ.com

[rickyraytaylor]

Ricky - have you emailed your support yet?

Mr. Wong,
I am a '92 graduate of NMU having attended the OEC program from '89 to '92.
This letter is to perhaps enlighten you on an issue regarding the Boxing program and its athletes living at the OEC at NMU. My hopes are to shed a ray of light on an element within its makings that may have been overlooked.

During my tenure at the OEC I witnessed numerous lives that were salvaged from poverty and despair at home (usually from a broken home) while granted sincere opportunities to advance themselves in Marquette. To be truthful, most of the Boxers who were granted this chance for advancement plainly did not recognize the fortuitous circumstance which befalled them. I truly believe that the reason for so many "missed opportunities" circulating through the OEC is solely because of the "crop" by which the majority of Boxers hail. Most have never even "known" anyone in college and most certainly don't associate with or "live" with college students in their impoverished neighborhoods. These athletes are being introduced to an alterior path of success beyond the boxing ring while helping make Marquette a POWERHOUSE in the world of Boxing.
Yet, for the countless SUCCESS stories arising from the program - lives are being reborn with a newfound sense of hope and dignity. Moreso, lifelong acquaintances are being formed with OTHERS who are moving forward as well.

For the sake of so many with very little left to strive for elsewhere,
please reconsider any and all options which may KEEP this program located on your campus.

Sincerely,
Ricky Ray Taylor
http://www.BoxerDRILLZ.com

------------------------------------------

From: "Wong, Leslie" <[email protected]> Add to Address Book Add Mobile Alert
To: [email protected]
CC: "Kleinschmidt, Jeffery S" <[email protected]>
Thank you for your note. We are in discussion with USABoxing to continue the program at NMU. We are doing our best to keep the program viable and strong for student athletes.

Les Wong

President

[boxmel]

Yeah, Ricky! Thanks for posting the positive reply.

[boxmel]

Friend of mine just got back from the JOs (worked admin). I asked him what was happening with the boxing program at NMU - and here's the latest:

Jeff at NMU said boxing could return there, but it wouldn't be free like before. USA or USOC would have to pay $20.00 per day per athlete to be there. The money is the hold up. When USAB left there the other sports filled their slots, so adding more slots means more expense to NMU so this is the reason for more money.

I do know there is a Task Force dedicated to solving the problem but I don't know what or how they are doing.

[JMac]

USA Boxing website says the program is back next fall. Great job to all who help bring it back!

[Dennis]

That is great news for amateur boxing.

[boxmel]

I heard that the USA Boxing Foundation came up with the money. However it happened, I'm really glad and hope it can get back to normal in the years ahead.