Seven Soldiers strike gold as All-Army dominates Armed Forces Boxing Championships
FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. - Seven Soldiers won gold medals to lead All-Army boxers to the team title in the 2009 Armed Forces Boxing Championships at Barnes Field House on May 1.
All-Army won the tournament with 14 points, followed by All-Navy (4), All-Air Force (3) and All-Marine Corps (3).
Five-time Armed Forces champion Sgt. John Franklin of the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program got the Soldiers going with a 20-5 decision over Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Magdiel Matias in the 119-pound weight class.
"I wanted to start this night off the perfect way for my teammates," said Franklin, 25, a native of Kansas City, Mo., who is stationed at Fort Carson, Colo., home of the WCAP boxing program. "Start the fuel, start the fire, and let those guys put it out at the end."
Franklin, a silver medalist at 112 pounds in the Counseil International du Sport Militaire's 2007 Military World Games at Hyderabad, India, did not need his best performance to win convincingly in the Armed Forces Championships.
All-Army and WCAP boxing coach Basheer Abdullah, head coach of the 2004 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, was impressed with Franklin's performance and potential.
"He actually won this tournament (by performing) below his best," Abdullah said. "To me, that means he's on his way to being a great boxer because when he's not performing at his best, he's still finding a way to win.
"He's one of the guys on the team that has the green light from me. I allow him to have more freedom to think for himself because he's one of those rhythm-type guys, kind of like (2000 Olympian) Olanda Anderson. He's that talented."
WCAP Spc. Alexis Ramos followed with a 12-9 decision over Cpl. Elias Sanchez of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. Ramos rallied from a five-point deficit in the first round of their 125-pound finale.
"Last year, I lost to a Marine by three points," said Ramos, 25, of San Antonio. "This year, it wasn't the same guy, but I was able to get vengeance because it was a Marine. It was a very tough fight. He's not very experienced, and I feel like that type of fighter is tougher (to box) than more experienced guys because you don't know where the punches are coming from. They tend to chase you around the ring, throwing punches in bunches, because that's all they know.
"Sometimes that makes it tough. I got tired in the last round, but I was able to dig deep and use my ring smarts to squeak it out. ... Those Soldiers that are out there in Iraq, we do it for them."
Ramos, who did not begin boxing until age 17, comes from a long family line of boxers.
"My father, my uncle, my grandma, everybody used to box - it's in the family," Ramos said. "But my pops, he never wanted me fight. Now he doesn't want me to stop."
At 132 pounds, WCAP Spc. Connor Johnson posted a 5-0 decision over Cpl. Tommy Rogue of Camp Lejeune.
"Most of the times I fight with my hands up, but I saw from the beginning that it wasn't working for me and I didn't feel comfortable," Johnson said. "I just tried doing a style that felt comfortable for me tonight and it paid off. The coaches said to just mix it up and have fun out there, and that's all I was trying to do."
Johnson has been a quick learner in the ring.
"I've only been boxing for about three years," said the 19-year-old native of Wales, United Kingdom, who grew up in Waterloo, Iowa, and joined the Army 22 days after graduating from West High School. "Long story short, I just had the heart and the will to get better and better. I guess I just proved to the coaches that I earned a spot on the All-Army team.
"This is something I can't get too big-headed about. Now it's time to go back home and train to get that spot at nationals. This is just another steppingstone for me. Hopefully, I'll hold my title next year. I appreciate being here and feel blessed to have this opportunity."
Abdullah feels blessed by Johnson's perseverance.
"He walked into the gym a little cocky, saying what he was going to do, and took some butt whippings for a very long time, but he kept working hard to please us to give him a shot," Abdullah said. "We put him in the conditioning program and he just qualified for WCAP. He only had a few more months left before he was going to be released.
"He's just a baby, but there was no way I was going to pass up a 6-foot-1 guy at 132 pounds. I'll take my chances with that. Tonight, to me, he had the best performance of the team. I was very proud of that young man. That's why I brought him on board. I believe that he can really give himself a big shot to make that 2012 (U.S. Olympic) team if he keeps growing the way he's growing."
Pfc. Sidney Williams, a Reservist from Kentucky, won the 165-pound division with a 19-17 decision over Navy SK Abdullah Johnson.
"It was an exciting bout," Abdullah said. "He had to come from behind. He was always down one or two points, but he pulled it out. He made the adjustment and he fought the orthodox boxer the way you're supposed to, by moving to his right, stepping down and boxing. And then he showed a little dog in him at the end. He picked it up, got aggressive, took some shots and shook them off and came right back. He made his adjustments well, based on the instructions we gave him in the corner."
Two-time Armed Forces champion Spc. Jeffery Spencer closed out the All-Army portion of the program with a victory over Air Force AIC Nicholas Alwan at 178 pounds. The referee stopped their bout at 1 minute, 36 seconds of the first round.
"I was kind of irritated when I got into the ring because our 152-pounder lost," said Spencer, 27, a native of Gary, Ind., who boxed his way onto the All-Army team from Fort Riley, Kan. "Some decisions go our way and some don't, but I was real hyped when I got into the ring so I had to calm myself down and box my style of boxing.
"I started seeing shots that were open, and I got the stop."
Spencer said he felt the pressure of being a defending champion on the team to beat.
"The pressure's there because everybody is gunning for the Army," he said. "We saw that with the 141-pound bout on Tuesday night when (Navy BMSM Justin Diaz) got the decision over (Army Spc. Justin Lara) and everybody on the Navy team got all excited. The main goal for them is to beat us, but we just need to listen to our coaches and stick with the game plan.
"For me, personally, this is just one step closer to achieving the goal I have set for myself this year: not to lose a fight in '09. I'm trying to get a national title this year. It's up to each one of us athletes, as a unit for the Army, to keep bringing that title home.
"The way I feel right now, I'm there, I'm ready - I see myself competing in London, representing the USA in the Olympic Games."
Spencer is chasing the Team USA spot occupied in 2008 by Staff Sgt. Christopher Downs, who now coaches All-Army and WCAP boxers.
"Judgment day is at the nationals for him," Abdullah said.
First Lt. Michael Benedosso and Spc. Adrian Ghisiou won uncontested gold medals in the 106 and 112-pound weight classes respectively because the other services did not have competitors in those divisions.
"I was looking forward to Benedosso competing here before we get to the nationals because he is one of the most improved guys in WCAP," Abdullah said. "The strength and conditioning program that Master Sgt. Michael Mielke brought to WCAP has helped these guys tremendously. Benedosso is applying that part of his training and being physical for a little guy. I have very high hopes for him this year."
Sgt. Reyes Marquez of Fort Myer, Va., took the silver medal at 152 pounds after dropping a 30-29 tiebreaker to Staff Sgt. Joshua Gomez of Kirkland Air Force Base, N.M.
The Soldiers expressed their appreciation for being on the All-Army team.
"The WCAP program is great," Franklin said. "It just gives you the opportunity to try to make your dreams come true. You know that when you come to the gym that you get to do what you love to do, and that's box, practice and train - the things it takes to make you get better and get to that elite level, that Olympic status."
Franklin, who battled through the challenger's bracket before losing to the Olympic alternate at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing in Houston, now has his sights set on the 2012 London Olympic Games.
"I came back knowing I was going to be one of the leaders of this team, and I expect myself to be on that Olympic team."
All in all, Abdullah was impressed with the fight in his young boxers.
"It's a great achievement for the amount of experience that this young team has," he said. "It's just one step forward to what we're trying to achieve. Our goal is to be top three in the nation, team-wise, in two years at the U.S. Nationals. This was a performance that we can build off of."
The 2009 U.S. National Boxing Championships are scheduled for June 8-13 at Denver Coliseum.
YOU HAVE REACHED A COMMUNITY-SPONSORED DAILY, LOCAL, AND NATIONWIDE ONLINE SOURCE OF NEWS CENTERED AROUND-AND-ABOUT DELAWARE COUNTY, PA HARRISBURG, AND THE PHILADELPHIA AREA. OUR JOB IS TO CARE FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT AND TO KEEP IT LOOKING GOOD! WE BELIEVE IN PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF ANY SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD. PROCEEDS HELP BENEFIT THE FPN BULLYING PREVENTION PROGRAM, CHILDREN WITH DISABILITY, EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROJECT. FPN WORKS WITH NEIGHBORS TO SOLVE PROBLEMS. HELP SUPPORT THE VSP FOUNDATION.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
LETTERS/COLUMNS: SEND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FOR PUBLISHING TO FRONTPAGENEWS1@YAHOO.COM. PLEASE INCLUDE DAY/EVENING/ CELL NUMBER, HOME NUMBER, AND EMAIL.
CONTACT VAN STONE: FRONTPAGENEWS1@YAHOO.COM OR (215) 821-9147 TO SUBMIT A REQUEST FOR ANY WRITER. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE WRITER DIRECTLY! ALL APPEARANCE REQUEST WILL GO THROUGH THE MANAGING EDITOR'S OFFICE.
COPYRIGHT: THE USE OF ANY SUBMISSIONS APPEARING ON THIS SITE FOR MONETARY GAINS IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
TO LEARN MORE: PHILADELPHIA FRONT PAGE NEWS WWW.FPNNEWS.ORG. YOUR TOP STORIES OF THE DAY (215) 821-9147.
BECOME OUR VLOGGER OF THE MONTH: VIDEO NEWS CONTENT PUBLISHED ON ANY TOPIC BELOW
Latest edition of Talk Live Philly With Van Stone
VAN STONE PERFORMANCE PROMOTION VIDEO AT WEST PHILADELPHIA HS 1999 - BELOW
FPN NEWS “TAKE TIME FOR WINNERS IN ANY COMMUNITY!”
Van Stones' Beautiful World Images -Hermosas World Images Van Stones
WE'RE #1
WE'RE NO 1
WE'RE NO 1
Van Stones’ Beautiful Children Images - Van Stones imágenes hermosas Madre
Like Us On Facebook
We"re Looking For Volunteers
News, and more about youth, education, political analyst, schools, anti-violence, social justice, grass roots democracy, ecological protection, seniors, Historic Preservation & Restoration, (Black, Latinos, Asian, Pakistani, Italian, and other)Arts, Books, Super Heroes, Trading Cards, Youth, College, and Pro Sports, Nonprofits and Real-estate.
Blog Archive
-
▼
2009
(2733)
-
▼
May
(332)
- Things My Motorcycle Has Taught Me by Anonymous
- Point Breeze Street Work Done By State Rep. Johnso...
- Serena Williams Accuses Martinez Sanchez Of Cheati...
- Boondocks at Phila. Front Page News
- Sports At Phila. Front Page News; LeBron James say...
- Sports At Phila. Front Page News; 4-time French Op...
- Fats Domino makes rare appearance at La. concert
- Muslims want tangible change on Mideast from Obama
- Kan. abortion doc killed in church; suspect held
- Views & Opinions at Phila. Front Page News; "Judge...
- Penna. Labor Dept. Investigates "Jon and Kate"
- Bucks County 'Kidnap Hoax' Mom Out of Jail
- Gates: NKorea nuke progress sign of `dark future'
- Bryant leads Lakers past Nuggets, back to finals
- Phillies bat the Nats 5-4
- DA Abraham Vague on Backing Dem Nominee Williams
- City of Philadelphia Shows Off Its Emergency Readi...
- Bucks County ''Kidnap Hoax'' Mom Arraigned
- With bankruptcy looming, a new GM begins to emerge
- Aide says Reed weighing write-in bid in November; ...
- Rihanna Could Testify
- HoopGurlz at Phila. Front Page News
- Philadelphia Charter School Operator Gets $4.6-Mil...
- Mayor Nutter Says City's Anti-Homelessness Effort ...
- Delaware High Court OKs State's Plan for Sports Be...
- Atlantic City Casino Workers Stunned at Murder of ...
- 'Missing' Mother in Custody in Florida
- Sotomayor's views on abortion rights are unknown
- Gates: No reason to build up US troops in Korea
- http://www.centralpennbusiness.com/article.asp?aid...
- Professional Baseball at the Phila. Front Page New...
- Rep. Kenyatta’s Bill; Nusing Home Residents & Scr...
- Views & Opinions at Phila. Front Page News; Obama ...
- HoopGurlz at Phila. Front Page News
- HoopGurlz at Phila. Front Page News
- Sports At Phila. Front Page News; Magic 1 win from...
- Please Touch Museum Wants to Honor Role Model for ...
- Franklin Square Sand Sculpture Honors Phillies and...
- Philadelphia Expands Its Bio-Diesel Fueling Program
- Franklin Institute Exhibit Studies the Sensitive T...
- Close to 100 Attend Fitness Fair for Seniors in Ce...
- NKorea threatens to attack US, SKorean warships
- No filibuster, but Sotomayor battle still looms
- Kids for Saving Earth
- Anti-Gun Group Renews Its Call Outside Philadelphi...
- Homeowner's Body Found Beneath Porch in Millville, NJ
- Area Police Investigate Possible Kidnapping
- Baseball/Softball In The News At Phila. Front Page...
- Mike Tyson's daughter dies after hanging accident
- Report: NKorea tests missiles, restarts nuke plant
- Burris pleads on taped call for Senate appointment
- California high court upholds gay marriage ban
- Historic nomination: Hispanic Sotomayor as justice
- Box Office Report: 'Night at the Museum' opens wit...
- Memorial Day Ceremonies Held Across the Region
- Sports At Phila. Front Page News
- Obama observes Memorial Day at Arlington cemetery
- Obama: N. Korea 'recklessly challenging' the world
- Defying world powers, N. Korea conducts nuke test
- HoopGurlz at Phila. Front Page News
- Boondocks at Phila. Front Page News
- Upcoming Marathon to Raise Money for the Blind
- Remembering America's Fallen Heroes This Weekend
- Sports At Phila. Front Page News; Kobe shoots Lake...
- Singer Susan Boyle says she's ready to shine
- Ore. mom accused in river drowning of 4-year-old
- Atlantis, crew land in Calif. after Hubble mission
- Terminator Salvation attracts $14.8 mil at the box...
- The Battle Over Going Green Heats Up
- Sports At Phila. Front Page News
- Search for homes for 'Slumdog' children picks up
- Memorial Day roll call honors 148,000 veterans
- Scorched earth, craters mark Sri Lanka's war zone
- Ex-SKorean leader Roh leaps to death over scandal
- Phila. Front Page News Poetry: Zakkiyya El,; A Pra...
- Eminem: Inside the Comeback
- Verna Sees City Sales Tax Hike as Boon to Suburban...
- Judge Dismisses Charges Against Former Dem Whip Veon
- BRT Member Ousted Following Inspector General's Re...
- Phila. Tax Task Force Holds First Public Hearing
- Michael Moore's Financial Collapse Documentary Get...
- Tom Ridge: Cheney Is Wrong About Obama
- Geithner Calls for ‘Very Substantial’ Change in Wa...
- Sports At Phila. Front Page News
- 44 states lost jobs in April, led by California
- Corruption Charges Against Former State Rep. Mike ...
- Womens Alliance Healing Indigenous Nations via Ear...
- HoopGurlz at Phila. Front Page News
- Police Release Sketch of Man Who Beat and Robbed C...
- DA Candidate Williams Supports Proposed Budget Cuts
- Dozens Arrested in Sweep of Violent Chester, Pa. D...
- Phila. Kids Learn They'll Grow B-I-G by Eating The...
- BRT Member Ousted Following Inspector General's Re...
- Baseball/Softball In The News At Phila. Front Page...
- NM mom charged with killing son on the playground
- Obama backs Gitmo plan, Cheney defends Bush policy
- Terminator Salvation (2009)
- Sestak Wants to Make Phila. School Lunch Plan Perm...
- Phila. Schoolchildren Help Plant Flowers Around Ci...
- Ex-NFL star Vick leaves prison, heads for Va. home
-
▼
May
(332)
About Us
FPN can reach out to Representatives from your side of: The Village, The Township, or The City
FPN features
Sports
Cars
Family EntertainmentSports
Cars
Neighborhood News
Scholastic News
Regional News
National News
Citywide News
Legal News
Alternative Green Energy Education News
Superhero & Comic Strip News
You acknowledge and agree that you may not copy, distribute, sell, resell or exploit for any commercial purposes, any portion of the Newspaper or Services. Unless otherwise expressly provided in our Newspaper, you may not copy, display or use any trademark without prior written permission of the trademark owner.
FPN/VSP® is in no way responsible for the content of any site owned by a third party that may be listed on our Website and/or linked to our Website via hyperlink. VSP/FPN® makes no judgment or warranty with respect to the accuracy, timeliness or suitability of the content of any site to which the Website may refer and/or link, and FPN/VSP® takes no responsibility therefor. By providing access to other websites, FPN/VSP® is not endorsing the goods or services provided by any such websites or their sponsoring organizations, nor does such reference or link mean that any third party websites or their owners are endorsing FPN/VSP® or any of the Services. Such references and links are for informational purposes only and as a convenience to you.
FPN/VSP® reserves the right at any time to modify or discontinue, temporarily or permanently, the Website and/or Services (or any part thereof) with or without notice to you. You agree that neither FPN/VSP® nor its affiliates shall be liable to you or to any third party for any modification, suspension or discontinuance of the Website and/or Services.
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless FPN/VSP®, its subsidiaries, and affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, shareholders, legal representatives, agents, successors and assigns, from and against any and all claims, actions, demands, causes of action and other proceedings arising from or concerning your use of the Services (collectively, "Claims") and to reimburse them on demand for any losses, costs, judgments, fees, fines and other expenses they incur (including attorneys' fees and litigation costs) as a result of any Claims.
The Website is © 2009 by VSP®, or its designers. All rights reserved. Your rights with respect to use of the Website and Services are governed by the Terms and all applicable laws, including but not limited to intellectual property laws.
Any contact information for troops overseas and/or soldiers at home provided to you by FPN/VSP® is specifically and solely for your individual use in connection with the services provide by Van Stone Productions Foundation VSP.
FPN/VSP® soldiers contact information for any other purpose whatsoever, including, but not limited to, copying and/or storing by any means (manually, electronically, mechanically, or otherwise) not expressly authorized by FPN/VSP is strictly prohibited. Additionally, use of FPN/VSP® contact information for any solicitation or recruiting purpose, or any other private, commercial, political, or religious mailing, or any other form of communication not expressly authorized by FPN/VSP® is strictly prohibited.