Ring provides more than a workout

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Sarayuth Pinthong
  • 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
VOGELWEH AIR BASE, Germany --  More than 500 people from the Kaiserslautern Military Community gathered here Oct. 11 to watch U.S. military and German boxers go head to head in the ring.

But before anyone could compete, all of the competitors went through a strict medical screening, said Edward Wilson, Vogelweh Fitness Center sports specialist. Despite the entertaining aspect of boxing, the physical condition and safety of the participants is not taken lightly -- even resulting in some being turned away.

"Only after the screening will they be paired up," Mr. Wilson said.

The rules don't end there of course - they apply in and out of the ring. Everything has to do with the boxers' safety. For this particular night, the rules were the same as the U.S. amateur rules and guidance, similar to the Olympic boxing procedures, said Robert Bigelow, U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern community recreation officer.

"I've been involved in Army amateur boxing for the last 18 years," said Mr. Bigelow. "Boxing is, first, for the boxer, a sport. Then it is a show and recreation for the community."

Vogelweh Air Base has hosted boxing before. It allows military members and local boxing clubs the opportunity to compete together. The community enjoys the show by rooting for their favorite boxers as they compete against each other - warrior against warrior.

"Boxing is a competitive sport with physical contact, and you don't get in trouble," said Senior Airman David Meredith, 721st Aerial Port Squadron passenger service specialist. The Memphis, Tenn., native has been boxing for two years. "I'm not sure what's going to happen, but I will find out when the match happens."

While experience levels may vary, all the boxers, as different as they may be, share the same drive for physical competition. This in mind, body conditioning is very important in order to prepare for a tournament.

"I go to PT and also train afterwards to get a little extra," said 2nd Lt. Phil Menagh, 435th Aerospace Medicine Squadron nutrition program manager. "This is my first match and I've got nothing to lose and nothing to gain. I have tried a lot of team sports that you win as a team and lose as a team. In boxing, win or lose, you have no one to blame but yourself ... it's a reality check."

Some boxers use the support of their units to help prepare them for their match.

"My training consist of a daily three to five mile run, the cross-fit exercise with leadership, bag work and sparring," said Staff Sgt. Harold Davis, 86th Maintenance Squadron isochronal aerospace maintenance craftsman.

Sergeant Davis has been involved with boxing for about six years. As a kid, he watched a lot of boxing and become hooked.

"It's strategic, and competitive," he said. "And with both, you can become good."

For Sergeant Davis, the fight is more than just the training. It's the outcome of what you have been doing before the fight. The fight is won from the training, which is dedication along with motivation, and the desire to push yourself to be successful.

"How I work out and how I do my job is one and the same," the sergeant said. "Tonight is a hometown crowd and I'm trying to please the crowd."

But it's not about putting on a show; for many, boxing can be an escape. The experience helps many release stress, and can turn a military member around if they've had problems in the past.

"It allows you to have a balance in life," said Army Spc. Antonio Feagins, a boxer with the Heidelberg Boxing Gymnasium. "Because of boxing, I have focus, desire and a goal to be the best fighter or the best person.

"Boxing is a different version of chess. You have to be tactful and learn patience. If I don't win, how can I come back and win the next day?" he said, adding that boxing allows him to gather courage and face his fears, win or lose.

Like many sports, some of the philosophies applied in the ring can be applied elsewhere in life.

"The boxing match tonight has many of the same qualities that belong in the military," said Col. Donald "Bits" Bacon, 435th Air Base Wing commander. "Hard training, courage, the resilience to bounce back after taking a hit -- all represents the traits that we are looking for in servicemembers."

Event results:

Team:

1st Place: Air Force -- Ramstein, Sembach, Vogelweh - 32pts
2nd Place: Kaiserslautern German Boxing Club - 14 pts
3rd Place: Kaiserslautern Military Community - 10 pts
4th Place: (tie) Heidelberg & Neunkirchen - 6 pts
6th Place: Shape, Belgium - 4 pts

Novice Division:

132lbs. Vitali Frei, Kaiserslautern
152lbs. Phil Menagh, Ramstein
165lbs. Frank Horsey, Kaiserslautern
178lbs. Senad Gashi, Neunkirchen
+201lbs. David Meredith, Kaiserslautern
+201lbs. Antonio Feagins, Heidelberg

Open Division:

178 pounds: Denis Heier, Kaiserslautern