Many of us try to fit a little exercise into our day.
We’ll take the stairs instead of the elevator, maybe squeeze in
some time at the gym before dinner. But we’re all put to shame by
Jonathon Casaca and Sal Vaca, two local junior high boys whose
devotion to boxing keeps them in the gym four hours a day, seven
days a week.
Hollister – Many of us try to fit a little exercise into our day.
We’ll take the stairs instead of the elevator, maybe squeeze in some time at the gym before dinner. But we’re all put to shame by Jonathon Casaca and Sal Vaca, two local junior high boys whose devotion to boxing keeps them in the gym four hours a day, seven days a week.
Both boys have the opportunity to compete next month at the National Silver Gloves Championships after countless hours of grueling training and sparring. And if they make it, both their own futures and the future of boxing look bright.
“Kids who compete at this level start getting noticed by the right people,” said their coach, Zeke Lopez, who runs Bull Dog Boxing Gym. “The national champions at this age practically have a spot waiting for them at the Olympic trials in a few years.”
Casaca, 11, and Vaca, 13, earned the right to compete in the nationals after being named champions at the Central Coast, regional and state levels since the tournament began in the fall. The national competition, held this year in Kansas City between Feb. 1 and Feb. 5, features hundreds of boys ages 10 to 15, all vying to be named No. 1 in their weight class.
And while both boys have worked hard for the chance to compete, Lopez fears the trip may not be financially feasible. The boys need at least $1,500 to cover airfare, food and motel stay, and are hoping generous sponsors from the community will step up and help make their dreams a reality.
“We’ve had local businesses who are really supportive in the past, but you can only go to that well so many times before it dries up,” Lopez said. “I would be heartbroken if these boys weren’t able to go.”
Although Casaca could not be reached for comment, Vaca said he has been with Bull Dog Boxing for just over a year. He says he was inspired to become a boxer from the “Rocky” films, and when he asked his parents about joining Bull Dog, they were very supportive and have been to all his fights.
“I didn’t think I would be able to go to nationals after just a year, but I did,” he said. “Maybe I’ll get noticed and get to the Olympics one day.”
Twice a week, Lopez’s students spar one another to hone their skills in the ring, and the rest of the week is spent training with gym equipment. Every day, the students run for 30 minutes before they work on anything else.
Vaca and Casaca are training extra hard for the nationals. They are due to leave for Kansas City on Jan. 31, and are hoping to have the necessary donations lined up by the day before.
“It’s going to be a great tournament,” Lopez said. “My boys are going to make me proud, no matter what.”
Those interested in sponsoring Vaca and Casaca’s trip can contact Zeke Lopez at (831) 636-1349.
