Manchester ROCS Legendary Boxing Coach Paul Cichon Prepares His Team

Manchester ROCS legendary coach Paul Cichon, 2008 Manchester Sports Hall of Fame inductee is preparing the team for the 12th Annual Ringside World Championship Boxing tournament in Kansas City July 29th - August 5.

This competition brings over 1500 athletes from around the world in 62 divisions. Manchester ROCS own Mykquan "Mikey" Williams, 14, has won the championship for his division in 2010 and 2011.

I recently asked my co-founder about what it takes to make a good fighter? A good fighter "listens, isn't afraid of hard work and has heart." Cichon says.

A typical training includes strength training, running, bag work, pad work and sparring. As they get closer to the tournament he will have the team lighten up on training and save "it" for the ring.

I also asked Paul what makes a good coach? "A good coach knows that it takes time to develop a fighter. He has the best interest of his fighters as his (or her) primary concern. He puts safety first and should realize he (or she) doesn't know everything."

I can tell you from firsthand knowledge that by these standards and more Manchester ROCS has a great coach! Paul volunteers countless hours dedicated to his fighters. He uses vacation time from work to get them to tournaments and often shells out money from his own pocket to make things happen.

He is more than a mentor he is a father to many of these kids. Some of them have difficult backgrounds some just need some guidance. Whatever their challenges they know the one constant in their lives is that their coach will be there for them.

Oh, not that it is all warm and fuzzy. If they step out of line they know it. He has told a few kids to hit the road because of their behavior. He tells them "You represent this club inside and outside."

The amazing thing is that they come back. They sheepishly poke their head in the door when their sabbatical is over to see if he welcomes them. This is usually done with a simple nod of the head and an agreement that the wave of stupidity that over took them has passed. There is a respect they have for him that is powerful and Nobel.

I asked Paul what makes Mikey a good fighter? "He listens, he works hard, the more I push him the more he likes it."

I can tell you Mikey Williams is not only an outstanding athlete but an outstanding young man. At 14 he is a poised, bright and respectful young man. I think one of the best testaments to Mikey is when 23 teachers from his school, Noah Webster Magnet school in Hartford, came to watch him compete at our event in May.

This outstanding athlete, his team and his remarkable coach hope to get to Kansas City, Mo to compete in this most elite of championships. We are only at one third of our goal of $3,500. Please donate and show these kids you are in their corner.

Go to http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/151454?c=home or contact me at 860-712-2616/ kathleennicholas@cox.net