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Local Sports

Local sports in the Panhandle are not just a game, they are a lifestyle. Our community eats, sleeps and breathes cheering on our local athletes.
News13 is On Your “Sidelines” bringing you more than the score.
News13’s Stephen Gunter is committed to giving you stories of the Panhandle’s top athletes, intriguing match-ups and unusual sports you may not even know exist.
sgunter@wmbb.com

Friday, May 05, 2006

Off the Streets and Into the Ring

PANAMA CITY, Fla. - When it comes to drugs, gangs and crime, every community has a fight on it’s hand.

But here in Panama City, the fists are really flying.

At the Ultimate Boxing Gym (at the corner of Lisenby and 15th St.), young men square off in the ring, but they’re not really fighting each other.

They’re fighting all the bad influences in their lives.

“Find a different role model instead of the drug dealer,” owner Tim Cilbrith said.  “They can focus on something to work hard at teach and with a good effort get ahead.”

18-year-old Derek Nguyen said that he used to be involved with the wrong crowd.  But ever since he got into boxing a year ago, he’s managed to stay out of trouble.

“Those other guys ask me to hang out,” Nguyen said.  “But I hang out with the people here.  We all get along, and there’s no trouble.”

It’s more than just fancy footwork, it’s a strong defense against temptation.  Because they’re building more than just muscles, they’re building self-esteem.

“It helps build confidence,” boxer Mario Squitieri said.  “You walk with your shoulders up, head high.”

Boxing typically gets a backseat to the mainstream sports like football, baseball and basketball.  It’s even a unique option for off-season training for high school athletes.

“It’s a great thing to boast about, people say ‘Oh, youre a boxer?’” boxer Zach Hansen said.  “A small percentage of people fight hand to hand combat.”

For more information on Ultimate Boxing or the non-profit group, The Logan G. Smith Foundation, call (850) 960-5415.

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