Amateur fighters featured at Induction
Teen fighters from the Hollenbeck Boxing Club were featured guests at this week’s Leadership Induction Luncheon held at the Steven’s Steak & Seafood House in Commerce. These Southern California sluggers train out of the famed Hollenbeck Youth Center in Boyle Heights.
The quartet of fighters included Jose Luis Rodriguez, Jesus Hernandez, Angel Moreno, Christian Gironimi and Steven Torres. The young athletes (ages 13-18) joined Head Coach Jose Arreola (known as “Coach Ugly”) at the festivities. The teenagers have set their sights on the “Road to Gold” (the 2016 Olympics) and they continue to punch their way to victory.
Hollenbeck has a rich history in Olympic glory and hope to add more future champs among their ranks. During Thursday’s gathering, presented by the Hollenbeck Youth Center, Inner-City Games and the Hollenbeck Police Business Council, community leaders Danny Hernandez and Priscilla Hernandez spoke of the long-standing tradition built within their Hollenbeck gym. The audience watched film clips showing their past champions–and new contenders–training in the youth center.
Emcee Bob Archuleta introduced Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey, the Board of Directors, city officials, LAPD officers, all in attendance at this yearly event. Outgoing LAPD Captain Anita Ortega ushered in the new Captain Martin Baeza, who promises to continue taking the Hollenbeck Youth Center to the next level, saying he looks forward to working with Danny Hernandez, Founder of Inner-City Games L.A. Hollenbeck Police Business Council Community Advisors were also sworn in during the proceedings with Rick Gridley, Steven Lopez, Mark Wiedder, Eugene Kazan, Emanuel Pleitez, Javier Perez, Serena Murillo, Rosita Perez, Ken Kamrin, Jack Teetor and Vince Lopez participating in the ceremony.
The Hernandez family thanked everyone for their support in providing the community with options to better the lives of the kids. Many in the crowd and onstage voiced what strong role models and community heroes Danny Hernandez, his wife and their daughter Priscilla have proven to be through the years. They spoke of the Hernandez’s commitment to the youth, their hard work and generosity–and most importantly, their interaction with the community.
The gala also showcased a prize raffle and silent auction (including a boxing glove signed by heavyweight Chris Arreola and a shoe autographed by Oscar De La Hoya), a stirring live performance by singer Little Willie G of the famed Thee Midniters, and a spirited comedy/magic act by The Great Omar (Omar Covarrubias), who will also be headlining at the Ice House on July 20.
The future looks brighter for the underprivileged and at-risk kids and teens that flock to the Hollenbeck Youth Center for both athletic and scholastic programs, free of charge to the surrounding families.
While chatting with the Hollenbeck boxers, the boys told me how much they love boxing and how each competition inches them closer to their Olympic dreams. Coach Arreola said the fighters will compete at the local shows on the weekends while striving toward the 2016 Summer Games in Rio. “I’m very proud of these guys,” the trainer said. “We have some great talent here.”
Also at the induction lunch were former amateur fighters and current LAPD officers Rudy Barragan and John Negrete and also former pro boxer Mario Evangelista (who also worked with former Hollenbeck trainer Al Stankie).
Check out some of exclusive shots from the day and keep your eye on Team Hollenbeck!
Photos by Michele Chong
