MEDIA CONTEST: Base boxing team touches gloves with community

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ACC MEDIA CONTEST --  The Minot Air Force Base Boxing Team completed a two-day boxing extravaganza at the Vegas Motel Saturday and Sunday.

Minot took second place in the team division. There were 24 fights featuring boxers throughout North Dakota and South Dakota. 13 boxers represented the Minot AFB Boxing Team during the event.

The Minot AFB Boxing Team is a conglomeration of both military and Minot community members. Currently there are about 21 people involved with the team in either a recreational or serious manner.

"Not only is this a Minot Air Force Base Boxing Team, it's also a community team," said Staff Sgt. James Salinas, 91st Missile Security Forces Squadron and Minot AFB Boxing Team captain. "Anyone can join. We have female boxers, youth boxers, it really doesn't matter. Anyone and everyone are welcome. It's just a great atmosphere at the gym."
According to Sergeant Salinas, there are several fights scheduled for the next few months.

"There are some team members who have been competing 2-4 times a month," he said. "The opportunity is there to compete, you just have to step up and take advantage of it."

The team trains at the Calavera & Cook boxing gym located in downtown Minot. According to Sergeant Salinas, the intensity of the training varies from person to person.
"The people who want to compete train a little harder than most people who train at the gym just for a workout," said the team captain. "Most of the team does an individual cardio work out in the morning. In the evening we meet around 5 p.m. and warm up with stretches, then we jump rope for three to five rounds. After jump roping there are various drills on the heavy bags, double end bag, speed bag and mitts that we train on. A couple times a week we spar as well. Some are a little better than others, but for the most part we all have the same amount of training."

"Getting in shape is one of the many benefits of being involved with the team," he added. "You will get into shape. Personally I went from 199 pounds to 176 pounds in just six weeks of training."

Sergeant Salinas encourages anyone interested not only in competing but just getting into shape to give boxing a chance.

"Believe me when I say that you can get into the best shape of your life and have fun doing it," he said. "Richard Calavera and Arthur Cook will offer you a free workout session just to see if boxing interests you. If you like it then maybe you can sign up."
According to Senior Airman Alex Rodriguez, 742nd Missile Squadron, the boxing team has really helped him stay motivated.

"Being on the team keeps me occupied because I'm always looking forward to the next event," he said. "We do a lot of traveling and I'm never board."

The team normally competes against other boxing clubs throughout North Dakota and South Dakota. To compete, people are required to register with USA Boxing Incorporated.

For more information about the team, call Sergeant Salinas at 721-6269 or Alex Rodriguez at 340-9031.