Shaw Airman represents Air Force in boxing

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (ACCNS) --  A typical day for Staff Sgt. Rosey Summerville would mean going to work at the 20th Services Squadron lodging office, greeting incoming and outgoing Shaw personnel, but recently Sergeant Summerville took on a new venture -- to become an Air Force boxer.

Currently, Sergeant Summerville is training for the Eastern Boxing Conference in Orlando, Fla., in May. After that, he will participate in the U.S. Nationals in Colorado in June.

The Alaskan native traveled to Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in February to compete in many boxing tournaments.

The first fight was at the Air Force Box-offs on Feb. 15. Winning this fight by decision ultimately sealed Sergeant Summerville a place on the Air Force Boxing Team.

Another fight occurred during the San Antonio Regional Golden Gloves boxing tournament on Feb. 24. He lost by decision.

"I tried too hard to box with a boxer," Sergeant Summerville said. "Naturally, I am an aggressive type of boxer, applying pressure throughout the match. I was extremely disappointed with the outcome, but Coach Riva, head coach of the Air Force team, told me not to worry about it and that we will fix the problem by the time Armed Forces Box-offs came around."

During the Armed Forces Box-offs tournament on March 7, Sergeant Summerville fought Army Capt. Christopher Munar in the feather-weight class and won the Gold medal by decision, 32-11.

The sergeant is happy about the outcomes of the wins, but the loss in San Antonio made him work harder than ever in order to achieve his goal of winning the Armed Forces Box-offs.

"With this win, I am now currently ranked as one of the top 10 boxers in my division in the amateur ranks as well as now having a chance to compete in the Olympic trials held in Colorado Springs, Colo., this August," he said.

Sergeant Summerville is also representing the U.S. Air Force in the Conseil International Du Sport Militaire World Games in India in October.

"I was always told, 'things that you really want in life, your going to have to work hard to get them," the sergeant said. "I can take a step back if I can jump ahead three steps later. Set backs will come, but it is how we accept them and adjust. That's how we achieve our dreams and how our character is defined."

Sergeant Summerville is very thankful for the support of his unit and supervisors.

"I am extremely appreciative of the support of my unit and squadron," he said. "They have sacrificed in my absence. Even with all of the Air Force Shaping and low manning in my unit and squadron, they have allowed me the opportunity to pursue my boxing venture."

Everyday at the lodging front desk, Sergeant Summerville would always bounce around doing boxing jabs, said Tech. Sgt. Alice Murray, Sergeant Summerville's supervisor and 20th Services Squadron Carolina Pines Inn front desk supervisor.

"Seeing how serious he was about the sport, I just couldn't say 'no' to him going," she said.

Sergeant Summerville picked up the sport of boxing at an early age. He loved watching the "Rocky" movies starring Sylvester Stallone.

"Just seeing the excitement in the movie captivated me and made me want to box," he said.

The sergeant said he always wanted to compete against the best fighters out there, but he never knew if he would reach this level.

"I never really planned this far ahead, but I knew my future was bright. Everyone said, 'I was a tough little guy for my weight and I could achieve a lot with my hard work and dedication.'"

Sergeant Summerville has a serious competitive drive and he is built like a rock, said Tech. Sgt. Edward Rivas, Air Force Boxing Team coach. He has surprised his sparring partners with this tremendous strength and power.

"We are training him to stay more on balance to be able to combine strength with speed and without giving up defense," the coach said. "He is adjusting to the training and working everyday to sharpen his skills."

It is a tremendous joy being able to represent the Air Force, Sergeant Summerville said.

"Not many people give us a chance, because our training camp is approximately two months long, as opposed to the Army and Marines, who train year round," Sergeant Summerville said. "The Air Force may not be in camp as long, but we're always ready to go."