My First Tournament Experience

                   
                                                                         ENTRY 10

MY FIRST TOURNAMENT = DONE


This past Saturday at 7:35 PM at the Don Valley Suites hotel goes down in history as my first tournament experience ever.

It was the 2017 Silver Gloves, and as I am writing this, it is still going on. There are a few makeup bouts left.

My division did not have many entries, so there was only the final. Not really a tournament then, but still, it is the experience. Having two rings going at the same time. Plus I noticed how they set up the schedule so that the bouts in both rings started and ended at the same time.
For example, my division has one and a half minute rounds. My bout in ring 'A' and the bout in ring 'B' was also a masters bout. Although for some reason, ring 'B' started a bit before mine, but it was very close.

2017 Silver Gloves setup

I had a great time, although very nervous at first.
I also had some anxieties.

I have to say my opponent was awesome. I have said before that I respect all boxers, but this guy was a really nice guy.
His name was Jack Chisamore and he was from the Kingston Boxing Club.
At all other times I have competed, my opponent would not even acknowledge that I was there.
Jack talked to me before and after the bout.
Why not? It is only a sport. You are only 'enemies' for the time between bells.

Although I lost the decision, my coach said that I had a lot of heart.

I actually thought that I had won, or at least a lot closer than what actually happened.

Although I did not win, it was still a great experience. Plus, I brought home a silver, which is better than nothing.

You know, that looks good hanging from my trophy shelf.

I would like to do this again.
Although, I don't now when I will be competing again. There is a local card at Stockyards on November 14, and Coach Billy wants to have one at our gym.
There is also the Golden Gloves coming up.

Jack has expressed interest in meeting in the ring again at the Golden Gloves in December.

That is a possibility. However, at my gym, you have to earn your way into the ring.
If I work hard and I am actually at the gym training, the coach will allow me to compete.

I am taking this week off, from the gym and from work.
I will be taking a well-deserved rest. 
It will be back to work on Friday and back to training on Monday.

I am beginning to feel positive about my boxing experience. 
I have a coaching team that cares, and a great team of athletes who back up each other.

Who knows where this will lead, but it is a new venture on "The Brick's" trip along the boxing freeway.

Once again, a big thanks to Coach Billy and also Coach Sandy for their feedback. Plus, all my teammates with who I work with several times per week.

--The Brick


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------