Feature Story

2008 TPA Better Newspaper Contest

First Place D10

Princeton Herald

Princeton man takes love of boxing to community By Jennifer Miller While most people are coming home from work, grilling out, and watching television with their families, there is at least one resident in Princeton Meadows who comes home from work only to work some more. That's because Joby Gaytan has a dream, and his family's small garage-turned boxing gym is the beginning of the pursuit of that dream. Punching bags and related boxing equipment hang from the ceiling and line the walls, while hard rock plays on the stereo to keep students Stefan Garcia, 8, and Emma Garza, 21, motivated. On nights when students such as these aren't getting a work out in his garage, Gaytan is busy taking students to matches and sparring sessions in Dallas. Gaytan's dream is to someday have more students like these, learning to channel their energy through healthy physical activity in a gym of his own. "Boxing is an outlet, stress relief for troubled youth: kids who have too much time on their hands, who are bored and for those that just need to release some stress," Gaytan said. He knows this feeling, because it was something he went through himself. "My dad saw that and took that chance. For that, I'm very thankful," he said. At age 15, Gaytan got into a fight in school and was suspended. His father decided Gaytan needed just such an outlet. "When my dad got home he came in, he grabbed me, took me for Boy's and Girl's Club and said, 'If you want to fight, you're going to box.' A week later, I had my first fight in the Houston Golden Gloves and had a 45 second knockout," Gaytan said. From that point, he says he fell in love with boxing, and wants to share that passion with others. "I know I don't have a lot of space right now, but I have faith I will have that local gym, that will become part of the community, that will help people get in shape, build confidence, and produce a couple of young champions," he said. "I think that would really be exciting to have a couple champions from Princeton." Gaytan is a certified amateur boxing coach with more than 15 years of boxing experience. His classes are open to anyone at any experience level, at any age, and for people who want to enjoy the benefits of a boxing workout, or who want to become a competitive boxer. According to Gaytan's resume, his goal is to "motivate, build self-confidence and discipline, train and share the benefits of boxing with the white- and blue-collar professionals, boxing enthusiasts, housewives, kids, and competitive fighters of all ages." He has received numerous awards in his boxing career, including the title of champion in the 1991 Houston Golden Gloves and champion twice in the Dallas Golden Gloves. He has earned several titles in the state and national Olympic boxing competitions. In addition to students, Gaytan said anyone interested in sponsorships or donations can contact him at ....