A trio of young, local boxers made a step towards the next level at the Boxing B.C. development camp earlier this month.
Kyle Tessier, 16, Haven Gillmaier, 16, and Olin Lee, 13, along with coach Matt Tessier, got to experience national level boxing at the Kelowna Boxing Club as part of the Junior Development team.
The three young boxers enjoyed their time down south and their chance to train with such a high level of boxers and trainers.
"It was a great experience to be able to train along side national medalists and champions," Kyle Tessier said.
"I enjoyed the camp and meeting the other boxers. I hope I can take what they taught me and use it to my advantage the next time I'm in the ring."
Team B.C. coach Bob Pegues was coaching the camp and some of the team's elite members were on hand preparing for the Final Team Selection, which takes place at the Nationals, including: Tobe Ibidero, National bronze medalist and Alberta Golden Boy; Sara Haghighat-joo, National silver medalist; Jag Seehra National bronze and silver medalist; Sasan Haghighat-joo, best youth boxer at the Alberta Golden Gloves; and Kenny Lally, national team member and five time Canadian champion.
Training included roadwork, strength training, technical sessions and an anaerobic lactic training session. The team also had a nutritionist on hand to help the young boxers to broaden the training and preparation to their dinner plates.
The junior development team will do exactly as the name suggest, helping the boxers become better. One of the ways that will be helpful to the local boxers is the team will help them find bouts, a precious thing after losing the annual autumn rumble. The three boxers will be traveling to tournaments in B.C. such as the upcoming B.C. Silver Gloves in Richmond in December.