Community can be found in a club, sport, classroom, or simply a group of people who have similar interests. Rocky prides itself on having something to fit everyone.
The newest edition is Lobo Boxing Club with coaches Mr. Venegas and Mr. Atilano Collazo. Mr. Venegas has been coaching and boxing for almost 10 years, starting at the same time that he went to the military.
Mr. Venegas teaches English 9 and is a part of the English Language Development department, working with students who speak other languages.
He has always been very passionate about boxing, but says that when he was younger, it wasn’t an option due to money. With the boxing club, he’s giving students the opportunity to find a new hobby, community, love for the sport, and a sense of place.
He says that ever since he started at Rocky, he has wanted to start a team for students like himself.
“I wish I had someone who looked like me and was more understanding of what I’m going through, not only as just a student,” Venegas said.
His goal through the club is to help students throughout all aspects of their lives, but specifically through community, discipline, and resiliency.
If you’re worried about the commitment or feeling overworked, Venegas and Atilano understand that.
“I understand some kids don’t have rides to school, so really you can show up when you can, but when you’re here, you’re locked in and ready to work. Whereas in other classes, not everybody wakes up to learn about math or science or history, but for boxing, you don’t have to be here; you choose to be here,” Venegas said.
The club meets on Tuesdays in the morning from 8-8:50, in the small gym. Practices will become more frequent as the club continues.
Lobo Boxing Club is an opportunity for students to learn more about themselves through physical activity and to grow a community of people from all around the school, no matter who they are.
Venegas says the club is, “For anybody that wants to push themselves and grow in the uncomfortable, boxing is the perfect place for it, because it’s something that is really hard but also really fun.”
Everyone deserves somewhere they feel safe and seen. Lobo boxing is a way to find that place for all students. Whether you want to make friends, get in better shape, learn to better control your emotions, or want to try something new, Boxing Club could be the place for you.
“All you need is yourself, water, and a good attitude,” Venegas said.
