By Jessie Recendez, Dec, 10, 2024
Cal Poly Pomona boxing team competed at its first sparring match, facing off against the University of California, Riverside’s student boxing club, the Highlander Gloves, along with other opponents Nov. 14.
In the friendly competition against outside competitors, male and female boxers had a chance to show their skills.
“My favorite part was the energy in the gym,” said Aaron Wongsavanh, an aerospace engineering student. “Everyone was focused and determined, and it really brought us closer as a team.”
Since there are no outside audience members allowed the camaraderie among the boxers created a motivating atmosphere where everyone encouraged each other to push their limits and improve.
Nathalie Ho, a second-year construction engineering student, said she felt nervous and excited in the matches against the Highlander Gloves.
“Participating in events like this motivates me as a boxer because it shows me my progress and what I still need to work on, giving me all the more reason to keep going and not give up,” Ho said.
Jonathan Alford, a mathematics student, admitted to feeling overwhelmed as he tried to remember everything he’s learned.
Eventually, he was able to relax and enjoy the moment of connecting with other collegiate boxers.
“My goal is to focus on my weak points in the future, get more experience and grow as a fighter,” Alford said.
Head Coach Zayne Arufodo said he promotes the slogan ‘train smart, gain fast,’ by emphasizing safe practice and self-defense on campus.
“My goal is to get my kids out there, have them fight and give them a destination,” Arufodo said.
Arufodo said he aspires to make the club an official competitive team at CPP, rewarding his students for all their efforts and hours of training.
“It is a combat sport where you can learn how to defend yourself, and the sport itself is entertaining,” said Leo Santana, a business administration student. “It builds character, confidence and greater self-esteem.”
Club manager Alyson Fan said the team has faced challenges establishing themselves as a new club, including its limited access to boxing-specific equipment at their current training facility, the BRIC.
“It has been difficult getting our name out there and setting up matches, but we are slowly making connections,” Fan said. “We would love more boxing-specific heavy bags like tear drop or wrecking ball bags.”
Despite the difficulties, Fan and the team remain focused on growing CPP boxing into a competitive and recognized organization in California.
“I hope to see growth in membership and more opportunities to participate in intercollegiate competitions,” Fan said. “I would also love to cultivate stronger connections with boxing teams from other universities through sparring sessions and shared events.”
Feature image courtesy of Jessie Recendez
