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http://troyrecord.com/articles/2013/02/06/sports/doc511333290e390032089929.txt
Albany’s Thomas Blumenfeld is the 2013 National Silver Gloves Champion (90-lbs). He sealed it by defeating Philadelphia phenom Dylan Price in the finals in Independence, MO. Not only did he win, it was a 5-0 shut out. He similarly trounced Giovanni Santiago, last year’s Champion, in the semi-finals.
Silver Gloves is for youth ages 10-15 and, although it’s not as well known as Golden Gloves, its older brother, make no mistake: the tournament is a crystal ball where a discerning eye can see tomorrow’s stars. It was our first glimpse at folks like Shane Mosley, Juan Diaz, and Oscar De La Hoya.
Now, it’s Blumenfeld. Hyperbole? Sure, but the same would have been said about any of those guys at the time. Blumenfeld’s wins were huge.
Here are three reasons to keep your eyes on this kid:
Reason #1: There’s a lot more than natural ability at work here, and it’s not that Blumenfeld is lacking in that department. I once refereed one of his bouts and it was a challenge to keep from sitting back and watching him work. “His strongest asset is his love of the game, his drive,” said trainer Jerrick Jones, Director of Albany’s Quail Street Gym. Jones and I have often talked about the problem that can accompany having lots of natural ability. You can rely on it to the exclusion of learning your craft. Everything seems fine until you step up and find that talent isn’t enough. You start losing and it’s too late to do anything about it.
That’s not Thomas Blumenfeld. “He wants to learn. He listens, asks questions and sticks with the plan.” For instance, after losing to Santiago in the semi-finals of last year’s Tournament, he and Jones decided what they needed do to set things right in 2013. They got busy, not after they got home, but right then. While Santiago was in the finals, Blumenfeld and Jones were in the facility’s gym, making adjustments.
Referring to last week’s wins, Blumenfeld rightly said: “It was two bouts but one year of training.” That’s mature commitment for an adolescent. While his friends were playing video games or “hanging out,” he was gloved up. “I just want to follow in the footsteps of Amir [Imam] and all the other greats from Quail Street.” So far, so good. Blumenfeld is the Gym’s 11th national champion.
Reason #2: Blumenfeld has the most supportive and self-sacrificing parents on the planet. Bob and Marisa Blumenfeld have logged over ½ million miles on their cars, transporting Thomas and his sister, Amber, to their activities. “Amber was a level 9 gymnast before injuries took her out,” said Bob. Now, you guessed it, she boxes. And before leading their peripatetic lives for Thomas and Amber, they did it for their two older children, now both in the Navy.
“We’ll do whatever we can, whether Thomas wants to play chess or hockey. He’s just such a determined kid.”
The Blumenfelds are new to Albany, transplants from Springfield, VT, which brings us to another reason why Thomas Blumenfeld is somebody to watch.
Reason #3: “We met Jerrick at Bob Miller’s training camp [Altona, NY] and were just so impressed,” said Dad; impressed enough to send Thomas to stay with Jones for four months. “We ended up selling our house and buying one around the corner from the Gym.”
That’s right, the Blumenfelds moved so Thomas could live next door to the kind of coach who can deliver a two-hour lecture on where you put your left foot when you throw the right hand, then another two-hour talk on why. When it comes to the fundamentals, there’s nobody better than Jones.
“It was more than that, though,” Bob continued. “Jerrick isn’t only a builder of boxers; he’s building better people for the community. My kids need this, too,” adding something that should make Recreation Commissioner John D’Antonio take a bow: “Albany’s a great place for kids. There are such great recreational opportunities.”
Who can tell what the coming years will bring? A lot can happen in the life of a 15-year old. But one thing is certain right now: Thomas Blumenfeld is a national champion.
Keep your eyes on this kid.
Local boxing: Thomas Blumenfeld is a national champion
Thursday, February 7, 2013
By Michael Rivest
The Record
I am really surprised boxing is still allowed.
ReplyDeleteHaven't they proven that consistent and repetitive blows to the head is bad for you?
Yes, good point.
DeleteAround here repetitive blows to the head are encouraged for those who are a little quicker, faster, and smarter,
it's a great way to set them back to the soft, docile, overweight, fatty boombalatty, dumbed down and slow, model citizen that we all look for to hire as employees.
put them in the ring. it's that simple.
DeleteThe Springfield Boxing Club is one of the better organizations in the area. Youth boxing is very safe. They wear headgear, most bouts are only three rounds, and are decided by points. It teaches important life lessons: fitness, control, and sportsmanship. Things that the real M. Vick could have learned during his childhood.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to young Mr. Blumenfeld as well.
ReplyDeleteI do think the Springfield Boxing Club is fabulous. These "most supportive and self-sacrificing parents" however, are questionable. I saw them shave his head and make him jump rope in his winter coat and boots to make weight for a fight. And this was a few years ago. They are the people to watch.
ReplyDelete