Not Just Any Bodies. . . These Are Champions

By Ann E. Thompson

(Taken from the 2001 Bengal Bout Program)

The bell rings as the two Bengal Bouts boxers tap gloves to begin their match. Months of strength and conditioning and training have prepared these young men for the duel they are to begin. Their minds are focused, their bodies strong, and their eyes glaring into the eyes of their opponent as they position themselves to mentally and physically approach this challenge. Win or lose, these young men have already proven they are champions . . . champions in the game of life. They are not competing solely for the glory of winning or for the love of the sport. They are dedicated to raising financial support for the Holy Cross Missions who serve the poor, the sick, and the underprivileged of Bangladesh.

The ring is surrounded by persons directly involved with the competitors and in maintaining the integrity of the match: coaches, assistant coaches, referees, judges, timers, and medical personnel. Within this cadre of professionals, are Board Certified Sports Medicine physicians led by James Moriarity, M.D., Chief of Medicine at the University, and University Physician, Patrick Leary, D.O. Two judges are also physicians: Mark Walsh, M.D. and John Rice, M.D. There is a team of EMT’s (Emergency Medical Technicians) led by 10-year veteran Ms. Terry Engle, with paramedics standing by. An ambulance is stationed at the nearest exit from the Joyce Center.

Boxing is a University-sponsored club sport. Every student participating will be monitored and provided as safe an environment as possible with healthcare assistance readily available. Healthcare safeguards for boxers do not begin the first night of the annual Bengal Bouts competition. Prior to any boxing activity, each interested student must have their health history reviewed to ensure there are no factors present that would compromise their health during the rigors of training. During the weeks of training when the athletes are involved in actual sparring, 2 EMT’s are assigned to the ring of the boxing room in the "Pit" of the Joyce Center. Most medical attention during sparring results from nose injuries and muscle involvement. Professional Athletic Trainer, Mr. John Witmer, is assigned to the Boxing Club and will evaluate and attend to the musculo-skeletal conditions as appropriate. Boxers, who then make a commitment to compete in the Bouts, must pass a thorough physical examination provided at the Health Center by University physicians, nurses and community specialists.

Yes, there are physical risks to being a boxer, just as there are risks in any other competitive sport on campus. Nose injuries, concussions and dislocations are a possibility. However, health screening, optimum training, excellent coaching and supervision, protective gear and heavy gloves reduce the number of injuries and help to keep risks at a minimum. Should an untoward medical event occur, the health care team is immediately available and prepared.

Until four years ago, the annually scheduled Bengal Bouts physicals for over 100 boxers only meant another long night at the Health Center attending to the prerequisites of yet another sport. I never understood the draw of so many students to such a sport where victory is determined by landing blows on your opponent’s body . . . "how barbaric," I thought. Little energy was ever wasted on continuing these thoughts and concerns once the night of physicals had concluded . . . and then the unthinkable occurred!

In the fall of 1997, I received a phone call from my son, Josh, who was a Freshman on campus. He informed me that hewas on his way to my office to have me sign a permission form allowing him to join the Boxing Club, as any student under 21 needs parental permission. I was in shock. I couldn’t believe what I had just heard. My gentle son, my little boy, my baby wanted to be one of THOSE gladiators! I heard myself answering, "yes, honey, I’ll be in my office." I nearly dropped the phone on the floor, and in panic, I ran to Jim’s (Dr. Moriarity) office. I just knew I would get all the ammunition I needed to talk Josh out of this insane idea. In my desperate cry for help, I didn’t hear what I wanted to hear. I only heard phrases such as, "great strength and conditioning program," "wonderful dedicated coaches," "great character builder," "tremendous service mission," etc., etc. I left Jim’s office numb. I now only had the feeble reasons of a scared mother trying to protect her only son from possible harm . . . and maybe disfigurement of his beautiful face. OH MY GOD! How would I tell Josh I couldn’t sign this form . . . the tears started to flow, as I could only envision the worst case scenario of my son in a boxing ring.

I tried to pull myself together before he arrived, so I could practice what I was going to say. I wanted to be firm in my reasoning and prepared to dissipate the disappointment I knew he was going to feel . . . Alas, 30 minutes later, Josh is walking out of my office with signed form in hand. He turns for a hug with a smile on his face and says, "thanks, love you Mom." He is growing up and wants to make his own decisions. I had to let go. The tears started to flow again.

I have now weathered and aged through 3 Bengal Bouts seasons -- son to be the 4th and final. Candles will still be lit at the Grotto beseeching God, the Blessed Virgin Mary and every Saint in Heaven to protect my Josh . . . and all other competitors. I admit that I will still be the same "emotional wreck" while waiting for the announcement of Josh’s "fighting name" as he is called into the ring. My vocabulary will still be limited to screaming, "protect yourself, protect yourself!" Albeit I have finally managed to maintain some semblance of composure during the matches to be able to watch between clenched fingers and to understand and appreciate the skill and mental prowess needed to be successful . . . thanks to my dear friend, Dr. Mark Walsh, who excused himself from judging Josh’s matches to literally sustain, support, and educate me through Josh’s first 2 seasons of Bout competition.

This truly will be my last season as a spectator at the Bengal Bouts, for I have not developed a love for this sport nor feel comfortable watching this type of competition . . . unless, of course, a grandchild competes! However, I have developed a deep appreciation for the lessons of life that are taught and learned in this sporting venue; experiences that make an education at Notre Dame well-rounded and fruitful.

It has been four Bengal Bouts seasons since that permission slip was signed. Josh is now a Senior Captain and President of the Boxing Club. Not only has he grown in physical stature, strength, and developed as a talented boxer, but he has seized the opportunity to mature in confidence and character. He has become a responsible leader of men and an active supporter of those less fortunate. He has learned to prioritize and balance the important activities in his life, academically working hard and maximizing the opportunities that Notre Dame has afforded him. He recognizes and appreciates the camaraderie of his peers and the positive role modeling of Coaches Terry Johnson and Tom Suddes . . . their dedication to God, family, hard work and Notre Dame. He has realized spiritual gifts and guidance through the friendship of Father Bill Seetch, Chaplain of the Boxing Club. Josh is not embarrassed to openly thank and show appreciation to all those who have helped and supported him along this four year journey or to those who have shared gifts that will make him successful in life after Notre Dame.

As his proud mom, I have been truly blessed. My son, my gentle, caring giant, win or lose in the ring, has become a man . . . a true Notre Dame man . . . he is a Bengal Bouts Champion. My tears are flowing once again.

P.S. In the fall of 1999, my daughter Rebecca, a senior student at Notre Dame, announced her membership in the Women’s Boxing Club. She loved the total experience, but I was immediately banned from the boxing room!

Ann E. Thompson is Director, University Health Services and . . . the proud mother of Josh Thompson, Senior Captain & President of the Boxing Club.