Grinderfest Olympic Boxing Academy has consistently produced national and world class boxers over its long history. Numerous world champions have trained at the club as well as gold medalist Olympiads. No matter what the club was called over the years or who ran it ,it has always been a place to become your own personal best. Witness as we participate in and host events in our area and our boxers BECOME THE FEAR and create there own personal GRINDERFEST.

OUR TEAM

EMAIL US FOR BOXER STATS

PHOTOGRAPHS

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COACHES NOTE

Amateur boxing allows boys and girls a chance to participate in an activity that builds discipline, self-reliance, and learning the rewards that go along with always striving to do their best. It also provides a healthy alternative to the many negative influences that face the youth today. Boxing is for those that love the challenge of standing toe to toe, fist to fist, with nothing more than God given talent, a pair of trunks, and the will to succeed. The stamina, self-confidence, self- reliance and knowledge that one can gain from the sport of boxing ensures its future existence for thousands of young people looking to positively change their life. As coaches we have all received something good from boxing that has driven us to keep coming to the gym five nights a week for so many years. Our only reward being the joy of seeing young people have a place to go and being able to see them mature.

Compare the boxing program to other programs such as baseball, martial arts, football, etc. We supply all training equipment. When our team travels, we pay all motel and transportation costs. We don’t require participants to sell candy or solicit funds for our program. Each participant gets equal time in competition and in the gym- NO KIDS SIT THE BENCH-

The amateur boxing program provides many opportunities, including educational scholarships and training camps. In a clean, wholesome atmosphere, participants learn good, hard work ethics, and are encouraged to stay in school. They are given the opportunity to build self-confidence, good sportsmanship, discipline, and physical fitness. All of these are desirable qualities that contribute to the physical and social development of our youth.

REGISTRATION

Try Outs are now being held at the gym. Email us for more information!

If selected to join our team, the following requirements must be met.

Requirements for participation:
1) Health Insurance $35.00 (Jan-Dec)
2) Completed and signed application fee for USA Boxing
Includes the following requirements:
a) 2 wallet size pictures
b) ID (proof of age)
c) Completed information in passbook and doctor’s card
Training does not begin until all requirements have been met.

The gym is open from 6-8 pm M-Th (some times the hours change)
We expect to see you at least 3 days per week, because “If you want to perform like a champion, you must practice like one”.

We ask that when you come to the gym, you come prepared (mouthpiece and handwraps), and ready to work hard. Grinderfest Boxing provides a safe and healthy atmosphere for boxers and future boxers.

CONTACT US

GRINDERFEST@WAVECABLE.COM

ABOUT CAL

Tonight, bow your head for a moment's silence while a 10-count is rung by the ringside bell in the memory of Gilbert, whose presence hangs over this festive evening here at the Kitsap Pavilion.

Gilbert was born to a rough 'n tough Montana family that included 13 children, and as a youngster boxed Golden Glove Tournaments and in the service as "Dusty Gilbert". He served in World War II with the United States 82nd Airborne, parachuting into France during Normandy, eventually winding upin the historic Battle of the Bulge, the last gasp attack by the soon-to-be defeated Nazi Germany.

"They called their unit 'The Battered Bastards of Bastogne'," said wife Virginia, who continues to live in Bremerton. One last souvenir Gilbert carried with him to his unexpected death were bullet fragments in his head. "He was shot in the head behind the right ear and it went through his tongue, broke his jaw, busted out his teeth and came out his mouth," said grandson Joey Dean, who at one time fought for the boxing academy.While recovering in the hospital, Gilbert fought to return to action and be with his service buddies, which he did until the end of the war.

The French, Dutch, Belgians and his own country decorated Gilbert for battle heroism. While headaches caused by the bullet were his life-long companions, they did not stop Gilbert from serving his community.

" He used to pick up all the kids around who couldn't get a ride to the gym," said Joey Dean. "And when the Kitsap Sheriff's Dep't dropped sponsorship of the academy and my dad (Jack) dropped into the background and (boxing coach) Joe Clough left for Thailand, my grandfather got the sponsorship of the Albert C. Kean American Legion Post 149 and continued the Academy."

At the time of his death, Archie Ruffin, the academy's heavyweight contender, said this: "I still don't believe it. He was the reason I stayed in Bremerton after I got out of the service."

With Gilbert gone, Ruffin would soon depart for the east coast, never to return.

Another one of his boxers at the time, Mike Smith, had just graduated from Bremerton High School. He was devastated by his mentor's death, and said at the time: "It hurts. I was so close to him. Cal was more than a coach to me. He was the closest man I ever had in my life. I never really had a dad."

Jack Dean was married to Gilbert's daughter, but said his father-in-law was more like a dad to him. "I admired him because he boxed a little in the army and was just a tough guy." Dean said. And when Gilbert wanted to help coach, no argument to the contrary by Dean had any effect on Gilbert. He was going to coach come hell or high water.

"He wouldn't listen to me and kept coming back to the gym," Dean said. "And he did so well with the kids on a personal level. He would drive clear to Tacoma before practice and pick up (boxer) Roger McCane and then take him back home. He'd just do things nobody else would do. That was his strength, being close to the kids and their personal life. He'd take money out of his pocket when they got in trouble. Some took advantage of it, too. But that was what it was all about, caring. This boxing thing turned out to be the love of his life. It was a relatively short coaching career, but in that short time he sure did a good job."

Virginia Gilbert still lives in the house they shared together. "I still miss him very much, yet," Virginia said. "He had no fear. He was quite a man. When I have trouble with my home, I'll say to myself 'Cal, where are you? How do you do this? I need you here to show me how to do it."

Gilbert's smile, his generosity and his loyalty to area kids is something the local boxing community sorely misses. If he could be here tonight, that smile would light up the pavilion, his firm handshake would warm the soul.

By Terry Mosher Editor, Sports Paper