The Men of West Point came to Leo on Saturday, Sept. 19 for a full day of boxing-related activities.
Mike Joyce ’86, Leo’s longtime boxing coach, organized the visit, with an assist from the West Point Auxiliary of Chicago.
The U.S. Military Academy boxing team, winner of seven intercollegiate national championships, conducted a boxing clinic and an information seminar for Leo students and neighborhood youngsters in the afternoon. After dispensing boxing tips, the cadets and their instructors shared their stories of life at the academy, what drew them to accept the challenge of a military career and the opportunities such rigorous training offered.
In the evening, the team competed on an eight-bout card against a team of elite Chicago amateurs. A crowd in excess of 150 packed a ballroom at the Beverly Woods restaurant to see the skilled West Point boxers win six of eight highly entertaining fights.
Leo was honored to be involved with this event. Buoyed by its success the first time around, Coach Joyce and the Auxiliary hope to make the West Pointers’ visit an annual affair.