Boxing

 Greater Norristown Police Athletic League

Education, Health, Recreation, Community

GNPAL “I Got Hands” is Back into Competition

Eric Parker competed at the Memorial Boxing Show in Philadelphia on September 23, losing in a close decision at 168 lbs.  

Eric is a responsible and respectable young man who has been with our program since June 2013.  He is a great mentor to the young kids in the program and they really like him.  He is a good example of the kind of students we like to produce as “Champions For Life” both inside and outside of the ring.  His work ethic is exceptional both as an athlete and as a professional.
He graduated from Norristown Area high school in 2008 and attend Alvernia University.  Eric is currently a nurses aide at Firely Pediatric/Adult Services and a customer service rep at QMES (Qaulity Medical Equipment Services).

It is truly a blessing and pleasure to have such a young man as part of our programs.


“I Got Hands” featured in August 13 Times Herald article

Reporter Katie Kohler wrote a wonderful article about the GNPAL “I Got Hands” program.   To see the article, click on I Got Hands TH 8-13-17.


Bryanna Pachecho and Francheska Madina, two of our “priceless princesses” who have been with the “I Got Hands” program from the beginning, joined us at the GNPAL Festival. We are proud of our college girls who exemplify what we do to help our kids.

 

Ed and Sway are GNPAL “I Got Hands” boy who will surely grow to be men.


Congratulations to two NAHS graduates!

The Greater Norristown PAL (GNPAL) Boxing and I Got HandsMentoring Programs congratulates recent Norristown Area High School graduates Bryanna Pachecho and Francheska Madina.

Bryanna Pachecho

Francheska Madina

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both young ladies have been active participants in the GNPAL Boxing and I Got Handsmentoring programs since their inception and they are candidates to receive the first Children Learning Economic Academics (CLEA) Scholarships that will be awarded this summer.

Bryannas post-secondary education will take her to Montgomery County Community College to study nursing while Francheska will be attending automotive school.

The CLEA Scholarship is a natural extension of the I Got Handsmentoring program, whose purpose is to help GNPAL youth to successfully develop skills that will be useful throughout their lives.  GNPAL Boxing Coach Fred Clea, who founded the mentoring program and the scholarship, has long recognized and been grateful for the help he received from his family, community and local business people throughout his life.  He intends to provide that same support to the GNPAL boxing youth, by lending a hand as they start their journey to becoming responsible adults.

The CLEA Scholarship Fund is holding a Designer Bag BINGO fundraiser on July 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. at GNPAL.  Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.  Additional cards, daubers, and 50/50 raffles will also be sold.  Doors open at 5 p.m.

Contact Coach Fred at 215-397-7865, Jules Blackwell at 484-213-2068, or GNPAL at 610-278-8040 for more information. 

Donations to the scholarship fund are gratefully appreciated.  Checks or money order should be made out to Greater Norristown PALwith CLEA Scholarshipin the memo line.  Online donation by credit card may be made by using the PayPal link on the GNPAL web site at http://www.greaternorristownpal.org/donate/.  When using PayPal, indicate that the donation is for the CLEA Scholarship.


“I Got Hands” program introduces The 10 Round Table

Starting the first week of November the GNPAL “I Got Hands” program will be introducing a new feature called  The 10 Round Table.

Created by Coach Fred Clea, The 10 Round Table consists of ten rounds for a total of 30 minutes of mentoring and counseling participants that will cover a variety of topics.  Also included will be teaching and preparing participants to be responsible, respectable and resourceful in their lives.

The sessions will be held weekly on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and will allow participants to express themselves in various ways and to help them find solutions to any obstacles or problems that they may be experiencing.


Economics and Financial Awareness Program Kick-off at Elmwood Park Zoo Event

Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union, who conduct the Economics and Financial Awareness program part of the “I Got Hands,” will be kicking-off this year’s activities at their Financial Literacy event at the Elmwood Park Zoo on Saturday, November 7.  Everyone is welcomed to attend.  More information is available in the flier shown below.

FMFCU 2015 zoo flier



Navarrete named Fighter of the Month for OctoberFive year old Alex Navarrete is shown with the Fighter of the Month belt.

At the GNPAL October Fight Night held on October 9, five year old Axel Navarrete, who is shown at right, receive the Fighter of the Month belt from Manager Fred Clea.  Axel also received a $25 gift certificate.

 

The “I Got Hands” mentoring program will be offering its Financial Awareness and Entrepreneurship course starting in early November.  Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union will again be providing speakers for the course.


Andre Mack wins Regional Junior Olympics

Boxing Championship in D.C.

On Saturday, May 30, Andre Mack defeated Skyler Robinson from Pennsylvania Allegheny West in the finals for the 15 – 16 yr old Regional Junior Olympic Boxing Championship in Washington, D.C.  The TKO came in the second round when Robinson’s corner threw in the towel to stop the bout after their fighter was overwhelmed by Mack.

Andre, who is 14 years old, will be traveling to Charleston, West Virginia on June 7, 2015 to compete in the National Junior Olympics Boxing Championship at 145 lbs. for the 15 – 16 year olds.

Congratulations to Andre and to trainer Fred Clea, and good luck in Charleston!

Read The Times Herald article about Andre’s win by clicking on The Times Herald


Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union makes presentation to “I Got Hands” students

Thank you to Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union employees Mrs. Carol Amplo and Mrs. Kathy Hassett who conducted a class on financial awareness and entrepreneurship for the students in the “I Got Hands” mentoring program.

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Maciel Molina wins first championship!

On May 23, GNPAL boxer Maciel Molina won the 114 lb. Novice Championship for 13-14 year-olds at the Front Street
Gym in Philadelphia.  In the picture on the left, Marciel is shown with his trophy after the win.

Congratulations to Maciel and Manager Fred Clea!

 


 

Andre Mack brings home another title!

On Saturday, May 2, Andre Mack defeated Louis Dutary by a TKO to win the Mid-Atlantic Junior Olympic Championship for 15-16 years olds in the 141 lb.division in Philadelphia.   As a result, Mack will be traveling to Washington D.C. to compete in the Regional Championships.  More details to follow as they become available.

Congratulations to Andre, Trainer Fred Clea, and the GNPAL “I Got Hands” program.


 

Francheska Medina awarded EFE Belt

Franklin Mint Credit Union employees Karen Hasset, Carol Amplo, and Denice Margurger pose with Francheska Medina who was awarded the Education belt for the "I Got Hands" mentoring program.

Franklin Mint Credit Union employees Karen Hasset, Carol Amplo, and Denice Marburger pose with Francheska Medina who was awarded the E.F.E belt for the “I Got Hands” mentoring program.

Norristown Area High School student Francheska Medina was presented the Economics Financial Awareness & Economics title (E.F.E.) Belt for the “I Got Hands” mentoring program.  On hand for the presentation were Franklin Mint Credit Union employees Karen Hassett, Community Education Manager, Carol Amplo, Mercy Suburban Branch Manager, and Denice Marburger, Marketing Manager.  Franklin Mint Credit Unions employees teach the financial awareness classes for the program.


 

Hank Cisco, Harry Yorgey among guests attending Y.A.P.I. P. kickoff

Norristown Ambassador Hank Cisco and middleweight boxer Harry Yorgey pose with members of the GNPAL boxing program, GNPAL Director of Operations and guests from the Franklin Mint Credit Union at the kick-off of the new Youth Advocacy Prevention and Intervention Program (Y.A.P.I.P.)

Norristown Ambassador Hank Cisco and middleweight boxer Harry Yorgey pose with members of the GNPAL boxing program, GNPAL Director of Operations and guests from the Franklin Mint Credit Union at the kick-off of the new Youth Advocacy Prevention and Intervention Program (Y.A.P.I.P.)

Norristown Ambassador Hank Cisco and Bridgeport boxer Harry Yorgey were among the invited guest at the kickoff of the new Youth Advocacy Prevention and Intervention Program (Y.A.P.I.P) held at GNPAL on April 23.

Y.A.P.I.P. is a joint effort between the Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office and GNPAL where first time, nonviolent juvenile offenders are referred to the GNPAL “I Got Hands” mentoring and boxing program as part of their probation.

Representatives from Franklin Mint Credit Union were also in attendance.  Franklin Mint Credit Union has been instrumental in providing classes on finances for the “I Got Hands” mentoring program.

Hank Cisco (left) and Harry Yorgey (right) shake hands in the ring at GNPAL.

Hank Cisco (left) and Harry Yorgey (right) shake hands in the ring at GNPAL.

 

Cisco, a retired Norristown Police Officer, was a boxer himself in the 1940’s.  He had a 4-2 record with one knockout as a welterweight from 1944-47.

 

Bridgeport native Yorgey is the 25th ranked middleweight in the U.S. with a 27-2-2 record with 12 knockouts.

 

 

 Andre Mack named captain of GNPAL boxers

GNPAL boxer Andre Mack has won two medals, a belt and two trophies in his first year as a boxer.

GNPAL boxer Andre Mack has won two medals, a belt and two trophies in his first year as a boxer.

Trainer Fred Clea has named Andre Mack the first captain of the GNPAL boxing program.

Andre, who is a freshman at Norristown Area High School, is completing his first year as a boxer.  In that time he has won:

A first place medal at 132 lbs. at the Mid-Atlantic Junior Olympics

A championship belt at 132 lbs. at the Guns & Hose Tournament in Atlantic City, N.J.

A first place medal at 132 lbs. at the DSG Knockout Night

The Eastern Pennsylvania Silver Glove Championship trophy at 138 lbs.

A second place trophy in the Pennsylvania Silver Glove tournament at 138 lbs.

The 14 year-old, who switched from basketball to boxing last spring, is looking to help the younger kids in the boxing program in his role as captain.

Andre has one older brother and two younger brothers and attended Gotwals Elementary School and Eisenhower Middle School.  Congratulations to Andre!


Mack loses decision in PA Silver Gloves Fight

Andre Mack (right) at the 2014 Pennsylvania Silver Glove Boxing Tournament in Pittsburg.

Andre Mack (right) at the 2014 Pennsylvania Silver Glove Boxing Tournament in Pittsburgh.

 

On Saturday, December 13, GNPAL boxer Andre Mack battled Pittsburg native Charlie Wright in the Pennsylvania Silver Glove Championships held at the Pittsburgh Boxing Club.

In what was described as the “fight of the night,” the score was tied going into the final round which Wright won, thereby winning the fight.  Wright is a more experienced boxer with international boxing experience which he used to his advantage.

Congratulations to Andre, who is in his first year as a boxer, for a good showing in the Silver Glove tournament.


 

Jorge Hernandez – a Boxing and “I Got Hands” Mentoring Program success story

When 16 year old Jorge Hernandez first started attending the new GNPAL boxing program earlier this year, he was a student at Roosevelt Alternative High School who was having academic problems.  “I Got Hands” mentoring program was designed with students like Jorge in mind.  Coordinator Fred Clea started working with Jorge at GNPAL and he also reached out to Dr. Carla Queenan, Principal at Roosevelt Alternative School so that they could work together to help Jorge.

Less than a year later, Jorge is back at Norristown Area High School and taking classes at the Montgomery County Vocational Technical High School.  His future looks bright and he has been awarded the December “Fighter of the Month” award as a result of his efforts to turn his life around.  When he is able to find the time between school work and working part-time with his father, Jorge still participates in the “I Got Hands” program at GNPAL.

GNPAL Assistant Boxing Coach Jewels Blackwell, Roosevelt Alternative High School Principal Dr. Carla Queenan, Jorge Hernandez, and GNPAL Boxing Coach and "I Got Hands" Coordinator Fred Clea showing Jorge's portfolio and his boxing certificate.

GNPAL Assistant Boxing Coach Jewels Blackwell, Roosevelt Alternative High School Principal Dr. Carla Queenan, Jorge Hernandez, and GNPAL Boxing Coach and “I Got Hands” Coordinator Fred Clea showing Jorge’s portfolio and his boxing certificate.

Jorge also received a $50 gift certificate with his award.  Jorge also cited Roosevelt Director of Security Mr. Biven as being a positive influence on him while at the school.  The two are shown below.

Jorge Hernandez with Mr. Bivins, Head of Security at Roosevelt School.

Jorge Hernandez with Mr. Bivins, Head of Security at Roosevelt School.

The “I Got Hands” Mentoring program looks forward to continuing its positive relationship with Dr. Queenan and the staff at Roosevelt Alternative High School to help prepare Norristown youth and young adults for their future.


 

Congratulations to Andre Mack, the 2014 Eastern Pennsylvania Silver Glove Champion!!

GNPAL boxer Andre Mack (center) with trainer Fred Clea (right).

GNPAL boxer Andre Mack (center) with trainer Fred Clea (right).

Greater Norristown PAL boxer Andre Mack won 14 – 15 year old 139 lb. Eastern Pennsylvania Silver Gloves Championship on Saturday, November 15.  With this victory, Mack will now compete for the Silver Gloves state championship title in Pittsburgh.

Andre upset Kahlil Stafford who trains with the well-known Shuler Boxing Gym in Philadelphia.  According to his trainer, Fred Clea, Andre is to be commended for where is at and for his success against boxers who have been training for years and with much more experience than what Andre has.  Clea praised Mack’s hard work and dedication.

The Silver Gloves Championship is for non-professional boxers between the age 10 to 15 years old.  Amateur boxers 16 and older compete in the Golden Gloves competition.


We're changing the game down at GNPAL "I Got Hands" with the sport of boxing and this game called "life!!!" Coach Fred Clea is shown helping 7 year old Joshua Hernandez with his homework before his recreation and activities. We build "Champions For Life!!!!"

We’re changing the game down at GNPAL “I Got Hands” with the sport of boxing and this game called “life!!!” Coach Fred Clea is shown helping 7 year old Joshua Hernandez with his homework before his recreation and activities. We build “Champions For Life!!!!”


 

Students in the GNPAL "I Got Hands" Mentoring Program recently took part in a financial education program conducted by PNC Bank manager Mrs. Elizabeth Mwanzia-Alleyne (the second row, on the far left).

Students in the GNPAL “I Got Hands” Mentoring Program recently took part in a financial education program conducted by PNC Bank manager Mrs. Elizabeth Mwanzia-Alleyne (the second row, on the far left).

 


Boxer Bernard Hopkins visits with GNPAL boxers

Philadelphia area boxer Bernard Hopkins joined the GNPAL "I Got Hands" participants for a crabfest held at Mermaid Lakes.

Philadelphia area boxer Bernard Hopkins joined the GNPAL “I Got Hands” participants for a crabfest held at Mermaid Lakes.

 


 

Photos from GNPAL Boxing Night – July 26, 2014

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The first boxing matches at GNPAL were held on July 26 and marked an important milestone in the “I Got Hands” mentoring program.  The program is succeeding both inside and outside the ring, making positive changes in the lives of the youth in the program.

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“Fight Night” at GNPAL

The “I Got Hands” program’s families enjoyed an evening of food and fun at the Greater Norristown PAL’s first “Fight Night.”  The kids enjoyed watching movies, boxing videos, and playing boxing video games.   There were also books and literature on the sport of boxing and it’s history.   There was great interaction among the participants and their families that evening and everyone really enjoyed themselves!!!

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Family Involvement welcomed in “I Got Hands” program

I Got Hands is truly a great resource for families and a place where the whole family can participate!!! Shown above is the Morales Family who often attend the GNPAL boxing program together.

The Morales family often attends the GNPAL’s “I Got Hands” program together.  The program has become a resource for area families.

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Andre “Mack Attack” Mack named May Fighter of the Month

Andre "Mack Attack" Mack was named the May "Fighter Of The Month." He received a certificate of achievement and a $50 gift certificate. Congratulations to Andre for his hard work and dedication.

Andre “Mack Attack” Mack was named the May “Fighter Of The Month.” He received a certificate of achievement and a $50 gift certificate. Congratulations to Andre for his hard work and dedication.

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Former boxer Simon “One Punch” Carter visits GNPAL

GNPAL boxers listen to former Philadelphia boxer Simon "One Punch" Carter as part of the "I Got Hands" program at the center.

GNPAL boxers listen to former Philadelphia boxer Simon “One Punch” Carter as part of the “I Got Hands” program at the center.

Simon "One Punch" Carr recently visited Greater Norristown PAL where he spoke to the boxing kids at the "I Got Hands" program.

Simon “One Punch” Carr recently visited Greater Norristown PAL where he spoke to the boxing kids at the “I Got Hands” program.

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GNPAL Boxers Dominate in Atlantic City

On May 17, 2014, GNPAL’s "I Got Hands" Boxing Program dominated the Guns and Hoses Tournament in Atlantic City N.J. with four 1st place belts and one 2nd place trophy. Special congratulations to Andre "Mack Attack" Mack on his 3rd round TKO in preparation for the Junior Olympics Regionals on May 30, 2014.

On May 17, 2014, GNPAL’s “I Got Hands” Boxing Program dominated the
Guns and Hoses Tournament in Atlantic City N.J. with four 1st place belts
and one 2nd place trophy.
Special congratulations to Andre “Mack Attack” Mack on his 3rd round TKO in preparation for the Junior Olympics Regionals on May 30, 2014.

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Andre Mack wins first Championship
for GNPAL Boxing Program

GNPAL boxer Andre Mack wearing his medal for winning the 2014 District Junior Olympic Tournament 132 lb. District Championship.

GNPAL boxer Andre Mack wearing his medal for winning the 2014 District Junior Olympic Tournament 132 lb. District Championship.

 

Congratulations to 13 year old Andre Mack who made his amateur boxing debut a huge success on Friday, May 2 at the Junior Olympics Development Tournament in Shuler’s Gym in Philadelphia by winning the 135 lb. title.

Mack, an eighth grade student at Eisenhower Science and Technology Leadership Academy, trains with Fred Clea at Greater Norristown PAL.  After accidently discovering the GNPAL boxing program, Mack has become dedicated to his new sport.  He credits boxing with making him more disciplined and mature.

Andre will next fight will be on Friday, May 30th at the Packer Ave. Holiday Inn in Philadelphia.

To read an article about Andre and GNPAL boxing that appeared in the April 30 issue of The Times Herald, click on Boxing Debut.

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The Boxing staff

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Fred Clea, Boxing Coordinator, Greater Norristown PAL
and founder of the “I Got Hands” Mentoring Program.

To see a letter of introduction (PDF) from Fred, click on Fred Clea’s letter.

 

Calvin Grove, coach
Won the Pennsylvania Golden Glove Championship in the fetherweight sub-novice division in 1978

Calvin Grove Won the Pennsylvania Golden Glove Championship in the featherweight novice division in 1979 Won the Pennsylvania Golden Glove open division championship in 1982 and qualified for the nationa Golden Gloves championship.
Trained and managed by John Traitz
Turned pro in 1982
Won the IBF Featherweight Championship in 1988 with a TKO of Antonia Rivera
USBA Super Featherweight Champion in 1989
Had a 49-10 record as a pro, with 18 wins by knockouts
Retired in 1998.

 

Tyrone “Titanium” Tate, coach
Former #2 ranked cruiserweight in Pennsylvania
Ranked #40 in the world in 2006
Had 15 amatuer flghts and 10 pro fights, finishing with a of 7-3 record
2000-2004 trained and managed by Marvis and Joe Frazier
2005-2005 trained by Percy Custus of Shulers gym
Retired in 2006 due to neck injury suffered in bout against the #2 world ranked cruiserweight Emmanuel Nwodo.

 

To see a video of the boxing program, click on video.

 

“I Got Hands” Mentoring Program

Mother Holding Child's Hand

The Greater Norristown PAL “I Got Hands”  mentoring program is dedicated to helping kids by providing alternative education, building self confidence and self esteem while guiding them with strong adult support, and teaching life values through the sport of boxing. At GNPAL we will continue to faithfully extend our hands in advocating the advancement, health and welfare of all youth in the Norristown area.

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Champions for Life!

“I Got Hands” has added three new, exciting component to its program under the title of Champions for Life!

N.A.A. beltThe first is the Norristown Academic Achievement title (N.A.A.) which will be awarded to the student with the highest grade point average increase for the report period.  Students will be allowed to keep the Champion’s belt  (see picture on the left) and title until the next report period.  There will be a gold, silver, and bronze winner named.

E.F.E. belt

The second is the Economics Financial Awareness & Economics title (E.F.E.) which will be awarded monthly to the outstanding participant in this part of the “I Got Hand” program (see picture of the belt on the right).  A gold, silver, and bronze winner will also be named each month.

 

The final component is the Fighter of the Month title which will be awarded to the participant that exemplifies the best effort and all-around progress.  Attendance, discipline, behavior and participation in all of the “I Got Hands” program will be the criteria for this award.  See the belt in the picture below.

Join us in helping our boxers achieve these titles and gain skills that
will last them for a lifetime!

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Eleven year old Giovanni has been named the first Boxer of the Month for the GNPAL Boxing program. According to Boxing Coordinator Fred Clea, Giovanni has great potential both inside and outside the boxing ring. Giovanni is pictured with the Fighter of the Month belt and a gift card he received.

Eleven year old Giovanni has been named the first Boxer of the Month for the GNPAL Boxing program. According to Boxing Coordinator Fred Clea, Giovanni has great potential both inside and outside the boxing ring. Giovanni is pictured with the Fighter of the Month belt and a gift card he received.

Giovanni holding the Fighter of the Month belt he was awarded.

Giovanni holding the Fighter of the Month belt he was awarded.

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GNPAL’s  “I Got Hands” Mentoring Program needs your support.  Please contact Boxing Coordinator Fred Clea by calling him at 215-397-7865 (cell) or at 610-278-8040 (GNPAL), by faxing him at 610-278-8055, or by e-mailing him at mrfclea_21409@aol.com to learn how you can participate by becoming a coporate or individual sponsor.