PAL boxing clubs finding success despite size

Published 12:14 pm Friday, April 23, 2004

By Staff
The Dowagiac Police Athletic League (PAL) Boxing Club is up and still going strong.
The PAL team has had much success in its three years of existence.
the club's championship titles say it all. Mike Rios, a sixth grader at Patrick Hamilton, was the Silver Gloves and Junior Gloves champion in the 75-pound weight class in 2002. This year he finished as the runner-up in the Golden Gloves tournament in Wyoming.
Michael Kasper, a freshman at Dowagiac Union High School, brought home the gold in the 141-pound weight class at the Silver Gloves tournament this year. He returned from the Golden Gloves as champion last weekend.
Mike Castillo, a student at Central Middle School, who made his debut at 119-pounds, brought home the gold as Golden Gloves champion.
And of course we can't forget about our "soon to turn pro" Ben Williams Jr., who has won the Michigan state championship in two different weight classes, won the Golden Gloves in 2003 and represented Michigan on the United States National team.
Williams Jr. also returned to Dowagiac against as Golden Gloves champion this year and is currently in training for his state championship bout.
For more information call 782-5825.