With fourteen years of volunteer service, Bobby Flores is a respected and impactful LIFE Coach for many young people in the city
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Bobby Flores fell in love with the “science of boxing” at age nine. Over the years, as he honed his skills, he developed a passion for sharing his expertise with young people. It started with his daughter and a neighbor boy.
Then in 2010, East Cleburne Community Center invited Bobby Flores to use its gym for boxing lessons. Coach Bobby launched his free program, Excalibur Boxing, with only two pairs of gloves, one punching bag, and a speed bag. For 14 years, this program has brought hope to our Johnson County youth.
Both boys and girls from ECCC and beyond can start as young as age 8. Excalibur Boxing not only includes the skill of boxing but also workouts. Coach Bobby encourages the parents to participate in the workouts as well. Those that do, forge a strong bond with their sons and daughters all while improving their health through exercise.
Many of the youth come from dysfunctional homes – homes that lack guidance and stability. Thus, the program complements ECCC’s mission to provide a positive environment in which role models impact the lives of our youth. Without a doubt, Coach Bobby has the heart of a genuine mentor.
To keep kids off the street, Coach also stresses the importance of education – their ticket out of the cycle of poverty. “I tell them to not give up on the little things which helps them to not give up on the big things. Then they will achieve their goals,” states Coach Bobby. With this mantra, the participants reach for a brighter future.
Participants in Excalibur boxing become like family. They gain confidence and feel like an integral part of a team. Coach emphasizes that part of being a family is doing your part. When they have fundraisers for equipment, competitions, or supplies, each one must pull his or her weight. They don’t get to participate or get that t-shirt if they fail to work at the fundraiser. Real-life consequences for one’s actions train them to become responsible adults.
If the school bully struts into the gym like he owns the place, Coach Bobby reins him in. Typically, the bully might see the school kid he bullied boxing skillfully. That gives him pause. By taking the bully under his wing, Flores instills in him that boxing is all about respect – not about bullying. Soon, the bully learns that we are all the same, and becomes a part of the family, gaining self-respect and respect for others. Life changing.
“Even non-athletic kids join us. As they gradually improve their skills, they build self-esteem – the real goal,” remarks Coach Bobby.
Some train to compete. First, they choose their “weight” categories. If they need to drop some pounds for that category, Flores guides them to lose healthily. By instilling discipline, Coach helps them gain the confidence to achieve other goals.
Several boys and girls, who participate in competitive boxing, have won Golden Glove awards. Jake Reynolds, a three-time Golden Glove National Champion, and now a professional boxer, began serious training with Coach Bobby at age 14, a much later start than most boxers. He fell in love with boxing and soaked up everything Coach taught him. He still returns to the gym to inspire the kids.
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Reminiscing, Jake shares, “Coach Bobby’s boxing program completely turned my life around at a young age. As a young kid dealing with anger issues, family problems, and all-around trouble, he taught me not only how to box but also valuable life skills: discipline, respect, self-confidence, responsibility, and mental toughness. Very early on, Coach Bobby noticed how good I was at fighting. Opponent after opponent, we kept winning. I have won multiple Golden Glove championships with him in my corner before ultimately having to change trainers and turn professional (1-0). I am Cleburne's first professional boxer ever, and I have never forgotten my roots. Without the boxing program, I wouldn’t know boxing at all.”
Derrick Taylor trained from age 9 until he joined the military. On holidays, he stops by the Flores home to thank Coach for his faithful investment in his life. Derrick is a better man for it. Others drop by the gym occasionally to help train the kids. As role models, they inspire the younger ones. Thus, Coach Bobby’s legacy lives on in his proteges.
Dexter Baldwin, a long-time board member at East Cleburne Community Center, reflects, “I’ve been surprised many times, walking into the ECCC gym and seeing adults, who originally trained under the Excalibur Boxing program as kids, now working out with Coach Bobby or assisting in the program, helping today’s kids succeed in the program. Fourteen years is a long time to offer experienced training for free.
“Most of the kids we work with at the ECCC can’t afford expensive training or boxing lessons. Coach Bobby has been a blessing for so many years to our community. He offers this valuable program to kids who could easily be involved in nefarious activities or just hanging out in the wrong crowds. They have a safe place to train, learn, and build on their abilities.”
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays - every week, every month, every year – Bobby Flores opens the gym from 6-8 pm. Without fail for 14 years. That’s commitment. That’s integrity. That’s a role model.
Each evening, after the group finishes training and working out, they end the session with prayer. Coach asks if anyone would like to lead the prayer, and because they feel like family, several volunteer. A healthy family makes one feel safe, and Excalibur Boxing does just that.
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Through boxing, Coach Bobby teaches life lessons. Participants develop self-discipline. They gain confidence, self-respect, and respect for others. They feel needed – and wanted, which is always a goal for every East Cleburne Community Center program. Hence, Excalibur Boxing complements the Center’s mission.
The ongoing mission of ECCC is “to provide every child with a positive interaction with his or her community and to enhance pride in self and community. Through this mission, ECCC has successfully connected generations to invest in their neighbors and community. Although ECCC provides services and programs for all ages, the youth in Johnson County are the primary target, with a special emphasis on elementary through high school-age students who are economically disadvantaged. ECCC also works with any individual wishing to pursue a higher education.”
ECCC GOALS
1. To provide a haven for recreation, education, mentoring, health awareness, and socialization.
2. To build relationships through mentoring and group activities.
3. To encourage and develop an appreciation for cultural arts.
4. To partner with other community resources.
Learn more about ECCC’s programs at https://www.eastcleburnecc.org/
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