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Hometown Heroes: Steve Geffrard

By: Dale Smith

Earlier in May, Saint Andrews High School senior, Steve Geffrard won the national heavyweight Golden Gloves title in Little Rock, Arkansas, upsetting defending champion Jordan Shimmell of Michigan in a 4-1 decision, a decision that also clinched the national title for Team Florida. The Saint Andrews High School senior, who also attended J.C. Mitchell Elementary School and Boca Middle School, has been learning to box at the Boca Raton PAL gym since he was thirteen, training under Coaches and Mentors Steve Colazzo and Joe Oms. Their goal was simple; to get Geffrard prepared to represent Team USA at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. The Police Athletic League has been working with St. Andrews to assist Geffrard  in obtaining financial aid and scholarships. Geffrard has not only succeed in the boxing ring but he has also succeeded academically, as he is set to graduate from Saint Andrew High School in the upcoming week. A member of the U.S. Olympic boxing team, Geffrard will be travelling to Colorado Springs for training at the Olympic gym and to participate in the U.S. Men’s Amateur Open this July.

Steve, who has had approximately 75 amateur bouts, recently moved up in weight class from 178 lbs. to 201 lbs. He said the boxers in the heavier class punch harder but are not as quick. Steve weighs approximately 190 lbs. and his speed and agility are his strongest attributes. Steve was a multi-sport star in school but now concentrates on boxing. He could have turned professional but will retain his amateur status for a shot at Olympic gold. Outside the ring, the student-athlete has a quiet, soft-spoken unassuming demeanor. He trains hard almost daily at the gym run by the PAL, which is a non-profit organization for boys and girls between the ages of 9-18. The Boca PAL welcomes all youth and the programs are provided free of charge and the kids are mentored by Law Enforcement officers such as PAL Vice President Dennis Reilly and other community volunteers.

Besides a table of Steve’s friends from the PAL, also honoring the Champ were City of Boca Raton Council Member Constance J. Scott and Boca Raton bestselling author Steve Forman. Mr. Forman incidentally wrote Boca Knights and Boca Mournings, sharp-witted mystery novels about a retired police officer from Boston assisting the Boca Raton Police in solving crimes locally when he was supposed to be retired. His characters and local references make for an excellent read.

On May 17th, the City of Boca Raton Police Athletic League (PAL) and the City Council celebrated local Olympic Boxing hopeful, 19 year-old Steve Geffrard at an event hosted by the Boca Raton Bridge Hotel.

We will continue to follow the progress of Steve Geffrard as he trains and boxes his way toward the U.S. Open and the 2012 Olympics. Good Luck Steve and Congratulations!

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