One Coach Gives Thanks While Motivating Others

SAN ANGELO, TX - A couple of generations ago, 55 was the average age of retirement. Many Americans looked forward to much deserved vacations, taking life easy, and hanging out with the grandkids every once in awhile.

Not anymore. They say 50 is the new 30. Baby Boomers, born from the end of the War all the way up to the early 1960s, and Gen X (those born between the early 1960s and the early 1980s) are living longer, are 10 times more active, and are employed well into their golden years.

Eugene "Geno" Castaneda, out of Abilene, Texas, is one of these movers and shakers. At 46, he's living every day to the fullest, and is extremely thankful as he has overcome many obstacles.

Originally from Breckenridge, Texas, he and his wife Angie have 4 children; the oldest, 22, recently graduated from North Texas, and the youngest is 6. Additionally, he has a 7-month-old granddaughter who keeps him on his toes as well.

So what makes this family man so extraordinary? He's the epitome of an "overcomer" who pays it forward.

"It all started in 1988 with a dislocated right knee caused from a high school football game," said Castaneda. "Doctors told me that I almost lost my leg due to a crushed artery. After a bypass surgery on my leg, they told me I couldn't play football again."

Castaneda said his life changed again in 2008 when he was in a major truck accident and suffered a broken neck. 

"I thought I was done, but with support and prayers, I came back hard," said Castaneda. "I have plates and screws in my neck (c5 through c7 vertebrae)." 

He's also made it through two separate embolisms in his calves, requiring two separate emergency surgeries, and he deals with diabetes on top of that.

"I've worked as a Roadway Designer for the State of Texas (TxDOT) for the last 10 years, and, besides spending quality time with my family every chance I get, have a couple of my own pastimes I enjoy," noted Castaneda.

He reminisced back to his college days when he worked security for famous bands, celebrities, plus college bowl games and the NFL on the field.

"It's interesting how life has its twists and turns," Castaneda stated. "As a kid, I was interested in Taekwondo but didn't like to kick that much. After I graduated high school, I found a martial art I truly loved. Chinese Kenpo is where I learned to use my fists. From 1995-2001, I did a stint in amateur kickboxing, and that's where I connected with my true passion: amateur boxing."

For most of the last 12 years, Castaneda has run his own gym out of Abilene, Texas. He teaches kids and young adults not only boxing, but Mixed Martial Arts as well.  

"I consider myself very blessed to have a wonderful family who supports me with everything," he continued. "In life, as well as the gym, sometimes people say they can't do anything, and I tell them to keep trying because I never stop training and teach all my students to never give up as well. With all that I myself have been through, I use that as a motivator to push myself and others in the gym."

Castaneda added that when he first opened his gym, his wife Angie was involved with officiating USA Boxing, and would help him with the boxing program until her career took off and she was unable to attend events.

"I started Old School Boxing gym in Abilene, Texas in 2004," said Castaneda. "It was one of the best times of my life, and helping kids get on the right path was great."

He mentioned former child student Paul Mendoza, who is recently back from his stint in the Air Force.

"I've  been his coach since he was 13 and weighed in at 99 pounds." With an ear-to-ear grin, Castaneda added, "I just love to see how this young boy has grown up to becoming a loving husband, father and great man."

(Above Coach Castaneda and athlete Paul Mendoza 2008) It was a difficult time as not only was Castaneda healing from a terrible accident, but one of his other former students, Erik Perez, a tremendous boxer with great potential, had recently passed having been a victim of gun violence.  

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Many people don't realize that, in boxing, it doesn't matter if the coach has stitches, the flu, or is even healing from a surgery; if the team shows a strong dedication to the sport, their coach will swim through a pool of sharks to get to that gym, every session, and give those students their all. In situations like Perez's passing at age 19, it brought the boxing family closer together, inspiring them to continue where their brother left off.

There are occasions in amateur boxing where some coaches will take a brief sabbatical, for many have children of their own who need them at that time in their lives as well.

"I shut the gym down in 2011 to focus more on my own kids' sports, coaching them in soccer, football and basketball, but eventually found my way back to the gym again," Castaneda said.

During that break, Castaneda also took on Professional MMA fighter Brandon Farran for a time traveling from state to state, promoting him, working his corner, and also training him, but again, the gym kept calling him back.

Recently, he said, "Farran has moved back to his hometown by Houston for a great job opportunity for him and his family. He is still training down there, and I plan to be his Cutman in future fights if he decides to."

As for how he got into being a 'Cutman,' Castaneda added, "I love wrapping hands for boxers and MMA fighters. I'd always admired the old school Cutmen from back in the day. There's an art form and science to being a good Cutman, so I started studying and learning the secrets on how to stop swelling and cuts by reading, watching videos and shadowing some Cutmen during fights. There are so many ways to work a corner for someone--not every fighter is the same."  

Castaneda remembered, "One Cutman I had met was Miguel Diaz, who was, and is, a Cutman for many well-known professional boxers. It was great to just talk with him, and that is what lit the fire in me to keep doing what I do."

The Training facility, formerly known as Old School Boxing, is located in Abilene, Texas at 2347 North 6th Street, Suite 5. Besides Castaneda's training, there are three other men in the process of getting certified to coach. TTF offers boxing, MMA, and ladies/men cardio classes, and the 28 current members' ages range from 7-50 years of age.

"We train four days a week, mainly from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.," Castaneda explained. 

Pre-hiatus, the gym hosted several boxing competitions in Abilene and traveled to many more in and out of state, including many in San Angelo. As for possibilities of having another show, he said, "I have a few who may be ready to compete in January, and down the line am thinking of possibly hosting our own event in March; nothing set in stone yet."

As for his future goals, Castaneda added, "I'm just following may passion working with pro and amateur fighters and considering opening up another gym in my hometown of Breckenridge, Texas."

His motto is, "Live your freakin' life like there's no tomorrow; (I've) been through a lot in my life and am now ready for the next years of my life."

As for his positive message to all on this glorious day, Castaneda concluded, "I just want to let all know that I'm sending all a very big Happy Thanksgiving! Hope your day [was] full of blessings. We are missing loved ones, and I know others are too. It's still hard for me as I know it's hard for you. I'm thankful for all my family and friends, my job, and our new gym. Stay humble my friends!"

For more information on The Training Facility, check it out on Facebook at "Geno Castaneda" and Geno Castaneda "Boxing and MMA Cutman."