All-time greats — Boxing instructors and participants of San Benito CISD’s After School Centers on Education (ACE) gather for a group photo following exercises at Miller Jordan Middle School last weekend. (Courtesy photo/Albert Villegas)
By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
The partnership between the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District (SBCISD) and its After School Centers on Education (ACE) was evident last weekend at Miller Jordan Middle School (MJMS), where dozens of individuals participated in Family Boxing Aerobics.
The event forged a bond among the instructors who led various exercises for adults and youth, many of whom were newcomers to their routines but eager and capable to learn under top-notch guidance.
The organizer, Abel Fonseca, who is also the after-school program coordinator at MJMS and Collegiate Academy, said 25 individuals participated.
“They not only participated in the workout stations but also helped support and motivate each other throughout the session,” Fonseca said. “They rotated through several dynamic stations designed to improve strength, coordination, and cardiovascular health.”
Fonseca has partnered with boxers to conduct such events and also trained fighters for years. He’s worked closely with boxing coaches, so the “support and energy helped make the event successful,” he added.
Many families are part of the school district’s ACE program, with some of them having been attendees.
Their cellphone’s Remind app alerted them of the event weeks in advance, and it was also promoted through various SBCISD social media platforms.
“I haven’t worked out in years, and this was a good workout. It was definitely worth it coming to this event,” said Mila Miller, whose teenage daughter also participated.
Alejandro Pesino is in grammar school, and as he partook in the stepper and boxing procedures with an instructor, unbeknownst to him, the youth was producing a snarl with every punch he landed using gloves.
“It helps to defend yourself, fight back, and defend what someone is throwing at you,” said Pesino, sitting next to his grandmother. “This was the first time I’ve done this.”
Fonseca was responsible for designing the workout, leading the class, and setting up the stations.
Other instructors (former professional boxers) who assisted were Robert “Bubba” Salinas, Ricardo “Dynamo” Camacho, JP De La Rosa “El Gallo Negro,” Rolando Vargas, and amateur boxer Randy Herrera, Jr.
The stations and their benefits were as follows:
* Medicine Ball Slams – great for building explosive power and full-body strength;
* Medicine Ball Wall Tosses – a custom exercise we created for this event to engage the core, arms, and improve hand-eye coordination;
* Jump Rope Station – helps improve cardiovascular endurance and coordination;
* Ali Shuffles (Footwork Drill) – builds speed, agility, and rhythm;
* Shadowboxing Station – great for cardio, muscle endurance, and focus.
* Core & Strength Station – focused on abdominal strength, stability, and overall core development;
* Ladder Drills – improve foot speed, balance, and agility;
* Stepper & Box Station – builds lower body strength and balance through step-ups and plyometric movements.
“We wanted to make it fun and rewarding for both students and parents. Each exercise was selected to be accessible yet challenging, encouraging family members to work together and support a healthy, active lifestyle,” Fonseca said.
ACE Director Celia Banuelos was present at the event. Fonseca said she is a big supporter.
“We’ve built a strong partnership within our ACE community, and events like this highlight how powerful that collaboration can be,” Fonseca said.
Currently, no other family boxing event has been scheduled due to a full calendar of district-wide activities.
“We definitely plan to host more events like this in the future,” Fonseca said.
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