By Lindsay Peyton

Most kids in White Center are enjoying the lazy days of summer.

The inside of the gym at Steve Cox Memorial Park, however, tells a different story.

Monday through Friday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., a group of young boxers meet to train at the park located at 1321 SW 102nd

They are members of the White Center P.A.L. Boxing program, a group of top-notch student athletes, highly dedicated to the sport.

And they’re kicking their routines into high gear in preparation of their next big bout, “Can’t Stop Now,” slated for 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 9. The event will be held at Evergreen High School, 860 SW 116TH St.

Tickets are $5 for children under 10 and $10 for adults. Ringside seating is available for $25. All proceeds benefit the White Center PAL Scholarship Fund.

Coach Tony Rago has led the team for about eight years. The program was started two years before he took it over – by King County Sherriff’s deputy Steve Beets and the late Sgt. Ken Migita as part of the “Police Activities League” (PAL) program.

The group continues to hold events in honor of the two men – as well as the late deputy Steve Cox.

Rago helped revive and expand the program after Migita’s death – along with coach Keith Weir.

“I just enjoy the sport – and I enjoy working with the kids,” Rago said.

Ages 10 to 18 are invited to join the group, regardless of gender – and Rago encourages everyone to consider trying it on for size. All they have to do is show up at the front door.

“It’s a sport for every kid,” he said. “In basketball, you have to be tall. In football, you have to be big. This is for every age and size. It’s a great sport for all kids.”

There’s only one type who might not want to sign up – someone who does not have the drive, according to 14-year old Diego Espinoza.

This student at Sylvester Middle School said he would recommend the program to others who are dedicated and willing to work.

Espinoza discovered White Center PALS boxing shortly after moving to the area. He saw a group of students running around the block and wanted to know what they were doing. When he found out about the club, he immediately wanted to join.

“I thought boxing would be cool, because it’s one of the hardest sports,” Espinoza said. “I like something challenging.”

He has been a member for three years now – and holds a 29-7 win-loss record.

Espinoza said the reason he would recommend joining the group is simple.

“It’s fun,” he said.

Rago said that boxing teaches kids discipline and helps improve their self-esteem.

“We have kids who come in and are so shy that they don’t say two words for two hours,” he said. “Then they become friends with each other, and they don’t stop talking. You can definitely see their growth. They become more secure with themselves.”

Plus, boxing helps teens stay fit and healthy. “It’s a great work-out,” Rago said. “You work from top to bottom.”

The gym hosts competitions about four times a year – and all events are open to the public. Rago said typically a crowd of about 400 onlookers shows up.

“We put on one of the most popular programs around,” he said.

For more information about “Can’t Stop Now” call Tony Rago at 206-293-3742 or Keith Weir at 425-442-2017.

For more information about White Center PAL Boxing, visit www.whitecenterpalboxing.com or check out the group’s Facebook page for updates.