To ease the termination of the program, USA Boxing and NMU have agreed to support the athletes through December.  Boxers will have the opportunity to go to school and train for the fall 2007 semester.  In the meantime, USA Boxing is looking into other funding options. 

“USA Boxing regrets that the budget cuts at NMU prevent the university from continuing with the level of support it has provided in the past,” said USA Boxing Chief Executive Officer Jim Millman. “We have proposed to the program’s leadership at the university our willingness to appoint a special task force to pursue alternative funding so the program can continue.”

USOEC staff is still hopeful the boxing program will continue in Marquette, as it’s been a staple at the center since 1987.

“We are happy USA Boxing is looking into options to keep this important program alive,” said USOEC Director Jeff Kleinschmidt.  “The USOEC has provided outstanding elite level training and educational opportunities to boxers for 20 years.  During this time, hundreds of boxers have trained at the USOEC.  These athletes have won Olympic and world championship medals, while earning high school diplomas and college degrees.”