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Show 26, 1998 The Dixie Sun ,19 Page JPQRTS Sports Editor: Devon Pilarowski He came from south Lake City to walk-o- n as a jtball player for the Dixie t after spending four years Marines. He came from a illy which never had much ney and before becoming a :rine, was a teen who found the wrong answers in gangs, jsic, violence and fighting. a Manuel Zizumbo, .out Christian, is now a three-- e Utah State champion and ; Rocky Mountain regional :mp... in boxing, a sport he ted two years ago. "I feel football was like a slyst, it just brought me vn here to go to school, said Dels :he umbo. After Zizumbo began to in St. George, he found him- with a conflict. Fighting ame harder for him because couldn't find a trainer who Johnston boxing for sake of yontSi 5izumfoo i Loni had the same "focus" and drive he did. Miraculously, Zizumbo found another Christian, Leroy Depew, who not only shared the same job in the Marine Corps, but also devoted himself and his talents to his religion. Depew was also a boxer at one time who's dreams of going professional were stifled by a broken wrist. The two now train an average of three hours a day at Depew's house with four other fighters. They have taken on the club name TJ Boxing and have dedicated their work to the Championships, but had to turn down the invitation due to hand injuries sustained at a fight held at the Dixie Center. After taking a month off to let his injuries heal, Zizumbo is now training again and he and Depew are setting their sights for the American Boxing Federation Championships next January, and then the 2000 Olympics in Australia. Zizumbo has not only given his life to Christ and boxing, he has given himself into the youth of preserving Lord. a When became a realized that there Christian, was more to life than just that type of lifestyle," Zizumbo said. "I've never had so much fun in I I my life." weeks Two ago, Zizumbo was supposed to fight in the Golden Gloves National America. small-scal- e He is currently running program to rehabil- itate troubled youth into boxers as a positive way for them to focus. He and Depew are cur- rently trying to open a gym in St. George where kids can train, with insurance, for an affordable price. Graduating on June 5, Zizumbo has set himself up to i BRING VOU R BOO KS major psychology, but in 1 will leave this summer. He is leading a program troubled to take teens and four other instructors around the country to help with dis20-3- 0 aster relief. "These kids are victims of society," said Zizumbo. "We just want to get them out with the public and give them a chance to help out for the first time in their lives." Zizumbo firmly believes athletes are the looked-u- p most to celebrities and they just have to realize this, and "give that focus back to the kids." If the summer well, program goes Zizumbo would like to come back to St. George and start a rehabilitation home for the same trou- - j bled teens. He plans to jerry curtisthe dixie sun not only offer education, Manuel Zizumbo, shown above with but boxing and various trainer Leroy Depew, has devoted his martial arts as well. In boxing and life to God and saving this scenario, he will not America's youth, return to school until he saving people's souls is more knows what area of study will important than wealth or fame. help him most with his endeav"I'm going to keep doing ors. this as long as these hands hold His happiness depends "Put God up," said Zizumbo. on how many children he helps first and He will make you and boxing has taught him that excel." TO: frrr r' O "drier Student Center BLACK & WHITE EXPRESS COPIES June 3 4, June 5, 8 AM-1:3- Brins this to the Kinkos listed betow and receive 3C PM 0 Express Black & White Copies. St George Blvd. 0 StGeorge 5 East 628-707- Ofcr good qi fan toatfr dial ttJBfad apes ornailUdipM Otobfrrfcdbcraaxcnipaam CapcnflitftepenrttdtftTaiJpudv stttah Isbdtafcncrty CUpcnvadwtaepKrtatadtylM NocatovMja Cterebws BOOBS 9B8Kttrt.be. Nytcmr il taBdtartTrtatKttrtferejertandBidtypemiKn. Kttrt4JnMtaiparannkrntwcGpyq?lhlabNpalxmlayrTWrt E GUARD AGAINST THEFT ROOKS ARF MONEY OR SOFT 80UND. LARGEST RANGE OF 0 BUY THE 11 OKS-HAR- D Open 24 Hours Ask about free pickup and delivery |