Hill Country Summer Showdown is a smashing success

CAPTION: Maliki Escamilla of IMR Boxing Gym Inc. of Marble Falls was one of 50 athletes competing in the Hill Country Summer Showdown July 13. Photo by Stennis Shotts

Organizers of the Hill Country Summer Showdown boxing event that happened July 13 are calling it a rousing success for several reasons.

Top of the list, according to Karlene Escamilla of IMR Boxing Gym Inc. of Marble Falls which put on the showdown, were the number of participants and spectators. She believes as many as 400 attended. Some had their first experience sitting ringside or in the ring as an athlete. She noted some of the event sponsors attended and commended IMR Boxing Gym Inc. for what they saw.

“Many said, ‘I didn’t know what to expect,” Escamilla said. “That does speak to the community. The feedback that I got was positive.”

Vehicles lined Broadway and parked at the old establishment of The Real New Orleans Style Restaurant and Marble Falls Elementary School for the short walk to the Boys and Girls Club of the Highland Lakes. A 12-person crew of officials made its way to Marble Falls, and some were here for the first time.

“They love the Hill Country,” Escamilla said. “Some volunteered. We were supposed to have only eight. They stopped me afterwards to tell me they felt very welcomed. They were very, very pleased with the area. They said, ‘This went really smooth, and the crowd was electric. There was a lot of sportsmanship.’ They were happy to be at the event.”

The 50 athletes were at the club by 8 a.m. July 13 for weigh-ins though many didn’t have their bout until later in the day. They used that time to explore Burnet County, and some enjoyed Longhorn Caverns.

“Some had a drive to get to the area,” Escamilla said. “They were able to see some interesting things.”

The local gym had three athletes competing: Issac Escamilla, Maliki Escamilla and Santos Ojeda.

The boxers competing in the last match of each division each received trophies.

Issac Escamilla won his match.

Maliki Escamilla lost his bout that “went the full time. It was close,” his mother said.

Ojeda lost his match, his first ever, but went three rounds.

“His parents were impressed,” Escamilla said.

Ojeda’s experience summed up the event for the local gym. Escamilla noted that the young athlete, who picked up the sport about seven months ago, told people he was a boxer though he had yet to experience a match. That changed July 13.

“People had no idea that was his first match,” Escamilla said. “We told him, ‘You can tell people I’m a boxer now.’ Even though he didn’t win, he was so proud of himself. If you’re able to go a full bout, that’s a win. You’re able to get in there and compete.”

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CAPTION: Santos Ojeda of IMR Boxing Gym Inc. of Marble Falls (left) participates in his first bout ever. Photo by Stennis Shotts