Jason Foley says that when you step in a boxing ring, something special happens.

“It’s a challenge, it’s very competitive, and it’s a test of yourself, of breaking your own boundaries,” said Foley, a 17-year-old Bangor High School senior.

Foley is one of five boxers in the Bangor Police Athletic League boxing program that has broken more boundaries this year than ever before.

Bangor PAL boxers earned four titles at the Northern New England Golden Gloves Championships in Burlington, Vt., Jan 26-Feb. 9. Three fighters made the semifinals and Robbie Achorn lost a decision in the final at the New England Championships in Lowell, Mass., Feb. 12-19.

Chad McAuliffe (147 pounds), Achorn (156), Foley (178), and Josh McAuliffe (178) were the Northern New England winners. Bangor Detective Paul White was the Northern New England Coach of the Year, while Richard Perreault (139) won the good sportsmanship award after losing a close decision in the final.

White said the success was unprecedented for the Bangor team.

“At Lowell, I was talking with the Golden Gloves director from the Northern New Englands and he said that people in Vermont are still talking about the Bangor team,” White said.

Something to talk about

The Golden Gloves championships, for amateur fighters ages 17-34, are a prestigious event. Boxers compete in regional tournaments in the hope of advancing all the way to the national level.

Past boxing greats who have participated in the Golden Gloves include Rocky Marciano, Mike Tyson, John Ruiz and Maine’s Joey Gamache.

The Bangor PAL had a national silver medalist in 1997 in Travis Bartlett. But, White said, never before had so many Bangor boxers won regional titles.

“The key this year is that we put so much effort into it. We used a Bible verse, Colossians 3:23, to motivate us: ‘Whatsoever you do, do it heartily, with all your might, as unto God, and not unto men.’ We try to apply that concept to our boxing, and to every aspect in life, because if you do that you’ll always be a success,” White said.

Bangor’s performances in the ring were grounded in the training regimen White puts them through in the gym inside the Bangor Police Department building.

There, the fighters sweat it out on speed bags, heavy bags, a weight machine and in the ring. When competition time nears, the boxers train seven days a week.

White said the training is particularly important because Bangor doesn’t get the opportunity to compete in a lot of bouts before the Golden Gloves tournament.

“The problem we have with our gym is that boxing is not as active in Maine as it is in other areas. In these tournaments we go up against competitors who have had many more fights. … But we’re always able to compete with those guys. We like to think that it’s the quality of our training, not the quantity of our fights,” White said.

Foley agreed.

“When we’re here every day almost, even weekends, that’s what I call hard work. … It seemed like we were due, with all the hard work Paul has put in over the years,” Foley said.

White’s work

White has been the only coach of Bangor PAL, which is in its 10th year. He took the reins at the request of then PAL president Greg Sproul, who knew of White’s boxing background.

White boxed for five years in Maine and Canada in a local program under the direction of Brewer firefighter Brian Goggins.

White said that hundreds of youngsters have gone through the gym doors during his tenure. This year, he has about 12 regular trainees. He tailors his coaching to fit their needs and abilities.

“Obviously, we start with the basics and teach the foundations of boxing, because you have to be able to walk before you can run,” White said.

He believes the PAL program, which also offers cycling and golf teams, is important because it gives youngsters a chance to excel in sports that may not be offered at local high schools.

“Not everybody plays baseball, basketball and football. … One of the reasons behind the boxing program is that it fills that gap,” White said.

He added that he enjoys developing relationships with his athletes.

“The whole concept behind PAL is to develop a relationship with these kids. … When you develop these friendships, kids don’t see the [police] uniform anymore,” White said.

Foley said he is thankful for White’s efforts.

“He’s made a lot of sacrifices for us, and been like a second father figure to me. He’s a coach, friend, good role model and a big part of my life,” Foley said.

Bangor High junior Chad McAuliffe said he values the time spent with his coach and teammates. His teammate and older brother, Josh McAuliffe encourages him to remain dedicated.

“This keeps me out of trouble,” Chad McAuliffe grinned. “What’s great is the feeling after a fight, feeling good about yourself – that’s rewarding. … But what sticks in my mind is being down in the gym, sparring, having fun with these guys.”