Program keeps kids off streets

     By Tina Allen
     View staff writer
      Joe Cortez has spent the past 41 years in the world of boxing, first winning two Golden Glove titles as an amateur, then 130 professional world title fights.
      Now, Cortez, an international boxing referee for the past 23 years, has added a new title to his belt.
      He is serving as a mentor to youth from Smith Middle School and Rancho High School who are trying to cope with anger issues and stay out of trouble.
      "I feel as a sports figure I have to give back to the community," said Cortez, a Las Vegas resident. "This is the most rewarding job I've ever had. This has been a great opportunity for me to get involved with these kids because it has definitely put them on the right track."
      The boxing program is a Clark County School District school-based partnership program, funded through a grant and manned primarily by volunteers. Cortez serves as a community liaison with the school district.
      For 14-year-old Natalie Martin, the program has also meant a chance to work with Cortez, her boxing hero. As with most of the 87 kids signed up for the program, she spends an average of two hours a day training in the Golden Gloves Gym each weekday.
      "I feel stronger about my whole individuality. I feel better as a person. I feel more independent," said the Smith Middle School eighth-grader, who before, would isolate herself in her room when she felt angry, bottle it up and explode with her parents.
      "I also wanted to work out all stress-related stuff and get out my anger here," Martin said. "I don't cause trouble or anything. I have somewhere to go after school. I just come here and work out."
      In the month since joining, she has brought her grades up from A's, B's and C's to nearly all A's and has a much better relationship with her family.
      To 17-year-old Luis Ortiz, the program has provided him with incentive to return to school. Frustrated and feeling he wasn't being heard by teachers, he dropped out last year during his junior year.
      "To be honest, I really want to go back," Ortiz said. "I'm not a bad kid, it's just that sometimes I get (angry). When I get angry I just come here and forget about it."
      Ortiz said it is Cortez's constant encouragement that is inspiring him to finish his education.
      James Davis, a junior at Rancho High School, heard about the program through his teacher.
      "I didn't have anything to do. I was at home getting in trouble," Davis said. "When I came here I had something to do. I didn't stay at home all day getting into trouble."
      Not only has the 17-year-old learned new coordination skills for boxing, he said he has learned how to walk away from an argument.
      "He (Cortez) taught me how to think before I react," Davis said. "When you are arguing you just walk away. It gave me high self-esteem."
      In fact, said volunteer coach and former professional boxer Eddie Pagan, the program really isn't about boxing.
      "I don't care if the kids ever fight. They are not learning to fight," said Pagan, also a licensed social worker. "What they are learning is to interact with their peers, build self-esteem, a level of self-worth and how to set a goal, to be able to start and finish something.
      "Whatever they want to do I'll help them," he said. "If they want to sing, I'll direct them at that."
      The youth aren't actually allowed to spar until they have completed at least one month of preconditioning.
      The volunteer coaches, including Torrance Brown, a professional fighter, work with the kids on speed, coordination, muscle strength, footwork and boxing techniques. They also listen to them whenever they have a problem, and help tutor them with homework dilemmas.
      As Cortez puts it: "You see how wonderful they can really be when you give them a little tender loving care. That's what they need."
      Faye Miller, who operates the Golden Gloves Gym at 1602 Gragson Ave., donates memberships to all the youth in the program. They are only required to pay a $30 insurance fee.
      Her late husband, Hal Miller, opened the gym in 1981. The 31-year Metropolitan Police Department veteran was a former professional boxer in New York.
      "It's been as good for me as it is for the kids," said Miller, who brings the children snacks to eat after school before they start their training and often helps them with their school work.
      "They all act like family. They all like each other," Miller said. "I never have any trouble with these kids. Never, ever."
      Those interested in donating funds, equipment or time to the program can call Cortez at 494-9103.