As a former president of the ND Boxing Club, I would like to applaud the Bengal Bouts boxers, Observer Sports writers and editors and ND student body for putting together another fantastic event this year.

Judging by the exciting fight coverage from the first two rounds, the participants and fans are truly making this tournament memorable. As I look forward to attending the fights this Friday for the first time since graduation in `97, I can only hope that the turmoil alluded to in the Observer's pre-Bouts coverage has run its course.

There seems to be much concern for the "true meaning" of the Bengal Bouts, and what elements combine to make this tradition a hallmark of the ND experience. I urge all those who are in support of the Bengal Bouts to remember that the coaches and trainers of the Boxing Club are not only the heart, soul and body of the program, they are "Nappy" Napolitano's legacy. Allow me to reiterate, the only ones in the boxing club currently who have even met Nappy, let alone trained under him, are the coaches. It has been through their tireless efforts to maintain Nappy's vision for the Bengal Bouts that provides the student officers freedom to put on an event that seems to improve greatly with each year.

I have known the Bengal Bouts program as a participant, president and now alumnus, and can not stress enough that I have never encountered a higher caliber of individuals than those who attend, participate in and organize the Notre Dame Bengal Bouts. There are 100 plus boxers in this year's tournament. There will be as many champions this year. That is the spirit of the Bouts.

A recent article alluded to the middle weight divisions and he suggested any victory may be a hollow one for lack of competition. To this absurdity I simply challenge all of you who agree: go and watch the fights, and if you are still not convinced that this year's Bouters deserve as much respect as any, I suggest you get in shape over the summer and try the Bouts for yourselves next year.

If you do you will realize that there is not one person involved with the tournament who has anything in mind but the continued success and safety of the Bengal Bouts, it's participants and the Notre Dame student body.

Good luck to all those fighting on Friday, and congratulations to all for another great year of boxing.

John Christoforetti

Class of `97

March 1, 2000

• The thing we do "because it is there"
  
• Learning slowly about racism
  
• Taking time out of play to pray
  
• What it means to be W.I.L.D.
  
• Legacy and spirit of the Bouts