Inspiring the Youth

Some area athletes are being inspired by an Olympic Gold Medalist.

Jerry Page won the Gold Medal for the U.S. Boxing Team at the Olympics in 1984. On Sunday, he was offering tips to several youth boxers at the Police Athletic League of Zanesville’s facility. Page said running a good program is key.

"You’ve got a coach and a boxer that’s working together I mean you can’t ask for nothing more than that, and I believe that they have everything that they need here," said Page.

Coach Tim Hartmeyer said it’s all about inspiring the boys and showing them that through hard work and determination, they can make it to the top just like Page did.

"As long as you have a role model, somebody that’s been there done that, and shows that it can be done, now you have more motivation to go do that," said Hartmeyer.

Boxers Travis Jerig and Jake Harper will be competing at the Ohio State Junior Olympics qualifier in May for a shot at a national championship.

The organization offers a variety of programs for free to the public.