ST. PAUL, Minn. — December 19 marks the fifth anniversary of the Rice Street “Old School” Boxing Gym in east St. Paul. Since its inception, the gym has welcomed all who wish to join. Mike Evgen, a co-founder of the gym, supports anyone regardless of their financial situation. “We don’t turn anyone away if they lack […]
ST. PAUL, Minn. — December 19 marks the fifth anniversary of the Rice Street “Old School” Boxing Gym in east St. Paul.
Since its inception, the gym has welcomed all who wish to join.
Mike Evgen, a co-founder of the gym, supports anyone regardless of their financial situation.
“We don’t turn anyone away if they lack funds,” Evgen stated.
The gym’s story began with Evgen himself and his extensive career in professional boxing.
“I started at 12 years old, weighing 70 pounds,” Evgen recalled. “I have often been the underdog in both sports and life.”
Evgen committed himself to boxing following the tragic shooting of his cousin, Tommy Luger, in 1979.
“Tommy was an amateur boxer and only 19 when he was killed. I aimed to uphold his legacy,” he said.
After triumphing in his match at the Roy Wilkins arena and winning the IBO Jr. Welterweight Championship, Evgen had a few competitive years left. In his final years within the sport, he faced some of his greatest challenges and pain.
“I was battling personal issues, including alcohol and a divorce,” Evgen shared. “I found myself in a dark place. I wasn’t working, and my boxing career had ended. I faced the choice of whether to end my life or to pull my life together.”
Evgen channeled his champion’s spirit to navigate through his darkest times.
“On August 5th, 1996, I made the decision to seek treatment. I was prepared. It was the right time. I’ve been sober ever since—twenty-eight years and four months,” Evgen remarked.
Currently, Evgen is committed to giving back to the community that helped him climb the competitive ladder.
“Many boxers wish to remain engaged in some way. You never know who may come through those doors; we might have the next world champion training here. It’s unpredictable,” Evgen expressed.
Respect for Evgen is evident among his colleagues and students within the gym.
“Mike is a highly respected individual. He’s really kind,” said Steffania Piper, an aspiring silver gloves boxer. “He always greets everyone warmly.”
Owen Emerson, another young member of the gym, admitted he felt apprehensive when he first joined, but Evgen quickly made him feel included.
“I walked in feeling nervous. I was completely clueless, but then someone greeted me with a fist bump, and I thought, ‘oh, this is a community. This is a family,'” Emerson shared.
Many of Evgen’s students are aiming to elevate their own boxing aspirations.
“I truly want to become a professional boxer. Everyone dreams of being a world champion, and I’m eager to give it a shot,” said Emerson.
Some students also recognize the positive changes it will bring to their personal lives.
“I believe this will benefit me in life, especially in terms of discipline,” said Angelo Catilleja. “What it truly fosters is a mindset of perseverance. I’m chasing the championship, and maybe I will look back on this moment.”
The gym welcomes donations via Venmo, in-person, or through mail.
