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Thursday, March 28, 2024
The Observer

Corrigan aims to take home first title

Senior captain Jack Corrigan joined the Bengal Bouts program to satisfy his competitive nature and, most importantly, to carry out the Holy Cross Missions in Bangladesh.

“I decided to join [Bengal Bouts] for two main reasons,” Corrigan said. “One, I am a very competitive person, and the level of intensity you get in Bengal Bouts, how hard you have to work in being a part of a big team like this is something that is really important to me in my life.

“The other reason that motivated me to join is obviously the mission. Knowing I'm doing good for people who really deserve it and really need it and knowing I can make that huge impact on people’s lives in Bangladesh by fighting and fundraising is a great feeling.”

Senior captain Jack Corrigan lands a right jab to the chest of sophomore Michael Krecek during a 174-pound semifinal bout Monday at the Joyce Center Fieldhouse. Highlights of Corrigan’s four-year Bengal Bouts career include helping break the fundraising goal in 2016 and traveling to Bengladesh to witness the Holy Cross missions.
Monica Villagomez Mendez | The Observer
Senior captain Jack Corrigan lands a right jab to the chest of sophomore Michael Krecek during a 174-pound semifinal bout Monday at the Joyce Center Fieldhouse. Highlights of Corrigan’s four-year Bengal Bouts career include helping break the fundraising goal in 2016 and traveling to Bengladesh to witness the Holy Cross missions.


The Morrissey resident’s dedication was rewarded this year, his fourth in the program, when he was selected as a captain. The Richmond, Virginia native said the compliment of being named a captain cannot be understated.

“It meant the world to me,” Corrigan said. “Being able to be a leader in this program is great. This program has been here for 87 years. Being able to be a captain means a lot. I was recognized as someone who is good with the younger boxers in the program and good at fundraising, which is definitely an honor. I hope I have done the program justice in my time as a captain.”

So far in his boxing career, Corrigan’s highlights have been advancing to the finals this year and breaking the fundraising goal in 2016.

“Winning in the semifinals was pretty sweet,” Corrigan said. “As a personal highlight, that was probably the best so far. Hopefully I’ll have another great win. But as a program, last year when we announced that we broke the fundraising goal — made $152,000 — that was a pretty special moment too, and that’s what the club is really about … I have never been over to Bangladesh and that is one of my biggest regrets being a part of this club, but again, the people over there really need our help. Feeding and clothing and providing shelter is one thing, but getting them to the point where they can help themselves through education is another. Some people there are hands off now and teaching trade schools, and they are now getting jobs. They can support themselves and they don’t even need our help anymore. Seeing that and the mission step up to that level in the last 87 years where they no longer need our involvement in some places is amazing.”

In the ring, Corrigan fell in the semifinals last year and is looking to redeem himself this year in the final round. He mentioned he fought to the last second to qualify for finals this year.

“Going to the third round of the last match, I was hurting, but there was no way I was going to lose that fight,” Corrigan said. “Knowing what it felt like to not have my hand raised last year, knowing how bad I wanted to get my hand raised, going forward and never having won, this being my last year, my last chance in the ring — I definitely want it very badly.”

Corrigan’s passion for the program as a captain is also reflected in his fighting style when he steps into the ring. He noted his combination of aggression and patience has helped lead to his success.

“I try to be fairly technical,” Corrigan said. “But then I kind of use my aggression when I really need it. I try to pick my shots, but when it comes down to it in the third round, it’s just whether you have the heart in you to stick it out and be gutsy and no matter how much pain you are in, to have the drive to keep fighting. So, I’d say my style is technical and then I have guts at the end.”

Considering his four-year journey in the club, Corrigan said he attributes his success to his teammates and coaches.

“My inspiration over the last four years has been Zach Flint, a boxer who graduated last year and was a captain,” Corrigan said. “He is kind of like a big brother to me. He is a guy I have definitely looked up to as well as the coaches. Coach Matt [Gelchion] and Coach Kev have spent a lot of time working with me. … Besides hard work, I attribute my success to my coaches, Matt Gelchion, who is in my corner, especially, and I attribute it to having teammates that push me.”