NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – “We always use the slogan that ‘Boxing is the bait, but knowledge is the real heavyweight,’” explained former U.S. Nationals boxing competitor Tramaine Crook.
Crook says he founded the Counter Punch Youth Academy to help build mental stability for students and channel their energy into purpose.
“We bait them in a good way, to teach them the martial art of a non-contact Olympic style boxing. That’s our way to get the young people excited about it, but when they come in, they don’t realize we’re talking about goals, leadership, critical thinking, like, what are you going to be when you grow up?” said Crook.
Crook, known as “Coach Tee,” says his program helps students grow in confidence and leadership.
“Behavior, academics and attendance. Those are the three things that we see the most struggle with a lot of schools that we have worked with,” explained Crook. “So we try to come in and be a solution and be part of the culture and help with those situations.”
Coach Tee and Coach Robbie McKinnie have been working with students at Nashville Prep for a year and a half.
“Their impact has resonated throughout the hallways, throughout the classrooms,” explained Nashville Prep Principal Shalimar Gates. “We even get compliments from parents of how they see it showing up at home. So this program is really transforming our students and really impacting our school culture.”
“They’re knowing that we love them, and that we’re pouring into them for a purpose,” said Coach Robbie, who also serves as the community partnership director of Counter Punch Youth Academy.
“What do these kids mean to you?” WSMV4’s Holly Thompson asked Coach Tee.
“Everything. I started this program because I see a lot of these kids in me. When I was growing up, my happy place was going to school and going to the gym,” he said.
Through his love of boxing, Coach Tee says they teach students to “counter punch” adversity with decisions that can transform their lives.
“We challenge these young people to, ‘Hey, look at yourself in the mirror. Don’t be ashamed of who you are, where you are right now,’” explained Coach Tee. “Let’s focus on where you’re going.”
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Coach Tee had no idea the WSMV4 Surprise Squad sponsor, Blair Durham with Bart Durham Injury Law, was waiting behind the scenes with a $1,000 check.
“Tremaine, I have to stop this interview really quickly because I have something to tell you,” said Thompson. “I’m actually here on behalf of WSMV Channel 4 but also the WSMV4 Surprise Squad. Turn around right here. We have a check for you. This is from our Surprise Squad sponsor, Blair Durham!”
“I’m astonished,” said Coach Tee. “I’m super excited, and I’m so grateful. I appreciate it a lot. Shocked, but I’m happy!”
“Knowing that this sweet gentleman is giving them the opportunity to exercise, to move their bodies, but in the middle of that, teaching and coaching them about what’s right in life,” said Durham. “It’s, it’s amazing. Go kids!”
“Well deserved!” said Gates. “I think it’s important that he (Crook) is feeling and seeing that his work is paying off, and I just thank you all for recognizing him and then pouring into his program.”
“These are people that are gonna be memory makers for many, and that is super cool, and it’s so much fun to be able to help enhance those memories for these kids,” said Durham.
Coach Tee says they are taking their mentorship and boxing program into McGavock schools in the fall and want to expand to other Middle Tennessee schools as well. He says they are a nonprofit and can always use more funding to help take care of his coaches and purchase needed equipment for their classes.
For more information or to donate to Counter Punch Youth Academy, visit their website.
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