2024 Jefferson Awards: Davenport boxing coach upholding legacy

DAVENPORT, Iowa — For coach Pat Peña, it’s all about giving kids a chance to love boxing. 

“I just loved it. I was always around boxing, and I was always with [my dad] every every place he traveled,” he said.

Coach Pat runs the Davenport Peña’s Boxing Club, which meets every Monday through Friday at the TMBC Lincoln Resource Center at 318 East Seventh St. The fighting spirit of the club all started with his dad.

“He started in 1968 off a promise to my brother, who was drafted to the Vietnam War. And he told him he’d come back to a better father, because they used to bump heads. So he started the gym,” Peña said.

Peña took over the club in 2002 to carry on his father’s legacy, helping kids stay away from bullying and crime, and find purpose in life. 

“That’s why he always had it at four o’clock. Because he said ‘Catch them as soon as they get out of school. Don’t let them go get in trouble nowhere,'” Peña said.

It’s not just about fathers inspiring sons either. Najee West was drawn into the sport by his son Nehemiah. 

“My son, four or five years ago, wanted to start boxing and I’ve always loved the sport. So I actually followed my son into the gym.”

West is fighting for a chance at the world’s biggest boxing rings. 

“My goal is to be a world champion. I’m gonna make that happen,” he said.

If the packed training room isn’t proof enough of Coach Pat multiplying good, look no further than the awards, the photos and the stories.

“He’s here for the kids. He picks them up you know, takes some home, makes sure everybody’s okay. Keeps him motivated,” West said.

“I’m staying until it’s done. Because my dad started it. I gotta keep it going,” Peña said.