Ryan Gonzalez

Ryan Gonzalez, a member of Cape Coral’s PAL boxing team, won a state title at the PAL Florida State championships in Fort Piece held Nov. 7 – 8.
Two other Cape boxers took home gold and silver medals, while a third placed high enough move to the next level of competitions.
Ryan won the title in the 141-lb. “Open” Division. He has been in the Cape’s boxing program for the past four years and has won several state titles during that time. His next major competition will be the Golden Gloves on March 26 – 27. Ryan is a senior at Mariner High School.
Two of Ryan’s teammates won gold and silver medals at the state championships. Michael Trakhtenberg, a student at Challenger Middle School, won the gold medal in the 80-lb. division for 11 – 12 year olds. Michael’s younger brother, Alex Trakhtenberg, won a silver medal in the 75-lb. division for 8, 9 and 10 year olds. Alex is a student at Pelican Elementary.
Another Cape PAL boxer, Brian Johnson, lost a tough fight in the semifinals in the 165-lb. division for 15 – 16 year olds. Brian attends Ida Baker High School.
Michael and Alex Trakhtenberg, and Brian Johnson will be preparing for the Florida Silver Gloves on Dec. 4 – 5 in Palm Beach.
The Cape Coral PAL boxing team is coached by John Sanderson, Felix Gonzales and Cape Police Officer Mike Anderson. Anyone who is interested in more information about the program can call 242-3950. Parents and students also can stop by the William “Bill” Austen Youth Center on Tuesday or Thursday from 6 – 8 p.m. when the team is practicing.

Source: Cityof Cape Coral