Waterford Today

A recent Pontiac School District board meeting honored a local award winner of the 2022 Golden Gloves of America tournament.

Kentrell Rouser, a recent graduate of the Pontiac school district, won the Golden Boy award during the tournament. He proved himself to be the best amateur boxer in his weight class by winning the tournament, and he was also chosen as the outstanding boxer of the year from all weight classes.

“And I would like to thank you all for honoring me, too, because my whole life I've been a part of Pontiac School District, and I do want to bring light to the city, let people know that it is good coming out of this city in a different way,” Rouser said in the Dec. 19 meeting. “So, I appreciate you all, I thank you all. I'll continue to keep God first, chase my dreams and be positive. Thank you.”

The school board brought him back to be recognized for his accomplishments and how he is representing the entire Pontiac community, but also as a mentor figure for current students and athletes. Principal Lee Montgomery introduced him to the board, recalling what a respectable, responsible and kind student he was when he was in school.

Kentrell’s father, Kentrell Sr., also spoke at the request of the board, saying that his motivation behind coaching and encouraging his son and all his other children was because he wanted to make a change and a legacy.

“And what I always dreamed of was bringing light to my family, not only my family, the city as well,” the elder Rouser said in the meeting. “My goal was always to build something to where I could make and build strong youth.”

Rouser Sr. hopes to one day have a gym where he can encourage and shape more youths in the city.