Twenty-two-year-old Guyanese Cedric Fraser was recently crowned the US National Collegiate Boxing Association (NCBA) heavyweight champion after competing for West Point US Military Academy at the University of Maryland’s Ritchie Coliseum last month.
In 2005, Fraser, a former student of Queen’s College, made his way to the Academy through nominations from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).
As part of the school’s regime he had to be active in some sport. After trying rugby and track and field, the Guyanese discovered a love for boxing.
Actually, boxing is a must when attending the military school since every cadet is encouraged to participate in the sport which teaches the Army’s warrior ethos.
In 2008 Fraser was crowned the Regional Champion and he placed third in the National Championships.
However, through hard work and determination he was able to capture both titles this year.
At present he is reading for a degree in management but Fraser intends to call it quits in boxing after his tenure at the Academy comes to an end next year since he believes he has a lot to offer Guyana other than becoming a boxer.
Speaking with Stabroek Sport, Fraser said: “Well I think competing at the college level is good enough for me because I didn’t go there for boxing really, it’s just a sport that I fell in love with while I was there but honestly, I have a lot more to offer my country than boxing.”
Fraser’s school also won the championships for the second time in a row.
After graduating next year, Fraser will return home and will have to serve the GDF for a minimum of five years.
Probably the most well-known of all commissioning programmes is the United States Military Academy at West Point. Admission to West Point is open to civilians and to current (enlisted) members of the military.
Each year the United States Military Academy admits 1,150 to 1,200 young men and women. A West Point cadetship includes a fully funded four-year college education. Tuition, room, board, medical and dental care are provided by the U.S. Army.