“This gym provides an outlet for kids to stay out of trouble,” Flores said. “One of my rules is that my boxers stay out of trouble because our gang is a good gang. The judge has even sent me some kids to help straighten them out.”
Flores said each time he hears a success story from one of his students, it encourages him to keep training new students. He also said he emphasizes the importance of education at the gym.
“I dropped out of high school when I was young, and it took me a while to get on the right path,” he said. “I preach to the kids not to do what I did. I push boxing here, but education is No. 1. If you’re not doing good in school, you’re not boxing.”
Flores, who said he started his coaching career with the Boys & Girls Club, leased his first building for $150 a month. His current gym, located adjacent to Old Settlers Park in east McKinney, was built for his operations in 2001 and is modeled after the Olympic training center.
“I have been training kids for 20-plus years,” he said. “Sometimes I’ve had a gym, and sometimes I was training under a tree or in a run-down building at a sand and gravel yard.”
Flores has had support for his efforts both from the community and his family. He said his wife of 43 years, Evelyn, has always been by his side, including several years helping as a coach. Now he said he spends part of his day at her side.
“She suffered a stroke a year ago following an aneurysm,” he said. “My wife was by my side all this time. She never complained or said I spent too much time in the gym. Now I need to be there for her.”
He said the ability to care for his wife is possible through help from coaches at the gym, including Kenny and Monette McCollum, who coach and help run the business office.
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Barney and Me Boxing Gym
1207 E. Louisiana St., McKinney 972-562-5958 www.barneyandmegym.com
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 5:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
