Long before I was a first-generation college student or Professor of Rhetoric and Composition, I was the son of a full-time West Virginia coal miner and part-time boxing coach, Mike “Lo” Snyder. For a short period of time, my father was one of the most respected boxing trainers in the state. For just over 40 […]
12 Rounds in Lo's Gym
Interview with Mike “Lo” Snyder (WV Series)
Over the past three months, I have had the pleasure of interviewing some of my childhood boxing idols, former world champion fighters, future International Boxing Hall of Fame inductees. I’ve chatted with prolific and award winning writers, boxing journalists, and even movie and television personalities. I’ve talked with boxing promoters, professional referees, and some of […]
Interview with Mike Snider (WV Series)
In anticipation for the upcoming release of “12 Rounds in Lo’s Gym: Boxing and Manhood in Appalachia,” we are checking in with some of the most accomplished and respected boxing figures from the state of West Virginia. These are road warriors, guys who fight anyone, anywhere, anytime — Appalachian underdogs of the squared circle. Their […]
Interview with Chris Algieri
“12 Rounds in Lo’s Gym” is not your typical boxing book. It’s the story of an Appalachian-coal-mining-boxing-trainer, his makeshift boxing gyms located in Beauty Shops and Baptist Churches. In the spirit of the book, I’ve decided to feature a few pugilists with unique paths to glory. To say today’s guest had a non-traditional path to […]
Interview with Ann Pancake
My upcoming book, “12 Rounds in Lo’s Gym: Boxing and Manhood in Appalachia,” is as much about Appalachian culture as it is the sport of boxing. From my first journal article, to my graduate school dissertation (“The Hillbilly Speaks of Rhetoric”), to my more recent publications, Appalachia continues to serve as my creative muse. I […]
Interview with Josh Stewart
He was born in Diana, West Virginia, the son of a elementary school teacher and a Baptist pastor. He was my cousin John’s best friend, both were four years older than me so I was always the tagalong. Even before he and John shipped off to West Virginia University, out into the world to become […]