Local teens weigh in
by Misty Volaski

Working with teens in the Ojai Recreation Department teen fitness center is the best retirement job Gary Ryan could ask for.
"I used to work for the government," Ryan said, "but this is so much better. We get some really neat kids in here. It's a real pleasure to work with them."
For the past two years, Ryan has coached youths 14 to 18 in the rooms above the ORD gymnasium. For the majority of that time, Ryan volunteered, but after recieving Ojai's Volunteer of the Year Award, he was put on the ORD payroll.
"It's not something you do for the money. You do it because it's fullfilling. That's why I'm still here," he said.
Every day except Sunday, Ryan can be found answering teens' questions, stressing proper eating habits, or joking around with the kids.
"We want to provide a positive place for the kids. We want them to keep their heads on straight and keep going in the right direction," Ryan noted.
And it seems to be working. With 15 to 40 kids showing up each day to work out and train with Ryan, the program is in full swing.
"I like working with people with special needs. Right now I am training some girls for the soccer season," he said.
The three rooms that make up the fitness center hold, in part, a full set of free weights, punching bags, a variety of weight resistance machines and balance boards. Much of it was donated by Ryan himself.
Ryan and Recreation Supervisor Jayden Morrison said that although the weight trainging program has been hugely successful, they would like to add boxing to the agenda as soon as possible.
"We have the equipment here, we just need a boxing coach," Ryan said.
Fees are $1 a day, or $15 per month for kids 14 through 18 and ORD youth staff. Personal training is also available; call ORD for more information
Anyone interested in the boxing coach position should call Jayden at the Recreation Department at 646-1872.

© 2002 The Ojai Valley News

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