During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble X in Boston on October 13th. They’ve committed to four months of fundraising and training in preparation to get in the ring and literally fight for a cure. Whether their mom is battling, their father has passed or their friend has put up a victory against the disease – they’ve all got a story to tell and they’ve all got a reason to fight. Below you’ll hear from Craig Strasnick fighting out of Coastal Gung Fu and Boxing .
Where are you from?
Swampscott, MA
Where did you go to college?
Northeastern University
Did you play any sports growing up?
Football, Basketball, Baseball, Skiing, Golf
What do you do for work?
Founder and CEO at Commonwealth Diagnostics International, Inc. (CDI)
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
Yes, I’ve always pictured myself fighting. Mainly, because I’ve always considered myself a “fighter”. Not in an aggressive or irresponsible sense but, rather, in a motivated and driven one. I’ve always worked hard for the things I’ve wanted, and proving that there’s no better feeling than working hard at work worth doing is something that inspires me everyday….and fighting is no exception.
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
I signed up to fight because it’s important to me that I set an example for my kids that hard work is worth doing. Challenging yourself matters, and going outside your comfort zone is the only way to improve as a person. I believe that fighting teaches you more about yourself than you could ever know otherwise, and this is something that’s tremendously important to me.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
My grandfather passed after a battle with cancer this past February. He was a rock and shining example of what honor and integrity should mean. He was an incredible man who had a profound impact on the lives of all of his grandchildren and he is terribly missed. My mother is a breast cancer survivor and one of the strongest women I know, and it is truly an honor to be able to fight in this event on behalf of these two primary influences on my life.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Honestly, eliminating some of my bad habits for the purposes of optimizing my training has been one of my greatest pleasures over the last few months. I anticipated that it was going to be tremendously difficult to alter some of the things I had grown accustomed to in order to train as best I could, but I’ve only found it it to be inspiring. Eliminating junk food, not drinking, optimizing my sleep, and hitting the gym twice a day has given me the energy and drive I need to be at my best on Oct. 13.
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
Golf and reading are two of my favorite pastimes and ones that I find to be amazing in terms of the mental benefits. However, when I’m not training, what I love and look forward to more than anything else on earth is spending time with my amazing wife Kellie, our two sons Jace (4) and Ro (2 weeks), and my step kids Houston (14) and Hallie (16). They bring all the joy I could ever want or need and I appreciate them more than anything else in life.
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
Far too many people to name individually!
Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Craig!