Combat Engineer Digs Deep to Strike Gold

Photo By Spc. Matthew Williams | Pfc. Steven Cosme of 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division after returning from the All Army Boxing Tournament as a Gold Medalist Cosme was presented a company and battalion coin, 15, at Fort Stewart. (U.S. Army photo by Spc Matthew Williams/released)  

FORT STEWART, GEORGIA, UNITED STATES

10.15.2018

Story by Spc. Matthew Williams 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

Pfc. Steven Cosme of 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team recently returned from Fort Huachuca, Az. after competing in the All Army Boxing Competition, Aug. 26. He ventured across the country in hopes of striking gold.

Cosme first attended the All Army Boxing Competition in 2017. He made it to the finals, but was defeated by split decision. He vowed to come back and take gold. He knew he would endure many early mornings and long nights of training after his duty day to get it done.

“When I wanted to quit, I remembered I promised my son I would bring him home a gold medal,” said Cosme.

This time, he went to work immediately upon arriving in Fort Huachuca, Az. and established a training regimen to adapt to his new conditions.


The competition proved tiring, filled with constant stressors. Cardio was crucial daily to stay within his light welterweight class. During camp, fighters are on the coach’s time. Going home when training done was no longer an option. The competition’s training program differed from Cosme’s routine at Fort Stewart and the surrounding coastal areas. Cosme fought through all day, six days a week training demands. The continuous training was a major adjustment from his normal after work routine.

Despite all the challenges, Cosme pushed through and relentlessly pursued his goal. He poured maximum effort into every workout. He took advice from coaches and other competitors, adapting to the changes as the days passed.

“The All-Army Boxing tournament is the toughest amateur boxing competition,” said Cosme.

Steven’s family also played a key role in keeping him on track, offering words of encouragement when his muscles ached and fatigue plagued his psyche.

“Son, you’ve come too far to stop now,” Cosme’s father, Steven Sr., told him during a phone call. His father knew Cosme had the strength, skill and determination it took to go the distance. “I will always be in your corner. You got this,” added Steven Sr.

Pfc. Steven Cosme struck gold at the All Army Boxing Championship, winning by unanimous decision. He concedes that he trained with and fought excellent fighters. Cosme is grateful for the experience.
“It was an honor to compete and gain experience from such elite boxers,” said Cosme.

• Date Taken: 10.15.2018
• Date Posted: 10.30.2018 18:30
• Story ID: 298319
• Location: FORT STEWART, GEORGIA, US