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OAC doctor details board’s responsibility
By Greg Gulas
AUSTINTOWN
Dr. Jim Armile’s interest in boxing and unarmed combat sports dates to his formative years while growing up on Youngstown South Side.
The Poland doctor is a board member with the Ohio Athletic Commission and spoke to the Curbstone Coaches on Monday.
The OAC is comprised of a five-member board, including four commissioners who assist executive director Bernie Profato.
“I grew up a boxing fan and followed very closely the careers of Greg Richardson, Ray Mancini, Harry Arroyo and Jeff Lampkin,” Armile said. “They were our local ring heroes. ”
In addition to boxing, the commission also oversees MMA, kick-boxing, karate, tough person and wrestling competitions.
“As commissioners, we oversee all professional matches while making sure that all bouts and pairings are fair,” Armile said. “We also review licenses, not just for fighters but for judges, referees, timekeepers, inspectors and physicians; all of whom are directly associated with the sport.
“I oversee medical issues with a fighter and address physician issues when requested or needed.”
Appointed by the governor, term length is three years with no more than three members from one particular political party earning representation.
The state’s assistant attorney general also is represented, making sure all legal issues are dealt with correctly.
One seat is always earmarked for a physician.
“At one time, Ohio’s commission was ranked 96th overall and now they are tied for first with New Jersey’s governing body,” Armile said. “That’s a direct result of Bernie’s leadership and dedicated staff.”
The commission reserves the right to suspend those not adhering to its rules and regulations, also recognizing suspensions from other states as those states recognize suspensions in Ohio.
Medical clearance remains paramount for the commission.
“If you are over 35 years of age, a fighter must have an MRI in order to fight or box,” Armile said. “It’s good for three years; however, another can be ordered if we feel that it is necessary.
Also, no fighter in Ohio nder the age of 18 can fight in MMA. One good thing is that all states work well with each other as they enforce the rules.”
Bowler Dan DiLloreto of Struthers High School, this year’s Division II individual state champion who helped the Wildcats to a runner-up finish, also was honored.
DiLoreto, a four-year letter-winner who was named one of The Vindicator’s “Winter Athletes of the Year,” rolled a 678 to secure the state’s top honor.
“This past season, everything just came together for us as a team and all of our hard work paid off,” DiLoreto said.
Bob Eisenbraun, Jr., Wildcats bowling coach, called DiLoreto’s leadership key to their success.
“Dan is a very special kid in that he always put in extra time in order to get better,” Eisenbraun said. “We were a very young team with four freshmen on varsity and he was our overall leader.
“His leadership made this year very, very special,” Eisenbruan said.