(AUG 4) USA Boxing National Coach Joe Zanders (Long Beach, Calif.) has been named the Head Coach for the U.S. Olympic Boxing Team at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England. The upcoming Olympics will be the second for Zanders, who served as an Assistant Coach at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

President Harold Adonis and the USA Boxing board of directors supports the philosophy that Zanders has brought back to the United States. “Coach Zanders will be a key element in USA Boxing’s resurgence on the international scene. His coaching philosophy and leadership will be a valuable resource in our efforts to return the United States to its rightful position as a powerhouse at the Olympic Games and key international competitions.”

“Being selected as the Olympic Head Coach for the 2012 Olympics is a tremendous honor as well as a great challenge,” Zanders said. “The Olympic Games is one the largest stages in sport and having had the opportunity to take part in it before, I truly understand the magnitude of the task in front of me. With the 2012 Olympics being the first for Women’s Boxing, London holds even more importance for our sport and the significance of that is not lost on me.”

Zanders, who was named USA Boxing’s National Coach in January, has been coaching amateur boxing for over three decades. He has extensive experience working with youth both in the sports field and out, having spent 30 years as Youth Counselor with the Department of Juvenile Justice for the state of California before retiring a year ago.

“Joe Zanders has provided tremendous guidance to U.S. boxers during his career and the honor of being the Olympic head coach for boxing solidifies his position in the United States as a leader,” said Anthony Bartkowski, USA Boxing Executive Director. “We have redefined the U.S. Olympic boxing team’s preparation plan for athletes and Joe has been a significant player in this movement. This new vision is instrumental to the long term development of boxing and the United States’ success in 2012 and beyond.”

Throughout Zanders’ three decades in boxing, he has coached at every major national and international competition. In addition to serving as a 2004 U.S. Olympic Coach, Zanders has led U.S. squads at the World Championships, Goodwill Games, and numerous international duals and tournaments.

The full Olympic Staff for the 2012 Olympic Games will be announced at a later date. The U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Men’s Boxing are currently taking place in Mobile, Ala., and Zanders will head up the team’s preparation for the 2011 AIBA World Championships, September 22-October 10, which will also serve as the first international qualifier for London. Zanders’ appointment is pending final approval by the USOC Chief Executive Officer.