Testimonials
Cody Mathews
Cody Mathews’ story is both sides of the story as to why the AFC Foundation is needed. As a kid and teenager, Cody was an incredible athlete with a certain future in sports. However, he lacked the bond & mentorship that young men require. That’s where Cody’s incredible story begins… from seeking approval from the wrong people leading to decisions that took 8 years from his life and his ability to be an athlete to now. After paying his debt to society and needing a way to start life over as a competitor and also wanting to be a mentor to other young men to help them not take the path he did. With God on his side and in his heart, he’s ready to be a leader and a fisher of men & a champion in fighting & the kingdom.
“I’ve been very blessed to have the opportunity to be in a gym with a coach that pushes me to exceed to my fullest ability and having the opportunity to push myself physically and mentally in something I love doing. Craig has been a great leader in the future I see for myself and has shown me that he wants me to succeed just as much as I do. I want to show people that it’s possible to come out on top no matter the path you’ve been down. Having an AFC Foundation scholarship would be such a blessing to help further my fight career and continue to grow as a person and a fighter.”
Eric Prindle
US Army sniper, combat veteran, professional fighter
“As a combat veteran, I have found that working out / training is the best thing for someone with long-term injuries and suffering from PTSD. I boxed in the Army, trained at USA Olympic training center and in many high-level gyms with big names & competed at a pro level with Coach Blacklock as my coach. We’ve never lost together. I wish I could have trained with him my whole career. Coach Blacklock is the best coach I’ve ever seen anywhere the world. He develops you mentally and physically!”
Sean Bustos
“You have helped save my life — change my life. My way of thinking is different. It’s been tough living in my situation & many times I wasn’t sure how I’d keep going. Thank you for believing in me and giving me hope.”
Breanna Lynn Castellon
“I feel my best & safe when I’m here at gym. I just think about fighting and training and life is better. I feel better about myself.”
“That was the last thing Breanna said to me, and it was the time I saw her.” – Craig Blacklock
Breanna was found murdered shortly after. AFC foundation wasn’t formed yet. Craig Blacklock was running the program trying to help out of his own pocket, and has done so for 2 decades and didn’t have the resources to help her get the help she needed.
Brittney Davis
AFC Recipient, a sober warrior
“Coach Craig has never stopped believing in me. I used many bad substances & basically died several times. I’ve been incarcerated and in rehabs and he was always there for me when I was trying & working towards sobriety. He was and continues to be brutally honest with me. He didn’t tolerate my addiction or behavior but he never gave up hope. AFC has been something for me to look forward to — a goal. It gives me something to feel good about myself and be productive. Thank you, coach — I love you and I hope I’m a good poster girl example for your program!”
Bogie Blunt
Bogie was a competitor and a prime example of what mentorship and changing character can do.
“Let’s just say for the respect of his privacy that the changes he made had a huge impact on the reduction of crime in this community,” said a sergeant with the local police department. “He was an XFN MMA 170 pound welterweight champion and competed in kickboxing and Jiu jitsu. He has since married, had a child, overcome dependancies, works in a respected trade, and most of all, he is alive and not incarcerated! We are very proud of him!”
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