On the morning of April 5th, the west side's beloved Lynch’s Gym, located at 745 S Walnut Street, swung open its doors once again. The gym's proprietor, Tom Lynch, who has been a foundational figure in the local community for the past four decades, welcomed back members and enthusiasts with open arms. Our reporter, Sarah Foster, managed to catch a moment with Tom to talk about the emotions surrounding the reopening.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Lynch stated he was “surprised and speechless” at the turnout, attributing much of the event's success to County Commissioner Derek Dieter's efforts in rallying the community for the grand reopening. Among the attendees were distinguished figures such as South Bend Mayor James Mueller, Jeff Rea - the President & CEO of the South Bend Regional Chamber, various employees from St. Joseph County, officers from the South Bend Police Department, and representatives from several media outlets.
In reflecting on his storied career as a gym owner, coach, and mentor, Lynch expressed a profound devotion to the success of each individual who walks through his gym's doors, regarding them all as champions irrespective of their achievements.
“Every kid that comes through that door, as far as I’m concerned, is a champion, and that’s how I treated them,”
Lynch continued and said:
“I don’t care if they came in first, second, third, or fourth; whatever they came in, I congratulated them, and I put their picture up on the wall.”
Tom shared touching anecdotes of his mentorship role, highlighting how he once encouraged several youths to consider careers in the Marines, jokingly considering himself a makeshift recruiter. Among these was a young man who, inspired by Tom's continued guidance, made the impactful decision to reenlist every four years, securing his future and pension.
Tom Lynch's immeasurable impact extends far beyond the confines of his gym, leaving a lasting impression on the entire West Side community. His dedication to nurturing and fostering success in everyone he encounters was palpable during our interaction. Despite our lack of prior acquaintance, Lynch welcomed us with warmth akin to that of a family member, immediately making us feel at home. This open-hearted approach is a testament to his character. It underscores why Lynch’s Gym is more than just a physical fitness space—it's a sanctuary where every individual is recognized as a champion and treated with unconditional support and respect.
Details:
Lynch's Gym is located at: 745 S Walnut Street, South Bend, IN 46619 Hours:
Monday - Friday 11 am - 7pm Pricing: 6 Months: $175.00 3 Months: $105.00 1 Month: $50.00 Weekly: $20.00 Daily: $10.00
