Finding himself at the crossroads many ex-athletes face, Keegan McCartney was looking for a new path to glory.

A defensive back under Jim Thorpe Football Coach Mark Rosenberger, he often questioned how he could still get the thrill that football once provided.

The feeling from the Friday night lights had faded, leaving a void that football once filled.

McCartney discovered an opportunity at Rat Pack Fighting Systems in Palmerton to take kickboxing lessons, a sport that quickly reignited his competitive spirit.

“I needed a new challenge, something that pushed me beyond my limits,” Keegan recalls. “Coming to Rat Pack has been a perfect fit to learn the sport and understand how to be a fighter. They have great coaches who make it enjoyable and easy to grasp.”

After two years of training, McCartney is now set to make his amateur kickboxing debut this Saturday, Dec. 7 at USKA #113 at the Parkview Inn in Allentown. He will face Felix Torres, another debuting amateur fighter.

The anticipation for the fight has been building, and McCartney is excited to “make the walk.”

He envisions a great performance regardless of the outcome.

“I am more eager to show my skill set and test myself. I’ve had a lot of solid sparring sessions and put in a lot of technical work to get to this point,” he said.

McCartney’s confidence is a testament to the hours spent on the details training his skills and preparing for battle.

For those interested in supporting McCartney or exploring training opportunities, information about tickets and classes can be found on the Rat Pack Fighting Systems Facebook page or at www.rpfightingsystems.com.