Blaring walk-out songs filled the gymnasium. The smell of fresh popcorn wafted through the air. Chatter from the crowd was almost non-existent, as the onlookers were too focused on the intense matches. On Monday, Mar. 25, Post 26 Big Horn Basin Boxing Club hosted the first kid’s fight night at the Powell Middle School.
The Lil Tykes class, ages 5-11, pulled on oversized inflatable gloves and sparred. The energy in the gym was electric, and the kids fought their hardest.
One of the boxers was Easton “Rocky” Siggins. His walkout song was “Gonna Fly Now” by Bill Conti. He shared a few thoughts about boxing.
“Boxing compares to some of the other sports I have played because you have to practice and learn to move your feet,” Siggins said. “I also found it surprising when I got into the ring and had to use those big gloves.”
His mom, Stormi, was in attendance.
“As a parent, I felt the fight night went excellent,” Mrs. Siggins said. “The kids had a great time and the program and the coaches have worked really hard to boost Easton’s self-esteem.”
Through boxing, youth gain self-respect, respect for others, and values such as fair play, discipline and sportsmanship.
The club is part of the Big Horn Basin Youth Empowerment Project, an official non-profit aiming to help community youth improve fitness, self-esteem, and overall health. They also hope to inspire the children, instill self-confidence in them, and give them a safe and supportive environment to learn in.
As athletes in the boxing club develop, they will earn the opportunity to compete at local shows and tournaments, showcasing the skills learned. Currently, there is planning for a second fight night in July, with additional age divisions.
The club also features a class for adults, and teens. All youth, (ages 5-18), can participate for free, while adults pay $6 per session or $25 for a 5-punch card. All proceeds go back into the program. The program also accepts donations to help support the club. This includes new gear, equipment maintenance and repair, and to keep the club running smoothly.
There are also “Three scheduled fights in Rawlins on May 4th on a fight card,” club coordinator and PHS special education teacher Mr. David Holland wrote. “We have three others that are on the waiting list (they do not have an opponent yet). Our three fighting are: Adrian Geller (21 and PHS Grad), Isaiah Garcia (24), and Jace Williams (11 and a student in Park County). Each one is fighting for a belt. There are 33 boxing matches on the card.”
“Anyone can participate in our club regardless if they want to compete, learn self-defense, exercise,” Mr. Holland said. “Each person is in their own driver’s seat of what they would like to do when they come to our club.”
