The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) is home to dozens of unique clubs, all leaving their unique mark on campus. However, one club might leave a mark in more ways than one. The UWL Boxing Club seeks to blend high intensity training and sparring with a laid back and welcoming atmosphere. By putting these two seemingly opposing energies together, the club has created a heavy-hitting environment ripe with friendship and positivity.
A big draw for club members is a chance to stay active. Boxing provides a prime opportunity for members to learn a new sport and meet other students while doing so.
“It’s an opportunity to learn a new skill, it’s pretty laid back, low pressure and gives you the opportunity to try something new while staying active,” said club Treasurer Lynn Ryan.
Incoming members won’t have to worry about any blindside hits when getting accommodated to the club. The organization emphasizes inclusivity to people of all skills in relation to boxing, as none are required to make a connection with this club. Veteran members take deliberate time and energy to make sure new members get acclimated through crash courses on typical techniques and punches right away. The lack of tryouts and an open-door policy make the club a low commitment environment that anyone on campus, regardless of skill or experience, can be sure to enjoy.
“We’re really open to any experience level that’s possible. It’s not like a super commitment heavy thing…This club is a way to get involved in a campus activity, have some fun and meet friends,” said club President Matthew Mondesir.
Friendship is a driving factor in how the club has landed a hit with some of its members. For member Lucas Larson, it’s this connection that helped shape his experience at UWL. As a third-year transfer, Larson found that in higher level classes it was harder to establish friendships with those who had been together for years. Yet, upon joining the club, its welcoming atmosphere changed his UWL experience for the better.
“Having a club like this has been great, they do a really good job of making it a welcoming and friendly environment, especially for a combat sport. Boxing can be kind of intimating, but they drop that and make it fun,” said Larson.
Apart from making friends, the club offers ample opportunities to learn new skills and stay active. They meet multiple times a week at locations including the local boxing center “The Good Fight,” and the Recreational Eagle Center (REC). Each practice allows members to work on different techniques with sparring being an emphasis on Monday and conditioning on Wednesday.
“There [The Good Fight] we run through different circuit drills or practice different techniques, footwork, head movement, and then after that we try to make everyone, if they want to, they’re allowed to spar…Wednesdays are a little more laid back we usually do just mitts and gloves, so just combos with partners,” said Mondesir.
Working on boxing often gives members the confidence and strength to punch above their weight in other areas of life. For members, suddenly life becomes a little less intimidating when they’ve been working on sparring once a week.
“I learned to be comfortable with being uncomfortable…and it’s taken me pretty far in life, I mean interviews, stuff like that were hard, so just translating it to the real world. It’s an uncomfortable time and knowing you can get over that and do hard things helps,” said Ryan.
The club also provides an opportunity for students to experience the luxuries and accommodation of an expensive gym membership for a fraction of the price. While other gyms upcharge with high monthly prices, the club offers dues for fighting at “The Good Fight” at an affordable price.
“It’s $30 for a whole semester…the other gym that I go to is $65 a month, so this is probably the best priced sports club you’re going to find,” said Larson.
For those interested in joining, the club meets at 7 p.m. at “The Good Fight” on Monday nights and 7:30 p.m. at the REC on Wednesdays. After filling out forms, any new members will be ready to go.
For additional information visit the UWL Boxing Club Instagram and MyOrgs page.
