State Games' boxing numbers take a hit
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BY TOMMY DAHLK / Lincoln Journal Star
When you think about things high gas prices and the tight economy have affected, boxing at the Cornhusker State Games isn’t one of the first things that comes to mind.
Sure, the growing success of mixed martial arts and other combat sports have affected boxing’s popularity.
But according to Doug Emery, the longtime boxing coordinator at the Games, said that the economy is the major reason why numbers were down this year.
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“It’s an economic sport,” Emery said. “If you bring a team and you bring 10 kids and it costs $20 per kid, then that is a lot of money. Plus, if you have to drive, that could be around $300. Compared to some sports, I think the $4 gas and high prices affect us quite a bit.”
This year, only 42 people competed in boxing. Emery said two-thirds of the competitors who fought Saturday at Southeast Community College were under the age of 18.
In the past, the number of competitors was higher since gyms from across the state would showcase their young talent at the Games.
Not as many made the trek this year.
Argenis Oregon and Omar Reyes were two 15-year-olds from western Nebraska who came with Joe’s Gym and fought each other Saturday. Oregon, who attends Grand Island High School, won and was glad he had the chance to come to Lincoln and box.
“It’s a really good experience,” Oregon said. “It was a lot of fun.”
Boxing gyms usually try to help young fighters out and pay their entry fees and travel expenses. The higher gas prices made it hard for gyms to finance lots of fighters this year.
Since kids who usually are interested in boxing and compete at the Games don’t exactly come from a country club background, Emery said few families are able to fund a trip to Lincoln themselves.
“If you look at the demographics of kids that are boxing now, these kids need a lot of direction, and boxing is great for that,” Emery said.
Kids might be becoming more interested in mixed martial arts these days, but Emery said there always will be an interest in boxing and the number of competitors at the Games won’t stay down for too long.
“It always will be up and down and up and down,” Emery said. “Boxing is never going to be a sport that every kid is going to try. There’s a certain niche that is going to do it in an alley and someplace where they can get in trouble. We can bring them in here and make them productive.”
Reach Tommy Dahlk at 473-7431 or tdahlk@journalstar.com.
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