Throwing jabs for a good cause

Some young boxers were taking care of business in the ring Saturday night.

The Sturgis Youth Boxing Club hosted their first ever boxing classic at the Sturgis Auditorium Saturday.

There were young male and female boxers that came out to compete.

Boxers came from across the region; they traveled from North Dakota and Wyoming to show their skills.

There were 16 matches, trophies were given to winners and male and female fighter of the night.

“I like to keep the sport alive and give these kids something,” said boxing coach, Thomas Griffee. “If they’re training they’re staying off the streets, it gives them something.”

The Sturgis Police Athletic League sponsored the event.

They purchased the boxing ring and other equipment for the classic.

This is a pilot program for the league, and they have one goal in mind.

“We want to lower our crime rates, and I think honestly the best way to do that is to start getting that foundation of what’s right and what’s wrong,” said Geody VanDewater, Sturgis Chief of Police. “As they get older they’ll respect the law. It also builds relationships with local police officers.

The Police Athletic League wants to help fund programs that schools don’t typically sponsor.