A Service of The Arrow           Monday March 27, 2000 8:56 PM

By: Frank Janes

ARROW STAFF

As a competitor in varsity football, wrestling and track, accomplished triathelete and senior Beau McLeod is accustomed to the rigors of constant training in order to excel in sports. But in McLeod’s fourth sport, he entered the competition with a different level of experience and training — none at all.

McLeod, along with several other teenagers from the valley, competed in the ‘smoker,’ an amateur boxing tournament held periodically in Kalispell at Shady Lane Roller Rink, the most recent of which took place March 26.

"The smoker is sponsored by the Glacier Boxing Club and the Evergreen Lions," says Shady Lane owner and Glacier Boxing Club coach Mike Barrett, who also officiates the matches. "There is no schedule of who or when people are going to fight. The kids just sign up and we match them as we go."

"It was my first time boxing," says McLeod, "I was really nervous in the beginning, but it took so long to get to my match that I stopped being nervous and kind of lost interest. I think I did end up winning my match, but it was a pretty even fight."

The majority of the participants have never boxed competitively before, and many have not received any formal training.

"It’s not super competitive," says junior Will Roberts. "You just go out there to have fun and to challenge yourself."

"Me and a friend of mine just went at it for awhile," says Roberts, "It was fulfilling. You could legally try to beat somebody up without getting in any trouble. It’s pretty fun, I just wish I’d started younger."

Competitors at the smokers can choose who they box if they have a specific opponent in mind. Once matched, the fighters enter a circle for three one-minute rounds. Mouthpieces, headgear, and cups must be worn for safety.

"Boxing is a relatively safe sport," says Barrett, "its not just a fight. Injuries are minimal as long as there is a good officiator in the ring."

For those interested in competing, the next smoker will be Saturday, March 11 at Shady Lane. The doors will open at 10:30 p.m. and liability forms can be picked up at the Roller Rink. Five dollar donations will be accepted at the door and all proceeds will go to the Glacier Boxing Club.

"I’d encourage everyone to go out and do it," says Roberts, "It’s not really violent, but it gives you a workout and it’s always good to try something new."

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