Fighting for a brighter future

ST. IGNATIUS — The young, inexperienced boxers entered the ring twisting, dancing and jabbing. Most had never boxed before, but Friday night’s “Smoker” provided them with an opportunity to be the next Rocky – even if it was just for a short moment.

“I’ve wrestled, but I’ve never boxed,” said St. Ignatius sophomore and wrestler Ethan Goss-Dickie as he prepared to fight fellow student Jake Nigard.

“It should be fun, and I’m really looking forward to mixing it up,” said Goss-Dickie.

Goss-Dickie was one of 30 participants who “mixed it up” Friday night. Also mixing it up in the ring were Alyssa Taylor and Tiffany Anderson.

“Yeah, I guess we’re the only two girls here,” said Taylor. “I’ve never boxed, but I’m into street fighting,” she added. “Tiffany and I are friends and there’s no hard feelings. We’re just here to have fun.”

“Smoker,” a Montana State sponsored event, is in its eight year. Proceeds from the event will go to Mission Little Guy Wrestling and youth area football and basketball programs.

“It’s really a tough thing to put together,” said organizer Lyle Cronk. “We hoped for a better turnout, but I’m just proud of these kids for coming out – for coming out and fighting to raise money. That really says a lot.”

Cronk added “I was very happy with the fights and how everything went. We didn’t have as many kids particpating from Ronan this year as we did last, so attendance was down. However, we definitely did raise some money.”

Cronk also wanted to commend the fighters for their good sportsmanship. “All of the fighters were great and they did a good job,” he said.