This group may look like any other group of gymgoers, but it’s actually a family closely knitted together by their passion to build relationship within the Glasgow community.
(ANGELA BRIGGS/WCLU NEWS)
Story by Angela Briggs, special to WCLU News
GLASGOW — One conversation with a Glasgow teenager changed Dalton Newton’s life.
It was two years into a factory job and doing personal and boxing training on the side that he had a chance to meet with a young man. That young man was Cash Wells, and the two “hit it off” instantly.
Wells, 15, had been boxing for a while and was looking for a trainer closer to home. It was a short time later that the two got together and began their training journey.
“It was kind of like it was God-sent,” Newton said.
Newton is the head coach and trainer at Ringside Elite Boxing, which is located along Samson Street in Glasgow. Ringside opened in August 2021, and it is not a typical gym.
Boxing isn’t just for the professionals anymore or strictly for the ring. But the work to develop the skill hasn’t faded. Boxing has shown to not only help build muscle and endurance but helps build strong bones and joints. It also improves hand-eye coordination and balance, increases blood flow, improves heart function, helps improve cognition, reduces stress, improves balance.
The Friday morning crowd was a mixture of old and young faces, and men and women. They were all of varying backgrounds and skill levels. And despite the sweating, they were all smiling, working, talking and laughing together.
It also puts you in a great mood, according to the Friday morning crowd.
“This gives kids something to do other than being out on the street getting in trouble,” said Jason Morgan, a deputy with the Barren County Sheriff’s Office, who has boxed for years.
Morgan said boxing provides a confidence boost, which can make a difference in young people. He often travels with social services and interacts with kids.
“I would give anything to say, ‘Hey, buddy. Come with me to the gym in the morning. I got something for you that will help you so much,’” Morgan said. “It takes their confidence level and boosts it up.”
One gymgoer has made a transformation since he started coming, Jason said. He began as a timid boxer but soon developed into a fearless and passionate boxer with a high sense of confidence.
And it’s not just Morgan who visits Ringside. Working out is a family affair for the Morgans.
Jason’s son Pudge has followed behind his father. He started boxing a few months ago and said most activities at the boxing establishment are a challenge.
“It’s a different kind of animal,” Pudge said.
Erin, Jason’s wife, said she wasn’t too sure about going to the gym at first, however. But she grew to love the place because of the range of activities available to varying age groups.
“There’s all different levels of fitness in the class. There may be a little kid in there with his parents,” Erin said. “I’ve had my teenage son in here with one of his friends during the class. It’s just a lot of fun, and there’s nothing intimidating about it at all.”
Newton said as positivity and good energy spreads, it can’t be stopped. And he’s using that fact to spread a message to young people who may need a place to go.
The gym is located behind the Glasgow Water Company’s warehouse along West Main Street. A sign hangs on the door and it serves as an invite to folks to come into the gym.
Elias Benegas is a regular at the gym and he’s eager to show newcomers around the place and the correct way to enjoy the gym. He hurt himself several times before he learned the boxing techniques.
“It’s all about weight distribution, foot placement, the way you turn your hand,” Benegas said.“It’s very precise in everything you do.”
Gymgoers said boxing can be tailored to fit everyone’s needs, including people of all ages and impact needs. That’s why the activity draws a broad range of people.
Barrett Crumbaugh, a young boy, is proof of that. Hours spent watching YouTube may seem like a bad idea, but that’s what exposed Crumbaugh to boxing.
“I used to watch all kinds of videos and stuff,” Crumbaugh said. “I always wanted to do this, and now I have a chance. So, I did it.”
Zachary Blevins moved to Glasgow when his girlfriend started her family medicine residency. He said the benefits of Ringside go well beyond the gym doors.
“I think there’s a certain amount of stress that comes from modern life,” Blevins said. “There needs to be a contained environment where you can get out those frustrations, so they don’t filter out into the rest of your life.”
Blevins said he believes boxing has made him a more patient father and calmer husband. It’s also given him a sense of belonging since moved.
“I feel like I have a place in Glasgow that feels like a home outside of my home for me,” he said.
Newton said the gymgoers aren’t just friends but a family.
“I have some guys that text me every day. It might be about boxing, it might be about life, it might be a job situation – we’re here with open arms,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what the situation is.”
Anyone interested in being involved at Ringside is encouraged to visit the gym. It is open daily and located at 105 Samson Street. For more information, visit them on Facebook and Instagram.
