Off-campus boxing matches prompt calls for supervision.

Byline: Matt Cooper The Register-Guard

SPRINGFIELD - Is the fight game coming to Springfield High School?

About 14 students and about a half-dozen parents sparred with that question Tuesday at a meeting organized by a mother distraught to learn that students have been leaving campus at lunch for unsupervised boxing matches.

Karen Baszler said she acted out of fear that a student could be seriously injured but, after hearing out some of the kids who have boxed, she had a new perspective.

"I hope these guys get a chance to box after school," Baszler said. "But make it a sport, with a professional trainer and a supervisor."

Phillip Coontz, a sophomore, said news reports have inaccurately characterized the matches as bare-knuckle brawls where admission is charged and the winner must go again.

For Coontz, boxing is sport, but he's concerned that some students won't take it seriously, tarnishing everybody's image.

"I have heard about some other kids going to box, but we're taking precautions," he said. "These other kids are just doing it so they can do it."

What happens next is anybody's guess.

Associate Principal Chris Reiersgaard said it was unlikely that Tuesday's meeting will put an end to lunchtime bouts off-campus.

While the district has no authority off school grounds, Reiersgaard said, he'll continue to try to ensure student safety while explaining the liability for property owners who permit matches where someone gets hurt.

Student Ryan Magnuson planned to collect signatures to persuade administrators to approve on-campus boxing at lunchtime. Coontz planned to organize those interested for supervised boxing either on or off campus.

Heron Mendez, a Eugene resident and former boxing trainer, offered his equipment and services for free - if students can find a place to box.

"When I saw these kids are sneaking off at lunch and boxing, I thought, `Oh my god, somebody's going to get hurt,' ' Mendez said. "These kids are pretty motivated and, if given a chance, they'll find a facility."