SPARRING PARTNERS; YOUTHS FLOCK TO BOXING CLUB.

Byline: Karen Thacker Community Columnist

In a small town with limited extracurricular activities, dozens of young men, and a few young women, are gathering at Jackie Robinson Park each evening to throw punches - at a punching bag, that is.

Instead of what could be an evening in front of the TV or wandering the streets, these athletes meet at the Carroll building, where the community room is transformed into a boxing training center each evening.

In six weeks, 70 young men and women ages 13-25 have signed up with the Jackie Robinson County Park Boxing Club. The price is right - it's free - and it gives the young men and women a great opportunity.

``It's a much-needed program here at 90th Street East,'' said Eugene Washington, boxing coordinator from the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. ``We don't have a lot of outlets here.''

With help from a grant and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Activity League, the club got under way in mid-February.

Weeknights and all day Saturday the park's Carroll building becomes a training center with a 40-foot-by-40-foot mat, jump ropes, gloves, and three stations with different heights of speed bags and punching bags. Videotapes show different boxing techniques, and two trainers are on hand to work with the teens and young adults.

Trainers Marcus Wyre, a part-time county employee, and Larry Franklin, a volunteer, are regularly on hand, and amateur boxer Lester Larry, who is preparing to turn pro, also assists on occasion.

The club's popularity has spread quickly, and the ``gym'' fills up each night.

``We've got so many now we've got to break them up into age groups,'' Washington said. ``Fifteen at a time is as much as you can handle and get them a good workout.''

The unique sporting experience is drawing youths from not only Littlerock and Pearblossom but Palmdale and Lake Los Angeles.

Parents like that they can bring their kids to a free program where strength and skills can be developed while keeping the youngsters out of mischief, Washington said.

``It's a way to let out frustration as well,'' Washington added.

As training progresses, organizers hope to start to have their athletes participate in boxing matches.

Some youths with prior experience may start competing as early as June.

The Boxing Club is a member of the U.S. Boxing Association, but a lot of paperwork and insurance details are still being worked out. In the meantime, physical contact is off limits.

Additional equipment is needed, in particular a boxing ring, and club members are hoping donations can eventually provide such assets.

Hours are 7:30-9:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, and 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Saturdays the club is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Youths can register with parental permission. The park is at 8773 E. Ave. R in Littlerock. Call [phone] for more information.

CAPTION(S):

4 Photos

PHOTO (1--Color) Edson Fematt, 18, left, spars with David Dominguez, 17, at the Jackie Robinson County Park Boxing Club in Littlerock last week.

(2--Color) Crystal Aduilar, 13, trains on the punching bag in the Carroll building.

(3) In six weeks 70 young men and women, ages 13-25, have signed up with the free boxing club.

(4) Deputies John Oates, left, and Eugene Washington of the Sheriff's Activity League raise the arms of David Dominguez, 17, second from left, and Edson Fematt, 18, at the Jackie Robinson County Park Boxing Club.

Jeff Goldwater/Daily News