Over 30 students are learning the sport of boxing in a safe and comfortable environment for the spring semester at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts, the state’s residential high school with competitive admissions for Louisiana’s high-achieving, highly motivated sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Taught by Jonathan Roberts and Kelvin Samuel on Thursday evenings during the spring semester, students are learning to master essential basic skills and conditioning exercises that form the regular regimen of real boxing training without the risk of injuries caused by full-contact sparring.
Sgt. Roberts, who is a full-time narcotics investigator with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office; and Deputy Samuels, who is a full-time patrol officer with NPSO, both worked with LSMSA to design a physical education course that would offer students a chance to build a self-esteem skillset and also to provide opportunities to develop good physical conditioning skills. The LSMSA Foundation’s Student Enrichment Fund covered the costs for a majority of the equipment purchases necessary to offer the course. Both sections of the class are at enrollment capacity.
Samuel has been boxing competitively and as a hobby for over 20 years; Roberts, who was a student of Samuel, also has boxing competition experience and holds certification as a boxing instructor from the Boxing Fitness Institute. They both offer private instruction in boxing technique during their free time.
“Sgt. Roberts and Deputy Samuel quickly earned the respect of their classes not only because of their skillset in boxing, but most importantly because of the positions they hold with NPSO,” Dr. Steve Horton, Executive Director of LSMSA, said. “We’ve never had the opportunity to have law enforcement officers on campus as part of our teaching faculty.
“The boxing class has been a wonderful addition to our physical education program,” said Dale Clingerman, coordinator of athletics and recreation. “The students are extremely excited and passionate about learning a new skill and getting in shape.”
“We are very pleased and blessed to have Coach Jonathan and Coach Kelvin teaching the class. Both of them bring a strong desire to teach our students and inspire them to work hard and get better every class.”
According to Roberts and Samuel, learning the sport of boxing is a fun way to relieve stress, gain self-confidence and get stronger, leaner and faster while developing a sense of boxing ethics.
“So far, this class has taught me the correct stance and way of punching,” said Abigail Fischer, a junior from Livingston. “My favorite aspect of boxing is getting to learn a beneficial skill in a fun and safe environment.
“The instructors teaching the class are great. They explain everything perfectly and are willing to work one-on-one with students if they are struggling. I am looking forward to everything they have to teach us this semester.”
Garett Byrne, a senior from Walker, chose to enroll in boxing because he needed another physical education credit for graduation, and he has always been interested in learning self-defense and becoming more fit.
“I really enjoy incorporating boxing as a way to work out,” he said.
Veronica Sturman, a junior from Natchitoches, took karate when she was younger and it sparked an interest for learning self-defense/martial arts. She had to give it up due to a busy schedule, but she always planned to revisit it when the chance arose.
“When I learned that boxing would be offered this semester, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to do just that,” she said. “My favorite aspect of the class is that it encourages us to pursue personal fitness and aims to guide us in that respect.”
Horton added that the students see Roberts and Samuel as role models and mentors.
“I’ve witnessed the interactions between our students and these men; they’ve connected with our student body quickly,” he said.
Other students enrolled in the class include Kiara Barclay, a senior from Bogalusa; Santhosh Bomminani, a senior from West Monroe; Brielle Dunn, a junior from Denham Springs; Andrew Huze, a sophomore from Baton Rouge; Ariel Johnson, a senior from Baton Rouge; Catherine Kennon, a senior from Bossier City; Olivia LaCour, a senior from St. Amant; Caitlyn Morrison, a senior from Leesville; Lyrren Mwaghore, a senior from Luling; Abby Pace, a senior from Iowa; Sofia Rivera, a senior from Covington; Sydney Schroedter, a junior from Lafayette; Benjamin Walker, a junior from Mandeville; Nathan Ward, a senior from Anacoco; Cece Warren, a sophomore from Many; Andrew Bagert, a junior from Kenner; Matthew Bailey, a senior from Haughton; Athena Cai, a sophomore from Madisonville; Jerry Chen, a senior from New Llano; John Luke Heying, a sophomore from Bossier City; Emma Miller, a senior from Meraux; Shemya Mozeke, a senior from Homer; Emma Simpson, a senior from Shreveport; Kynedi Stevens, a junior from Lake Charles; Halle Thielepape, a junior from Elizabeth; Diamond Wilson, a junior from Natchitoches; Amaya Young, a junior from Natchitoches; and Raymond Zheng, a junior from Natchitoches.
