Parks committee OKs boxing club at Roy Walker

CLOVIS — The Clovis Parks, Recreation and Beautification Committee on Monday got in the corner of a group of longtime local boxers and their request to use Roy Walker Recreation Center.

By a unanimous vote, the committee recommended letting the Sinner’s Den boxing organization operate the boxing facility in the center’s southwest corner.

Elijio Sena and Earl Large Jr. of Clovis said they would likely operate the facility 5 p.m-8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Sinner’s Den, they said, has a field of 30 boxers and won a team trophy over the weekend with the 10 fighters it brought to Hobbs.

Sena told The News he would like to have some local tournaments and possibly bring back Golden Gloves competitions.

“I’ve been boxing all my life,” Sena said. “My dad coached there for 30 years with Chuck Haas.”

Sena and Large were asked about providing public access to the facility should they operate it. City Manager Justin Howalt said the discussion originated from a member of the public who wanted to work out there but had no desire to join the boxing organization.

Sena and Large said membership in Sinner’s Den would not be a condition of using the facility, but anybody who wanted to spar or enter fights must register with USA Boxing for liability purposes.

Large said taking over at the gym was just a way to give back and a natural fit.

“Roy Walker is our stomping ground,” Large said. “We grew up in there. Those pictures on the wall, those are our parents’ teams, those are our teams.”

Dan Murrell, pastor of Church of the Brethren, said the boxing program is something that keeps kids out of trouble.

“I’ve seen how they deal with our youth, and it’s a really awesome thing to see,” Murrell said. “They’re not in it for the money; I’ve seen what they make.”

Parks and Recreation Director Russell Hooper said he no issues with the request, and implored the committee to “give them a year.”

In other business during the Monday meeting:

• The commission held off any decisions on negotiations with the American Youth Soccer Organization until May 1, giving the organization an opportunity to re-establish its Clovis chapter.

Pat Schneider of AYSO said the possibility of reaching a new agreement with the city would be helpful in recruiting local board members. The organization has seemingly disbanded over the last two years, but still has a building with equipment on the northeast side of Hillcrest Park.

Board members were optimistic the city could support two soccer organizations, but felt if one should survive and absorb the other it should be the Clovis Youth Soccer Association.

Chairman Fidel Madrid said the parks master plan does include moving both soccer organizations to the south area of Hillcrest Park. Howalt agreed, but countered, “we haven’t put a timeline on that.”

• Board members tabled discussion on the Ned Houk Motor Sports Complex, as Howalt needed more time to research its lease agreement with Ned Houk Motorsports.

Howalt said the discussion was simply a matter of increasing the usage of the race tracks and finding ways to help the current operator succeed without violating the Antidonation Clause.

Brad Harris of Ned Houk Motorsports said between a weather event in 2018 that destroyed bleachers and the lack of events with the pandemic, the organization is having challenges. One of its needs is a new water truck, as it shares a loader with other city departments.

“Generally, (vendors) provide the equipment,” Howalt said. “Unfortunately, it’s very expensive equipment.”

• The committee granted Hooper permission to apply for and potentially accept a T-Mobile community grant that would purchase a portable projector and screen.

• The next meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at the North Annex of the Clovis-Carver Public Library.