the little wound boxing club.

i. Jonna Apple puts on her boxing helmet and gloves during practice at the Little Wound School in Kyle, S.D. The Little Wound Boxing Club is the only school-funded extra-curricular boxing programs in South Dakota.

ii. Caleb Wound Head, right, trains with coach David Big Crow at the gym at the Little Wound School. Little Wound students, mostly 2nd to 4th graders, meet four times a week.

iii. Shadow Red Owl puts on his boxing uniform before his bout at the gym at the American Horse School in Allen, S.D. The Little Wound Boxing Club shares their uniforms with the basketball team.

iv. Jonna Apple, left, helps Stryder Gangone put on his boxing glove before Gangone's bout at the American Horse School. "Whether its a boy or a girl," Big Crow said. "They stand up for each other. I was surprised there was no jealousy."

v. Hattie Red Owl puts on her boxing glove during practice. The Little Wound School bought boxing gloves and helmets for the kids. "They were overjoyed when the equipment arrived," Big Crow said. "They took care of them and they made sure everything was there, like their own toys at home."

vi. Darrell Richards, left, watches as Shadow Red Owl, center, practices with coach David Big Crow before their bouts at the American Horse School gym. 2010-2011 was Big Crows first year as a boxing coach at Little Wound School.

vii. Jonna Apple, left, boxes Hattie Red Owl at the American Horse School gym.

viii. Jonna Apple returns to her parents' car after being dropped off at the Little Wound School following her boxing match in Allen. On fight days, Big Crow and his wife, Gina, sometimes drive more than two hours to pick up and drop off kids. "If we can get the kids to do something," David Big Crow said. "Even if its just for one hour, its less time for them to get in trouble at home."

these images are © 2011 Rapid City Journal and may not be reprinted or used without permission.