A New Generation of Fighters
The Westwood Boys and Girls Club
Legacy Continues
Ellen Keaton
The Ashland Beacon
The air outside the Westwood Boys and Girls Club was cold and damp, but the energy inside was anything but. As soon as I stepped through the door of the unassuming block building, the electric buzz of excitement hit me. In the center of the room, a boxing ring stood surrounded by eager young fighters, each waiting for their turn as Travis Hanshaw called out their next moves.
The Westwood Boys and Girls Club has been a staple of the community since the 1950s, and for over 50 years, the Hanshaws have been a driving force behind its success. Travis Hanshaw, who retired from boxing in May 2024, could’ve easily walked away from the sport, but instead, he found himself back in the ring – this time, coaching the next generation of champions.
During a quick break in the training session, I caught up with Hanshaw to discuss a remarkable achievement by three of his fighters: Kambry Risner (Bam Bam), Marlea Depriest (Taz), and Grayden Depriest (The Bull). These three represented the club at the 58th annual National Silver Gloves in Independence, Missouri. To earn their spot at nationals, they first had to win both the state and regional titles in their respective classes.
“To qualify, they must first win the state title, then move on to regionals and win there to fight at nationals,” Hanshaw explained. “We had seven state champions, ages eight to 17, and then these three young fighters won regional titles.” He proudly added, “We now have three nationally ranked fighters in our club. Grayden placed 2nd, while Marlea and Kambry placed 3rd.”
That’s a huge accomplishment, especially considering that all three have only been boxing for a little over a year! When I asked them about their experience, one common theme emerged: the bonds they formed with the other fighters were one of the most important take aways. Kambry, a fierce competitor, admitted that stepping into the National Silver Gloves was intimidating. “Even though I didn’t win, it taught me a lot. I went against some of the best in the nation. I met new people and coaches, and it was just a really great experience,” she said. Marlea shared similar thoughts, “Even though I ended up losing, I feel like the experience was a win. Getting to go there, watch, learn from others, and make connections – it was invaluable.” Grayden, a man of few words, kept it simple: “It was real fun, and even though I didn’t win 1st place, I really enjoyed meeting everyone from different places.” At only 13 years old, Grayden already made a big splash by winning his first fight with a first-round TKO.
All three are already setting their sights on future competitions. When asked about their commitment to boxing, Grayden and Kambry both confirmed they would keep fighting for as long as they could. But Marlea? She had the best response: “I don’t think I’ll ever quit. I’ll probably go pro if I can, and if I don’t, I’ll just go amateur until I’m 63 and can’t walk anymore!”
The determination of young fighters like these pulled Hanshaw back into the boxing world. When he retired, he thought he was done for good. But then his father, Tom Hanshaw, convinced him to come back and train the next generation of fighters from the club. “When I retired, I was done with boxing, but this group of kids has kept me in it,” Hanshaw explained. “I think I’ve got the best group of kids in the world.”
It wasn’t just the Hanshaws who felt this connection – every young fighter I shared the same sentiment. “I’m in college and the oldest in here. I’ve been a part of teams, playing football most of my life, but this is more of a family than a team,” said Bryson Hanes. “We really push each other to do better.”
Jeremy Skidmore, who helps coach the fighters alongside Hanshaw, has had a profound impact on the life of one young man in particular. Kaden Clark shared, “Before I got in the gym, I was homeless … this place has definitely saved me. The Skidmores picked me up off the street, this gym fed me … this is my family. I love everyone here and I don’t know what I’d do without them.” Kaden now lives with the Skidmores, who have become a second family to him.
Garrett Depriest, affectionately known as “Coach G,” is the father of Marlea and Grayden. He became involved in coaching when his children joined the club and has been helping out since May 2024. “I love working with the kids. They work harder than I ever dreamed,” Depriest said. “They don’t give up … they get mad when we don’t have practice. Every one of them is different, but they’re all pretty much the same.” He’s optimistic about the future, predicting, “I see more than three of them going to the National Silver Gloves next year, and I expect some of them will win the title.”
One key point that Depriest wanted to emphasize is that everything at the club is free. “There is no charge to belong to the club,” he said. However, the team needs sponsorships to help with travel expenses for larger events, and donations to maintain the gym. Workdays will be posted on the Westwood Boys and Girls Club Facebook page. For those who wish to contribute, whether through time, money, or equipment like gloves, shoes, and wraps, all donations are appreciated. For more information or to help, contact Mindy Hanshaw at 606.571.3601.
Handshaw wrapped up our conversation with a powerful comparison between boxing and life itself: “It’s like life – if you aren’t going to work for something and you just want to go out and be stupid and have fun, life’s going to knock you out. Boxing taught me how to be a responsible adult … that’s our goal here.”
You catch all the fighters from the Westwood Boys and Girls Club in action on April. 12 at the Boyd County Convention Center as they continue their exciting journey.
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