Harrison owns Old School Boxing, a gym located at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, serving more than 100 low-income children.
Who uses the gym?
I have well over 100 kids in there, mostly from low-income families. A lot are from local foster homes and group homes. A majority of them are in there every night. I think they would rather be there than home. It’s more than just a gym — they interact with each other and do homework.
What inspired you to do this for low-income kids?
I was one of those kids one time. I know what those kids have been through. I had 19 years in the prison system. I know where these kids are going if someone doesn’t care about them and show them some love. It’s a way out.
Do you lose kids to the correctional system?
We lose quite a few. A lot we lose to drugs or they get shot or locked back up. Some kids have signed up for Maryland’s Golden Glove tournament, and now that it comes time to fight, they are back in jail. They write me letters from prison and say, “Man, thank you for everything, I wish I would have listened to you.”
How much does it cost to box?
The ones that can afford it pay $50 a month. But a majority can’t afford it, so I just let them come.
How many coaches work there?
I have nine coaches who are all volunteers. The kids really respect the coaches.
How do you pay for equipment?
It’s rough. I bought all the equipment. And if it wasn’t for Rosecroft helping me, these kids would have nowhere to go. I have kids wearing gloves with holes in them and mismatched shoes, and many of them are duct-taping their shorts because they are too big. Three brothers share a mouthpiece. If anyone doesn’t believe me, come to my gym. It’s unreal.
– Hayley Peterson
