Tyler Olson and Robert Schramke grew up watching legendary boxing matches on grainy TV screens, dreaming of the day they could lace up gloves themselves. Problem was, Rhinelander didn’t have a single dedicated boxing gym.
So they built one.
Hodag Den Boxing and Fitness opened its doors in 2025 as the Northwoods’ first full-scale boxing training facility. The young entrepreneurs didn’t wait for someone else to fill the gap — they scraped together about $5,000 right out of high school and created the space themselves at 3839 Country Drive.
From Basement Training to Real Facility
Before Hodag Den, aspiring boxers in Oneida County had limited options. They’d punch bags in their parents’ basements or drive hours to find proper coaching.
“We realized that this area was really missing a boxing training facility,” Olson explained. “We said ‘Hey, we can sit around and wait for one or we can bring one to our area.’”
Both owners fell hard for combat sports as kids, watching UFC and professional boxing whenever they could. That childhood fascination turned into amateur careers — and now into mentoring the next generation of Northwoods fighters.
Training the Next Generation of Fighters
Walk into Hodag Den on any weekday afternoon and you’ll find youth classes for kids ages 8-12 alongside beginner sessions for teenagers and adults. Advanced boxers get their own dedicated time, and members have 24/7 facility access for serious training.
Hayden Zarda makes the commitment real. The Pickerel resident drives nearly an hour each way to train at the gym, and he’s got his sights set on turning pro.
“This is probably one of the best things that’s happened for my life so far. Being here everyday, putting in that work, being dedicated for this sport. Rob and Tyler, they’ve helped me so much.” — Hayden Zarda
For Olson and Schramke, stories like Zarda’s matter more than their own amateur records. Teaching the sport beats competing in it, they say.
Why Boxing Fits the Northwoods
At first glance, boxing might seem out of place in a region known for snowmobiling, fishing, and ATV trails. But the gym’s founders see a natural fit.
Rhinelander has always been about grit and self-reliance. Winter up here isn’t something you complain about — it’s something you suit up for and push through. That same mentality translates perfectly to the ring.
“This is a real rich area for travel, sports, and what better sport to bring to Rhinelander than boxing,” Olson said.
The gym also provides a year-round indoor training option in a region where weather dictates most outdoor activities. When it’s 15 below and the lake’s frozen solid, Hodag Den stays open.
Building More Than Just Boxers
The lessons students learn go beyond jabs and footwork. Zarda sees the bigger picture in what the gym teaches young people.
Hard work. Discipline. Watching your progress stack up day after day. These skills carry over into jobs, relationships, and life goals long after someone hangs up their gloves.
What Hodag Den offers includes:
- Youth boxing fundamentals (ages 8-12)
- Beginner classes for teens and adults (ages 13+)
- Advanced training for competitive boxers
- Fitness classes incorporating boxing techniques
- Around-the-clock access for serious members
The gym complements other combat sports venues popping up around Rhinelander, like Groundwork Grappling, which has offered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training since 2015.
Plans for Local Boxing Events
Olson, Schramke, and their co-owner Aden Bergman aren’t stopping at just training. They’ve got plans to host Hodag Den’s first boxing event at the Hodag Dome, bringing live matches to the Rhinelander Sports Complex.
Getting local fighters competitive matchups — especially in lighter weight divisions — means building credibility with other gyms and promoters. It takes time, but the groundwork’s being laid.
Wisconsin has deep boxing roots. The University of Wisconsin-Madison once ran a legendary NCAA boxing program from the 1920s through 1961, producing champions and massive crowds at the Field House. That tradition faded decades ago, but gyms like Hodag Den keep the spirit alive in new corners of the state.
What’s Next for Northwoods Boxing
The Hodag Den team believes Wisconsin needs more facilities like theirs — especially in rural areas where options are scarce.
Starting a gym for $5,000 proves it doesn’t take massive investment to create something meaningful. It just takes people willing to show up, do the work, and build community around something they love.
Whether you’re a serious competitor like Zarda or a parent looking for a confidence-building activity for your kid, the message is the same: the Northwoods finally has a place to train.
And that’s worth fighting for.
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