The boxing club, despite having only three members with any experience, fought its way to some impressive victories and a solid 4-2 record in open competition at the PSU Invitational held Saturday night in the White Building.

"I'm happy with most people, just the whole team really," Coach Bill Wrable said. "Nobody quit."

Central Connecticut State, Lock Haven, and Virginia Military Institute all sent members to the meet.

Among the winners for Penn State were Kevin Cull, (172 pounds), Jim Ustynoski, (172), Randy Pogue, (172) and Walter Blake (132). Neither Cull nor Blake had any official bouts to rely on.

"Kevin Cull did well for not having a bout. Under control totally, listened to everything we said," Wrable said.

Cull won a decision over Ryan Croley of Virginia Military Institute. Blake, who fought last but was backed by maybe the most and definitely the loudest fans, used his quick hands and feet to defeat Dave Machamer of Lock Haven.

"I hope this builds on the next home show," Wrable said of the fans.

Pogue and Ustynoski, now with eight and three bouts of experience respectively, showcased their boxing abilities and each came away with a victory.

Ustynoski took control from the get go, forcing two standing eight counts on his opponent, Sean Gilece of VMI, in the first round. He continued to punish Gilece the rest of the fight and won by decision. Yet he felt he still could have done better.

"I won but I brawled," Ustynoski said. ". . . I wasn't throwing straight punches. But I gave it my all."

Pogue had a much tougher time with the taller Don Robets of VMI but also came away with a win.

"He was much taller than I was and it was difficult to get points in," Pogue said. "When I tried to come inside on him, he tied me up good."

However, after the very close bout, Pogue added, "I definitely feel that I won the fight."

The 172-pound bout between Schirf and Dewayne Bryant of LHU was much anticipated because Bryant finished second in regional competition last year at 180 pounds. But in the first round Bryant hit Schirf, who somehow lost his balance and fell, bashing his face against the mat. The blow to his nose forced Schirf to withdraw.

"I don't know whether he broke it or what, but he couldn't go on any more," Wrable said. "He couldn't see."

Neil Gorman, at 147 pounds, fought hard in defeat and did a "great job" Wrable said. He lost a decision to Ed Shelling of LHU, who won the Outstanding Boxer Award for the meet.

The Open competition was preceeded by Novice competition, boxers with no more than three collegiate bouts to their credit. Although Penn State went 2-6, the boxers fought well and many of the defeats were close.

"A lot of our guys were nervous and didn't get a chance to show what they had," Pogue said. "A lot of guys lost real close decisions, and I think we got shafted here and there."

Wrable was especially impressed with the novice heavyweight Seth Lyter, who fought back from early trouble and almost stole the bout from Joe Rioux of VMI.

"He really showed he had a lot of heart," Wrable said. "He was hurt and he kept on coming."

Added Ustynoski, "Even the people that lost, everyone gave it their all. It was most of their guys first fight."