The boxing club heads into regional competition with a positive and aggressive attitude despite the loss of two key members.

Bob Schirf (180) has contracted mononeucleosis and definitely will not compete with the team this weekend at Lock Haven. Jon Wood, the No. 1 seed at 147, is battling bronchitis and it is doubtful that he will compete, either.

"It's a shame," Coach Bill Wrable said. "They worked super hard all year. Especially Bob. First he had his nose broken, and now this."

Because the lineups were already submitted, the club will not be able to fill the vacancies left by Wood and Schirf.

Penn State will face Lock Haven, Gettysburg, Westfield State, Central Connecticut State and Army at regionals, which determine which individuals advance to the national competition. Last year the club sent five boxers to nationals. The club also likes its chances this year.

"From the practices, anyone who puts on a uniform has a chance (to advance to nationals)," Wrable said. "I have as much confidence in anyone."

Club president Randy Pogue added, "We'll definitely be sending people to nationals."

The past two weeks of intense practices have helped the club develop a more aggressive and confident attitude.

"Normally you wouldn't assume that two weeks would make a difference to a team that's been working out since September," Pogue said."It's not that we're in that much better shape, but it certainly feels that way. I think we're more mentally charged.

"Coach said, 'The way we work out, you guys are going to be like a bunch of caged animals', and tempers have been flaring and people have been pretty rambunctious."

Wrable said the matchups for the opening bouts were very tentative and changes usually take place, but he had an idea of his club's opponents.

At 125, Walter Blake (1-1 on the season) is scheduled to box Lock Haven's Jim Torrez tomorrow.

Jay Neville (0-2) will face either Don Demilio of Lock Haven or Carl Arredendo of Army at 139. Since there is an odd number of boxers, the names will be drawn out of a hat to determine who receives a bye.

At 165, Kevin Cull (2-1) will meet Army's Chris Mendez. Randy Pogue (2-1) will box either Corbin Bachman of Army or Chris Doleman of Gettysburg at 172. At heavyweight, Seth Lyter (1-1) will face Army's Chris Smith, Gettysburg's Joe Mautz or Lock Haven's Mike Lyons.

The remaining members of the club will compete in the novice bouts.