Four Penn State pugilists fought their way to the brink of national titles with victories in the National Collegiate Boxing Association's Northeast Regional Championships, held Friday and Saturday in White Building.

Bryan Kirk (132 pounds), Vince Calio (156), Scott Holsopple (180) and Nick Kent (190) advanced to the National Collegiate Boxing Association Championships with their victories Saturday night. Nationals will be held April 1 and 2 in Harrisburg.

Bryan Kirk started the event with a bang, pounding Lock Haven's Jason Shoff into a second-round technical knockout.

"Bryan did a heck of a job," Penn State Coach Bill Wrable said.

Also doing a heck of a job was Calio at 156 pounds. Buoyed by a large fan contingency cheering him on, Calio started slowly but wore down Josh Welty, also from Lock Haven. The bout was the event's most exciting, and for his efforts, Calio was awarded the event's Most Outstanding Boxer Award along with his ticket to nationals.

"It feels great," Calio said. "I just hope we can all bring home national titles."

Two other Penn State boxers will have that opportunity. Scott Holsopple won in only his second bout ever. The freshman fought off the shoves of a clumsy opponent to advance to Harrisburg. Nick Kent advanced when the referee stopped his bout in the third round.

The winners will not have much time to savor their regional victories, though.

"I hope they get some sleep this weekend," Wrable said Saturday, "because they're gonna need it for Monday."