Boxers play host to second Nittany Lion Invitational

The members of the Penn State boxing team were busy constructing a boxing ring in White Building last Sunday morning, and they will finally get to test their craftsmanship at 7 p.m. tomorrow when they host the second Nittany Lion Invitational of the season.

Penn State coach Bill Wrable currently has only five bouts scheduled for his boxers, with two more listed as possibilities. But Wrable said at least 12 bouts will be in the overall lineup, which features boxers from Lock Haven, Army, Navy, Mansfield and Shippensburg.

Wrable was waiting until the end of yesterday's practice to decide if two Penn State boxers -- Charlie Fisher and Mike Brown -- will compete tomorrow. Wrable is wavering in his decision because he isn't sure if Fisher and Brown are prepared for more advanced fighting.

He does have potential opponents lined up should he decide to insert the duo into the lineup.

"I don't know if I really want to match them," Wrable said. "It's whether or not I want to put them against 'em."

The group of Penn State boxers who definitely will be stepping into the ring is led by Brad Raybold at 125 pounds. Raybold takes on Eric Elmer from Lock Haven.

Three bouts will be contested at the 147-pound division. Wrable is undecided whether Matt Arentz or Lew Muccio will box against Lock Haven's Shannon Smith in the first 147-pound contest. Arentz defeated Smith at Penn State's last home meet on Feb. 1, when Smith injured his right shoulder throwing a punch. The fight was stopped.

Greg Fielder will take on a boxer from Army at 147 pounds. Penn State's Kurt Decker will look to follow up his win last Saturday at Shippensburg when he battles Nic Wisecarver of Navy in the final bout at 147 pounds. Decker has been steadily improving the last few weeks -- success he says has come naturally.

"I've never been much of a violent person," Decker said, "but you go out there, and it's like competition one on one. I never like to lose."

Penn State's lone representative at heavyweight will be Rick Albright, who will battle Joe Scriba from Mansfield.

"They all are against pretty tough people," Wrable said. "I expect them all to do well."