Fielder pounds his way to boxing nationals

Penn State boxer Greg Fielder knelt in the ring and maintained his "boxing face" for just two more minutes.

It was the same face -- a gritty, intimidating scowl that would make The Undertaker proud -- Fielder kept as he delivered a series of blows to his Lock Haven opponent Shannon Smith.

After wearing down his opponent in three rounds to earn a decision, Fielder became the only Penn State boxer to gain All-American status and get a shot at a national championship three weeks from now in Annapolis, Md.

As the sole representative for Penn State in upcoming nationals, Fielder knelt with the other winners and directed his scowl toward the camera. The other boxers laughed and posed, but Fielder -- failing to masquerade his boxer mentality -- knelt stiff like a concrete statue, almost dissatisfied with his victory. "I'm definitely happy," Fielder said.

His rugged frown was slowly turning into a smile, though it never fully reached its potential.

"I've got three weeks until nationals," he added. "I've got a lot of work to do."

And with that, the semi-smile quickly faded into a look of concern.

In most cases, when a boxer wins, attains All American status and advances to nationals -- all in one night -- concern isn't the first thing that comes to mind.

Even after his win against Smith on Saturday, Fielder found a way to talk about what he "could have done better" or what "he needs to do in the future."

"He's never happy with anything," boxing coach Bill Wrable said, "and I like that."

Fielder is freshman, just a couple of months into his college career. And frankly, all of his accomplishments thus far are a tad overwhelming to him. Six months ago, the only thing Fielder was looking forward to was starting college. That was, until a certain flier caught his attention.

"I didn't even know Penn State had a boxing team," he said. "I saw a flier for the Penn State boxing club. Next thing I knew it was December, and I had my first bout."

It's now March, and the once inexperienced freshman who thought he would just give boxing a shot is preparing to win a national championship in three weeks.

And you can bet he'll have his game face on.