Boxers prepare for stretch run with tournament at West Point

Reviving the grit and brawn of America's oldest military academy, West Point played host to its first collegiate boxing tournament since 1932 on Saturday.

Penn State junior Tim Scott won a unanimous decision over Navy's Andrew Fortmann at the U.S. Military Academy Invitational. Senior Gotce Peev lost a split decision.

The undersized Scott was triumphant despite being outweighed by 28 pounds.

"I knew I had to keep my distance," Scott said. "He was a big guy."

Scott and Peev weren't the only Penn State boxers fighting this weekend.

"I didn't think I fought too well," Muccio said. "I just didn't do the right things, but it was a good experience."

Muccio, who considers himself to be a power puncher, said he fought too cautiously.

"The biggest problem was that I was staying outside too much," he said. "I'm a big swinger and I was a little tentative. I think that hurt me."

With the season winding down, it is significant that the boxers get some late season matches under their belts to refine their techniques. The national championship qualifying regionals are only a month away.

"It's imperative that I go in to each match with the eye of the tiger," Scott said. "You lose one match, you lose a lot of confidence, and I really believe that you're only as good as your last match."

Coach Bill Wrable is determined to keep his fighters prepared, both physically and mentally. His demanding work ethic assures that.

"You'd be hard pressed to find anyone who could do what these guys do," Wrable said. "I'm a firm believer that what's between your ears is gonna determine the outcome of a fight."

The team knows the rewards outweigh the pains and having a persistent coach only makes them better fighters.

"Coach has been doing a real good job with keeping us in shape," Muccio said. "Going into the ring I feel like I have plenty of energy. He's really put the team together."

Penn State hopes to continue progressing, as it has all season. There is no juncture at which to feel comfortable, only hungrier.

"I'm definitely happy with where the team is at, but I'm not content with where I'm at," Muccio said, "because if you get complacent, it can come back to haunt you."

Scott agrees never being satisfied with his fighting and constant work will make him a better boxer.

"I don't feel like I'm where I want to be yet, but I feel like I'm progressing and that just makes me more hungry," Scott said.

And with regionals looming in the near future, the team will make some late-season tune-ups so it is well-represented at nationals.