Boxers hoping to pound foes in Northeast Regional Tournament

Six minutes are all it takes to destroy a dream. The dedication to six months of training to attain a goal can be shattered in the time it probably takes boxing promoter Don King to comb his overgrown, frizzy hair.

The Penn State boxing team must combat this reality as it hosts the Northeast Regional Tournament beginning at 7 p.m. today in the main gym at the White Building. The two-day tournament features approximately 30 boxers from Army, Lock Haven, Shippensburg, Mansfield and Penn State. The top two fighters in each of the 12 weight classes earn an automatic bid to nationals in Lexington, Ky. on April 3-5.

"The most important thing is not making this bigger than it is," coach Bill Wrable said.

Easier said than done.

The boxers know if they fail to reach nationals, the goal set in early October of winning a national championship will not be reached.

"Since it's my last year, I feel pressed," senior Lew Muccio said. "There is some pressure. I don't want to overdo anything because sometimes you get too excited and that's when mistakes happen."

Scheduled to fight for Penn State are Muccio, sophomore Andrew Booth, freshman Doug Bayly, junior James Cammarota and senior Gotce Peev. Finishing out the card are sophomore Jesse Bond and juniors Karl Kinzler and Tim Scott.

The tournament features another division of novice fighters. These bouts are intended for boxers to gain experience and do not offer bids to nationals. Christy Wilcox, Dave Smythe, Brian Kimmerle and Brian Spencer will fight for Penn State in the novice division.

The boxers must use controlled aggression to be successful. By treating each bout equally, they will focus on mental toughness through relaxation.

"It's totally mental now," Wrable said. "If they can relax themselves they'll be all right. When you're nervous, it chews up a lot of energy."

If mental preparation is the variable in the formula for success, then physical toughness is the constant. Physically, Penn State is prepared as it can be, but mental toughness is a fight-time factor learned through experience. Thus, boxers with more ring experience have a slight advantage.

"The training has physically prepared me to the best I can be," Bayly said. "It's tough to be mentally prepared at this point. Relaxation is what I have to do."

This late in the season, the temptation to gaze down the championship road to Kentucky is overwhelming, Wrable said. But the boxers must earn that bid before entertaining thoughts of a national championship.

"A couple guys were looking down the line and that's a horrible mistake," he said. "They have to focus on one opponent and can't look ahead to Kentucky. Anyone can beat anyone in regionals, there is no favorite."

Penn State hopes the home ring advantage contributes to its success. But Wrable said it could also backfire.

"When you're at home, it can be a double-edged sword," he said. "It's great to have the fans cheering for you, but when family and friends are watching, it can put more pressure on you."

Respectability and a bid for nationals are on the line. Penn State has not won a national championship since Paul Maginnis took home the prize in 1996.

"The big difference is there is more at stake now," Bayly said. "Intensity will be the most it has been this year. It pays to be a big winner. I have to dedicate the sole purpose to beat this guy and not think about the past."

The tournament starts at 7 p.m. tonight and Saturday night. Advance tickets are available for two dollars by calling 865-9202. Tickets will also be sold at the door for four dollars to adults, and three dollars to students.