Penn State Boxing Team Looks To Leave Mark in 2011

“You’re going to learn about someone you never knew was inside of you,” said Jack Rohrabaugh, head coach of the Penn State boxing team, as he addressed a crowded room of boxing club members before practice.

As members prepare for tryouts, Rohrabaugh offered motivation and advice, enticing students to push through the practices that not many students have the privilege to be a part of.

Among the many clubs and sports Penn State offers students, the Penn State boxing team is a popular endeavor for devoted palookas looking to bring back legitimate collegiate boxing.

The first formal collegiate boxing organization, International Boxing Association of America, was established in 1918. Penn State would host their own team for 26 years before dropping the program in 1954 due to pressures outside the ring.

Some of these pressures still exist today including public apathy, scheduling difficulties and the non-acceptance of boxing not being an educational activity.

“Boxing is overlooked and there are a lot of people who would love for the boxing team to not be around anymore,” said Betty Walker, 19, who started boxing in high school and joined the team her freshmen year. “People see us as violent and disorganized, and our sport in general isn't appreciated as much as other Penn State sports.”

During the IBA program, Penn State boxers made sure to leave their mark. Over 50 All-Americans and 22 National Champions have passed through Penn State Boxing, including three-time champ Jim Restauri, Mark Jayne and Christy Wilcox, the only female boxer to win a national championship two times.

Other notable boxers to win major titles include Steve Hamas, the first Penn State athlete to win the IBA Heavyweight title.

Today, the boxing team shows its dedication and hard work by running its own club, which sees many students participating in practice. Team boxers train six days a week, while club members have to practice for two.

Team tryouts begin in November, and after new members are picked, the team continues to practice through the spring semester under their head coach and assistant coaches David Vacco and Osahon Omo-Osagie.

The club is funded through both team and club members. Club members are required to pay a small fee for training, as well as, participate in fundraisers including local clean-up events and other activities to provide sufficient funding for gear and gym usage.

This also brings awareness to the club, which members say is the most important challenge in becoming a sanctioned college sport again.

“I love that Penn State even has boxing, but I wish it was still sanctioned and as popular as it used to be,” said Matt Woodward, who starting boxing his junior year of high school and is a member of the team.

Until the public acknowledges the success the student-run club has had on students and Penn State, members of the team and the club will continue to show the public the same amount of desire outside the ring as they do in it.

“The main improvement that boxing needs is support from Penn State Students and recognition from club sports,” Walker said. “We need to get our name out there.”