Emily Appleman, Haziz Hill and Tylik Guilford represented the Shippensburg University boxing team last weekend in the Virginia showcase.
Guilford, a 156-pound sophomore, fought his first international fight during the Virginia showcase. He won against a fighter from England in what he said was a good, close fight. He fought aggressively, and afterward described the fight as a hostile environment. In what could have been a split decision he got a boost in the third round from his coach and teammates. He credits their support as giving him the drive to finish the fight.
“In that third round I gave it my all and I was just swinging. It was that extra drive I got that allowed me to finish the fight,” Tylik said.
Hill, a freshman fighting at 120 pounds, fought against a boxer form Wake Forest. Hill claims to have an inside fighting style. He managed to win the fight by technical knock out, and what really stood out to him over the fight was his perfect straight, and his team’s support that gave him a big confidence boost to get the win by TKO.
Appleman, a 135-pound senior and National Runner-up, fought and won against a girl from West Point. She came out in the first round sizing up her opponent, and then made a game plan in the following rounds. Appleman scored a decisive victory giving her good momentum going into the Shippensburg Home Show on Saturday, February 14th.
“I thought I was throwing more useful punches,” Appleman said, “I was throwing her power punch a little better.”
“We are not there yet, but as long as everyone sticks with the dedication here we will be on track come nationals.” Shippensburg coach Travis Wylie Coach said. “I am confident in both Emily Appleman, and Tylik Guilford as national contenders, and Haziz has potential to be an All-American if not a National Champion as a freshman. I hope that the Shippensburg boxing team can go undefeated at the home show in a week.”
The Slate welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.