The Shippensburg University Boxing club is preparing to host nine schools at its annual home match this Saturday.
This is head coach Travis Wylie’s eighth season leading the team.
Wylie spoke highly of freshman Canar Morrison,
“He has the ability — I think — to win nationals. He’s already, in his first collegiate fight, beaten a returning national runner-up. The home show will be a good test to see where the rest of the team is going into regionals.”
Wylie produced his first male regional champions last year in Tylik Guilford and Brett Pastore. Pastore finished third in the nation.
The year’s home show is junior Shaliq Inges’ first fight this year.
“It’s kind of hard to explain,” Inges said, “Because once you are in the ring, it’s like a whole different zone. I try to do a little bit of mind games. [If] they feel like they are getting me tired, then I show them I still have all my energy.”
Inges’ fighting style favors speed over power.
“I’m strong, but I like to rely on my quickness more,” Inges said, “I know [that] when I connect it is going to be a hard punch.” His opponent for Saturday’s match is from Lock Haven University.
Megan Reeser is a sophomore who started her fighting career this year. She was inspired to join the team by Pastore. Reeser is not new to the world of combat sports, as she has a background in karate. Her record is 1–1. She fights an opponent from the Naval Academy on Saturday.
“Boxing is generally pretty new for most people,” Reeser said. “I don’t know a lot of boxing places where I am from. So, if you are coming to watch or try to join, it is a good thing to do because you are exposing yourself to new activities.”
The SU home match begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18 at Henderson Gymnasium.
Tickets are on sale in advance through Wednesday at the Ceddia Union Building front desk. Advance tickets are $3 for bleacher seats and $6 for chair seats. Tickets at the door are $6 for bleacher seats and $8 for chair seats.
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