LHU Boxing Stages 40th Annual Boxing Invite
LOCK HAVEN – Thomas Fieldhouse Saturday was the scene for the 40th annual staging of the Lock Haven University Collegiate Boxing Invitational.
24 bouts were held during the daylong event. Three LHU boxers participated in the evening’s main card and they put up a 1-2 record. Bald Eagle veteran Avery Drake came away with a hard-earned decision over Donavan Velez from Army – West Point at 147 pounds and Jake Gorham lost by referee stops bout to Tyler Sosa from West Virginia at 156 pounds.
The third Bald Eagle participant was Leah Hartzell at 147 pounds. She was matched up in the invitational’s final bout against Jeanette Steerman from Navy. It was a collision of two National Collegiate Boxing Association finalists from a year ago and Steerman emerged with a narrow decision over Hartzell.
Davis Ault of Nevada-Renovo was selected the night’s outstanding boxer and Isiah Ortiz of Army – West Point was given the sportsmanship award. Ortiz, a defending national champ, was upset by Le Ho from North Carolina at 125 pounds. Ault took a decision from Isaiah Queen of Army – West Point.
Three former LHU boxing greats were inducted into the school’s boxing hall of fame: David Washington, the school’s first national champ in 1984, Brad Klein, a three-time champion in 1987-88-89; and Chuck Mussachio, a four-time All-American who won national titles in 2001 and 2002.
LHU boxing team members will be participating in the NCBA East Regionals set for March 15-17 at the University of Connecticut. The national tourney will be held April 4-6 in Reno, NV.
