Armed Forces Championships

I just got back from Camp Lejuene, North Carolina last night after attending the Armed Forces Championships. The competition started Monday night for the 132, 152, 138 (women's), 178, and 201+ lbs weight classes. The All-Air Force team and participants in all categories but the 201+ class and all four were victorious and moved onto the Championships. This included my third bout of the year which was against a guy from Navy. I put him down in the first 20 seconds but got over anxious and almost got put down myself. I ended up winning a decision, but it was much closer than it should've been.

Tuesday night the bouts continued for the other weight classes. We had participants in the 125, 141, 138 (women's), 165, and 201lbs weight classes. Unfortunately we were only able to get victories in the 141 and 138 weight classes and had two more people qualify for the Championship round. Losing the 125 lbs weight class was a shock as the guy that was in that weight class was the defending champ and went to the Olympic Trials last year.

Wednesday night was the "ice breaker "and dinner. The food was great, but I got food poisoning earlier in the day and wasn't able to fully enjoy the meal. After the ice breaker I went back to my room and assumed the fetal position as the food poisoning got worse. It was a horrible night and I went from the chills to a fever repeatedly through the night.

Thursday was the Championship round and had 5 members of the All-Air Force team boxing for the title of Armed Forces Champion. The night didn't start off as we had hoped as our 132 lbs champ lost a decision to the Marine Corps Champ. The disappointment continued as we lost our next three bouts earning only silver medals. I was our last hope as I entered the ring for the 178 lbs championship. I was going up against the All-Army Champion and a 2008 Olympic Trial participant. The bout started off well, but unfortunately I had a mental lapse at the end of the third round. This lapse proved to be the difference in the bout as I lost a 10-6 decision.
I'm now back in Wyoming working out and getting ready for the 2008 USA National Tournament in Colorado Springs. It's going to be the 8th-15th of March. The prelims will be at the Olympic Training center but the venue for the finals hasn't been set yet. I'll keep you all posted as I find out more info.

Please keep me in your prayers as I continue to train and strive towards earning a National Championship.

2008 AF Championships

I got back from Texas last Monday, but I went straight out to the field so this is my first opportunity to update everyone on my latest adventures. I was down in Texas to help with the Air Force Boxing Championships. Originally I was planning on going down there to help coach and corner for some of the guys from my base. Unfortunately at the last minute the guys who were supposed to go were prevented from going due to manning issues at our base. I decided I would still go since I had the time already scheduled, plus my parents live down there so it would be nice to visit with them as well. I talked with the coach and he told me that I could work out with the team, and that he might even have a bout for me during the championships. I really wanted to work in the corners for some of the boxers so that I can get certified as a level 2 boxing coach, long story I can tell you the different levels later if you really want to know. Long story short…I ended up winning the Air Force Championship and now I’m going to the Armed Forces Championships at Camp Lejeune NC the 3-8 of February. I’m really excited, I think I have a good chance of winning the tournament and going to Azerbaijan for the International Military Championships in November. Don’t worry; there will be a blog about how I do in NC as soon as I get back!