Forestry Student Headed for Olympic Boxing Training Camp
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
A second-year forest technology student at Pennsylvania College of Technology is in contention for a spot on the 2008 U.S. Olympic boxing team.
Anthony J. Tettis, of Ridgway, defeated Dorset Barnwell on Feb. 11 to win the heavyweight division of the U.S. Eastern Regional Boxing Championship in Pennsauken, N.J. The 201-pound Barnwell, a Washington, D.C., fighter who followed a trail of knockouts into the finals, was favored in the tournament. Smaller by 13 pounds, the 20-year-old underdog quickly took command of the fight, winning all four rounds on the judges' scorecards.
"With quick combinations and determination, I sent Barnwell through the ropes in the fourth round for an eight-count," Tettis said. The upset victory advances him to the U.S.A. Nationals in June, a "Rocky" road that leads to the Olympic team qualifier in August.
Tettis and his brother, Rocco (a 178-pound light heavyweight), both box out of the Ridgway boxing club, which was begun by Ralph J. Tettis, their father, coach and trainer. Both brothers got to the Eastern Regionals by winning the AMA Championships, which were held in the Pittsburgh area over the past couple of weeks.
Tettis is no stranger to competition on campus, either.
During April's Mid-Atlantic Woodsmen's Meet at Montgomery Community College in Troy, N.C., he placed fifth in a STIHL Timbersports qualifying event that exhibited his skills with ax and saw.
He's a "very conscientious, respectful individual," said Dennis F. Ringling, professor of forestry at Penn College. "Just one likable guy who doesn't flaunt his talent."
His talents and his steely determination are characteristic of Anthony Tettis' workout regimen, a mix of "sacrificing, dedication, self-discipline and long hours" that helps him balance training and his work toward an associate degree in the School of Natural Resources Management.
"My regular day starts off at 5 a.m. with a hard, long run," he explained. Then, it's off to class, the YWCA to work out on Mondays and Wednesdays, followed by schoolwork back at his apartment.
"I go for another run about 10:30 or 11 p.m. I even sometimes get up in the middle of the night because I can't sleep and (run) at 1 or 2 a.m.," Tettis said. Tuesdays and Wednesdays bring a two-hour workout at a Williamsport community center; Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for workouts with his father and brother back home.
"It is a lot of hard work, and a straight and strong mind-set will be needed," he said. "I am very excited about going out to Colorado Springs this summer, then looking toward the 2008 Olympics in Beijing."
For more about forest technology and other majors at Penn College's Schneebeli Earth Science Center near Allenwood, call (570) 320-8038, send e-mail or visit online .
( Photos provided by Ralph J. Tettis)