Fourth-Round Knockout Earns State Title for Forestry Student

Already a contender for the 2008 U.S. Olympic boxing team, a forest technology major at Penn College has added "state champion" to his belt. On April 21, Anthony J. Tettis, of Ridgway, defeated Philadelphia's Paul Koon 2006 Pennsylvania champion during a fourth-round knockout in the state Golden Gloves Championship at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. Eastern champions historically dominate the state, said Ralph J. Tettis, his father, coach and trainer at the Ridgway Boxing Club. But, this year, three Western Pennsylvania champions (including Anthony) were among those vying for state gold. The second-year student now advances to the National Golden Gloves Championship, which will be held April 30 and May 5 in Chattanooga, Tenn. In February, Tettis won a spot at this summer's Olympic qualifier in Colorado Springs, Colo. More information is available from the club, a nonprofit organization at 3446 Grant Road, Ridgway PA, 15853. ( Photos provided by Ralph J. Tettis)