Coach Joe Shafer poses with the VMI club boxing team after returning home with the trophy from the United States Intercollegiate Boxing Association National Championships in Atlanta, Georgia.—VMI Photo by Eric Moore.
The VMI club boxing team, known as the Regulators, reigns victorious as national champions after a stunning March 19-20, 2022, performance at the United States Intercollegiate Boxing Association National Championships in Atlanta, Georgia.
Cheered on by teammates, family, and friends, 14 cadets gave standout performances in the tournament.
“Never have I participated in an individual sport that felt so much like a team sport,” Jon Christopher Duran ’22 said. “Win or lose, every Regulator and spectating family members clouded over any sound during the tournament with their cheering and support. I am so proud to be part of this boxing family.”
The team went 20-8 in the tournament, scoring six knockouts, one technical knockout, nine unanimous decisions, and four split decisions. By the end of the weekend, five cadets sported championship belts, winning national championship and All-American honors as individuals by placing first in their respective weight classes. Seven cadets earned All-American individual honors by placing second in their respective weight classes.
They received praise from Joe Shafer, their coach, and from competitors for their preparation, dedication, and hard work.
“The team put everything on the line for this event and made me so proud as a coach,” Shafer said. “We represented the Institute with a fighting spirit: Honoring VMI’s history, upholding the passions of our forefathers, and personifying the principles of excellence for VMI.”
“We differentiate ourselves with the intensity of our training, and it showed at Nationals,” Brian Carrera ’22 added. “Our team has heart, and that’s what matters.”
VMI last achieved the national championship title in 2015 and prepared for this year’s tournament by holding bouts against Georgia Tech and the University of Maryland.
