Boxers Lay Everything on the Line
May 30, 2007
USOEC boxer DeRae Crane
MARQUETTE—United States Olympic Education Center boxers are set to take on the country’s elite contenders June 1-8 at the U.S. Championships in Colorado Springs, Colo. Athletes who make it to the quarterfinals will earn entry into the Olympic Trials in August.
Northern Michigan University freshman Nate James (Malden, Mass.) took first at the Golden Gloves National Championships earlier this month. His performance earned him advancement directly to the 201-plus quarterfinals at the U.S. Championships, where he will try to box his way to another national title. He is the only USOEC athlete guaranteed the chance to compete at trials. The rest of the team must fight to at least the quarterfinals.
Teammate and NMU senior DeRae Crane (Rock Island, Ill.) just missed earning automatic entry into the U.S. Championships’ 178-pound quarterfinals when he was forced to settle for silver at Golden Gloves Nationals. The disappointing loss didn’t shake his confidence; he’s more determined than ever.
“Even though everyone thought I won at Golden Gloves, I need to step it up,” said Crane. “I need to go get it. I know I’m right there. I know I’ve been doing things right going into this competition. I have a feeling I’m supposed to win.”
Crane realizes the importance of this tournament. If he or his teammates don’t qualify for the Olympic Trials at this competition, they may choose to retire from boxing. It’s the culmination of years of training.
“This is it,” said Crane. “It’s the big dance. If you don’t achieve your goals [of qualifying to box at the Olympic Trials], you’re done. This is what I’ve been working for. This is why I’ve been here for four years and haven’t been home in two years. [USOEC boxers] will get into the quarterfinals. They’ll make it to the box off.”
Other USOEC athletes competing include freshmen Keola McKee (Wailuku, Hawaii) at 106 lbs., Bruno Escalante (Waimanalo, Hawaii) at 112 lbs., Jesse Carradine (Cincinnati, Ohio) at 125 lbs. and Isaiah Williams-Windley (Akron, Ohio) at 132 lbs.; sophomore Donta Woods (Atlanta, Ga.) at 165 lbs.; and junior Greg Carter (Waterbury, Conn.) at 152 lbs. NMU alums David Clark (San Diego, Calif.) and Walter Sarnoi (Monterey Park, Calif.) will also box at 119 lbs. and 125 lbs., respectively.
