MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The Camp Pendleton Varsity boxing team completed its three-day tryout for 12 open spots on the roster Sunday at the 33 Area gym.
Coach Anthony Gonzales was looking for “raw talent” to fill its ranks and make the team independent by eliminating the need for outside boxers to compete with the team for eligibility in off-base tournaments.
The tryout trail led to success — but was paved with blood along the way.
“These tryouts were some of the bloodiest two days I’ve seen in boxing,” said Gonzales, who organized the tryout.
The tryouts ran Friday through Sunday. The first day was weigh-ins and registration; Saturday marked first and second rounds of competition; and Sunday showcased the final rounds to ultimately determine the new team members.
The tryouts allowed the team not only to expand, but to pursue dreams of fame and glory.
“First (I wanted to) try out and make (the team). I want to be an All-Armed Forces champ,” said Juan J. Hernandez, a landing support specialist who “felt rusty” after taking some time off from the sport.
Hernandez has also set his sights on boxing for the Olympic team one day and thinks the Varsity team here can help him achieve his goal.
Joining the Heavyweight Hernandez on the men’s team is Derek A. Sandoval in the 119-pound weight class; Sebastian B. Price, in the 132-pound weight class; Robert M. Rocka and Cpl. Keith B. Harris in the 141-pound weight class; Matthew Gonzalez, in the 152-pound weight class; Gregory L. Staup, in the 165-pound weight class; William Bradley in the 178-pound weight class; and Felix R. Perez in the 201-pound weight class.
The team will also carry four females. Claudia Garcia, in the 125-pound weight class; Brandy Richards in the 132-pound weight class; Mandi Stuart in the 145-pound weight class; and Lanessa Arthur in the 152-pound weight class.
The team has now shifted its focus from tryouts to concentrating on upcoming events that will take place later this summer and into the winter.