Grand Valley State University’s co-ed boxing club competed in the United States Intercollegiate Boxing Association (USIBA) Championship from Thursday, March 27 to Saturday, March 29, securing two championship belts. The event was hosted in Macon, Georgia at the Macon Centreplex and welcomed universities nationwide.
The Lakers traveled to Georgia with eight fighters, six men and two women. Rebekah DeBoer was the champion in the 132-pound beginner class and Jason Murray was the champion in the 225-pound novice class. Both DeBoer and Murray brought home two national championship belts. With these wins, GVSU boxing now holds nine belts. Samantha Swafford, sophomore Tanner “TJ” Gardner and Lucas Malloy were runners-up in their classes, securing themselves each a medal. Both DeBoer and Swafford made history for the team, as they were the first Laker women to place in nationals.
Last year, GVSU competed in the USIBA with nine boxers, seven men and two women. The 2024 team won 16 matches, had two champion runner-ups and secured three championship belts. Going into this year’s competition, the Lakers set goals to retain more boxers entering the match, have more women competitors, earn another championship belt and win USIBA team awards.
Gardner touched on his experience competing at USIBA and the value of his team’s support.
“All the people here will support you no matter what happens, even if you lose a national championship fight,” said Gardner. “(The team) was ultimately proud of me and it was really nice just getting picked up by everybody. I’ve only been (a part of the team) for five months, and we treat each other like family.”
Freshman Maxwell Gohsman, junior Ashton Kamps and Kristopher “Diego” Krepps ultimately lost their bouts, but were supported by the team for achieving tournament placement.
Gohsman provided insight into the most important lesson he’s learned through boxing and competing.
“You cannot fight through emotion,” said Gohsman. “If you are emotional when you are either sparring or hitting the bag or doing anything, it is not going to go well. You actually want to be the calmest when you are fighting.”
Club boxing offers two opportunities for students to become involved in the program: recreational sparring and competitive training. Recreational sparring allows students to work out with the team, but doesn’t offer the opportunity to compete. All members start as recreational players, but can transition to a serious spot on the competitive team. Members of the competitive squad train to represent GVSU in tournaments and shows.
Kamps pitched the boxing club as a great opportunity to get into shape, make friends and train with coaches.
“The people I’ve met in boxing are some of the best people I’ve met in my entire life,” Kamps said. “The types of coaches and facilities that we have access to, anywhere from coaches that have trained world champions to pros and even Olympians, is amazing.”
