With the National Collegiate Boxing Association’s nationals in Reno, Nev., fast approaching, ISU boxer Nick Nelson has set the bar high – win or fail.

“After placing third at Nationals last year, my goal this year is to win it all. Anything less than that would be a failure,” said Nelson, the 185-pound champion of this year’s Regionals competition.

Nelson has three teammates accompanying him on his journey to be No. 1, thanks to the team’s performance at the NCBA Midwest Regionals in Lexington, Ky., last week. Despite an injury to powerhouse heavyweight Ben Marcov, the team finished second overall in an 11-team field, trailing only the Naval Academy. Three boxers, including Nelson (185), Tony Sims (165) and Ryan Allan (156), earned automatic qualifications to Nationals based upon their performance, but following the tournament, the team learned of two breaks – one good, one bad.

First the team learned that Michael Bal (195), who had finished third, qualified for nationals when a boxer from another school dropped out because of injuries.

The good news, however, was marred by news that Sims may not be able to participate because of a decision ISU boxing club coach Terry Dowd deamed unusual.

“I must have trained him too well since they said he was too good for the collegiate level,” Dowd said.

“He can’t fight since he’s had too many knockouts and they see him as a danger to the other fighters. Even though he can’t fight, I still am going to take him with the rest of the guys to Nationals,” he said.

The end result was that almost half the eight ISU boxers who participated at Regionals will be competing at Nationals Friday through Sunday.

The road to Nationals has been anything but easy for the three title hopefuls. Along with the rest of the boxing team, they began practicing the day school started, sometimes having two per day. In the lead up to the Regionals, the boxers pushed themselves to the extreme in order to be prepared. For the Nationals, however, training dramatically changed, according to Nelson.

“We killed ourselves before regionals,” he said. “This is just an opportunity for us to touch up on some things. Mostly, we’re not looking to get injured.”

Bal is looking to wrap up his first season in the sport on a good note after receiving the lucky break that is allowing him to compete at Nationals. Upon receiving the news, Bal was excited but not for the obvious reason.

“During the last summer, I lost 60 pounds just so I could make weight for boxing in my Regional fight. I kept losing my mouth piece and was frustrated that I really couldn’t prove myself,” he said. “Now at Nationals, I will be able to show people how good I really am.”

For Allan, earning the honor to compete at Nationals is nothing new. Three years ago, the senior in health and human performance was a national champion. He followed up his performance the next year by capturing third place. This year, the chance for a magical ending to his season may be more difficult, according to Dowd.

“Without a doubt, [Allan] has the toughest road to the national title,” Dowd said. “I know that all four of will get the job done because these kids never let me down.”

Members of the team say the chance to compete would not even be possible without the generosity displayed by Dowd. His commitment does not go unnoticed by his pupils.

“Fighting for coach is awesome. He’s an inspiration to every one of us,” Nelson said. “Despite all the medical problems he’s had over the years, he shows up to practice every day. Since he is always present, I feel that in return I must be here for him.”

Check out Paul Flies’ related story on injured heavyweight Ben Marcov.