Iowa State Boxer R.W. Brown’s quest for the 1996 147 pound national title came to an end at the national tournament in Reno, Nevada last weekend.

Brown was outpointed by defending national champion Marc Guynn, a senior from the University of Nevada at Reno.

“R.W. did a really good job, he just got beat,” Iowa State boxing head coach Terry Dowd said. “The main thing is that he fought well and took the loss like a gentleman. He got beat and then shook hands and that was that.”

Brown beat last year’s 139 pound champion Todd Steiner from Lockhaven College to reach the finals. Brown has one year of eligibility remaining. Dowd didn’t mix words when asked about Brown’s chances for a national title in 1997.

“He’ll win it,” Dowd said. “He’ll win it.”

Brown was the only ISU boxer at the tournament, but the Cyclones still managed to capture fifth due to the results of other tournament action.

According to Dowd, Brown has good skills and needs to improve in few areas.

“Sometimes he wants to brawl,” Dowd said. “There are some real good kids fighting and you’re not going to beat them that way.”

Despite the success of his athletes, rumors that Dowd will leave ISU have swirled as of late. But according to Dowd, there is no truth in them.

“I turned down some offers including one from Army,” Dowd said. “I’ve still got some things I want to change here.”

The graduation rate for Dowd’s fighters is phenomenal with only one boxer failing to attain a degree.

“That’s the main thing,” he said. “These guys are here first and foremost to get their education.”