By ThŽoden K. Janes

Arizona Daily Wildcat

UA boxer Francisco Quiroz walked alone along the snow-covered streets of Harrisburg, Penn., near the campus of Penn State last Friday trying to focus on the task that confronted him.

The task was this: win two bouts in two days against two of the nationÕs best collegiate boxers in the 119-pound division and he would fly home on Sunday as an All-American.

For Quiroz, it was almost too easy.

The Arizona junior won unanimous decisions on both Friday and Saturday at the National Collegiate Boxing Association Championships to capture the title in his division.

And as he admired the huge medal, the All-America certificate and the national champion jacket on the way back to Tucson, he was able to forget the down side of the trip.

ÒThe toughest part was being out there by myself,Ó said Quiroz, whose coach, Tony Pinto, was unable to attend because he was at a conference for boxing coaches.

ÒI usually spent the day just walking around,Ó Quiroz said, Òjust visualizing the whole time and just thinking about me winning and trying to get myself focused.Ó

Even though he spent an entire day in mental preparation, Quiroz still came out somewhat cold against the Air Force Aca-demyÕs Ron Watkins, and struggled through the first

But the second and third belonged to Quiroz, as he punched his way to an easy victory and a berth in SaturdayÕs final against Will Bonifant of the U.S. Naval Academy.

Quiroz easily rendered the taller, thinner Bonifant helpless as he attacked the Midshipman inside and discouraged him from extending his long arms.

The bout was entirely QuirozÕs, and after it ended, his visualization became reality.

ÒI was picturing myself getting my hand raised at the beginning of my fight,Ó Quiroz said.

ÒI kind of always try to (think that way, and) it worked ... IÕm still like in this little dream zone.Ó Read Next Article