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Travis Hartman is a sports reporter/clerk at the News-Press.

He covers events ranging from high school sports to professional tennis.

A native of Osborn, Mo., he is a professional boxer, specializing in coverage of that sport.

"I love playing sports and feel I bring an interesting perspective to writing about it since I am a professional athlete and played several high school sports competitively," he said.

Travis has boxed on HBO pay-per-view, ESPN2, Showtime, Telefutura and major networks in Canada and Germany.

"I have fought in front of as much as 15,000 people to as little as 500," he said.

Travis was a three-time national amateur champion, compiling a 156-13 record before turning pro at age 20. He finished his amateur career ranked No. 5 in the nation by USA Boxing magazine and was a three-time Kansas City Golden Gloves champion. He was the first fighter to win three consecutive Kansas City Golden Gloves titles in more than 20 years.

Travis is currently a student at Missouri Western State University.

Recent Stories

Rahman knocks out Boldridge in first round

Hasim “The Rock” Rahman knocked out St. Joseph native Clinton Boldridge just 2 minutes, 50 seconds into the first round Friday night at The Beaumont Club.

Strange night favors Fighting Irish

Lafayette’s 6-foot-5 freshman, Jeff Leeson, took full advantage of an uncontested shot as he slammed it home for a 16-point lead to begin the fourth quarter. The Fighting Irish (18-6, 6-0 MEC), put a strangle hold on the MEC conference after downing Chillicothe 66-55 in a foul-frenzied affair at Lafayette High School.

Hamilton stifles King City

HAMILTON, Mo. — After a couple of key steals for Hamilton’s Keagan Prather late in the first-half, the Hornets’ full-court pressure stifled King City’s every attempt to gain momentum by forcing turnovers. Behind the Hornets’ press, No. 1-ranked Hamilton successfully defended its home court 63-41 on Tuesday night.

Team Calloway hosting amateur boxing event

When most kids are preparing for Christmas and enjoying their break from school, a select few are gearing up for the annual Missouri State Silver Gloves amateur boxing tournament. Team Calloway Family Health and Fitness Club hosts today's event, marking the first time St. Joseph has hosted a Silver Gloves State tournament. The first bout is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. "I remember all the way back to when I was boxing in this tournament and we always had to travel to St. Louis," said Rob Calloway, who recently retired from his professional boxing career in order to train his son and other local amateur boxers. "It feels great to finally have it in our hometown for once so all the friends and family can come watch."

Benton girls blast Harrisonville

The Benton Cardinals wasted no time in jumping out to a 10-point lead against Harrisonville on their way to a 58-23 blowout in the Cardinals home opener Friday night at Springer Gymnasium. Both teams initiated the full-court press in the first quarter, however, Benton capitalized off the Wildcats' turnovers and built a 20-6 first-quarter advantage. "We wanted to make sure we came out and concentrated on the things we could control and limit our mistakes," Benton coach Brett Goodwin said.

Hamilton confounds Orrick

ORRICK, Mo. - When Keagan Prather broke loose for 66 yards on the opening play Monday night, the Hamilton quarterback merely hinted at the success the Hornets would have against Orrick. Prather scored three first-quarter touchdowns, and running back Trevor Dixon added four more during the game's remainder as Hamilton dismantled the two-time defending state champions, 51-13, in their Class 1 sectional at Orrick High School. Hamilton's victory ended Orrick's state-best 40-game winning streak and avenged a loss to the Bearcats from last year in the same playoff round.

Lawson fires on all cylinders while downing South Harrison

LAWSON, Mo. - After Lawson's Taylor Akey fumbled the snap on the first play, it seemed destined to be one of those nights as the Cardinals hosted South Harrison in a Class 2 regional playoff game. However, Lawson showed grit and patience, holding off the Bulldogs for a 40-13 victory. The Bulldogs' (8-3) made things interesting as quarterback T.J. Heitz completed three of his first four passes, each for more than 12 yards, to open the third quarter.

Trenton powers past LeBlond

Unfortunately for Bishop LeBlond, it was the same story with a different foe as Trenton dismantled the Golden Eagles 47-7 Friday night at Eagle Field. The Bulldogs (2-7) wasted no time in jumping out to a 21-0 lead behind running back Dalton Preston's pair of touchdownsÂ- - two 48-yarders early in the first quarter. "Dalton is a good football player, and we have known that all year," said Trenton coach Wes Croy. "He really has been our main weapon since our starting quarterback got hurt in Week 5."

Griffons crack AFCA Top 25 as Pittsburg State looms

Missouri Western football coach Jerry Partridge picked up his fourth coaching win of the season on Saturday, marking the first time he has started 4-0 as Griffons head coach.

Griffon Notebook: Western ground game proves bruising

Thanks to Drew Newhart's impressive aerial displays, Western's passing offense has garnered most of the attention during the team's flawless start.

Travis Hartman

Sports Reporter / Clerk