M. Fencing will end early tournament season

Even with top recruits coming into the program and experienced fencers returning, the Penn men's fencing team is looking towards the Penn State Open this weekend with reserve. The meet is the second of two before the regular season begins and is a divisional open, which is larger and more competitive than the others. "The idea is to see what people need to work on," Penn coach Dave Micahnik said. "We are trying to win, but this is a stepping stone to the season." It is a season that looks promising. Returning champion senior epee Alex Edelman is back, along with two fencers that just made a switch from foil to epee, Jitseng Oon and Daniel Marks. Sophomore Roland Backes will also be trying for a regular position on the epee squad. "Jitseng's and Roland's move from foil to epee helped to balance out the depth on the team," Micahnik said. The No. 1 foil fencer in the nation, freshman Cliff Bayer, will be joining the foil team, along with freshmen Rick Bernstein, David Liu and James Lyons. Andro Nodarse, Will Seo and Adam Brown will also be returning. The coach believes the main problem with the foil team is that there t may be too many good fencers. Most coaches would be a little concerned with so many freshmen in the lineup, but Micahnik is hopeful. "None are used to the collegiate play or formats," he said. "But these freshmen are very solid, experienced, very desirable varsity fencers." Overall, there will be a big push form the rookies for the varsity spots. According to Micahnik, the third group of fencers, in sabre, will be holding up their end, even though the more experienced sabres are not traveling this weekend There will be some big shoes to fill with the graduation of a three-time All-American George Kalmar. Alex Platt and Jeff Allen will be vying for his spot. There is a little disappointment about last season," Penn sabre Sandy Agashiwala said. "Now we want to win. We have a long way to go, but the fencing is getting better and better."