M. Fencing old-timers relive glory days

Penn men's fencing alumni traveled from as far as Highland Park, Ill., to attend last Saturday's annual Alumni Meet in Weightman Gym. And although many alumni fencers had not picked up their weapons in ages, several chose to participate in friendly competition among current Quakers and to once again taste a bit of their collegiate glory days. "It's wonderful to be back," said Bob Parmacek, who was one of two Quakers to win an individual NCAA title in 1953. Parmacek noted that things were a little different than when he fenced for Penn. "The interesting part is that when I fenced, there was very little high school fencing, so everyone started fencing at the college level," he said. "Now they're starting younger and they're better athletes than they were 47 years ago. They're stronger and faster and in better shape." Parmacek also marvelled at the modern equipment the current Quakers use to score touches during bouts. When he fenced, five judges would vote whether there was a hit. Now, a machine will light up when a fencer hits their opponent. "With the machine, the playing field is even," Parmacek said. Chuck Finn, who graduated in 1961, commented on the appearance of women fencers; when he competed for Penn, fencing was an all-male sport. Finn also recognized the fact that the 1999-2000 Penn squad's schedule is a lot busier than it was in his day. When he fenced, a team would only face one other team at a time, while the Quakers now fence multiple schools in meets and tournaments. "You get a lot more fencing now," Finn said. "A hundred and twenty-five bouts bouts [in a year] is more fun than 25 bouts." Other alumni fencers noticed physical differences in today's fencers. Foilist Bob Lehrman, who graduated in 1979, lost three of his four bouts to current Quakers. Not a sore loser, he complimented one of his opponents, freshman Yale Cohen. "I was impressed by his wrist strength," Lehrman said. "[Penn coach] Dave [Micahnik] said, 'When you fenced, your wrist was that strong also.'" Lehrman was surprised that he was able to remember fencing techniques as well as he did on Saturday. "You don't forget, it is drilled in you," he said. "It becomes second nature. You watch [the Quakers] fence and you remember moves." Because the alumni turnout was not especially high -- eight former Quakers made the trip -- many current fencers had to compete against their own teammates. Sophomore Daniel Vincent won three of his four bouts on Saturday, losing only to captain David Liu. Though Vincent beat his alumni opponents, he believed their craftiness was a worthy test of his skills. "They're trickier [than the usual competition]," Vincent said. "They're not as fast but they have more tricks."