In what seemed like the final moments of the United States Under-19 Men's Foil Championship in Sacramento, Calif., Penn sophomore Ron Berkowsky trailed opponent Andras Horanyi 14-11.
One false step, though, brought Berkowky's arm to Horanyi's head in an accidental collision. "I had never done anything like that in a bout," Berkowsky said about the accident. "It was ... different."
"I'm not sure if he was in pain or he was angry, but his fencing got much sloppier after that."
While his opponent seemed to suffer from the collision, Berkowsky emerged even stronger and more determined than before. Point by point he reclaimed the lead, finally defeating Horanyi, ranked first in the U.S. in Junior Men's Foil, 15-14.
With this summer's win in Sacramento, Berkowsky not only captured the gold, but also earned a ranking of fifth in the country. As he moves up in the ranks of national fencing, Berkowsky has also entered the scene as a competitor for the United States team at the World Junior Championships in 2006.
The sophomore's victory comes as no surprise to Penn men's fencing coach Dave Micahnik, who enjoyed watching Berkowsky compete and improve throughout his freshman season.
"He had a heck of a good spring. He was on a tremendous up-curve," said Micahnik, who also credits assistant coach Iosif Vitebskiy with much of Berkowsky's conditioning and training.
As a starting freshman, Berkowsky displayed promise as he captured title after title, leaving teammates and coaches alike stunned.
After winning the gold medal in the Individual Men's Foil of the Intercollegiate Fencing Association Championship, Berkowsky once again struck gold in the Mid-Atlantic/South Regional Tournament.
He placed third in the medal round at the NCAA Championship in Houston and won the round robin of 24. The U.S. Fencing Coaches Associated acknowledged this string of impressive titles by awarding Berkowsky first-team All-America honors.
As a freshman on the Penn team, Berkowsky grew accustomed to facing upperclassmen in his matches. At the under-19 competition, however, the sophomore tackled the members of his own age group or even younger.
"A lot of people that I fenced at the competition aren't in college yet," Berkowsky said.
Even so, Berkowsky is geared up to take on the collegiate competition this winter, a national title now under his belt.
"The biggest effect that [the national championship] has had is that it is a big motivator," Berkowsky said. "It has gotten me really pumped for this season ‹¨« I'm ready to go for the gold at this upcoming NCAA Tournament."
Micahnik points to Berkowsky's work ethic and drive as explanation for his early successes, even describing him as "soft-spoken."
"If you meet him you don't think he is a ferocious person but he certainly does well in a combat sport."
Specifically, Micahnik points to Berkowsky's "incredible desire and work ethic. He's already the best and he's working the hardest. There is no complacency. I guess that is why he's the best."
