Bum shoulders shouldn't slash the Quakers' trophy hopes this Sunday as the team heads to Columbia for the Intercollegiate Fencing Association championship tournament.
Penn's men will have to overcome shoulder problems by Sunday if they hope to improve upon last year's third place team finish. The women have also had health problems, as an illness bug has bitten the squad.
"If one person is out we can still cover, but if two are three are out its going to be tough," coach Dave Micahnik said.
Men's epee is hardest hit by the injuries, but last year's individual third place, Ben Wieder, will likely compete.
"I think our top guys are going to be returning to top form," Micahnik said.
The men's foil will look to defend the event's most prestigious award Sunday, the Little Iron Man trophy - collegiate athletic's oldest honor.
"I won't say win, but we should be in the medals," Micahnik said.
Micahnik has reason to be confident as two of three fencers from last years championship team will be returning: captain Jonathan Berkowsky and Corey Purcell
The men's strongest squad, sabre, has its sights set on the gold this year after last year's second place finish.
"If they're sharp, they'll win it," Micahnik said.
The women's team will be eating a lot of chicken noodle soup over the next few days as they hope to recuperate from the flu in time for Sunday's Championship.
The epee will seek revenge Sunday for the embarrassing sweep they suffered at the hands of Columbia earlier this month.
"They're not nearly as bad as Columbia made them look," Micannik said.
The women's sabre will have to flunge - an attack that starts as a flesh and ends as a lunge - their way past the Jacobson sisters, who are on the U.S. National team. Last year, the Red and Blue finished second to Columbia.
Like their male counterparts, an unhealthy but strong women's foil team will look to defend their gold medal this year by returning two of three fencers from last year's squad.
"There's certainly the possibility to win the trophy again - if people are healthy," Micahnik said.
