While their classmates are throwing back shots of tequila over spring break next week, eight Quakers will be taking their shot at college fencing's highest honor at the NCAA Championships in Columbus, Ohio, from March 13-16.
But according to coach Dave Micahnik, Penn's biggest challenge won't take place on the piste. It will be maintaining concentration and not being distracted by the grandeur of collegiate fencing's crowning event.
"You have to have faith in yourself - our fencers have a huge advantage because they don't have to face Penn," Michanik said.
Foil fencer and captain Jon Berkowsky made it to nationals by finishing fourth at last week's regional qualification.
This will be the senior's fourth and final trip to the championships. Last year, Berkowsky missed the gold by just one touch, losing in the finals, 13-12.
"He needs to get hot," Micahnik said. "Over the past four years he's established himself as one of the top foil fencer's we've ever had, if not the best."
Jon's younger brother, sophomore Ron Berkowsky, will accompany his sibling to the championships for the first time.
Injury forced the younger Berkowsky to watch from the sideline last year as his brother competed for first place. This year, the sophomore tore through competition with his saber on the way to an impressive 26-3 record that included a second-place finish at regionals.
Junior Matthew Kolasa will be the second Penn fencer vying for gold in the men's saber next week.
Ben Wieder will be Penn's only competitor in men's epee this year. His third-place finish at regionals assured him his second appearance at the Championships. The junior finished his season with a 22-10 record.
On the women's side of competition, freshman sensation Danielle Kamis placed second at regionals to claim her place in the national tournament. Kamis had a team-high 37 wins this season.
Sophomore Alexis Baran, who this year will make her second appearance at the national championships, has progressed throughout the season after a slow start. She will have momentum on her side coming off of a second-place finish at regionals.
"There's going to be a lot of people who don't know who she is . and she's going to whack them," Micahnik said.
If Micahnik is right, Baran might well walk out of there with a trophy. And that would taste sweeter than any margarita.
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