Monday, Jan. 27, 1997

Fencer Lidow remains undefeated

By BRIAN COSTELLO
Collegian Sports Writer

If the first 25 days of 1997 are any indication, this could be an amazing year for Penn State sophomore fencer David Lidow.

". . . In the back of my mind, I kept thinking if I lose to Siek, we're done."

- David Lidow
Penn State fencer

Last weekend the Winnetka, Ill., native placed third in the junior foil division of the North American Circuit Championships in Louisville, Ky. This virtually secures him a place on the junior national team.

On Saturday, he followed that up by going undefeated in the 15 bouts he fenced, the only member of the Penn State team to do so. By doing this, he also kept his collegiate dual-meet record a perfect 41-0.

"Last year he was a substitute. He filled in for us," Lion coach Emmanuil Kaidanov said. "He finished with a perfect record and no one really took it seriously. This year he is first string and he continues to be undefeated. It looks like we have a formidable fencer in our midst."

Story: Fencers dominate Fighting Irish

Lidow's biggest test came in the biggest match of the day for Penn State. The men's foil team, of which Lidow is a member, was struggling. His teammates Gang Lu and Wes Waldron had both lost two bouts to Notre Dame, meaning the foil score was 4-4 when Lidow stepped on the strip for his final bout with three-time All-American Jeremy Siek.

"My coach was telling me not to worry about it," Lidow said, "but in the back of my mind, I kept thinking if I lose to Siek, we're done. Usually, though, pressure makes me fence stronger."

Indeed it does. Siek jumped out to an early lead, but Lidow battled back to win the bout and the foil competition for his team. Lidow and Siek are not strangers; the two have met twice before in national open competition, with Siek winning both.

"He's been getting better," Siek said. "I beat him twice before but this one just got away from me."

Lidow was the difference in the Lions' win over the Irish. Take away his three wins, and the Lions are going home losers. The sophomore has broken into the starting lineup this season, and it appears he will not be ready to relinquish that role anytime soon.

"I think it's fantastic," Waldron said. "He's doing really well. He's been training real hard, and it is paying off."

Now the question is how long can the winning streak last. Penn State has 10 more dual meets and is sure to face tough competition in all of them. On Feb. 22, the Lions face Pennsylvania, which if Lidow can remain undefeated until then, will be a true test. The Quakers' best foilsman is Cliff Bayer, a member of last year's Olympic team.

"I know for sure I'll lose a bout or two later in the season," Lidow said.

The pressure is on, but that is usually when Lidow is at his best.