Three Lion fencers heading west to participate in Junior Olympics

They aren't going to Nagano. Not for these Olympics, anyway.

But for a trio of Penn State's youngest fencers, this weekend's Junior Olympics in Oakland, Calif., will provide some of the strongest competition they've seen all season.

The Junior Olympics is an individual tournament that brings together the nation's strongest fencers, not just on the collegiate level, but from fencing clubs as well. The competition begins at 8 a.m. today and lasts until Monday.

Penn State sophomore Ola Korfanty, a two-time Junior Olympic winner, will compete again this year in women's epee. Joining her from the Lion squad will be freshmen men's sabre fencers Michael Takagki and Aaron Steuwe. Coach Emmanuil Kaidanov hopes the trio can gain some valuable experience against tough competition.

"(This competition) can add experience which can keep (the fencers) in good shape," Kaidanov said. "Next week, when we fence Columbia, St. John's, Penn, Cornell and Temple, it will be good for them to be in good shape."

Run by the United States Fencing Association, the Junior Olympics contribute to the selection of fencers for the Junior/Cadet World Fencing Championships, which will be held in Venezuela in April. A fencer's performance in this competition also goes a long way in deciding the members of the Under-20 U.S. Fencing Team.

The fencers can use the trip to California to make a statement, and that's what Steuwe is hoping for. The Rochester, N.Y., native wants the Junior Olympics to be his proving ground in a season full of change.

"I think I've been doing well, even though it has been a new year," said Steuwe, who will be competing in his fifth Junior Olympics. "I have a new coach and I'm learning a new style. At Penn State, there is a lot more people to bout with and a lot more team support."

Steuwe said he's going into the competition hoping for a strong finish in sabre while he attempts to integrate new techniques he's learned this season into his fencing style.

"I just want to get a lot of bouting in and just do my best," Steuwe said. "A top-12 finish would be satisfactory. But hopefully I'll finish in the top eight."

Kaidanov isn't forecasting a disappointing showing from his fencers, either.

Despite injuries that have plagued Takagi, Kaidanov expects his fencers to take big steps to improve their overall rankings.

"Korfanty is ranked high and has a remote chance to make it," Kaidanov said. "I think they will all do well."

And even if he doesn't bring home an individual victory, Steuwe knows the experience he gains against some of the nation's most elite fencers will go a long way as the season progresses.

"It helps a tremendous amount," Steuwe said. "It prepares us for a higher level of competition. You learn something new in every big tournament, even in losses. It helps you finds your weaknesses."