Fencer duo heading for Junior Olympic tourney

By DARREN STEELE
Collegian Staff Writer

Her laugh turns to a look of aggression and he wears an expression of confidence, but these expressions disappear when a sea of black mesh drowns them. Their masks on, both Ola Korfanty and Aaron Stuewe raise their swords, the metal clangs, and the battle is on.

These are the emotions displayed by two of Penn State's most talented fencers -- emotions they will carry with them to Chattanooga, Tenn. this weekend for the 1999 Junior Olympic Fencing Tournament, which will last from Feb. 13-15. Penn State is a frequent visitor to the event, which invites fencers age 20 and younger.

Stuewe, a sophomore, will be making his seventh and final trip to the event. His best finish has been sixth, but he is looking to improve.

"I am pretty confident," Stuewe said. "I started this year out strong, went into a little slump, but now I feel confident."

Stuewe, a sabre specialist, carries a 34-4 record into the event and is ranked No. 23 in the nation.

"I think it is important for me to do my best,' he said. "Coming home a champion would be the icing on the cake. It would be a great way to finish out my year."

While Stuewe will be trying for his first overall championship, Korfanty, is looking to add to her collection. The Portland, Ore. native has come out on top three times in her four appearances at the Junior Olympics.

"It is kind of pressured, after winning it three times," Korfanty said.

Korfanty will enter the tournament with an impressive 51-5 record, but her three wins in four years have earned her just a No. 59 ranking -- a fact that didn't bother the epee handler.

"It really doesn't matter -- this is just like any tournament," Korfanty said. "You really want to do well."

Stuewe and Korfanty will make the trip to the tournament along with coach Emmanuil Kaidanov, who is looking for a good performance from both teammates.

"Ola is a three time winner of this," Kaidanov said. "It is very difficult to defend, but she is strong and can be one of the contenders. Aaron has a good chance of making the top three. He has a lot of experience."

Stuewe will enter the tournament virtually injury free, while Korfanty is trying to get over injuries that have plagued her. Along with bad knees, she admits her recent bout with an illness has left her without much energy.

Both are looking forward to the competition, which could have some of the best competition either have seen this season.

"Everybody is a little more stoked," said Stuewe. "Everyone will be fencing harder and faster."