Nittany Lion fencers get an unexpected break this weekend, but it doesn't mean they'll slack off.

Beginning with the week of January 22, the fencers (7-1) have added 30 minutes to their workout and magnified the intensity to another level.

Most of all, the change is a coach's dream. Team captains Charlotte Walker and Michael Takagi proposed the idea. No one has skipped out early on a practice since.

"The best part is that it wasn't dictated from above, but that we as a team made that choice," said epee fencer Stephanie Eim.

Epee fencer Brendan Baby echoed that sentiment. After winning NCAA title after title, one tends to take the victories as old hat. The team realized they can't always do that, Baby said.

"Took resolution for themselves," Coach Emmanuil Kaidanov said. "I'm pleased they're up to their words. I have to push them out the door. It's a good feeling."

Penn State had made an agreement with Brandeis over the summer about the meet on February 3-4. When officials contacted Brandeis to solidify the deal, the field was set and the Nittany Lions were left with few options.

Since travelling to New England for just one or two matches doesn't make much sense, the Lions opted to stay home and find other competition.

"Typically, people look to find something," Baby said. Just two weeks ago, the fencers had a break and Baby, among others, made plans to travel to the D.C. Open in our nation's capital. Instead, snow was forecasted for State College and the trip was a total bust.

Kaidanov expressed concern about the cancellation and its effects on seeding at NCAA regionals. Some fencers, like foil fencer Jon Charles, Wyatt Kasserman, Noah Jacobson, and Kristina Viviani will have winning percentages hovering around 50.

Just like in the NCAA basketball tourney the hot hand wins. Any or all of these four could cause waves at regionals.

Baby reflected upon the mental aspect of this weekend. "It's just a comfort factor," he said. "It takes away security."

However, Baby doesn't think the cancellation will affect qualifying.

Penn State recipe for success calls for qualifying the bar set at 12.

Champions are made in practice. This week's edition shows Stanford and St. John's that the Lions will not back down. Penn State still holds the title of National Champions.

"Practice has been outstanding," Kaidanov said. "There's so much enthusiasm and desire. The spirit is excellent."

"All of the team leaders have done what was necessary," Eim said. "But, that is not just practicing hard but also getting the entire team behind our great mission: winning our seventh consecutive NCAA title. It has made a tremendous difference. The entire team has grown closer and with the extended practice time, everyone works even harder."