Last year at this time, Penn State fencer Daniel Landgren stood on top of the world. He was the epee national champion on a team that was the six-time defending national champions.

This year, on the eve of NCAA fencing championships, Landgren vies to defend his coveted gold medal.

Be assured, Landgren will stretch and warm-up listening to his blue Sony MiniDisc — Landgren's trademark. The junior epee fencer places himself in a cocoon with his tunes.

"A normal CD skips too much," Landgren said. "Which isn't good during my warm-up."

The purpose of the music keeps the junior epee fencer on an even level. No outside distractions creep in and disrupt his preparation.

"I use it mainly to alienate me from all the noise that is going on around me," Landgren said. "It also helps me to stay focused on my bouts."

What will keep Landgren moving in a positive direction at NCAAs during March 22-25 at Wisconsin-Parkside doesn't involve fencing — academic success perpetuates solid fencing.

"If I perform in class and get good grades, then I get positive, I smile, and I have fun," Landgren said. "That attitude transfers to other parts of my life — fencing for instance."

Landgren finished the season with a solid record of 22-3. During regionals, Landgren qualified in the second spot.

The masked man who Landgren finished behind? Teammate Adam Wiercioch.

"Adam is a great guy," Landgren said. "I think the best athlete should win the title. When we fence it will be a tough bout to win. If I win against him, it will boost my confidence because I know he is one of the top competitors for the gold medal."

However, Landgren has "danced" before at NCAAs and the junior is dialed in on another title. The current men's team captain firmly believes that Landgren has the tools to take the helm next season.

"It's a fantastic choice (for captain)," Mike Takagi said. "He has a good rapport with the rest of the team. He's very diplomatic in his dealings with coach (Emmanuil Kaidanov). We all like him. He'd be a wonderful choice."

Compassion tops the list of Landgren's best leadership qualities. The junior could just as easily stay focused about his title defense, but he just can't forget that another Lions fencer should be defending her title as well — Jessie Burke.

"Jessie is like the sunshine after a rainy day," Landgren said. "She is always very positive and I like that about her. But, some things are more important than winning a new title and personal health is one of those things."

Those leadership qualities, an asset to this year's Lions squad, could give the junior from Bjuv, Sweden the edge

One must also not forget Landgren's intensity.

"He is very intense when it comes to practice," Stephanie Eim said.

"Sometimes, even too intense for me. But, he gets to where he wants, so I guess that's good."

Landgren's intense focus merely scratches the surface.

"I try not to be too intensed," Landgren said. "If that happens it is easy to loose control and be emotional in a negative way. I want control and intensity to be on equilibrium. That's when I feel that I am fencing well."

That blue Sony MiniDisc may work overtime in the next few days. Landgren has all his tunes plotted out in advance.

"I listen to music from my home country — Sweden," Landgren said. "Mainly intense heavy metal. It's very uncomplicated and straightforward. No fuss. I might also bring a disc with Irish songs. I kind of like the fiddles."

Will his compact discs lead to another title?

"I always try to keep in mind when I fence that it's the last touch that counts," Landgren said.

"If you get the last touch, you win. If you get the first four ones and not the last, you lose. I will give all I have until the last touch is rewarded."