The Penn State men's and women's fencing teams will officially open their 2001-2002 season as they travel to Philadelphia to participate in the Temple Open this weekend. The Nittany Lions and Lady Lions will be working toward the NCAA championship after finishing a close second last season to St. John's.

Head Coach Emmanuil Kaidanov, starting his 20th year as head coach of the Penn State fencing teams, will only be bringing underclassmen to this event.

The everyday starters for the Lions will not be participating.

The first tournament of the season will give the younger Nittany Lion fencers a chance to gain much needed experience.

The 22nd annual Temple Open will be a six-weapon event, which will consist of foil, epee, and sabre for both men and women.The Open will attract 20 undergraduate fencing programs from across the country.

Saturday will feature the women's events, starting with foil, and Sunday will feature the men.

The format for the meet will be the Brazilian method, which allows every fencer to compete in at least two rounds of fencing as well as a minimum of one direct elimination match.

— by Matt Finkelstein