When the Penn State fencing team traveled to Philadelphia last year for the Temple Open, it was focused on recapturing the NCAA championship. When the team travels to Temple this year, it will be focused on retaining the title.

The Nittany Lions' quest for their 10th championship in 14 years, and eighth in nine, begins this weekend.

With the losses of four-time All-Americans Daniel Langren and Stephanie Eim to graduation, the fencing team will be under younger leadership than in years past. In April, the men's and women's teams selected juniors Alex Weber and Jessica Clark as their respective captains.

Emmanuil Kaidanov, now entering his 21st season as the Penn State fencing coach, is used to getting his younger players in shape for the long championship haul, though. Last year, Kaidanov sent only his underclassmen to the Temple Open, and they responded well with both the men's and women's team turning in strong performances.

To start the season, Kaidanov will likely use the same philosophy to give the younger fencers a chance to gain some experience before the Lions enter the heart of their schedule.

-- By Thomas Bassinger