The storied Penn State fencing program begins its quest for another national title this weekend at the White Building against five other schools.

After much success at individual competitions earlier this year, both the men's and women's teams are ready for their first taste of team competition at home against several teams from their region. The Nittany Lions go toe to toe with New York University, Rutgers, North Carolina, Princeton and Harvard at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

"Five meets in one day is a full load," Penn State fencing coach Emmanuil Kaidanov said. "Most of the teams are from our region. This is important for selection in NCAAs."

Kaidanov added that both teams have been hindered by injuries, women's epee being affected the most. Even with the injuries, both teams are optimistic.

Freshman foil Allison Glasser feels her team is very strong. Glasser is a little nervous about her first collegiate team meet, but feels very comfortable because of her teammates.

"As the season gets more intense, the more comfortable and trusting we are with each other," Glasser said. "Everyone is positive and motivated. I think it will be a very good weekend."

Sophomore epee Arthur Urman and the men's team are ready for another title run.

Urman said that the team is experienced and pretty well prepared for the competition.

"We've been practicing hard. We had good results in early tournaments, and we feel very confident," Urman said. "I just can't wait for this weekend."

Urman has already made some noise for himself this year, winning gold at the Garret Open, but he looks to continue his early progress and make an impact for his team tomorrow.

Notes

If walls could talk in the White Building, they would tell the story of the success and tradition that is Penn State fencing. In fact, they do. Covering the walls in the Lions practice facility are pictures of past champions, Olympians, and various pieces of equipment.

However, this past week the walls were bare. According to Glasser the team decided to repaint the room over Thanksgiving break. While some students were at home making turkey sandwiches, members of the fencing team were back at school painting.

"It's more for us [now] ... They let us do it so we did," Glasser said.

In a busy November, Penn State signed the No. 13 women's junior epee in the world, Keri Byerts of Webster, N.Y. The team also added Victor Svatenko as an assistant coach.