Fencing teams ready for national tourney

Led by Emmanuil Kaidanov, 12 members of the Penn State men's and women's fencing teams are heading to the 2007 NCAA Fencing Championships, hosted by Drew University in Madison, N.J. this week to compete for their tenth national crown. The four day event runs Thursday-Sunday, March 22-25. Penn State is sending the maximum of 12 participants who will compete in a pool of 144 fencers.

Leading the men is freshman Nick Chinman (26-7). Joining Chinman in men's foil is junior Jeffrey Chang (46-13).

In men's epee, freshman Steffan Launer brings a record of 35-9 with him to nationals. Junior captain Arthur Urman (34-4) will join Launer. This will be Urman's third trip to nationals.

Junior Franz Boghicev (27-3) will be representing the Nittany Lion men in the saber division. Joining him will be senior Ian Farr (40-11).

On the women's side, leading the charge will be freshman Doris Willette (33-0). Joining her in women's foil is senior Tamara Najm (39-6).

In saber, the women will be represented by senior captain Sophia Hiss (37-5). Sophomore Caitlin Thompson (27-3) also qualified for nationals.

Freshman Anastasia Ferdman (53-9) will be leading the women's side in epee. Joining her will be senior Case Szarwark (45-4).

The Nittany Lions have won nine national titles under Kaidanov, including six straight and a seventh in a span of eight years. In the 2007 USFCA College Fencing Coaches' Poll, both the men's and women's teams were ranked first.