Oct. 28, 2005

By Wojciech Dudek
WSU Sports Information Student Assistant

With high expectations WSU fencers head into new season

The Wayne State University fencing teams head into the 2005-2006 campaign with new faces on the roster. After losing All-American fencers Anna Vinnikov and Wojciech Dudek, Warriors' head coach Jerzy Radz added international talents to the squad.

While trying to fill the gap after Vinnikov and Dudek completed their eligibility, newcomers Kasia Kuzniak and Justyna Konczalska are going to give a competitive edge to the Warriors. However, absolute leadership of the team belongs to veterans Anna Garina (two-time NCAA Champion, 2004-05) and Marek Petraszek (NCAA 2004 All-American, 2005 national runner-up).

There are also other new members on the team that are inexperienced but will try to rise to the high expectations of the WSU Athletic Department. Radz is used to molding inexperience with veteran talent and this year will not be any different. With a mix of talent and fresh blood, the Warrior fencers are expected to compete successfully on the national level.

Epee

After a very successful 2004-05 season, high expectations are placed on returning junior Marek Petraszek (NCAA 2005 Runner-up). This season, after graduation of the 2005 NCAA Champion Michal Sobieraj (Notre Dame), Petraszek is a favorite to win the gold. He will be only fencer of the men's epee squad with experience. Petraszek will be supported by returning sophomore Steve Znoy who finished 24th at the 2005 Midwest Fencing Conference Championships and newcomer Matt Crist.

The women's epee squad lost much-needed All-America Anna Vinnikov who brought experience and talent to the Warrior fencing program. Newcomer Justyna Konczalska is expected to fill the gap left by Vinnikov. Konczalska has been a member of the Austrian National Team since 2001. She is the 2003 Senior Austrian National Champion both individually and with her team. In addition, returning two-time NCAA Champion Anna Garina will try to three-peat. Third place in the team belongs to sophomore Alyse Schneider who finished tied-for-13th at the 2005 Midwest Fencing Conference Championship. Newcomer Alexandra Hess will try to earn enough experience to compete for a roster spot.

The epee team is looking very competitive this season. According to Radz, the epee team is "suppose to lead our team to success."

Sabre

In the men's sabre, Bobby Smith, Ryan Ferrante and Jarry Vega return after having solid seasons a year ago. Smith missed the 2005 NCAA cut by only one place. This year, Smith seems more confident and will certainly compete for a place at the 2006 NCAA Championships. Ferrante, who went 4-12 at the Midwest Fencing Regional, is going to give much-needed support for Smith. Newcomer Marshall McClendon shows fine technique and determination during practices. Vega and McClendon will compete for third spot on the sabre team.

The women's sabre is going to be led by freshman Kasia Kuzniak. A native of Poland, Kuzniak has been a member of Polish National Team since 2000. Throughout her fencing career, Kuzniak earned a bronze medal on Senior European Championships, a bronze medal on Junior World Championships and a silver medal on Junior European Championships. Other members of the sabre team expected to contribute are Alicia and Jozefa Chmielewski, and freshman Larissa Leffingwell, who will try to earn the third spot on the team.

Foil

Both men's and women's foil teams look very solid. Returning team captains Lindsey Howard and Joseph Langdorf should lead the Warriors again this year. Langdorf will be supported by Anthony Tejada, Adam Whitford and newcomer Michal Brichacek. In women's foil, competition for two remaining starting positions is unsettled. Stacy Otremba, Erin Stranyak, MaryBeth Ketko, Adela Perez and Lai Yee Leung are competing for these two spots.

The next competition for the WSU fencing teams will be Nov. 19-20 at the Northwestern Dual meets. Wayne State hosts the Istvan Danosi Michigan Open at the Matthaei Athletics Complex on Saturday, Dec. 3.