http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive...dsports-09.asp

By Thomas Bassinger
Collegian Staff Writer
Holding nine of the 13 combined team titles ever won in the history of the NCAA, they are the New York Yankees of fencing.

But how can you win the championship seven of the past eight seasons and not be the favorite? You lose two four-time All-Americans to graduation. Gone this year from the Penn State fencing team is Daniel Landgren, NCAA epee champion in 2000, and Stephanie Eim, last season's national runner-up in the women's epee.

Though Penn State is the defending champion, that it is not the favorite gives the Lions the opportunity to sneak up on its opponents this season.

"We are not favorites, but that is good," Penn State fencing coach Emmanuil Kaidanov said. "For a couple years when we were favorites everybody was trying to take a bite out of us."

Despite the losses of Landgren and Eim, a strong and youthful returning squad will put Penn State in the thick of the championship hunt.

Captain Alex Weber and junior Nonpatat Panchan will lead the men's fencing team into the 2002-2003 season. Weber, a mature and motivated fencer, was a key component of Penn State's championship run last year as he was almost unbeatable, posting a 20-1 dual meet mark. A top national competitor, Weber finished fourth in nationals last year, earning All-American accolades, and won the Bronze Medal at the 2003 World Championships for Germany over the summer. With a younger team this year, Kaidanov hopes that Weber's teammates follow his example of leadership and determination.

"Alex is an extremely modest, hardworking guy, who takes everything very seriously," Kaidanov said. "He is probably the most reliable person on the team today. He is leading mostly by example."

Panchan, who claimed the individual national title in the foil last season, will also be a critical part of the fencing team's success this season. Panchan, however, will miss the opening of Penn State's season as he tries to earn a spot for the Olympics in his native Thailand. Panchan will return to defend his title in the spring.

On the women's side, it won't be easy to replace Eim. Senior Jessica Clark, who went 15-5 last year and has a 21-9 career record in the saber, will assume the captain responsibilities for the 2002-2003 season. Though he acknowledges that a player like Eim can't be replaced, Kaidanov is confident that Clark, a two-year letter winner, will be able to lead the team.

"Jessica is the soul of the team," Kaidanov said. "She has a passion for the team. She is the one player on the team that is like glue and keeps everyone together."

The epee may very well be the women's team's strength again this season as it was last season. Led by All-American Jessica Burke, who posted a 37-7 record last season and placed fifth at nationals, the epee will be one of the Lions' most dangerous weapons.

With All-American Heather Brosnan and honorable mention All-American Marta Grochal, the sabre and the foil also figure to be strong events.

Though the team is loaded with All-Americans, Kaidanov remains cautious when considering repeating. Notre Dame and perennial contender St. John's, the team that knocked off Penn State for the championship in 2001, are major blips on the championship radar screen.

"Our chances?" Kaidanov said. "One thing I can tell you is that we're going to fight like hell."