Fencing Preview:

Yeshiva University fencing is underway and begins its competitive season at Haverford Nov. 9th. Last season, the team continued its success in the Middle Atlantic Collegiate Fencing Association ("MACFA"), with several key victories, including one over Division I rivals, Lafayette. However, the coaching staff this season sees opportunities for improvement.

Pete Rosas, head coach of Yeshiva's fencing squad, admits that YU "beat the teams they were supposed to defeat" last season, but with a bit more practice, there is a chance of some underdog victories against "more impressive" schools.

"We brought in Coach Anthony Read last season for a reason", said Pete Rosas, "to create a more athletic and balanced team".

The addition of assistant coach Anthony Read has certain seen its dividends pay off, as he has been the reason for the resurgence of the foil team's success. But the changes on the team have not stopped there. Several members of last year's team have graduated, but a flock of freshman, sophomores and even juniors have taken their place. Although most have never even heard of fencing before arriving at YU, let alone seen a fencing match, the coaches have already began to mold these younglings, and hope in time they will have the ability to compete with the best of them. This has always been the strategy for Yeshiva Fencing, and has certainly been successful.

Speaking with veterans of the team, they too have only positive outlooks for the season. One member of the Epee squad, who wished to remain nameless, said "this year, our team will see a plethora of achievements, which will overshadow even last year's successes. The team, of late, has been training harder than ever and the new players have brought a needed breath of fresh air; it is inspiring not only to me but all the veterans on the team, coaches included".

This overtly positive outlook is needed for Yeshiva Athletics, especially the Fencing Team, for there has never been much support from the studentry of Yeshiva. Fortunately, this year Yeshiva will play host to a fencing match between our Yeshiva University Macabees and all-time rivals, Hunter College. Last year YU defeated Hunter in its yearly exhibition match, however, there is always competitiveness between the teams, especially since Ass. Coach Read is a former coach and alumnus of Hunter College. Hopefully, Yeshiva Students will bear witness to the fencing teams' prowess and fencing can become a sport, other than basketball, held in high regard at this institution.

In sum, the 2008/09 season looks promising for Yeshiva fencing. Morgan Barany (Hollywood, FL/Hillel) weapons leader of Sabre, Captain Barry Michael (Teaneck, NJ/Torah Academy of Bergen County) and others look to lead YU in a winning direction and continue the strong tradition of fencing at Yeshiva.