Eastern Wayne Today

Two athletes from Wayne State University have been chosen to participate in the 2024 NCAA Fencing Championships, according to an announcement by the NCAA. Sophomore Ludovica Mancini from Rome, Italy, will compete in the women's foil category, while junior Eyad Marouf from Alexandria, Egypt, will represent the men's team in sabre.

The selection of these two athletes is part of a larger group of 144 competitors announced by the NCAA Men's and Women's Fencing Committee. Wayne State is one of 27 institutions with representatives at this year's event. The university has consistently sent at least one competitor to the championships since 1947.

Marouf and Mancini both competed in last season's NCAA Championships held in Durham, North Carolina. Marouf finished 19th overall with a record of 6-15, while Mancini also placed 19th in her category with a score of 7-16.

Both athletes have shown strong performances this season. Marouf was named First Team All-CCFC by the Central Collegiate Fencing Conference and holds a record of 78-21 for the year. Mancini also achieved First Team All-CCFC status with a record of 66-28.

The NCAA Championships will feature individual events across six weapons categories: men's epee, men's foil, men's sabre, women's epee, women's foil, and women's sabre. The competition format includes round-robin five-touch bouts leading to semifinal and final rounds.

Teams earn points based on victories during round-robin competition. This year's championship will be hosted by Ohio State at French Field House in Columbus. The women's events are scheduled for March 21-22 and the men's events for March 23-24.

Wayne State participated in this year's CCFC Championships hosted by Ohio State as members of the league.