Megan Vondrasek Strength & Conditioning Graduate Assistant (Fencing, Golf, Track & Field/Throwers) | Wayne State University Athletics Website
Megan Vondrasek Strength & Conditioning Graduate Assistant (Fencing, Golf, Track & Field/Throwers) | Wayne State University Athletics Website
The Wayne State University men's fencing program held its annual Danosi Open on January 11 at the Matthaei Building in Detroit. The event featured over 100 athletes, but no team scoring was recorded as it was an open competition.
In the Mixed Epee category, Shuayb Dinkins from Kissimmee, Florida, performed well with a 4-1 record in pool play and advanced to the Round of 32 ranked sixth. He reached the Final Four Round before being defeated by Arturo Rangel, who went on to win the event. Bryce Heim also showed strong performance with a perfect 5-0 record in pool play but lost to Dinkins in the Top Eight Round. Cameron King had success early on but was eliminated by runner-up Zachary Brooks. Lance Miller won his first elimination bout but was defeated by Rangel.
In Mixed Sabre, Zeyad Nofal and Eyad Marouf were standouts. Nofal went undefeated in pool play and continued his winning streak through to the Gold Medal Bout where he faced Marouf, defeating him 15-9. Marouf also excelled with a perfect pool play record and strong performances until meeting Nofal in the final. Hunter Battisfore made it to the Final Four before losing to Marouf, while Brendan Geoddeke was eliminated in the Round of 16.
For Mixed Foil, Ethan Leung progressed to the Final Four Round after a successful run that included defeating top-ranked Lucas Senic. However, Leung was eventually stopped by Luao Yang. Jakub Oronowicz won his first elimination bout but fell short against Kostiantyn Shevchenko. Sam Gneuhs advanced past his initial match but was later defeated by Maxon Edwards. Carlos Santos did not advance past his initial round due to an unplayed match against Jeremy Diepstra.
The Wayne State men's fencing team will next compete at the DeCicco Duals hosted by Notre Dame on January 25.