Men's fencing coach David Micahnik isn't losing any sleep over the May graduation of four-time first-team All-American Ron Berkowsky.
Instead, he's comforted by the the return of two former All-Americans, juniors Jon Berkowsky - Ron's brother - and Andrew Bielen, who will provide the team with a boost of energy and some continuity.
"We're going to be good," Micahnik said. "We've got a lot of people back, but the question is how that stacks up with other teams."
The Quakers, who finished second in the Ivy League last year, will be challenged most by their conference brethren. Columbia and Harvard finished third and sixth, respectively, at the NCAA tournament last season, while Princeton was three spots behind No. 7 Penn.
The Lions have been a major hurdle in the past, and things won't be any easier this seasons, as they return junior Kurt Getz, one of the top foilists in the nation.
Penn will likely be at a disadvantage at that weapon, as it is stacked with freshmen and missing Ron Berkowsky.
"On the foil, [freshmen] are going to be very important," Micahnik said. "My guess is that three are going to probably travel with the team."
Micahnik added that he expects Alex Simmons to be a crucial part of class of 2012.
At the very least, the men's foil team will be backed by a strong sabre squad that returns Berkowsky, Bielen and senior Matthew Kolasa, who won all-Ivy honors (and who is also a photographer for The Daily Pennsylvanian). They combined for a stellar 77-16 record last season.
Micahnik expects their dominance to continue, and he knows that they make up the backbone of his squad.
And for the younger Berkowsky, finishing atop the Ancient Eight would be a feat on par with earning All-American honors.
"I would like to go to the NCAA championships and get an All-American," he said, "but to win the Ivy League championship would be another great gain that we weren't able to accomplish last year."
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.