The 2010 Winter Games aren’t the only Olympics kicking off this weekend.
While Penn won’t be sending any student athletes to Vancouver, freshman Evan Prochniak will be the sole representative for the Penn fencing program at this year’s Junior Olympics.
Prochniak will head to Memphis, Tenn., where he will compete in the sabre events.
The freshman enters the tournament after an impressive season so far with the Quakers.
Prochniak finished first at his inaugural college match at the Temple Open Nov. 1. He has followed up the initial victory with solid performances throughout the season, boasting 19-2 record overall.
His international record is equally impressive. Prochniak traveled to Budapest in early January and finished sixth place at the World Junior Cup. He was one of two American men to earn a top six finish in their respective weapon.
In order to qualify for the USA Fencing Junior Olympics, competitors must rack up national points at qualifying tournaments. With 920 points, Prochniak is ranked 14th for the event.
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