Fencers Set To Compete At Junior Olympics – Ohio State Buckeyes
2/15/2002 12:00:00 AM | Fencing
Feb. 15, 2002
Columbus, Ohio-Seven members of the Ohio State fencing team will compete at the United States Fencing Association’s Junior Olympic Fencing Championships which will be hosted at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in downtown Columbus, Ohio, February 15-18, 2002. More than 1000 of the nation’s best Under-20 and Under-17 fencers will compete in foil, pe and sabre. Buckeyes competing at the competition include Ricardo Jiminez (Fr., El Paso, Texas, men’s epee), Spencer Jones (Jr., Ft. Leonardwood, Mo., men’s epee), Brian Gross (Fr., Cleveland, Ohio, men’s epee), Hanna & Metta Thompson (Fr., Rochester, N.Y., women’s foil), Jenny Ando (Fr., Buffalo Grove, Ill., women’s sabre) and Craig Galanter (So., El Paso, Texas, men’s foil).
Last year’s event in Salt Lake City, Utah, drew 1003 fencers from 44 states including Alaska and Hawaii, plus families and coaches, to that city. An even larger turnout is expected this year, bringing as many as 4,000 visitors to the downtown Columbus area for the four-day weekend.
In addition to vying for the title of Junior Olympic Champion, fencers will try to earn spots on 2001 Junior and Cadet World Championship teams to compete in April in Antilya, Turkey. The JO competitions are the final domestic opportunity for fencers to earn points toward selection. Several foreign contingents are expected to compete, as well.
The public is invited to attend all events free of charge.
