Fencers Begin Season; Marion in 20th Year

The ringing sound of metal foil striking metal foil and the cries of "on guard" are echoing in the IAB, marking the beginning of the fencing season.

The foilers are under Coach Edo Marion, who is entering his 20th season at Harvard. "It sure doesn't feel like it's been 20 years. You see, fencing runs in four year cycles. You get a group of freshmen and follow them for four years until they graduate: then you start all over again. Although I've seen five cycles. I feel like I've been here only five years." Marion said yesterday.

The fencing team will be one of the first Harvard teams that will be able to take advantage of the new ruling allowing freshmen to participate in varsity sports.

"We lost three excellent fencers last year. We are also lacking the services of two fine sophomores this year who are both away on leave. I'm planning to bring up a few freshmen to the varsity," Marion said.

Geza Tattrallay, all-Ivy his sophomore year, is the captain and only returning senior on the team this year. "All the guys are very enthusiastic about the upcoming season. We'll be a young team this year, but I think this will make us all work harder. I'm expecting us to finish near the top this year," Tattrallay said.

Competition will begin here on Saturday. December 4. against Southeastern Massachusetts University. "We should do all right against the schools in this area." Marion said, "but in the Ivy League we face some of the best fencing in the nation," he added.