Dec. 17, 2007

FAIRFIELD, CT - Sacred Heart University men's fencing coach Dr. Tom Vrabel today announced the signing of three fencers to National Letters of Intent for the 2008-2009 season.

Leading the class is internationally-ranked and USFA "A" rated fencer Marty Williams. Williams, is a 5'8" saber specialist from Plainfield, NJ and St. Benedict's High School. He has earned numerous national and international medals, including a bronze medal at a Cadet World Cup Competition in Godollo, Hungary, a bronze medal at the 2007 US Junior National Championship and a 6th place medal at the 2007 US Division I US National Championship. Williams also earned a silver medal as a starter on the Westbrook Foundation saber team at the US Junior Team Championship in 2007.

His interscholastic accomplishments include being a three-time New Jersey Prep individual State champion where he had an amazing 91-6 record.

"Marty is the first fencer to enter our program at SHU with world class status" said Dr. Vrabel. "His success on the national and international scene will make him an instant contender for all-American honors. His quickness and athletic ability are exceptional. We look to Marty to immediately raise our saber squad to national prominence."

Joining Williams on the saber squad will be Henry Crocker from Kensington, MD and Einstein High School. Crocker, who is a 6' saberist, also has amassed a strong national record, including earning a seventh place medal in the US Cadet Junior Olympics Championship. A USFA "B" rated fencer, he fences out of the prestigious DC Fencer's Club.

"Henry is coming back into top competitive shape after suffering a knee injury last spring", said Dr. Vrabel. "I look for him to join Marty Williams as a strong one-two combination on our saber squad next year. With the development of converted foilists junior Jay Manzella and sophomore Chris Fabio and the emergence of freshman Mike DeRose, our saber squad will be the equal of any in the NEIFC and most in the NCAA."

Also joining the team is USFA "A" rated epeeist Nick Negron from Kingwood, TX and Kingwood High School. Negron, who is a 6'1" right hander, will be the first "A" rated epeeist ever to fence at Sacred Heart.

"Nick, who fences for the Knights of Trapani Fencing Club in Houston, TX has really come on this year ", said Dr. Vrabel.

Some of his accomplishments include a silver medal at the 2007 Cougar Call to Arms Tournament where he earned his "A" classification and a silver medal at the Crown of Texas Tournament last June. Negron, who has family ties to the Northeast, is looking forward to making an impact on the NCAA fencing scene.

"With Nick coming to join freshmen standout Sean McGeveran (25-6 record this season), Sacred Heart will have two epeeists that will be looking to qualify for the NCAA championships on a yearly basis", said Dr. Vrabel. "It is great that our team is attracting top rated fencers from around the nation. I believe that we are now well on our way to becoming a major force in Northeastern collegiate fencing".