Western Wayne Today

The United States Fencing Coaches Association (USFCA) has announced the recipients of its 2024 All-Region awards. Three members from Wayne State University's fencing program have been recognized for the Midwest Region. The honorees include Eyad Marouf from Alexandria, Egypt, Ethan Leung from Hong Kong, and Ludovica Mancini from Rome, Lazio, Italy.

For the men's team, Marouf was named Second Team All-Midwest in the sabre category. Leung received Honorable Mention recognition in the foil. On the women's side, Mancini also earned an Honorable Mention in the foil.

The USFCA determines its All-Region awards based on results and field size at NCAA Regionals held across various regions: Mid-Atlantic/South, Midwest, Northeast, and West.

Marouf and Mancini were further acknowledged by being named All-CCFC by the Central Collegiate Fencing Conference for their respective weapons. Both athletes have been selected to compete at the NCAA Championships for a second consecutive season. Marouf is a junior with a record of 78-21 this season—the highest among both male and female members of his team. Meanwhile, sophomore Mancini has achieved a 66-28 record this campaign.

Leung made an impact as a freshman by securing Second Team All-CCFC honors in foil with a season record of 53-33 over six events.

During the NCAA Midwest Regional on March 9 at Wayne State Fieldhouse, all three fencers delivered commendable performances. Marouf finished third in men's sabre with a 10-6 record and a +16 touch differential among 18 competitors. Leung took sixth place in men's foil with a final tally of 5-4 and a +3 touch differential.

Mancini emerged as Wayne State's top female fencer at the regional event by securing fifth place in women's foil with a 10-6 ledger and +16 touch differential within her field of 17 participants.

Looking ahead to upcoming competitions, Marouf and Mancini will represent Wayne State University at this year's NCAA Championships hosted by Ohio State University at French Field House in Columbus, Ohio. Mancini is scheduled to compete on March 21 and March 22; Marouf will participate on March 23 and March 24.