University Park, Pa. — They are only a few weeks into their season, but the Penn State Fencers have already been given a reason to celebrate. One of their own, sophomore David Willette (Lafayette, Calif.), has been named the Junior World Cup Points Winner for the 2009-2010 season, for the Junior men’s foil.
The Federation Internationale d’Escrime will honor Willette and fellow U.S. fencer Courtney Hurley in Moscow, Russia on Dec. 5as part of this years FIE Conference. The FIE, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, is the international governing body for the Olympic sport of fencing.
"We are incredibly proud of both of Courtney and David, who are the first American fencers in their respective weapons to earn this honor," said Greg Dilworth, USA Fencing’s Executive Director.
In the six international tournaments in which he competed, Willette finished in the medals four times. He had victories at the Pan Am Junior Championships in Mexico and the Eden Cup in London, UK with a final point total of 184.
In addition to his international success, Willette placed second at the NCAA championships this past March and was named All-American in his first year of collegiate action for the Nittany Lions.
After a weekend off, Willette and the Nittany Lions will be back in action this Saturday and Sunday, Nov.6 -7, as they head to the Temple Open in Philadelphia.
