July 11, 2008
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Three current or former Penn State fencers will represent their respective home countries at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Current Penn Stater Doris Willette (Lafayette, Calif.) and former Penn Staters Nonpatat Panchan (Bangkok, Thailand) and Adam Wiercioch (Gliwice, Poland) will all be in action later this summer.
Willette's sixth place finish at the 2008 World Championships helped earn her a spot on the foil team (she will not compete on an individual basis). As a true freshman last year (2006-07), Willette posted a stunning 33-0 record and blazed her way to the NCAA women's foil crown, all while leading Penn State to the team title that year. The fencing portion of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games will be held at the Fencing Hall in the National Convention Center on the Olympic Green from August 9-17.
Panchan was a two-time national champion for Penn State (in 2002 and 2003) and will compete for Thailand in the men's foil in Beijing. Panchan was a four-time All-American, having medaled in 2001 and 2005 as well as claiming his two titles. In four years with Penn State, Panchan went 116-19 in duals.
Wiercioch was also a four-time All-America for the Nittany Lions, earning the honors in 2001 (second), 2002 (fourth), 2003 (third) and 2004 (fifth). He will compete in the men's epee for Poland. Wiercioch left Penn State with a stellar 118-20 career dual meet record.