The Justice

Media Credit: David Sheppard-Brick Will Friedman '09 poses with his all-America trophy

After narrowly advancing through each round of the NCAA Northeast Regional Fencing Championship, foil Will Friedman '09 fenced to his full potential at last weekend's NCAA Fencing Championships.

In his third appearance after qualifying in 2006 and 2007, Friedman finished in seventh place out of 24 in the foil division, becoming the first Brandeis fencer to earn all-American status since Tim Morehouse '00.

"I came into this tournament more confident, knowing what I needed to do better than last year and the year before that," Friedman said. "I was not intimidated by any of the big name fencers or their schools. I didn't let my defeats or my victories get to me, and that's one of the keys to doing well in this kind of tournament."

Friedman's performance demonstrated his growth as a fencer since his rookie year, as he improved from his 22nd-place finish in 2006 and 23rd-place finish last season.

"In the past, [Friedman] had a tendency to underperform in national competitions, even though he has always been a good fencer," captain and foil Eugene Vortsman '08 said. "Over the past three years, he's set a larger goal for himself and has committed himself to competing for the team and his teammates."

Coach Bill Shipman said one key to Friedman's improvement is his disposition during bouts.

"[Friedman] doesn't find people to blame for his losses anymore," Shipman said. "He takes responsibility for his performances. He used to blame the referees and get distracted, saying 'This referee hates me,' but of course the referee never knew who he was."

In addition to being the Judges' top foil, Friedman is a member of two Brandeis' sketch comedy groups: Bad Grammer and The Floor is Lava.

"I just try to remind everyone that what it all comes down to is that [fencing] is just a bout," he said. "It doesn't actually affect your life."

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