Northwest Wayne News

The Wayne State University men's fencing team has announced the addition of five freshmen to its roster for the upcoming season. Under the guidance of second-year head coach Andy Tulleners, the new recruits aim to bolster the squad's performance.

The newcomers include epeeists Mahmoud Elsayed from Egypt and Lance Miller from Freeport, Michigan; foilists Kuba Oronowicz from Clarkston, Michigan, and Carlos Santos from Grand Rapids, Michigan; and sabreist Brendan Goeddeke from Sterling Heights, Michigan.

"We have a strong contingent of additions to our men's team this year," stated Tulleners. "We have a strong cadre of incoming fencers from the local Michigan fencing community and incoming international and Olympic experience being added to the squad. I am looking forward to seeing our first work with our veterans on the team as we go throughout season."

Mahmoud Elsayed brings international experience, having competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics for Egypt in men's team epee. He also finished 11th at the 2024 World Junior Championships in Saudi Arabia and placed third at the 2024 African Junior Championships.

Brendan Goeddeke is a graduate of Warren De La Salle and competed for Renaissance Fencing Club. He won multiple bouts across various competitions in 2023-24, including victories at Division III men's sabre at summer nationals.

Lance Miller graduated from Lowell High School and competed for Grand Rapids Fencing Academy. He earned notable placements in several regional competitions and received his A22 rating after finishing eighth at the 2022 Remenyik Open.

Kuba Oronowicz, a graduate of Clarkston High School, claimed first place in both the 2023 Senior Men's Foil for Michigan and the 2021 Senior Mixed Foil event hosted by Renaissance Fencing Club.

Carlos Santos graduated Magna Cum Laude from East Grand Rapids High School. He received USA Fencing All-Academic accolades and All-American recognition from 2020 through 2024. Santos was also part of the Philippines Men's Junior Foil Team.

The new additions are expected to bring significant talent and depth to Wayne State University's men's fencing program as they integrate with returning members throughout the season.