DETROIT --The date is almost here. All UDM fencers, be sure to be at Calihan Hall this Sunday for a day-long event of activities. The annual UDM Fencing Alumni Meet for both the men's and women's teams will be held at Calihan Hall on the campus of the University of Detroit Mercy set to include a special tribute to Detroit's 1972 NCAA Championship fencing team.
The event will start in the morning with registration for the alumni meet to start at 8:30 a.m. in the lower gym in Calihan Hall. Current Titan fencers will then have the chance to match-up with alumni fencers until 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow at 11:30 prior to the start of the men's basketball game at 1pm. During the game, all Titan fencers will be recognized and the lone Detroit team to capture an NCAA Championship title will also be honored.
The basketball game will feature the men's team hosting Green Bay on Dick Vitale Court at Calihan Hall. That game will be broadcast live on FOX Sports Detroit.
Detroit posted a 19-1 record in that historic 1972 season. Foilist Tyrone Simmons led Detroit with a 43-4 dual meet record on the season while Ken Blake finished the dual season at 46-6 in the sabre and Freddie Hooker went 33-11 in the epee.
In the 1972 NCAA Championships, Detroit held a slim 49-48 lead over Columbia following the first day of competition. On day two, Detroit fenced beautifully as Simmons went undefeated in the foil, scoring 115 touches to just 32. Hooker and Blake combined to post a 35-11 record in the epee and sabre. Detroit ended the competition with 73 points, three ahead of New York University and seven in front of Columbia.
Simmons ended up winning the foil competition, Blake took second in the sabre, and Hooker captured fourth in epee. In addition to being the first trio of African-Americans to win the fencing crown, all three members of the squad earned All-America honors.
Any questions on the event can be directed to Dennis Carlesso via phone 313.993-1915 or email at dennis.carlesso@udmercy.edu. An RSVP is encouraged and all Titan fencers, past and present, are welcome to attend.
