Merza captures second National Fencing title

BY NICK GANTAIFIS Sports Editor from Wayne Today Vol 42 No. 44 July 31. 2008

WAYNE — Wayne’s Celina Merza taptured her second National Fencing title earlier this month after claiming three medals at the Summer Nationals in San Jose, CA
The Wayne Hills sophomore earned gold medal honors in the Y14 Saber bracket and took seventh place in the 1317 and sixth in the U19.
Merza’s flrstplace finish in the• Y14 earned the 15-year old her second National Championship in as many years. In 2006, she claimed her first title in Atlanta, GA.
‘We are very pleased with Celin&s progress and every tournament she gains valuable experience:’ said Merza’s longtime club coach Mark Trudnos of the National Fencing Academy in Wayne. “She’s way ahead of her competition in her age group and her future looks extremely promising ’
The 10-day tournament in San Jose went from July 1-10 and included 96 individual and team events. It brought together the nation’s top girls apd boys fencers

in various age brackets and is one of the final national events before the fall season begins.
‘We’re starting to prepare Cellna for the World Championships scheduled for next April in England:’ said Trudnos. ‘She’s currently ranked number one in the country in Cadet and you must be in the top three to qualify for this event”
But before Merza books her flight to England, she ha a number of destinations on her itinerary that will keep her busy over the next eight months. In September she’s scheduled to travel to Poland for the World Cup and eventually Budapest, Hungary for the Junior U19 World Cup Tournament.
“Celina has already qualified for the Junior Olympics scheduled for this coming February in Albuquerque, New Mexico:’ said Trudnos , ‘We also have a few more stops in the United States over the next few inonth&’
Thidnos, who has a few more weeks remaining of his summer camps at the National Fencing Academy, also coaches Merza’s younger sister Sarah, who is currently the top-ranked 10-year old in the country.