The Detroit Titans men's fencing team opened the 2008-09 season with a solid showing at the Istvan Danosi Michigan Open held Saturday afternoon at Matthaei Building on the campus of Wayne State University. Senior Craig Budzynski (Grand Rapids, MI/Forest Hills) led the way for Detroit, claiming the individual foil title for the fourth consecutive year.

Freshman Mike Purdy-Sachs (Port Huron, MI/Home School) had a great effort in his first collegiate open, finishing second after falling to Budzynski in the title bout. For their efforts, Budzynski and Purdy-Sachs earned an A08 and B08 rating, respectively.

Fencers can earn an A though E rating (with A being the highest) based upon the size competition and their individual finish. The “08” represents the year in which the rating was earned.

Sophomore Brad Coon (Jenison, MI/Hudsonville) also finished fourth in the field of 16, just missing medal honors after falling to Tim Mullgan of Michigan State in the third-place match.

In the sabre competition, junior Doug Sollman (Sterling Heights, MI/Stevenson) claimed third place honors after defeating Stephen Patrias of the University of Chicago.

Sophomores Michael Danelia (Moscow, Russia/West Bloomfield) and Tom Lorenzo (Avon, OH/St. Ignatius) placed 11th and 12th, respectively.

“I am extremely proud of all of our fencers especially the medal winners and look forward to a very promising season,” said head coach Todd Dressell. ”I am especially pleased with our men's foil squad with my highest praise going to Craig Budzynski who is unbeaten in this competition over the last four years. What a great way to start his senior season.”

Also competing in their collegiate match were junior Dan Bingham (St. Clair Shores, MI/Fraser (Calvin College) and freshman Elliott Trombley (Pleasant Ridge, MI/Ferndale), who both fenced unattached, placed 15th and 19th respectively in the Epee event. Freshman Colin Scott (Spruce, MI/Alcona) also finished 20th.

The team will travel to Colorado Springs, CO for the United States Fencing Association (USFA) North American Cup "C" Div. I competition held Dec. 12-14. This event is a non-NCAA event.