Fencer falls from first

By Sheila Gifford

For the second year in a row Karen Parsons’ first place ranking heading into the Ontario University Athletics championships only meant more disappointment at the end.

Parsons was Ryerson’s best chance at a fencing medal. She went into the finals ranked first in the OUA but finished fifth in individual women’s foil.

“It was a bit disappointing. I know I could have done better,” Parsons said.

Parsons had expected to drop her number one ranking, with tough competitors from the OUA East, Carleton, Western and Ottawa, at the fencing finals.

Last year Parsons entered the OUA finals in first place but finished a disappointing seventh.

While Parsons’ results were disappointing, men’s fencer Mike Peros provided the team with surprise and frustration. Peros finished tied for third in men’s sabre. Unfortunately all tie-breaking factors were also even and so third place was decided by the flip of a coin. Peros lost and had to settle for fourth. Lucky for Canada the two-men boblsed was not decided the same way.

Simon Racioppa, the only men’s individual foil entrant, finished in 11th place, two spots better than last year.