Wayne State University Athletics

When considering the development of the Wayne State fencing program from a club sport originally instituted by Hall of Fame member and the school's inaugural coach, Bela de Tuscan, to a national powerhouse, it becomes significant to examine the elements which helped the architectural genius of de Tuscan and later the "Maestro" Istvan Danosi. These elements include the early fencers who helped build a solid foundation and rich tradition through their success in the national fencing competitions and one of the most important of these fencers was Bela W. Szentivanyi. Receiving letters in 1960, 1962, and 1963, Szentivanyi became the first Wayne State fencer to win a national championship in the sabre event at the 1963 NCAA Fencing Championships. Commencing his fencing career at the age of 14 in his native homeland of Hungary, the young Szentivanyi received instruction from Danosi, one of the most revered fencing maestros in the country at that time. Danosi never forgot about the youngster's capabilities and potential, and he recruited Szentivanyi several years later to compete at Wayne State under his auspices. Following a first place finish in the foil competition at the 1960 Presidents' Athletic Conference Fencing Championships, Szentivanyi concluded his freshman campaign with a fourth place tie in the sabre event at the 1960 NCAA Fencing Championships. Although the type of weapon he would utilize in a particular competition was dictated by the strength of the opposition, Szentivanyi's versatility and strong fundamental skills allowed him to succeed in both the foil and sabre events. He served as co-captain of the 1962 contingent along with Nick Markakis, and sent an excellent example for his fellow fencers by notching a third place finish in the sabre competition at the 1962 NCAA Championships and consequently earning All-American laurels. His final year in a Wayne State uniform represented his finest hour, as he attained both an NCAA individual sabre title and All-American status in 1963 while serving in the capacity of captain for the second consecutive season as well. Szentivanyi posted a three-year sabre dual meet record of 75-14 and a 63-13 ledger for three years of NCAA Championship competition.