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Wayne State University Athletics

TBTC Danosi

Men's Fencing Jeff Weiss, Senior Associate Director of Athletics/Media Relations

TURN BACK THE CLOCK - Fencing Maestro Istvan Danosi

As we continue our Turn Back the Clock feature, we will look back at some of the most significant events/people in Tartar/Warrior history.

In this segment of "Turn Back the Clock," we highlight fencing coach Istvan Danosi.

Danosi was the fencing coach from 1958 through 1982 who led WSU to national prominence.  He is the most successful coach in Michigan collegiate sports history, finishing his 24-year coaching reign with an unprecedented 283-59 record.  Under his guidance, WSU won five NCAA Fencing Championships in 1975, 1979, 1980, and both the men's and women's titles in 1982.

WSU finished in the top 10 in the nation 19 times while he was the men's coach, and along with the women's national title in its first year in 1982.

He produced 40 All-Americans and 14 National Champions, including three-time champions Greg Benko (foil) and Ernie Simon (foil), along with two-time champions Gil Pezza (epee) and Yuri Rabinovich (sabre).

Danosi was chairman of the U.S. Academy of Arms (National Fencing Coaches Association). He was also on the Accreditation Committee, and accredited the first women fencing master in the United States, Muriel Bower from San Fernando State College.

The Maestro came to WSU in 1957 after escaping his native country of Hungary.  He went out a champion, retiring at the conclusion of the 1982 season with two NCAA team titles.

Danosi was inducted into the United States Fencing Hall of Fame as well as the Wayne State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1985.
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