Coming off of a strong regular season, North Carolina will send five fencers to Columbus, Ohio, to compete at the NCAA Championships March 13-16.

Representing the men's team are senior epeeist Benton Heimsath, junior sabreist Bobby Ziechmann and freshman sabreist Kevin Ziechmann. Both Heimsath and Bobby Ziechmann have previously qualified for the championships, while Kevin Ziechmann qualified for the first time.

Representing the women's team are sophomore foilist May-Lynne Chen-Contino and sophomore sabreist Jennifer Sawicki. Both fencers also qualified last season for the NCAA Championships.

Qualification for the NCAA Championships is based on two figures - 60 percent is comprised of tournament results, while 40 percent comes from regular season results. Head Coach Ron Miller was pleased with his fencers' performances.

"Considering the psychological impact of our knowledge of our seed going into competition, the results of this year's competition are truly outstanding," Miller said. "The intensity and focus shown by our athletes was the highest I've seen in a regional championship, maybe ever."

North Carolina had six fencers named to the men's all-region team. Freshman sabreist Kevin Ziechmann was named to the first team. Senior sabreist Will Randolph and junior sabreist Bobby Ziechmann were named to the second team. Three epeeists were given honorable mention including seniors Benton Heimsath and Joe Pipkin and junior Benjamin Gellis.

Four Tar Heels were named to the women's all-region team. Sophomore sabreist Jennifer Sawicki and sophomore foilist May-Lynne Chen-Contino were named to the second team. Junior epeeist Christina Abruzzini and freshman foilist Kaitlin Williamson received honorable mention.

Despite competing as individuals, Miller saw a sense of team spirit in his fencers.

"The main thing about this year's competition was that it was truly a team result," Miller said. "I was very proud of the way they fought as individuals and the way they supported each other throughout the day as a team."

While the competition focuses on individual achievement, how each fencer performs determines his or her team's final NCAA ranking. Last season North Carolina finished in 13th place.

Brothers Bobby and Kevin Ziechmann will make the trip to Ohio together. Both are proud to represent the Tar Heels in Ohio.

"I'm looking forward to the competition," Bobby said, "but also to getting to go with my brother and getting a chance to represent the hard work the whole team has put in over the entire season."

Kevin sees the experience he will gain by participating in the championships as an opportunity that will help him for the rest of his time at North Carolina.

"I was glad to be able to qualify as a freshman," Kevin said. "It will be one of the strongest competitions I've fenced, and that's exciting in terms of pushing my game further."

Some fencers with prior experience in the NCAA Championships will build on what they learned in years past.

"I am really looking forward to improving my final standing at NCAA's this year," sophomore foilist May-Lynne Chen-Contino said. "Last year as a freshman I had no idea what to expect, and I knew I didn't fence my best due to anxiety. This year I will be more prepared."

The Tar Heels will face competition from around the country when they travel to Ohio, but they know they will be prepared.

"This is what we work towards all year," sophomore sabreist Jennifer Sawicki said. "Each hour of practice, every weekend spent traveling, and all of our effort culminates here. I feel privileged to be able to represent my team and UNC at NCAA's."