Schiller Named Midwest Fencing Conference Coach of the Year

March 9, 2010

EVANSTON, Ill. -- In what has proven to be a memorable year for head coach Laurie Schiller and the Northwestern fencing program, one more accolade has been added to the list. Schiller was voted the Midwest Fencing Conference's Coach of the Year, marking the sixth time he has received the honor.

"I am very honored that the Midwest Fencing Conference has voted me as the Conference Coach of the Year," said Schiller. "To be recognized by my peers just adds to the incredible achievements of this season."

The distinction, which was voted on by the other conference coaches, comes on the heels on what has proven to be one of the top seasons in Northwestern fencing history. The third-ranked Wildcats set a new program record with 45 dual meet victories on the year, including Schiller's historic 1,000th win against fourth-ranked Columbia on Jan. 23.

Northwestern finished third in the Midwest Fencing Conference Championships this past weekend in South Bend, marking the 17th-consecutive year the Wildcats have placed among the conference's top-three. Schiller also helped guide freshman Alicia Gurrieri to the gold medal in the women's sabre, marking the ninth individual conference champion during his tenure in Evanston. 16 Wildcats received All-Midwest Fencing Conference honors, including three named to the first-team.

Schiller, in his 32nd season at the helm of the Wildcats, was also named the conference's Coach of the Year in 1998, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2008 and is also a two-time USFCA Collegiate Coach of the Year. He boasts an overall career record of 1,034-416 (.713) and has guided Northwestern to six-straight seasons of 30 or more victories.

Northwestern will have the opportunity to fence at home one last time this season as the Wildcats will serve as the host of the 2010 NCAA Midwest Regionals this weekend at the Sports and Aquatic Center. The women's competition will be held Saturday, March 13, beginning at 10 a.m., with men's competition getting underway at 9 a.m. on Sunday, March 14.

2010 Midwest Fencing Conference Coach of the Year
Laurie Schiller - Northwestern

2010 Midwest Fencing All-Conference Selections

First Team
Kayley French - Epée
Alicia Gurrieri - Sabre
Dayana Sarkisova - Foil

Second Team
Karalina Collins - Epée
Christa French - Epée
Sarah Henning - Epée
Devynn Patterson - Foil
Camille Provencal - Foil
Nicole Tilley - Epée
Whitney White - Sabre