Laurie Schiller (Fencing Coach, 1978-2016)
Laurie Schiller is not only the most successful fencing coach in Northwestern history, but he is one of the most successful coaches that the sport has ever seen. With a final record of 1,261-459 (.733), Schiller has more wins than all but one other coach in the sport's history. Schiller was the second head coach in the sport to reach 1,000 wins in a career, and he guided the Wildcats to 17-consecutive top-10 finishes at the NCAA Championships to finish his 38-year career at NU.
In conference competition, Schiller's teams garnered 35 top-three finishes and four Midwest Fencing Conference team championships, including one in his final season of 2015-16. His fencers also earned 14 MFC team weapon titles and 13 individual championships.
Schiller is a two-time National Coach of the Year and 11-time Midwest Fencing Conference Coach of the Year. He coached his student-athletes to 34 All-America honors over his storied tenure.
Prior to 1994-95 when Northwestern's men's fencing team was moved to club status, Schiller coached both the men's and women's squads. In addition to his coaching duties, Schiller has taught history at Northwestern. He has a book published by the Blue and Gray Education Society on the evolution of the Federal cavalry tactics in the Civil War.
In conference competition, Schiller's teams garnered 35 top-three finishes and four Midwest Fencing Conference team championships, including one in his final season of 2015-16. His fencers also earned 14 MFC team weapon titles and 13 individual championships.
Schiller is a two-time National Coach of the Year and 11-time Midwest Fencing Conference Coach of the Year. He coached his student-athletes to 34 All-America honors over his storied tenure.
Prior to 1994-95 when Northwestern's men's fencing team was moved to club status, Schiller coached both the men's and women's squads. In addition to his coaching duties, Schiller has taught history at Northwestern. He has a book published by the Blue and Gray Education Society on the evolution of the Federal cavalry tactics in the Civil War.
