After winning last year's OUA Men's Fencing Championship, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's fencing team is set to compete for their ninth consecutive title at this year's provincial showcase scheduled for Mar. 1-2 in Kingston, Ont.

"Our program has been fortunate to achieve something special with eight consecutive OUA championships, but we know that past success doesn't guarantee future results," said Blues fencing head coach Thomas Nguyen. "We have a strong group of student-athletes who understand both the opportunity and responsibility that comes with our program's legacy."

Third-year fencer Mike Howard is set to appear in his third OUA Championship. He claimed first place in the men's foil last season. And this year Howard added a silver medal to his collection helping the Blues to a second place finish in the relay foil event at the RMC Team Invitational in November.

Antoher individual winner from a year ago, Seraphim Jarov will compete in his first OUA Championship with the Blues after winning the men's epee in 2023-24 as a member of the Waterloo Warriors. Jarov has had a busy season, competing in World Cup and Canada Cup events, along with OUA competition. A highlight of the season so far, the Vancouver, B.C., native earned a Top 8 spot at Canada Cup #1 at the beginning of this season.

"What's exciting is how the overall level of competition continues to rise across the OUA – it pushes everyone, including us, to keep evolving and improving," added Nguyen. "We look forward to earning our results through hard work and preparation, just as we have every other season."

Competition begins at the OUA Men's Fencing Champinship on the morning of Saturday, Mar. 1 with individual events. Team relays will then follow the next day to conclude the provincial championship and determine the overall winner.