March 4, 2011
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – University of Notre Dame sophomore fencers James Kaull (Washington, D.C.) and Lian Osier (Battle Ground, Wash.) have been named to the 2011 U.S. Junior World Team, it was announced Thursday by USA Fencing. Kaull will represent the men’s epee team with Osier fencing for the women’s sabre squad. Incoming freshman Race Imboden also was named to the men’s foil team.
Kaull earned the bid to compete with the junior epee squad as a result of earning the most points (as of Feb. 19) to his national ranking. His 3,458 points are good for top honors by nearly 100 points.
He frequented the North American Cup circuit, earning his highest finish of sixth place at the NAC “B” event, while also placing 62nd at the NAC “A” tournament and 76th at the NAC “C” tournament.
Internationally, Kaull earned two top-10 finishes on the season, including a silver-medal result at the Vigor Challenge in Goteborg. He also placed eighth at the Young Lions World Cup in Helsinki.
Osier, much like Kaull, earned a spot with the women’s sabre team after topping the points chart in the most recent standings with 4,644 points. That total is nearly 700 points greater than second place.
Osier competed in two North American Cup events, claiming top-10 finishes at each. She captured the gold medal at the NAC “A” tournament while claiming ninth place at the NAC “C” event.
She has competed in three international events during this year’s circuit, claiming top-20 finishes at each of them, including earning the bronze at the World Cup held in Sosnowiec.
Imboden currently ranks second in the junior men’s foil point standings with 5,621, trailing only Alexander Massialas (5,877). Imboden competed in a total of four North American Cup events to-date, claiming a pair of runner-up finishes at the “A” tournament as well as the “B” tournament.
Internationally, Imboden has competed in four events, finishing in the top five at three of those tournaments, including winning the gold medal at the Eden Cup in London.
The 2011 Junior World Championships will take place March 29-April 6 at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre at the Dead Sea. All three Irish representatives will compete in both the individual and team events.
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