Rochester Institute of Technology Athletics

While fencing is no longer a varsity sport at RIT, it flourished during the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. During a brilliant fencing career, Ron Bambas compiled a 103-38 record while the team posted a 31-13 mark and won two North Atlantic Intercollegiate Conference championships. Even more impressive is the fact that Bambas was the Institute’s first All-American in any sport. As a junior in 1959-60, he set an example for all RIT athletes to follow. That year, Bambas placed sixth in the NCAA’s. As a freshman, Bambas recorded 14 wins. The Detroit, Mich., native came into his own the following year, compiling a 30-9 record. As a senior he won 21 straight matches en route to a 31-2 overall mark.