CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cleveland State fencing team announced its incoming class for the 2026-27 campaign, welcoming nine newcomers for next season.
REILLY JONES | EPEE | WELLINGTON, OHIO
Jones comes to Cleveland State following a standout junior career that included an Ohio High School State Epee Championship. In addition, Jones was a two-time bronze medalist at the state tournament and a two-time Region 2 Epee Points Medalist. Jones combined for over 500 victories during high school, earning more than 40 medals during the span.
On the national stage, Jones has been ranked as high as No. 46 on the US Junior Men's Points List and the US Men's Divion I Points List, while recorded seven top-40 finishes at NAC and Junior Olympic events. In 2023, Jones placed sixth in DIV3 Men's Epee at the 2023 Summer Nationals.
Academically, Jones plans to pursue a degree in biology/pre-dentistry, and was a member of the National Honor Society as a four-time Academic Award honoree in high school.
Jones on Why Cleveland State: "The people at CSU were friendly and welcoming. The fencing facilities are amazing and so are the dorms. CSU provides excellent networking opportunities that will help me to build a future orthodontics practice in Northeast Ohio."
STELIANA STRUGAR | FOIL | ALOHA, OREGON
Strugar comes to Cleveland State after competing with Northwest Fencing Center during her junior career. During her time as a junior, Strugar was a Division 2 USA Fencing National Champion, capturing the women's foil title in 2024.
In the classroom, Strugar plans on pursuing a degree in health sciences, pre-med, neuroscience, after being an Honor Student in high school and a recipient of the National Technical Honors Society.
Strugar on Why Cleveland State: "CSU's Academic rigor, preparation and mentorship. The chance to compete in NCAA Fencing with the athletic coaching and support. And of course the chance to be with my brother
Marcus Strugar who is also on the CSU fencing team."
NIGEL COPELAND | EPEE/FOIL | FAIRVIEW PARK, OHIO
Copeland comes to Cleveland State after competing in both epee and foil during his junior career. This March, Copeland recorded a pair of top-50 finishes at the NAC, placing 41
st in Division II Men's Epee and 48
th in Division II Men's Foil.
Academically, Copeland was a member of the National Honors Society, and plans on majoring in math education.
Copeland on Why Cleveland State: "Attending Cleveland State allows me the unique opportunity to be able to stay at home, earn my degree and fence at the NCAA level."
WILLIAM MCDOWELL | EPEE | WALES, WISCONSIN
McDowell joins the Vikings after competing for Ataba Fencing Club during his junior career. Throughout his time in the junior ranks, McDowell posted a top-64 finish in Junior Men's Epee at the NAC tournament.
In the classroom, McDowell will be part of the CSU Honors College, while pursuing a degree in biology.
McDowell on Why Cleveland State: "Cleveland state provides generous academic scholarships, the campus is modern and easy to navigate, it's very close to the Cleveland Clinic which will help me with many opportunities as a pre-med student."
ELIJAH WAGNER | SABRE | CROWN POINT, INDIANA
Wagner joins the Vikings following an excellent junior career that included multiple podium finishes. Wagner won the Libertyville/Vernon Hills Invite this season, while also finishing as the runner-up in a trio of other tournaments.
Nationally, Wagner competed at the 2024 and 2025 Summer Nationals, recording top-90 finishes on six different occasions.
In the classroom, Wagner plans on majoring in finance after being part of the National Honor Society and earning Illinois State Scholar recognition in high school.
Wagner on Why Cleveland State: "I wanted a school in a city close to internship opportunities. I also wanted the opportunity to fence in college and Cleveland State offers the best opportunity for me to have an impact while continuing to grow as a fencer. I'm impressed with the team culture and the direction the team has taken over the past few seasons."
HUNTER BARROWS | SABRE | CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
As part of the Midwest Fencing Club, Barrows has competed in multiple national events, including a top-75 finish in 2025 in Division 3. In addition, Barrows had top-130 finishes in Division 2 and Division 1a.
In the classroom, Barrows was a member of the High Honor/Honor Roll in high school and plans to pursue a degree in health sciences, pre-physician assistant.
Barrows on Why Cleveland State: "The CSU campus has close access to the Cleveland Clinic and great resources available to student-athletes. During my recruitment I had good interactions with coach, the team and all of the support staff."
ASHER HARKINS | FOIL | CHAMBLEE, GEORGIA
Harkins joins the Vikings after competing at Lotus Fencing Academy during his junior career.
Academically, Harkins was a member of the A/B Honor Roll all four years of his high school career.
Harkins on Why Cleveland State: "Cleveland State offered me the chance for a great fencing opportunity while also getting a great education."
AMITAI GORLOVITZKI | FOIL | NEW CITY, NEW YORK
Gorlovitzki comes to Cleveland State following a successful junior career, competing at Clarkstown High School North and Gutkovskiy Fencing Academy.
Earning All-League honors during all four years of his high school career and All-Section three times, Gorlovitzki will graduate as the all-time wins leader in Clarkstown fencing history. In addition, Gorlovitzki helped Clarkstown to four-straight Winter League Championships, while placing first, second and third at Sectionals throughout his time.
In the classroom, Gorlovitzki plans on majoring in civil engineering after earning RCC Honor Roll throughout his high school career.
Gorlovitzki on why Cleveland State: "I chose Cleveland State University because it felt like the right fit for me overall. The affordability was a big factor, and I really liked the dorms and the overall vibe of the campus. When I visited, it felt like a place where I could see myself being comfortable and successful both academically and athletically.
CONNOR LINDOW | FOIL/EPEE | RICHMOND HEIGHTS, OHIO
Lindow joins the Vikings after placing second and third in foil at the high school championship, while also earning a top-five finish in epee.
Nationally, Lindow placed 18
th at the NAC DIV 2 Summer Nationals in 2025, and competes for the Shaker Heights and Hooked on Fencing clubs.
Academically, Lindow is currently a student at Cleveland State majoring in electrical engineering, earning President's List honors during the 2025 Fall Semester.
