Penn State announced on Mar. 25 that the university’s fencing gym has been renovated to honor former head coach Emmanuil Kaidanov, following his recent passing. The renovation was completed in the fall of 2025, and the Penn State fencing teams have since concluded their season in the new facilities.
The dedication of the facility highlights Kaidanov’s lasting influence on Penn State’s fencing program, which grew into a notable dynasty under his leadership. The White Building basement, home to Penn State fencing, has long been recognized as a place where athletes developed both skill and character.
Mitch Horwat, who joined the team after transferring from Penn State Fayette in 1981, recalled his early days with the program when it was still developing. “It wasn’t a full-fledged team,” Horwat said. “There was an instructor, there were a handful of young men and women who made the team. We traveled to California and the University of Pennsylvania; we fenced other Penn State campuses that had teams.” After earning his spot on the roster under then-coach Mac Garret, Horwat experienced firsthand how Kaidanov transformed the culture upon taking over as head coach in 1983.
“He [Kaidanov] came in, and he gave everybody…a real opportunity to compete,” Horwat said. “It was really impressive how he came in; clearly he was going to build something special and let everybody find a niche in the fencing room.” Under Kaidanov’s guidance, Penn State won 12 NCAA combined championships and produced numerous individual champions as well as Olympians.
Horwat described Kaidanov’s impact: “He totally let me be me.” He added that it did not matter if you were at the top or bottom of the roster—Kaidanov encouraged everyone to excel: “I think he really did a great job of letting all of those guys be as great as they wanted to be…Kaidanov brought a level of toughness that most people don’t have in their lives.”
As current fencers train and compete within upgraded facilities dedicated to their legendary coach, alumni like Horwat reflect on how those formative years shaped them personally: “Mitch Horwat: you can do anything.”
