(yumacs.com) Junior Zaelig Averch, of the Yeshiva University men’s fencing team, was named to the NCAA All-America Team by the United States Fencing Coaches Association, on Thursday afternoon. It is believed that he is the first fencer in program history to earn the honor. Averch was recognized as one of the top Division III fencers in the country and earned the All-America accolades with the foil weapon.

“I am really happy for Zaelig,” Yeshiva University Head Coach Peter Rosas said. “He is a hardworking person with great team spirit and camaraderie.”

The top-12 finishers in each event, regardless of division, are recognized based on their final placement at the competition. In addition, the USFCA recognizes the top Division III fencers in the country with Division III All-American awards.

This season, Averch began fencing with the foil weapon in addition to using the epee, after only using the latter during his rookie campaign in 2019-20. He qualified for the NCAA Northeast Regional for the second year in a row.

The Indian Hills native went 14-4 in foil competition this season and now has a career record of 117-46 (both weapons combined).

Last season, he earned a spot on the All-MACFA second team. During his rookie year, he went 3-0 against the defending national champions, Columbia University. Last May, he was the recipient of the Arthur D. Tauber Award at the annual awards ceremony hosted by the Yeshiva University Athletics Department.

“Zaelig brings both a fun and hardworking atmosphere to the team,” Rosas said. “The only thing that can match his work ethic is his love for the sport of fencing.”