George Kolombatovich Elected For Induction Into 2017 USA Fencing Hall Of Fame
6/23/2016 10:00:00 AM | Fencing
USA FENCING RELEASE
NEW YORK - Legendary Columbia head coach and Director of Fencing, George Kolombatovich, was announced as one of six people to be inducted into the USA Fencing Hall of Fame in 2017.
A native New Yorker, Kolombatovich attended New York University and coached there before joining Columbia in 1978 as an assistant to Lou Bankuti. He succeeded Bankuti as head coach in 1979 and was named Director of Fencing in 1983. Kolombatovich revitalized the struggling Lions of the late 1970's, leading them to the Ivy Championships, the IFA Championships, and NCAA trophies. His students have been national champions, in the Olympics, and on many US National Teams.
A well-known figure in national and international fencing, Kolombatovich has coached the United States team in six Junior World Championships. He has served as Chief of Mission and Coach of the US teams in seven Junior Pan American championships.
With 32 years of experience as the head coach of Columbia from 1979-2010, Kolombatovich was the "landscape designer" for the fencing team in Morningside Heights. During that time, the veteran head coach put together an impressive 281-86 (.766) overall record on the men's side and a 298-78 (.793) record on the women's side while leading the Lions to five NCAA team championships (1987, 1988, 1989, 1992, 1993).
Along with the five team championships, Kolombatovich helped lead 17 different individuals to NCAA titles while also guiding six fencers to NCAA Fencer of the Year honors. Over the course of his 32 years, Kolombatovich saw an impressive 151 NCAA All-Americans come through the program.
Aside from his time at Columbia, Kolombatovich has been a three-time referee at the Olympic Games (1984, '92, '96) and was an eight-year member of the FIE Arbitrage (2000-08), including a term as President.
For a full background on Kolombatovich and his three decades of coaching at Columbia, check out his full bio by clicking here.
