Fencing Family Mourns Coach George Kolombatovich
9/20/2018 2:29:00 PM | Fencing
USA Fencing George Kolombatovich Passes AwayUSA Fencing Hall of Fame- George KolombatovichTweet from Michael AufrichtigUSA Fencing Facebook WallKolombatovich Retires
Former Columbia fencing head coach and Athletics Hall of Fame inductee George Kolombatovich passed away Wednesday.
NEW YORK—The Columbia fencing family mourns the loss of long-time Fencing coach and Columbia Athletics Hall of Fame member George Kolombatovich. He passed away Wednesday in Sarasota, Florida.
Kolombatovich served as the Lions' head fencing coach for 32 seasons, retiring after the 2011 season. During his time at Columbia, the fencing program won back-to-back national championships in both 1992 and 1993, and over 150 fencers earned All-American honors. Over his tenure, Kolombatovich amassed a 281-86 (.766) overall record in men's and 298-78 (.793) in women's overall competition. In addition to the team recognition, Kolombatovich led his fencers 17 individual national championships.
Kolombatovich helped guide many of his fencers to success on the international stage including Olympic Medalists James Williams and Erinn Smart, who both earned Silver in 2008 in Beijing.
In addition to his coaching career, Kolombatovich was a referee for three Olympic Games (1984, '92, '96) and also was an eight-year member of FIE Arbitrage where he served a term as President.
Kolombatovich served as the Lions' head fencing coach for 32 seasons, retiring after the 2011 season. During his time at Columbia, the fencing program won back-to-back national championships in both 1992 and 1993, and over 150 fencers earned All-American honors. Over his tenure, Kolombatovich amassed a 281-86 (.766) overall record in men's and 298-78 (.793) in women's overall competition. In addition to the team recognition, Kolombatovich led his fencers 17 individual national championships.
Kolombatovich helped guide many of his fencers to success on the international stage including Olympic Medalists James Williams and Erinn Smart, who both earned Silver in 2008 in Beijing.
In addition to his coaching career, Kolombatovich was a referee for three Olympic Games (1984, '92, '96) and also was an eight-year member of FIE Arbitrage where he served a term as President.
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