University of Illinois Athletics

FENCING • 1956-58 | FENCING COACH • 1973-93

Art Schankin was the greatest fencer in Fighting Illini history. He was a three-time All-American after tying for fifth nationally in the sabre as a sophomore, finishing third in foil as a junior and swept to the NCAA sabre title as a senior, becoming the first intercollegiate fencer to win a national championship with an unbeaten mark. As the Illini head coach, his teams amassed a dual-meet record of 391-51, including seven Big Ten championships and Top 20 finishes at the NCAA Championships 10 times. Schankin died in 2014 at the age of 87.