William Taetzsch, his weapon of choice was the foil and he learned his skills from coach Pel Ringi, who was hired for the 1948 season by Director of Athletics Bob Swanson. Taetzsch credits Ringi, whose five-year dual match record as coach was 37-2, with teaching the skills of fencing to the inexperienced team members and honing the skills of those with experience.

The team's dual match record from 1948 to 1952 was 30-1 and Bill Taetzsch's individual record in those four seasons was 74-10.