Columbus, OH (U-WIRE) -- Vladimir Nazlymov, head coach of the Ohio State fencing team, is a firm believer in finding ways for his team to peak at the right time. Due to injuries, however, Nazlymov knows that in order for the team to hit their stride this weekend at the Midwest Conference Championship, they will have to separate the physical play from the team's mentality.

"Situations like the injuries we have now always happen in sports," Nazlymov said. "But this season, they seem to follow us."

Denis Tolkachev, the men's squad's top epeeist, hurt his hand in practice earlier this week and will compete with it taped up heavily this weekend at Notre Dame. He will participate in a limited program in an effort to decrease close contact on Nazlymov's orders.

Christian Rivera, who recently qualified to compete on the U.S. National Team and will fight in the world championships in Austria next month, injured his back in practice on Tuesday.

Hanna Thompson, ranked No. 4 nationally in women's foil, and Metta Thompson, who holds a 32-6 record in the foil this season, both came down with the flu this week.

In addition, freshman foiler Alexandra O'Brazcova's season ending foot injury at the beginning of the year continues to be an issue for the team's depth.

Despite the recent plague of injuries and illness for the squad, Nazlymov doesn't expect any lineup changes and remains confident on one condition going into competition this weekend.

"We will need to use our mental program to compensate for where we're at physically," Nazlymov said.

Sabre captain Jason Rogers also believes in the importance of the team's mentality as they travel to compete in South Bend, Ind., this weekend.

"We are definitely capable of beating them," Rogers said. "We just need to be mentally altogether."

Experience is another strength that OSU has on their side, Rogers said. The Buckeyes are looking to win their third straight MCC title.

Nazlymov's unabated confidence already has him looking forward to next week's Midwest Regional Championships in Detroit.

"That's our main competition," Nazlymov said. "We want the entire team to qualify for the NCAA Championships so it will be a big test for us."

One consistent bright spot is Rogers, a junior, ranked No. 3 nationally in the sabre. He sees himself making a successful adjustment as he returns to postseason collegiate play this year after spending last spring with the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team.

"I'm feeling good," said Rogers, who has tallied a 22-3 record this season. "In the first few competitions I had to adjust to the college format, but I'm getting reacquainted and feeling confident."

For the rest of the season, Nazlymov's focus will be working to help his team reach their full potential in time for national competition.

"In any situation, we know that our main competition will be at the NCAA Championships," Nazlymov said. "Of course, now we will work on qualifying our entire team."

(C) 2004 The Lantern via U-WIRE