Eric Momberg is the new fencing coach at Lawrence University, Director of Athletics
Kim Tatro announced today.
Momberg comes to Lawrence from Northwestern University, where he has served as an assistant coach for the Wildcats' superb women's team since 2016.
"I am very excited and honored to have been chosen to lead the Vikings' fencing program," Momberg said. "I look forward to collaborating with the team on the journey to explore their considerable potential."
A native of Santa Cruz, California, Momberg has worked with the squad at Northwestern for the past four years. In that time, the Wildcats won a pair of Midwest Fencing Conference team championships. Momberg was named the 2018-19 MFC Varsity Coach of the Year, and the 2019-20 MFC Assistant Coach of the Year. He also took home the USA Fencing Regional Spirit of Sport award in 2019-20.
"We couldn't be more thrilled to have Eric as our next head fencing coach," Tatro said. "During the interview process, it was very clear that he is a big-picture thinker and about all the right things. There is no question that our student-athletes will benefit from his vast experience and expertise in fencing and grow as future leaders from his mentorship. Eric is an exceptional fit for our department as well, and we look forward to his contributions to our department growth."
Momberg coached multiple standouts at Northwestern, including Emine Yucel of Turkey and Yvonne Chart of Great Britain. Yucel was the 2018 Midwest Regional champion in sabre, a two-time NCAA Championships qualifier and the 2020 Turkish national champion. Chart was a two-time NCAA All-American in foil posted a top-four finish at the Women's World Cup.
Prior to his work at Northwestern, Momberg was the owner and head coach at the High Desert Fencing Alliance from 2005-16. Momberg also served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Nevada Reno from 2006-16 as a physical education instructor in fencing.
Momberg coached a number of standout fencers from across North and Central America as his fencers garnered more than 60 North American Cup medals from 2005-16. The national coach for Panama at the 2011 Pan Am Games, Momberg worked with Panama's top fencer through 2013. Panama captured a bronze medal in women's sabre at the 2011 Pan Am Games, a top-64 finish at the World Championships and a gold medal at the 2013 Central American Games.
A 2001 graduate of Nevada Reno, Momberg is the fifth coach in the history of the program, which went to varsity status in 1985. The program was started by Lawrence Hall of Famer Mary Poulson, followed by Steve Amich, Alex Kaeding and Mike Hall.
The Vikings will open their season when Lawrence resumes play in all sports in January.
