Tar Heels secure their ninth ACC championship in men’s fencing.

The Carolina men’s fencing team clinched their first conference title since 1980 and the ninth in program history at the Atlantic Coast Conference Championships on Sunday. Competing at Notre Dame’s Castellan Family Fencing Center, Carolina started the day with a victory over Boston College, defeating the Eagles 15-12. They followed up with a significant upset against top-ranked Notre Dame, securing a 17-10 win. Finally, the Tar Heels sealed the championship with a commanding 19-8 victory over rival Duke.

This triumph marks Carolina’s first conference title since the ACC Fencing Championships were reinstated in 2015, coinciding with Notre Dame’s entry into the conference. Notre Dame had dominated the championships, winning the last two titles and seven overall since 2015.

The victory was dedicated to legendary coach Ron Miller, who founded the program and led the Tar Heels to their first eight men’s titles and the program’s inaugural women’s title in 2018. Miller, who served as head coach for 52 seasons, passed away in June.

Matt Jednak, a Carolina graduate and former Tar Heel fencer, celebrated his first ACC crown as the program’s head coach in his fifth season.

Following the conclusion of the ACC men’s bouts, attention shifted to the women’s team event, scheduled to conclude later on Sunday afternoon.