Qualified for U.S. Olympic Trials in 1968 and later fenced in Pre-Olympic Tournament in Montreal in 1975. Since beginning her fencing career in 1959 she has won the Northern Ohio Championship, two All-Ohio championships, two Gilman Tournament titles and four Cleveland International Invitational Tournament championships. She won a total of 38 major events and 95 awards in major championships through 1980.
Member of the United States Olympic Fencing Squad in 1964. During a 12-year fencing career, spanning the era from 1954 to 1966, he won 20 championships in three weapons and accumulated 140 awards. Named “Outstanding Fencer of the Year” in the 1964 Cleveland Invitational Fencing Tournament after accumulating 257 point in foil, sabre and epee. Won five All-Ohio titles, two each in epee and sabre and one in foil.
Won more than 280 individual fencing medals over a 20-year period, including eight All-Ohio championships and the 1968 “Canadian Heroes” epee championship. Was first person to win Ohio championship in all three weapons, a feat which has not been duplicated. Considered one of the Midwest’s finest fencers. Served as coach of Case Tech from 1963 through 1966.
Between 1950 and 1958 he won the Ohio Championship in foil three times and in sabre twice and Northeastern Ohio division championships in foil six times and in sabre twice. Became first fencer to win two gold medals in the All-Ohio Championships in 1953. Turned professional in 1960 to become coach of the Cleveland State University (then Fenn College) fencing team, a position he still holds.
A stellar competitor for two decades, in 1952 he fenced epee on the team which won the National Championship. At the same time that he was participating, he served as Vice President and then President of the NODFLA during a nine year span and chaired the U.S. Olympic Fencing Committee for four years.
Fencing coach at Case Western Reserve University, head fencing coach for the Cleveland Division of Recreation and a charter member of the U.S. Academy of Arms, he was responsible for the development of numerous fencing programs in the city. Was selected as a coach of the U.S. Pan-American team in 1971 and coached in the World Fencing Championships in 1971 and 1972. Served two terms as vice-president of the National Fencing Coaches Association of America.
National Collegiate (NCAA) epee champion in 1970 after finishing third in that weapon in 1969 NCAA competition. Represented Case Western Reserve University. First Greater Cleveland collegian to earn an NCAA fencing championship. Twice earned first team All-American honors in that sport. Represented USA in 1970 World University Games.
First team NCAA All-American in sabre at Case Western Reserve University in 1970, finishing second in national competition and second team All-American in 1971 when he finished fourth. Won four All-Ohio championships and five Northern Ohio Division championships between 1968 and 1973.
Captain of United States 1972 Olympic Fencing Team and 1971 Pan-American Games Team. Won gold medal as member of 1956 national championship epee team and silver medal as member of runner-up team in national three-weapon championship tournament on same day. Set University of Pennsylvania record for most consecutive victories in one season.
A skilled sabreman, Thomas Legeza captured a total of 38 medals during a competitive career which stretched from 1953 through 1965. His most notable triumphs included two international invitational championships, four Ohio titles and one Illinois championship.