The Harvard fencing team elected Matt Simmons and John Major co-captains for the 1976-77 campaign Monday afternoon, marking only the second time in the squad's 78-year history that co-captains were elected.

"I don't like the idea of co-captains," outgoing coach Edo Marion said yesterday, "but I think they'll do a good job for the new coach." Marion closed out a 23-year Harvard coaching career this season.

Major had the best record on the team last season with 11 victories in 15 Ivy League contests, good for All-Ivy recognition. "John's very conscientious," Marion said. "If everyone was like him, we would have a fine team."

Simmons had a somewhat disappointing season this year as he compiled a 26-21 record in the epee category, but Marion is hopeful that he "will come back next year to where he was sophomore year."

As a sophomore, Simmons reached the semi-finals in the national tournament.

Complementary Captains

"They'll complement each other," senior Nick Tepe said yesterday. "Matt will provide the cool, and John will supply the emotion."

Another senior, Larry Fu, said yesterday he felt the co-captains' different personalities would appeal to all members of the team. "Harvard fencing has lacked cohesiveness because the sport is so individualistic," he said. "Simmons and Major should bring it together."