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Post by LongBlade on Nov 24, 2007 4:37:44 GMT -5
Fencing - Norris makes impressive returnStaff Copy Lynn News King's Lynn, England, UK 30 October 2007 www.lynnnews.co.uk/sport/Fencing--Norris-makes-impressive.3427221.jpFENCING: IN an encouraging return to form, Lynn Fencing Club's Paul Norris put in a good showing last Sunday to reach the last eight at the Bedford Open Epee Tournament, a ranking event on the national circuit. In the direct elimination knock-out phase, a string of wins over fencers with a much higher ranking saw him storm through to the quarter finals. Here, he lost to Steven Bateman of Reading FC 15-12, currently one of the strongest provincial fencing clubs in the country. Norris, who teaches full time at Gaywood Community Primary School, said: "Sure, it's disappointing to miss out on the semi-finals by such a narrow margin, but I'm really pleased with the way I've fenced today, and I'm due for a big helping of national ranking points as a result."
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Post by LongBlade on Nov 24, 2007 4:44:34 GMT -5
Fencing Coach Receives NCAA Recognition AwardTeam Was in Top Ten Percent of APR CalculationsCSTV.com New York, NY, USA Oct. 31, 2007 www.cstv.com/sports/c-fenc/stories/103107aab.htmlIndianapolis, IN - Coach Mike Hinojos and the Cal State Fullerton fencing team have received the NCAA Public Recognition Award for the squad's recent performance in the Div. I Academic Progress Rate (APR) calculations. Coach Mike Hinojos The award is presented to those teams that have an APR rate in the top 10 percent of all squads in the nation in their respective sport. APR measures roster retention and academic progress of all sports. Teams that perform below standards are subject to the loss of scholarships. Hinojos, a CSF graduate, is beginning his second year as head coach after a long stint as an assistant to retired Coach Heizaburo Okawa.
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Post by LongBlade on Nov 24, 2007 4:45:10 GMT -5
Fencing Opens Season With 2007 Temple OpenThe Temple fencing team will open its season with the 28th annual Temple Fencing Collegiate OpenCSTV.com Oct. 31, 2007 www.cstv.com/sports/c-fenc/stories/103107aaa.htmlPHILADELPHIA- The Temple fencing team will open its season with the 28th annual Temple Fencing Collegiate Open held on Saturday and Sunday, November 3 and 4. The Open is known for having the largest competitive field in the United States. This year is no exception, the Open consists of a record number of competitors and schools. Head Coach Nikki Franke
There are a total of 601 entries from 36 schools, which makes this year's field larger than last year by 150 entries. The Temple Open is the traditional "Opener" of the Owls fencing season as well as many other schools's opening competition. It provides a great opportunity for fencers to get a significant amount of competitive experience under their belt early in the season. This is an individual tournament open to all full-time undergraduate students. Saturday features the women's competition while Sunday the men will take the floor. The event, held in Temple's McGonigle Hall, is open to the public. Competition begins each day at 8:00 a.m.
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Post by LongBlade on Nov 24, 2007 4:46:00 GMT -5
Capital District youth fencing By Joyce Bassett Albany Times Union Albany, NY, USA November 1, 2007 timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=635151&category=REGIONOTHER&BCCode=&newsdate=11/2/2007 Why these kids are cool: They earned medals in sabre at the 2007 Capital District Regional Youth Circuit held at Schenectady High School on Oct. 20 and 21. About 200 athletes from 45 fencing clubs representing nine states and Canada participated in the event. The results: In fencing, medals are awarded to the top eight finalists in each weapon. In the girls under-10 age group, Jackie Litynski won silver, Maia Loy earned a bronze and Samantha Burgess placed fifth. Burgess also placed sixth in the under-12 age category. In boys sabre, Andrew VanderHorn came in seventh in under-10, while Adam Marcinkowski took seventh place in the under-14 group. Gillian Litynski took the silver medal in under-14 girls. Kristin Manz placed sixth in the same group. Coach's quote: "It was the second regional-level fencing event in the Capital District hosted by our fencing school. We were pleased to see the number of participating youth grow each year. Young foil, sabre and epee fencers displayed remarkable fencing skills, proving ever-increasing level of performance among young U.S. fencers. With this number of talented children competing, the future of U.S. Olympic fencing seems secure," coach L. Mark Dolata said. More information: Most of the medalists were introduced to fencing through the town of Niskayuna Recreation Program, and are now training at Capital District Fencing School in Schenectady. To learn more about fencing, call 879-2716.
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Post by LongBlade on Nov 24, 2007 4:46:40 GMT -5
UCSC Fencing Club Hosts Annual TournamentBy Nicole Ramsey City on a Hill Press Santa Cruz, CA, USA 11/3/07 www.cityonahillpress.com/article.php?id=820The East Field House Gym was packed Saturday morning with devoted fans, supportive coaches and eager fencers dueling it out at their first event of the year. At first sight, you probably wouldn’t be able to tell which fencers were from UCSC because of the sea of white uniforms that every team sported. But just one look at the fencers’ lime green socks and highlighter-yellow shoes might give you a clue as to who’s who in the competition. “The shoes and the colored socks are a major style thing,” said sophomore Kathryn Kynett, vice president of the fencing club. “Fencers use it to support their school colors—it’s kind of a funny thing that people like to do.” The sounds of the swords clanking against each other, and the jovial spectators’ cheers were enough to drown out the conversations going on between teammates. UC Berkeley, UC Davis, Cal Poly Pomona and Santa Rosa Junior College were all in attendance at the tournament to participate in various events, including epee, foil, saber, and novice foil. The UCSC fencing club is a Tier 1 collegiate club, and hosts this annual tournament as the first event of the year and as a fundraiser to get their season off to a solid start. “These tournaments are always stressful to run,” senior Sarah Thomson said. “But it’s always fun to fence in them and people seem to like it. Fencers from other schools even commented on how well it was run.” The money generated by the tournament came from fencers paying fees to participate in their individual events. The Slugs even had a bake sale set up at the event in order to gain a little more profits for the club. “The tournament generates lots of revenue,” Thomson said. “Since we don’t have as much funding, it helps us with our finances and to buy the equipment and other things that we need.” The tournament is used as an introduction for some of the new fencers, as well as a venue for regulars to practice their fencing techniques. Because the Slug fencers face the difficulties of being without a regular coach, they must rely on each other to make sure that everyone does what they need to do as a member of the club. Although the club’s membership is relatively small, the fencers make the most of the talent they have and continue to build on it. They rely on each other for support and surprisingly, even share a bond with fencers from other schools because of their mutual love of fencing. This keeps it from being overly competitive, and maintains focus on mastering the complexities of the sport. “Fencing is more than just an athletic sport,” Kynett said. “It’s a mental game.” The event seemed more relaxed than most athletic events, which put the fencers’ minds at ease, letting them not worry as much about getting a perfect score while keeping them more interested in being able to participate and hone their skills. “It’s cool if we do well, and we hope that we do,” senior and club president Andrew Kleinerman said. “But we’re not expecting to win everything. We’re just here to have fun.”
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Post by LongBlade on Nov 24, 2007 4:47:28 GMT -5
FENCING - Silver lining for medalist CarolynFlintshire Standard Mold, Wales, UK 07 November 2007 www.flintshirestandard.co.uk/eveningleadersport/FENCING--Silver-lining-for.3453560.jpWREXHAM fencer Carolyn Benson has grabbed the silver medal at the British Junior Championships in Cosford. Foilest Benson put in a tremendous effort to take the silver medal, losing out narrowly to the 2007 champion, Domonique Stowell. Carolyn Benson - silver medallist at the British Junior Championships.
Club mate David Gregory continued his winning ways before losing in the last 16 to finish 10th, Adam Williams finished 22nd, while Ben Hughes was unlucky to meet the cadet champion in his second direct eliminator to finish in 41st place. Daniel Lumb the sole sabrer, finished 29th. Elsewhere in the cadets and junior class, Ben Roberts and Benson (foil), Adam Williams, Ben Hughes and David Gregory (epee), and Daniel Lumb (sabre), have all been busy collating ranking points to try and get into the British team. To be selected, they have to compete in both senior and specialist junior/cadet competitions. The first of these was the Bolton Cadet, where Adam Williams performed best to take 14th place while Ben Hughes, also in epee, finished 25th. In the men's foil, Ben Roberts finished 18th with Stephanie Collister taking 27th position, and Daniel Lumb was also on form in the men's sabre to finish 24th. The senior season is already underway with a number of A and B grade tournaments. The season started with a couple of A grade competitions. The Hamlet, which is for the sabrer's, saw Gareth Lawn and Daniel Lumb make this their first appearance of the year and they finished in 43rd and 61st respectfully. The foilest's and epeeist's have taken part in the Essex Open. In the ladies foil, Lydia Johnson made a great start to her season by finishing 15th and Carolyn Benson was 33rd. In the men's foil, Ben Roberts was disappointed not to make the last 64 and finished in 69th place. The epeeist's also fought with Ben Hughes finishing 70th and Adam Williams 94th. The next A grade competition was held in Bristol where in the ladies foil, both Johnson and Benson improved on their previous finish by taking 15th and 27th places respectfully, and Amy Broadbent finished 71st. Ben Roberts also improved and took his first ranking points of the year by finishing in 50th place, and Simon Hedges finished 90th in his first competition of the year. Gareth Lawn was the highest placed saber, finishing 56th, while Daniel Lumb was close behind him by finishing 58th. David Gregory was the best placed epeesit, finishing 59th, Ben Hughes was 129th and Adam Williams 141st. The fencers then moved to the B grade competitions, starting with the Ashton Open. David Gregory returned to his previous form which made him Junior Champion by taking the silver medal in the men's epee. Sean Flanagan finished 33rd, with Paul Woodward finishing 39th. Keeping it in the family, Siobhan Woodward finished seventh in the ladies epee, with Anne Crosby closely behind in eighth. In themen's sabre, Mike Norfolk finished 19th. The Shropshire Open was the next B grade tournament with Carolyn Benson finishing ninth in the ladies' foil. In the men's competition, Ben Roberts finished 37th. The men's epeeist's turned out in numbers with Ben Hughes finishing 15th, Sean Flanagan 25th, Jamie Morris 41st and Paul Woodward 44th. In the ladies epee Siobhan Woodward finished 15th and Gareth Lawn finished 10th in the men's sabre with newcomer William Smith 34th. At the Leicester Open, Lydia Johnson produced some form by taking the silver medal, whilst Carolyn Benson was narrowly beaten into the bronze placing. Ben Roberts took several ranking points by finishing 43rd and in the men's epee, David Gregory took 35th place and Ben Hughes was 54th. Ben Hughes was the only Wrexham representative to take part in the Bedford Open for epee, where he finished in 46th place.
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Post by LongBlade on Nov 24, 2007 4:48:42 GMT -5
The Fencing Way To Fighting FitBy Vikram Singh Barhat, Leisure Reporter XPRESS Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates November 08, 2007 www.xpress4me.com/life/general/general/20004081.htmlYou have seen it in the movies The Three Musketeers, The Mask of Zorro and Pirates of the Caribbean. In fact, sword fighting has been around since the earliest days of cinema – wowing audiences with its skill and energy. For those who want to learn the art of wielding a sword and get ‘fighting’ fit, there’s no better way than heading to one of Dubai’s fencing clubs. According to Zahi Al Khoury, one of the finalists in the World Fencing Championships of 1997, fencing is a sport that helps develop dexterity, endurance, flexibility, grace and overall fitness. Al Khoury, 37, a Lebanese national, is a busy man - he owns an advertising agency, is the national coach of the UAE’s fencing team and runs the International Fencing Club of Dubai at the Metropolitan Hotel on Shaikh Zayed Road. The club currently has more than 30 members with varying degrees of fencing skills. He said, "Fencing demands a great deal of concentration, speed, fitness, flexibility and ability to make snap decisions. There are coaches at the fencing club who offer beginners lessons in fitness and footwork, in addition to fencing tactics and techniques." Learning to fence is not an easy process – it is only after undergoing basic training that one graduates to fencing bouts. Al Khoury stressed, "Learning to fence requires time and hard work. It takes about a month or a month and a half for a beginner to acquire the ability to start fencing with an épée [the most basic and popular form of fencing]." Comparing fencing with aerobics, Al Khoury said, "Fencing, unlike aerobics, is not for everyone. Fencing requires more concentration and physical endurance. It is more powerful and challenging than aerobics. "Those who want to de-stress and lose weight should definitely come to fencing. It is a fun way to stay fit and is something that can be pursued by anyone regardless of their shape and size." Maria Kouzeva, 25, is master coach at another fencing establishment – The Dubai Fencing Club at the Madinat Jumeirah. She agrees with Al Khoury that fencing is an excellent way to burn calories. The Bulgarian has been fencing since the age of 12 and has been coaching for the past six years. "It is encouraging to see many Emirati women joining the fencing club. In the beginning, there was the perception that since it is an Arab country they could not take up fencing. So the first step was very difficult for them. But when they came and tried it and realised they could fence with their heads covered the perception changed dramatically." One of the biggest misconceptions associated with fencing is that one may get hurt. But Al Khoury was quick to allay those fears. "Nobody gets hurt in fencing. Accidents used to happen before, but many changes have made the sport safer now." Fencing gear and equipment are very expensive, but the good news is that clubs offer both for free to make it affordable to more people. The popularity of the sport led to the formation of the Dubai-based UAE Fencing Federation in the beginning of 2006. The federation promotes fencing among Emiratis. Before every tournament the fencers are trained and made to compete against each other. In the end, the best of the lot get to represent the country on an international level. Al Khoury, who trains the UAE national team, said: "We are not worried about the results yet. The international tournaments give our young team experience and exposure to quality fencing. But by joining the international fencing community we have announced our arrival. They had better watch out for us." Your Essential Guide To FencingFoil: A fencing weapon with rectangular cross-section blade and a small bell guard. This duelling sword is blunted to render it less dangerous for practice. For beginners. Épée: Similar to the foil, this weapon is somewhat heavier and comes with a triangular cross-section blade and a large bell guard. Can be touched anywhere on the body. Intermediate. Parry: A block of the attack, made with the forté of one’s own blade. Piste: The linear strip on which a fencing bout is fought. Point: A valid touch; the tip of the sword; an attack made with the point. Sabre: Another important piece of fencing equipment, this weapon has a flat blade and knuckle guard, used with cutting or thrusting actions. Touching area includes waist up including head and mask.
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Post by LongBlade on Nov 24, 2007 4:49:23 GMT -5
Birendra to lead Indian wheelchair fencing teamKanglaOnline Kangla, Manipur, India 11/9/07 www.kanglaonline.com/index.php?template=headline&newsid=39993&typeid=3IMPHAL, Nov 9: Birendra Singh Kangjam, president of the Wheelchair Fencing Association of India is leaving Imphal for Paris as team leader of India team to participate in the Wheelchair Fencing World Cup (which is the qualifier of the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games) to be held at Gymnases Louis Lumiere 47 Rue Louis Lumiere-75020, France from 15-18th November 2007. Mr. Birendra Singh who is the only Internationally qualified Referee/Judge in India will also work as one of the directors in the 2007 World Cup in Paris. The event co-ordinator, Andre Hennaert who is co-president of the organising committee is offering an opportunity to India to get more experience & more qualification for the fencer & officials, said a press release issued by the Wheel Chair Fencing Association of India.
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Post by LongBlade on Nov 24, 2007 4:50:07 GMT -5
Zagunis looks to make more fencing history in Beijing with a repeatBy Kate Hedlin USA Today - USA 11/10/07 www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2007-11-09-3468291273_x.htmLess than a decade after Mariel Zagunis picked up fencing, she became the first U.S. woman in a century to win an Olympic gold medal in the sport. It's safe to say the element of surprise will no longer sit next to her trusty blade next summer. Four years after Zagunis made her surprising debut at the Olympics, she will look to defend her gold in Beijing next August. And she admits it's unlikely that she, or the rest of the women competing to make the 2008 U.S. team, will be able to catch anyone off guard this time around. "There's lots of expectations," Zagunis said. "Not just on me, but on others in the club as well." Zagunis participates in the saber competition, the most recent category to be added to women's fencing in 2002. In saber, the target area is the entire body above the bend in the hips, including the head. Unlike in foil and epee, saber fencers can score with the tip or the edge of the blade, making it faster and more aggressive than the other two types. While becoming the first female gold-medal winner in 100 years is impressive enough, the route she took to the podium was all the more amazing. Zagunis didn't even make the original 2004 team. After winning the Junior World Cup title three straight years between 2002-2004, she only earned the trip to Athens after the Nigerian squad declined to send its fencer. As the highest-ranked fencer not at the games, Zagunis got first dibs. The rest is history. Now on the verge of another Olympic appearance, Zagunis is currently on leave from Notre Dame as she tries to fully devote her time to training. While she will not be armed with the element of surprise, she is infinitely more experienced, something she shares with children when she speaks around the South Bend, Ind., area. "I tell the story of how you have to keep your chin up and keep preparing and staying motivated," she said. "You can never lose hope, which is something you can apply to any goal." Given her Olympic DNA, her penchant for fierce preparation is not surprising. "She's always been very focused," said Cathy Zagunis, Mariel's mother, who was an Olympian herself with the 1976 rowing team. In Athens, Zagunis defeated Tan Xue of China 15-9 in the final round. She joined teammate Sada Jacobson, who at the time was ranked No. 1 in the world but lost to Tan, on the podium. Jacobson won the bronze. "It's something you can't describe," said Zagunis, who joined a fencing team after watching her older brother practice. "It's one of the best moments in my life." But repeating that moment will be significantly more challenging now that Zagunis isn't dueling under the radar. In fact, one of her biggest competitors could be 16-year-old teammate Rebecca Ward. Ward, who defeated Zagunis at the Fencing World Championships in Turin, Italy, last year, belongs to the same club. Like Zagunis, Ward also began fencing at a young age after seeing her brother in a class. Within a year or so of joining a team, her family moved from Colorado to Oregon for a more competitive program. "I took to it immediately," she said. And while the majority of kids she went up against initially were boys, it didn't faze her one bit. "Beating the boys in my class just fueled my competitiveness," she said. Ward has received a full fencing scholarship to Duke, and she is currently averaging about 20 hours per week of practice. Despite all the years she potentially has in front of her as a competitive fencer, she said was uncertain whether she would try for the next Olympics if she failed to make it to Beijing. "The competition level in college is going to go down, and I'm not sure I can balance work, traveling and competing," she said. As both women prepare for the most active portion of the fencing schedule, they recognize the impact that they can have on the future of the sport. Zagunis said the most rewarding aspect of winning the gold medal is the increased attention it's brought to fencing, and how it's impacted young girls. "There are a lot of young girls in the club now," she said. "In 2005 we went to the national championship and had a poster signing, and there were all of these young girls who showed up. That's what I'm most proud of - to see how it's impacted the next generation." For mom Cathy, who is also a program director for the Oregon fencing club that Zagunis and Ward are both a part of, this is what she wanted for her daughter. "Every parent wants to see their child succeed, whether it's the first-grade pageant or fencing," she said. "You get a pleasure as a parent watching your child do something they enjoy ... It makes the sacrifices worth it." Especially when you bring home a gold medal.
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Post by LongBlade on Nov 24, 2007 4:51:10 GMT -5
Attacking, defending, thinkingYouths discover that fencing requires quick feet, planningJohn Boccacino, Staff writer Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Rochester, NY, USA November 11, 2007 www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071111/SPORTS/711110309/1007/SPORTSClink clink clink. The distinct sound of metal on metal fills the Rochester Fencing Club as 30 youths square off on a Thursday night. Many of these children first became interested in the sport, which requires good hand-eye coordination and quick footwork, by watching swashbuckling action movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean. Evan Keegan first picked up a sword after watching the world's best fencers competing for gold in the 2006 Summer Olympics. Evan had always had an interest in sword-fighting, so he called up the club and made an appointment to try fencing. It's been a perfect fit for the high-energy Fairport resident. "It's real cool to be able to use a foil, which is like a weapon, and do something that's out of the ordinary," said Evan, a seventh grader at the Johanna Perrin Middle School in Fairport. "All of my friends think it's really a cool and interesting sport." Nat Goodhartz is the head coach at the club and she's also coached both the men's and women's U.S. national foil teams. She stresses that the sport is about more than just "playing with swords." "When you ask them why they became interested, many of them mention the whole 'swash-buckling' mentality," said Goodhartz, 61, a Hilton resident and member of the U.S. Fencing Association's Hall of Fame. "But it's so much more. A lot of these children used to play with sticks or (toy) swords and they would swat at each other when they were little, and that might get them in the door, but the basic idea of the sport is that self-preservation supersedes your desire to kill your opponent. If you are in danger, you need to defend yourself." Umar Masood used to spend his free time in a dojo learning karate before switching over to fencing more than three years ago. For Umar, the chance to fight with the foil and test his ability to think on his feet drew him into the world of fencing. "You have to be very disciplined to be good," said Umar, 10, a Pittsford resident and fifth-grader at the Mendon Center Elementary School. "Speed is good; you've got to be very fast and do a lot of thinking on the strip. It's impossible to just go forward and fence randomly because if you don't think out your moves your opponent will hit you. You have to plan out your attacks." When the club was established in 1980, Goodhartz recalls how many of the first fencers were youths. Now there are more than 40, some as young as 6, who fence for the club. Kiera Holton remembers the first time she stepped out onto the strip, the six-by-40 foot scene where all bouts take place. "The first time was rough," recalled Kiera, 12, a sixth-grader at the 12 Corners Middle School and Brighton resident. "An instructor told me "this is how you hold the foil, this is how you wear the jacket and put on the mask and gloves," and then we went out and did everything we could to hit the other person and not get hit. After learning the footwork and how to lunge, we then got into how to attack with the blade. After a while your instincts kick in and you learn how to block attacks and position yourself." The club currently teaches the children three different styles of fencing: foil, saber and epee. In epee, the entire body is fair game for attacks, but one can only hit an opponent with the tip of the weapon, and it's mostly a thrusting weapon. Whoever registers the first touch scores in epee. Saber is similar to the old broadswords, where you can strike an opponent with both the side of the weapon and the tip. Most of the scoring is done by hitting above the waist up to the head. In foil, which most of the club's fencers practice, only the torso (front and back) is in play. Fencers score in saber and foil by establishing the right of way. Once one fencer attacks, the opponent has to defend the attack before being allowed to hit the opponent. Kiera never imagined how complex and involved the sport would be as her and her sister, Maeve, sat in their Brighton home discussing fencing four years ago. "At first, I thought it would just be about hitting your opponent, and you wouldn't have to worry about how you hit them, it would just be a fast, no-brainer kind of sport," Kiera said. "As I got into it, you really have to think to do well. If you don't have a plan to base your strategy on, you won't get very far. It's like going through an obstacle course; you need to know where you're going, otherwise you will trip over something soon." As Goodhartz watches, Evan demonstrates how far he's come in foil by moving up and down the strip with ease. When he lands the final hit against his opponent to win this bout, he removes his helmet, made of steel, and a smile breaks across his face. Thanks to hard work, dedication and practicing outside of the club with a life-size fencing dummy, Evan has made tremendous strides in his pre-elite fencing class. "I always have a game plan heading into a bout," Evan said. "I always look for an advantage/weakness in my opponent. I'm more aggressive, so when I make an attack and it misses, I quickly switch to being on the defensive. Our instructors get us to the point that we're aware of what our options are out there and how to not make mistakes."
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Post by LongBlade on Nov 24, 2007 5:03:17 GMT -5
Fencing coach dies in accident, two students seriously injuredBy Austin Wright, News Editor The Flat Hat Student Newspaper of the College of William and Mary Williamsburg, VA, USA 11/11/07 www.flathatnews.com/news/1527/fencing-coach-dies-in-accident-two-students-seriously-injuredThe College’s club fencing coach, Pete Conomikes, died yesterday in a car accident while traveling with the team to a fencing competition. Three students were involved in the crash, and two of them are seriously injured. The following letter was sent today by Vice President of Student Affairs Sam Sadler to the College community: “It is with a deep sense of sadness that I write to share the news with you of a tragic automobile accident that occurred yesterday afternoon (around 1 p.m.) on Interstate 64 near the I-64/ I -295 interchange outside of Richmond. Venerable William and Mary Fencing Club Coach, Pete Conomikes, was killed in the accident and three William and Mary Fencing Club members were injured in the crash – two of them seriously. Spencer Butts and Ben Gutenberg are hospitalized at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center (Medical College of Virginia) and are in critical but stable condition. The third student, Matt Peppe, has been treated and released from the hospital. “Details of the accident are still not available though it does appear that it was a single car event. The team was traveling in two vehicles, the car with its four occupants followed by a College van carrying other team members. The group was on its way to Haverford, Pennsylvania to compete in a Middle Atlantic Collegiate Fencing Association team event. “The students in the Fencing Club join me in asking that you keep their injured teammates (and their families) in your thoughts and prayers as well as the wife, family members, and friends of their beloved coach, Pete Conomikes. “Pete Conomikes was a remarkable man, an extraordinary athlete, he began his fencing career at Columbia University in 1940 and spent several of his early years training under the fencing master, Giorgio Santelli. During much of a long career, he was an A – rated fencer in his specialty, epee. At one point, remarkably, he was A – rated on all three of the weapons used in the sport. At William and Mary, while a legend for his fencing skills, it was his coaching and his affection for the athletes he taught and trained that defined him. He joined the coaching staff of the College in 1972, when fencing was a varsity sport, and he served as head coach until 1995 when the sport became a club. Undaunted by the change in status, he continued coaching the club and teaching a beginning fencing class until the present time, even though he was 86 years old. Perhaps a recent quote on the Tribe Fencing page says it best, “He is a joy to learn from, and his bladework is still better than yours.” “Mr. Conomikes reputation and influence extended far beyond the campus and his coaching skill was recognized by many honors and awards. In the fencing community, one colleague referred to him as a “giant.” Many of his fencers have continued competition beyond college and his work has helped preserve competitive fencing through his support of the Middle Atlantic Collegiate Fencing Association. He will be missed by all who knew him. Because of his efforts and dedication he leaves a proud legacy of excellence in fencing at William and Mary and more importantly gratitude, deep affection and respect in the hearts of all those whom he has taught and coached. “We are extending care, both in Richmond and here on campus, to the members of the Fencing Club and to the families of our injured students. I know you will want to provide support for them and to remember Mr. Conomikes in your own way. The sense of community we share at William and Mary is a remarkable source of strength and healing. With that in mind, I felt you would want to know about this tragic accident.” __________________________________________________ Ben is my nephew. he needs you all to keep him in your prayers and also the others hurt in this horrible accident. thanks — gregg wood Nov 11, 04:48 PM # Pete was the greatest Fencing Master that I have ever met.To be on his team was a great honor. I pray for Him and the boys. Dariusz, W&M Fencing Team ’99 — Dariusz Sielicki Nov 11, 06:08 PM # Matt is my brother. he was lucky to get away with what he did, but we all have Spencer and Ben in our thoughts and prayers. My heart goes out to the greiving families. — Laura Peppe Nov 11, 07:26 PM # Prince William Fencing Academy extends their heartfelt condolances to Coach Pete’s family and his William and Mary fencers. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May your memories of Coach Pete help you at this difficult time. We will continue to pray for Ben and Spencer in the days to come. — Lynda Moore Nov 11, 08:20 PM # The reason I became President of the United States Fencing Coaches Association was because of Pete. I am sorry that he left this way and I extend my condolences to the families of the boys who were injured in the accident. — Arnold Mercado Nov 11, 10:00 PM # I was shocked and sorry to hear about this, I extend the best wishes for everyone involved. — Ilya Lobanenkov Nov 12, 12:51 AM # My sincere condolences for your loss. I knew Pete for many years and I will miss him. — James Flint Exec Vice President US Fencing Coaches Association Nov 12, 09:09 AM # Pete was a real stand-up man of the old school, in a world with too few real men. He was a major part of my life and the lives of so many young people. He leaves behind a world made stronger thanks to his long, generous life. — Tamer Farag Nov 12, 11:40 AM # I was among the first group of fencers Pete coached when he arrived in 1972. He left an indelible impression on me, both on and off the strip. I visited him whenever I returned to the Burg, most recently in 2004. He was truly one of a kind, and from reading the other comments here, I can see that he continued to affect people for over 30 years the same way he did with my team. My condolences to his family and to those fencers still hospitalized. Tom Langhorne ’74 — Tom Langhorne Nov 12, 04:50 PM # Pete was an amazing coach; I’m honored to have trained with him. The injured fencers and he are in my thoughts. — Steve Kingsland Nov 12, 11:43 PM # I was a sabre fencer for Pete from 1988-1991. He took a fairly decent high school soccer player and turned him into a solid sabre fencer. I remember our lesson days once per week and Pete was always able to get you to make progress during each lesson. The Fencing Club website says it perfectly — “his bladework is better than yours.” Lastly, while I was on the team, we used to watch “Highlander” the night before every meet. We adopted the quote, “There can be only one.” Nothing is more true about Pete. He was an original and I am happy and honored to have been a member on his teams. My condolences go out to his family, the injured fencers and the rest of the W&M community. — Frank Lynch Nov 14, 06:18 PM #
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Post by LongBlade on Feb 16, 2008 23:46:24 GMT -5
Intramural fencing event showcases determinationBy Selina Affram The Ranger San Antonio, TX 11/16/07 media.www.theranger.org/media/storage/paper1010/news/2007/11/16/Pulse/Intramural.Fencing.Event.Showcases.Determination-3105470.shtmlToday at 1 p.m. in Gym 1 of Candler Physical Education Center, the men's beginning fencing class will fence off in an intramural event to determine the best fencer of both classes. On Nov. 10, the top competitors from the women's fencing classes duked it out at the annual intramural fencing competition. Steven Reyna, fencing coach at this college hosted and monitored the fencing matches. Reyna has been coaching since 1990. He said, "To me, it is important to stay in the sport - it's a lifetime sport and I help to continue teaching to the next generation of fencers." The top women from Monday, Wednesday and Friday classes were Dominique Gonzales, Allison Jacob and Miranda Ebersole. Stephani Williams, Erin Ratka and Amanda Harrison were the competitors from the Tuesday and Thursday class. The art of fencing requires that competitors show etiquette from the beginning to the end of a bout by saluting each other, the referee, the audience and afterward shaking hands to show respect. Points are awarded to the fencer who attacks on the offense and hits the opponent. Right of way is granted to the fencer that is extending his or her arm and is on offense. The bouts were three minutes long and the victor was determined by who received the most points up to the score of five or the end of the time. A lack of etiquette can jeopardize a win and cause a competitor to lose points. The girls fenced with their swords with grace and elegance and upheld proper etiquette. They were eager and alert as they fenced. Gonzales and Williams were the top women from each of the classes and very competitive. Gonzales excelled throughout the event by winning her matches undefeated with aggressiveness and grace. Karla Esquivel, bilingual education sophomore, 20, said she was eager to see the outcome because she was an intramural winner from last semester and looks forward to the new competition. She said, "Fencing is strategic like chess, elegant like ballet and aggressive as martial arts." The audience was supportive and energetic, cheering on the competitors. There was an underlying competitiveness between the classes. Alex Whitson, liberal arts sophomore, 20, held up signs supporting his Tuesday and Thursday classmates. He said, "Fencing is a fun class that gives you the chance to poke someone with a sword, and that his class would win 5-0." The results were Miranda Ebersole in third place, Stephani Williams in second place and Dominique Gonzales in first place. From beginning to end, Gonzales was a force to be reckoned with. She conquered the match with the score of 5-2 beating out Williams for the victory. _______________________________________________ Reyna teaches fencing to classes separated into Monday, Wednesday, Friday class and Tuesday and Thursday class. He teaches KINE 1110, Beginning Fencing, and KINE 1111, Intermediate Fencing. Upcoming events for the fencing program are intramurals at 1 p.m. in Gym 1 of Candler Physical Education Center Wednesday for the men's intermediate intramurals and Nov. 30 for the women's intermediate intramurals. _______________________________________________
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Post by LongBlade on Feb 16, 2008 23:53:00 GMT -5
Pensioner still en guard at 79By Tracey Gray Norwich Evening News Norwich, England, UK 23 November, 2007www.eveningnews24.co.uk/content/News/story.aspx?brand=ENOnline&category=News&tBrand=enonline&tCategory=news&itemid=NOED23%20Nov%202007%2010%3A00%3A05%3A633Just a week away from her 80th birthday, Connie Adam is one of the oldest competitors in one of the world's oldest sports. Boasting a gold, silver and two bronze medals from the Commonwealth Veteran Fencing Championships in Canada, she has been backed by The Lord Mayor of Norwich, Roy Blower, to become a World Champion. The sport uses a range of different weapons - the foil, sabre and her favoured epee - and Mrs Adam very narrowly missed out on bringing a medal home with her from the World Veteran Fencing Championships in Sydney, Australia. Competing in the 60 plus age group, with most competitors in their early 60s, she finished sixth in a field of 22 after a close-fought 10-9 loss in the quarter-finals. The sword-fighting supergran said: “Good hand and eye co-ordination are the key for me but if you are younger, speed and agility is what counts. “You get a lot of culture shocks in this sport, in terms of competitor, but the better the fencer you are up against, the better fencer you are yourself.” Mrs Adam, who lives in The Avenues, took up the sport just 20 years ago while looking for a new hobby, and confesses that she “just got hooked”. Since then, she has won 70 medals, including gold and silver at the European Veteran Fencing Championships held in Switzerland, with her cut and thrusts with both the epee and more recently the sabre. She said: “I wanted to do something to keep me fit and went along to one of these 'have a go' days. “I was thinking about doing archery but I thought I'd try fencing and after having a go, I thought 'I could do this if I work at it'.” Her hard work has paid off and this year also saw her nominated for Inspirational Sports Personality of the Year at the Norfolk Sports Awards, where she met Dame Kelly Holmes at Dunston Hall. As well as her excellent hand and eye co-ordination, she explained keeping focused is paramount. “People often ask me what I think about when I'm fencing,” she said. “But you can't think of anything at all except avoiding being hit and trying to hit them first. The moment you start to think about what you're cooking for dinner that night, then wham, you get hit.” The 79-year-old grandmother, who lost her husband just before her fencing career took off, had barely left the country before she started to compete. But since then the sport has taken her around the globe. She said: “After I lost my husband and my three children all flew the nest, there was nothing to stop me.” Using up her pension on fencing gear and travelling, however, the Great Britain Veteran Fencing Team member, who trains with the city-based Norfolk Fencing Club at the Sportspark once a week, hopes to get some sponsorship. She said: “I think I can qualify for the Commonwealths again and possibly the World and hopefully I will get some sponsorship. “But it's difficult to get sponsorship, especially when you're older, because they're just interested in the younger ones.” Do you know of a sporty pensioner? Telephone Evening News reporter Tracey Gray on 01603 772418.
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Post by LongBlade on Feb 16, 2008 23:57:03 GMT -5
En garde!By Severo Avila Rome News-Tribune Rome, GA, USA 11/25/07news.mywebpal.com/partners/680/public/news856495.htmlFollowing the ’96 summer Olympics in Atlanta, after the world’s top athletes, their coaches and international delegations had left, one of the few people to stay behind was a foreign fencing official who decided to stay in Georgia and start some clubs dedicated to a sport that was simultaneously compelling and confusing to many locals. The Rome Fencing Club was born shortly after and enjoyed minor success within the community. But after the departure of its coach, the club was left without a guide until two members assumed leadership and revitalized the organization, bringing the sport of fencing to an intrigued community. Robin Holt and Mark Cochran took over the reins of the club and attended training sessions at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado where they received their certifications to teach beginning level epee and foil. In fact, they continue their fencing education with regular trips to the training center. “There are three types of weapons used in fencing,” Cochran said. “There’s the epee, the foil and the sabre. The sabre is a slashing weapon, the epee evolved from the days of dueling and the foil was a practice weapon of the nobility. So it’s a very old sport and one we hope people in Rome will realize is extremely enjoyable.” Cochran and Holt are inviting Rome residents who have a desire to find out more about the sport of fencing to attend a club meeting. They said few people realize the fun and fitness the sport offers until they actually try it for themselves. ALL THE RIGHT MOVES Fencing refers to the European schools of swordsmanship and to the modern Olympic sport that has evolved out of them. An individual fencing “game” is called a bout. Competitors win by being the first to score 15 points (in direct elimination play) or 5 points (in preliminary pool play) against their opponent, or by having a higher score than their opponent when the time limit expires. Each time a fencer lands a valid hit — a touch — on their opponent, they receive one point. The time limit for direct elimination matches is nine minutes, three three-minute periods with a one-minute break between each. Equipment and uniforms must meet strict United States Fencing Association safety standards, making the sport safe and enjoyable for all competitors. Touches are detected electronically. Fencers are penalized for crossing the lateral boundaries of the fencing strip, while retreating off the rear limit of their side results in a touch awarded to their opponent. When fencing with the foil — a light, thrusting weapon — the opponent’s torso is the only target area. An epee is a heavy thrusting weapon. Fencers have the opponent’s entire body as a target area. Finally, the sabre is a cutting or slashing weapon. Its target area is almost everything above the waist. It’s not just the competition that has fencing growing in popularity. “It’s absolutely the most fascinating sport,” Holt said. “I was so intrigued by the swords and weaponry. And it’s great aerobic exercise.” Cochran agreed, adding that the sport encourages athleticism as well as intelligence. “It’s a perfect mix of mental and physical challenges,” he said. “There’s certainly the movement and footwork and bladework but there’s also strategy involved.” And if you think the sport is just for agile men, think again. Compared to many other sports, fencing is extremely inclusive, Holt said. Women and men compete against each other on a level playing field. She has faced large women and tiny men in competition. Young and old can succeed at fencing, she said, as long as they have a love for the sport and a willingness to learn. THE CLUB The Rome Fencing Club currently has 20 members and — starting in January — will meet 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays at Trinity United Methodist Church located at 606 Turner McCall Blvd. For $45 a month, members get an 8-week beginner course in fencing as well as the use of the club’s equipment and a United States Fencing Association membership. It also includes ongoing instruction and the opportunity to learn alongside of — and bout with — other local fencers in a supervised environment. “Age shouldn’t be a deterrent,” Holt said. “Anyone who can walk or run can be taught to fence. We’ve seen 90-year-olds excel at this sport. If a child has the ability to follow directions, I can teach them to fence.” The club, Cochran said, is very much like a family. It is both social and recreational. But when it comes to actually putting on the protective uniform and fencing an opponent, it’s business as usual. Each meeting is a structured class in which members participate in physical training and footwork exercises. The class is then divided into two groups. “The beginner group learns about fencing terminology, basic moves and footwork,” Holt said. “Then the advanced class practices bladework, tactics and footwork,” Cochran added. The groups then come together to bout. Each meeting promises to be a learning experience and a workout. To sign up for classes or for additional information about the Rome Fencing Club, visit online at www.romefencing.org. Interested persons can also call Robin Holt at 706-252-0137 or Mark Cochran at 706-290-0494. “Just come to a meeting and see fencing first-hand,” Cochran said. “I promise you’ll be surprised by the fact that it’s a really inclusive and accessible sport. Who knows, in a few months you’ll probably be a competitive fencer.”
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Post by LongBlade on Feb 17, 2008 0:02:06 GMT -5
Stolen funds don't deter Baylor Fencing from enjoying sportBy Rea Corbin, Reporter The Lariat Online Baylor University Waco, TX, USA Nov. 27, 2007www.baylor.edu/lariat/news.php?action=story&story=48322Dressed in white with faces hidden by black mesh, students attack and parry across the floor of Russell Gymnasium. At their practices Tuesday and Thursday nights, members of the Baylor Fencing Club work on footwork and three styles of fencing, despite a need for new equipment. Club president Kate Thomas, Katy junior, said they had been planning to order new equipment, but $1,000 of club funds were stolen from the club secretary's car. The funds were from the Adelman Memorial tournament, a ranked competition in honor of the club's founder. Baylor annually hosts the tournament, which Thomas said is one of the team's greatest fundraisers. Before the treasurer, Paris junior Zac Ressler, had a chance to deposit the money, it was gone. "It didn't seem like forced entry, but like someone just opened the door," Thomas said. "His roommate woke him up and said 'Your car alarm is going off.'" Thomas added that nothing else was stolen from the car. The club has expanded enough that Thomas said it was planning to order more masks, jackets and epees, one of the weapon styles used in fencing. Without the funds that were stolen, the club has to make do with its existing equipment. "Fencing requires a lot of equipment to do safely," Tomball senior Toan Nguyen said. "And with a lot of equipment, used twice a week for five hours a week, things break down." Thomas said a typical practice starts with warm-ups as fencers trickle in the door, "notorious for not being punctual." After about half an hour of warming up, the fencers suit up in their gear: mask, a jacket, gloves and weapon. The weapon can be a foil, epee or saber, and either electric or dry, meaning some equipment can be hooked up to an electric score-keeper to aid judging. Each type of weapon has different uses, each representing a style of swordsmanship, Nguyen said. "Foil tends to appeal to strategists," Nguyen said. Because fencing with a foil is complicated, only allowing fencers to score points when they are considered the "attacker," it encourages fencers to follow the correct steps in a fight. "The idea is that if one is attacked, no matter how much faster or stronger you are, you must defend yourself before you attack," Nguyen said. He added that epee appeals to fencers who are alert and "a little foolhardy or reckless." Fencing duels were originally to "first blood," he said, influencing epee fencing. Either fencer can score a point through a touch anywhere on the opponent's body. "In epee, attack and defense are blended and are almost one and the same," Nguyen said. Saber simulates fencing on horseback, he said, making the target area only above the waist. Attacking the legs would have little effect because the rider would have remained on the horse, which is a focal point of the drill. Arlington junior Shayne Hassler said the club, though at times inactive in its 90-year history, is currently strong despite financial setbacks. "As disastrous as it seems, I don't think it will affect the club that much," he said. "When I first joined the club it only had $19 in its general account." He added that the same year, the club managed to purchase a large equipment order. "These things happen, but fencers know how to adapt to the circumstances," Hassler said. Hassler said he learns a lot in the club and not just about fencing. Because of the fast pace of the sport, fencers often have to learn self-control and grace under fire, which he said can be applied to other facets of life. "You have to learn how to think critically quickly while under pressure," he said. "That's a skill everyone could use."
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