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Post by LongBlade on Jul 27, 2009 11:09:40 GMT -5
Getting the Point San Marcos Daily Record Sunday, July 26, 2009 Page 1Picture: www.sanmarcosrecord.com/homepage/images_sizedimage_206145120/lgJillian Hagans, 8, takes instruction during Learn to Fence summer camp at the Jowers Center on the Texas State University campus. The camp offered fencing classes to ages 8 and up with former Olympian John Moreau.
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Post by LongBlade on Oct 5, 2009 8:30:52 GMT -5
ESPN October 4, 2009 espn.go.com/espn/apphoto/photo?photoId=2348180&sportId=3000From left to right, silver medalist Matteo Tagliariol of Italy, gold medalist Anton Avdeev of Russia, bronze medalists Jose Luis Abajo of Spain and bronze medalist Jerome Jeannet of France, are seen during the medal ceremony at the Fencing World Championships, following the final of the Men's Epee in Antalya, Turkey, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
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Post by LongBlade on Oct 9, 2009 0:13:25 GMT -5
Kurt Getz Helps U.S. Men's Foil Team Make History at World Fencing ChampionshipsWritten By: Columbia University 10/6/09www.gocolumbialions.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=9600&ATCLID=204808127#ANTALYA, TURKEY – Columbia senior Kurt Getz reached the top eight at the 2009 World Championships this weekend in Turkey, upsetting the world's third-ranked fencer, Richard Kruse of Great Britain, in the round of 16. In the past 70 years, United States Fencing has never had two fencers in the top 16 at the World Championships and Getz and Notre Dame's Gerek Meinhardt pulled off the feat at this year's competition. Getz ultimately fell to Zhu Fei of China in the round of eight in a match that lasted nearly an hour, thanks to two injury timeouts, a strip change, several equipment stoppages and an intermission while the opening ceremonies took place. In her first appearance at the World Championships, fellow Columbia senior Daria Schneider reached the round of 16 in women's sabre action. Schneider defeated Poland's Alexandra Socha in the round of 64, then knocked off U.S. teammate Monica Aksamit in the round of 32. Schneider then fell to the eventual World Champion, Mariel Zagunis, a two-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist in women's foil. Foil? Foil?? FOIL?!?!?! I so didn't write this article!The 2009 World Championships continue until Thursday, October 8 in Turkey.
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Post by LongBlade on Oct 9, 2009 0:14:23 GMT -5
Japan donates to Panama martial arts, fencing efforts www.chinaview.cn2009-10-09 news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-10/09/content_12196952.htmPANAMA CITY, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Japan will donate funds to build a martial arts and fencing center in Panama City's Irving Saladino Sports City, the Panama Sports Agency announced on Thursday Japan promised eight million dollars for a three-storey building which will host facilities for eight sports, the agency said as part of a government-wide effort to report what Ricardo Matinelli has done during his first 100 days as president. The government is also gong to fund the agency to the tune of eight million dollars for other activities. Panama lacks appropriate fencing facilities, said Fencer Yesika Jimenez, who represented Panama at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Agency director Omar Moreno said it had not yet received approval for a 40 million dollar budget plan for 2010.
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Post by LongBlade on Oct 9, 2009 0:15:02 GMT -5
Romania wins men's team sabre gold in World Championships in Antalyawww.Roumanie.comOct. 8, 2009 www.roumanie.com/romania-news-1001821.htmlBucharest, Oct 8 /Agerpres/ - The Romanian men's sabre team, made up of Rares Dumitrescu, Florin Zalomir, Cosmin Hanceanu and Tiberiu Dolniceanu, on Thursday won the gold medal in the World Fencing Championships, in Antalya (Turkey), after the victory in the final against Italy, 45-44. The Romanian team, directly qualified for the 2nd round of the competition, successively defeated Germany (45-42), France (45-41) and Hungary (45-39). Romania conquered also a silver medal in this edition of the World Championships, with Rares Dumitrescu ranking 2nd in the individual sabre event. AGERPRES [by Romaniapress]
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Post by LongBlade on Oct 9, 2009 0:16:00 GMT -5
Canada's Sherraine Schalm wins silver medal at world fencing championshipsThe Canadian Press 10/05/09 www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5h7qg0z2OAP-gAvrRx7kTAbM56XSwANTALYA, Turkey — Canada's Sherraine Schalm pushed her opponent to overtime before settling for a silver medal Monday at the world fencing championships. Schalm, of Ottawa, and Lubov Shutova of Russia were tied 8-8 after regulation in the final of the women's epee event. Shutova scored her winning point 20 seconds into extra time. "I was completely worn out entering overtime," Schalm said. "I was hoping I could capitalize on a mistake but I should have been more daring and provoked her. I gave everything I had." Anfisa Pochkalova of Ukraine and Sonja Tol of the Netherlands won the bronze medals. Schalm's second-place effort was Canada's best-ever result at the event. She burst into tears when the bout ended. "I am physically and mentally exhausted, that's why I cried and why I still want to cry, but inside I feel joy," Schalm said. "All year I had sub-par results. But I had decided to focus primarily for the worlds and it's a great feeling to get on the podium. Maybe that's my strategy for the 2012 Olympics in London." Joseph Polossifakis of Montreal was 25th in men's sabre. Schalm's previous best was a third-place finish at the 2005 world championships.
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Post by LongBlade on Oct 9, 2009 0:16:38 GMT -5
Fencing alumni enjoy yearly event
By Alex Angert Collegian Staff Writer Penn State University 10/5/09 www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2009/10/05/fencing_alumni_enjoy_yearly_ev.aspxPenn State fencing coach Emmanuil Kaidanov was unable to attend this weekend's annual alumni event, but his wife commanded the afternoon in his place. With her husband overseas at the Senior World Championships in Turkey, she arrived looking like she just walked out of the pages of a Russian fashion magazine with huge, clip-on earrings dangling from her ears, oversized sun glasses covering her face and leather boots nearly up to her knees. Pinching the players cheeks as if she were their grandmother and hugging everyone in sight, Mrs. Kaidanov represented the amiable atmosphere at this year's alumni event. Ranging from alumni who graduated in the '70s to last year's graduating players, the event saw a huge turnout as it was a chance for fencers to reunite with their old coaches, share family photographs and attempt to hold their own against today's reigning NCAA Championship team. "Every year is fun because you don't know who is going to show up, so hopefully you get to see some people you haven't seen in a while," said Jason Krasowitz, Class of 1989. Krasowitz, whose graduating class was there celebrating its 20-year reunion, was just one of a number of alumni returning for the festivities which included a meet and greet with the players and some friendly fencing. The afternoon began with the players and alumni splitting up into two groups to introduce themselves to each other. Coach Wieslaw 'Wes' Glon passed around a megaphone to his team, which went around one by one introducing themselves. While most only gave their name and major, others had more fun with their responses. Senior Anastasia Ferdman made a point to tell the alumni she had a great time going out and drinking with them the night before, while senior Dan Bak made everyone aware he majored in being "good looking." After going down the line with the megaphone, the players proceeded to huddle in a circle and chant "We are...Penn State," before lining up to fence. The alumni responded with a "We were...Penn State" chant of their own to rile up their opponents as they took to the fencing strip. "The coach pretty much told me if I don't win he's going to kick me off of the team because he won't hear the end of this," said Bak, who let out a primordial "Ahhh" at the top of his lungs every time he hit his opponent. Split up into the three different fencing positions, Bak and his fellow sabers jumped out to an early lead but ended up tying their older counterparts, 9-9. "It's all for fun," Krasowitz said. "We try to psych each other out and play some games. For the alumni, we have guys coming back who are ex-Olympians, national champions, All Americans. So the alumni can put up a pretty good fight depending on who shows up." The event, which is held annually, is a chance to strengthen what Krasowitz called a certain 'mystique of the program.' He said events like this help build a strong relationship between coaches, alumni and players, which has made Penn State's fencing program as successful as it has been throughout the years. Krasowitz lives in State College and keeps up to date with the team on a yearly basis, but for alumni who live far away, this is a perfect event to keep in contact with old friends. While the event is a year tradition for Krasowitz, new alumnus Megan Luteran hopes it will become the same for her. "I'm totally a die hard Penn State fan and I love this school and I love so much being a part of the fencing team," said Luteran, Class of 2008. "I got to do so many awesome experiences, [like] winning NCAA Championships and going to meet the president. I love, love, love being a part of the team and I'll always come back."
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Post by LongBlade on Oct 9, 2009 0:17:41 GMT -5
China aiming higher in fencing By Sabine Colpart AFP 10/07/09
ANTALYA, Turkey — China, buoyed by carrying off a first men's Olympic fencing gold medal at the Beijing Games, are determined to carry on that success, as shown by some battling showings at the world championships in Antalya.
At the age of 25, Zhong Man was feted back home as a hero following his Olympic title in front of the home fans. The women had beaten the men to the top spot on the podium when Luan Jujie bagged Asia's first foil success at the Los Angeles Games in 1984.
Zhong Man owes much of his success to French coach Christian Bauer.
The Chinese enticed Bauer over back in 2006 in the run-up to Beijing and he promptly delivered - even if he had expected 2004 silver medalist Tan Xue to be the man to go that one step further.
"Just after the Games I signed on for another four years, I am proud as I am the only foreigner in any sport to have had his contract renewed," says Bauer.
Now he has another target - another gold in London in three years time.
Bauer's record suggests he is well capable of delivering again. After many years honing his trade in France, one of the world's top fencing nations, he moved on to Italy, where he coached among others Aldo Montano, who landed the individual sabre title at the 2004 Athens Games.
"The Chinese Federation believed they were not yet ready to go it alone. They were not sure how to develop and organise things on their own and structure their competitions. Their system is not adapted to the highest level.
"Theirs is a very short term system. They need recognition so I am passing onto them what they must do for long term success," says Bauer.
Bauer works at a national centre in Beijing where more than 4000 fencers have registered out of some 10,000 non-amateurs nationwide. Fencing is for now an elitist sport in China.
But Bauer regards the country as a breeding ground for future champions, even if they are comparative late starters.
"The Chinese start fencing at 14 whereas the Europeans begin at seven and four years later they are junior world champions. They are starting to step it up as they are good and in all respects," the Frenchman adds.
Bauer, the only non-Chinese coach in the country, has to convince the Chinese to carry on developing in the sport beyond the age of 25, when they traditionally give up competition, whereas this is the age when participants are just hitting their peak.
Further French influence on the Chinese comes from another Frenchman, Daniel Levavasseur, who has helped the squad on an occasional basis, and who has mentored among others 1996 French epee champion Laura Flessel.
China have an up and coming epee hope in the shape of Na Li, silver medalist at the 2007 world championships, as well as Olympic silver medalist Wang Lei.
China's own Wang Haibin is the main man for coaching sabre hopefuls, having spent four years learning the trade in France. His men's team won a 2004 Olympic silver.
"They are aggressive in competition. That is new. They express themselves and are not afraid," said Bauer approvingly.
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Post by LongBlade on Oct 9, 2009 0:18:41 GMT -5
Frewin wins national fencing titleWandsworth Guardian, UK 7th October 2009 www.wandsworthguardian.co.uk/sport/4668238.Frewin_wins_national_fencing_title/James Frewin has been crowned U17 National boys epee champion. The City of Freemen’s School pupil won six round robin matches and five direct elmination bouts at Sheffield National Institute of Sport, beating the pre-tournament favourite 15-14 in the final. Frewin, who also won the National Public Schools Championships in Nottingham in March, was presented with a medal, trophy and ceremonial sword. On Sunday, he finished eighth in the National U20 Championships before being knocked out by the eventual winner.
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Post by LongBlade on Oct 12, 2009 22:27:54 GMT -5
Athletic diversityBy Sean Leahy Columbia Spectator Columbia University 10/11/09 www.columbiaspectator.com/2009/10/11/athletic-diversityOnly a small minority will go on to athletic careers past their undergraduate studies, yet all of us push hard each week—if not for ourselves, then for our teammates, our coaches, our athletic department, our school, and maybe even those students who think we should not be here. What’s constant is that people know. Just about everyone I have talked to for more than an elevator ride knows that I am on the fencing team. I used fencing a lot during the freshman year ice-breaker games we played. People know. What changes each time is the reaction I get. It can be a nod of passing interest, like I just told the other party that I can juggle nine knives at the same time. Sometimes the other person will be genuinely interested and hold up a good conversation for five or 10 minutes. Then there are those that give an unmistakable look upon learning that I am an athlete. It’s easy to spot when their face tightens and their eyes go hard. “Oh,” they say, but you know they think, “That’s how he got in.” Talking with someone who thinks you slid by admissions because of your athletic ability is more disappointing than offensive. You could spend 20 minutes telling them all the ways you balanced both academics and your sport in high school. You could tell them how parties were a concept, a theoretical event, in high school or how sleep was like a rare vacation more than a nightly process. You could tell them this, but you know they won’t believe you—they’ve already made up their minds. Fortunately, people who genuinely detest and judge athletes as being “unworthy” of admittance to Columbia are fairly rare. What my sports amounts to is another weight on my shoulders to be balanced with academics, a social life, and the unexpected events that show up each week. Although I love fencing, it will not be my life’s work. I have interesting classes and have found the things that I want to study and eventually make a career of. I am a sophomore, and I know that I’ll fence with as much intensity as I can muster for three more years, and then I may never fence competitively again. It is a strange feeling to see the expiration date on something you’ve done for most of your life and yet continue to pursue—but that is what Columbia athletes do. Only a small minority will go on to athletic careers past their undergraduate studies, yet all of us push hard each week—if not for ourselves, then for our teammates, our coaches, our athletic department, our school, and maybe even those students who think we should not be here. Another symptom of being an athlete at Columbia is an appreciation of and support for the other teams. Athletes from different teams meet each other at events organized by the Athletics Department, in classes, or just by striking up a conversation at Dodge. Friendships evolve, and soon enough swimmers show up to volleyball games, fencers go to football games, and runners watch basketball. The biggest supporters of Columbia Athletics are the athletes themselves. If there were similar appreciation in the student body at large, maybe Wien Stadium at Baker Field would be filled to capacity more often. Columbia athletes, by their nature, are multitalented. This personal diversity expands to areas beyond academics and athletics. One of the members of the fencing team is an anthropology major and spends his free time and breaks diving into ancient caves in the New Mexico desert. Others are writers, artists, class representatives, musicians, dancers, film-makers, debaters, yoga masters, and double-major students who happen to be good at a sport, too. Talk to a Columbia athlete without thinking of them as just the jocks in high school, and you may find yourself surprised. My experience so far as an athlete here has been in no way a bad one. If any part of this article comes across as a complaint, then blame the author for lack of revision. Also, remember that these are my personal views and that other athletes may not only have a different perception, but may be completely opposed to mine. The best way to find out is to go out and meet an athlete. Take a peek at the fall sports schedules on the athletics Web site and go to the next game at Dodge or Baker. Remember, no one has ever won Ivy’s in Butler.
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Post by LongBlade on Oct 14, 2009 23:43:20 GMT -5
Elyria's Walt Dragonetti, veteran 50 men's epee champ at World Veteran Fencing Championships By Plain Dealer staff Cleveland, Ohio October 14, 2009www.cleveland.com/recreation/index.ssf/2009/10/elyrias_walt_dragonetti_vetera.htmlWalt Dragonetti of Elyria won the veteran 50 men's epee last month at the World Veteran Fencing Championships in Moscow, Russia. Elyria's Walt Dragonetti, left, scores the ninth hit on his way to a 10-8 victory over Mikhail Tishko of the Ukraine last month at the World Veteran Fencing Championships in Moscow, Russia.The U.S. veterans team won 10 medals at the event. Dragonetti is also a coach at Hooked on Fencing in North Royalton. Elyria's Walt Dragonetti, left, scores the ninth hit on his way to a 10-8 victory over Mikhail Tishko of the Ukraine last month at the World Veteran Fencing Championships in Moscow, Russia.
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Post by LongBlade on May 19, 2010 22:20:47 GMT -5
En Garde! Golden Gate Fencing Foundation Announces the 2010 Paul Pesthy Memorial Western Super Youth Circuit Swords Will Clash As Young Contestants Battle on March 20-21 at the San Jose Convention CenterSAN JOSE, Calif., March 15 /PRNewswire/Youthful swordsmen and women from the Bay Area will have a chance to test their mettle in March, in a competition that is a stepping stone for Collegiate and Olympic fencing hopefuls. Golden Gate Fencing Foundation today announced that the 2010 Paul Pesthy Memorial Western Super Youth Circuit tournament will take place on March 20-21, 2010 at the San Jose Convention Center. The tournament will showcase youth fencers with regional experience from around the country, from 14 years of age and younger, competing in three separate weapon categories: Foil, Epee, and Sabre. This marks the sixth year in a row that the Golden Gate Fencing Foundation has hosted this tournament. The Paul Pesthy Memorial event is part of the United States Fencing Association's Super Youth Circuit schedule and is the only Youth Circuit in the western part of the United States. Participants will earn national points and the right to participate in the National Championships, which take place in Atlanta, GA from July 4-13. "Each year, Golden Gate Fencing Foundation hosts and organizes a number of regional youth tournaments – and the Paul Pesthy Memorial Western Super Youth Circuit is our premiere event. It's all for the sake of delivering high-quality competition to young fencers – athletes who are honing their skills for advanced competition," said Mike Pederson, founder of Golden Gate Fencing and head coach of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Silver medal US Women's Foil team. "Fencing is such a unique sport – one that is both a physical and mental challenge – a mind game in the best sense. This tournament is the perfect stage for youth fencers to come out, test their skills, and try to take their fencing to the next level." Since its founding in 1997, Golden Gate Fencing Foundation has worked to promote fencing to the youth of the Bay Area. The foundation is the nonprofit arm of the Golden Gate Fencing Center, a San Francisco fencing club that is home to numerous high-level U.S. fencers. The Golden Gate Fencing Center is one of only two clubs in the U.S. that has two U.S. Olympic Team coaches: Paul Soter (2004) and Mike Pederson (2008). The center is also home to Maureen Griffin, current U.S. Junior Team coach. Over 20 fencers from the Golden Gate Fencing Center will be competing in San Jose. Through fencing, the foundation aims to promote mental and physical fitness and sound nutritional habits, life-skills common to all sports such as time management and goal setting, and positive self-esteem. Additionally, it works to provide scholarships to athletes to help them achieve competitive success that they otherwise might not be able to achieve. There are currently over 70 colleges and universities with fencing teams, and Golden Gate Fencing Center fencers are currently attending Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Notre Dame, and several University of California campuses. The tournament is named after Paul Pesthy, an Olympic silver medalist in modern pentathlon and 5-time U.S. fencing champion. Pesthy coached two Junior and Cadet World Champions and was a friend and an inspiration to the Golden Gate Fencing Foundation's coaching staff. The full schedule for the 2010 Paul Pesthy Memorial Western Super Youth Circuit tournament can be found at www.gofencing.com. About Golden Gate Fencing FoundationFounded in 1997, GGFF exists to provide financial opportunities for fencers who would otherwise lack access to the sport, or be unable to train at levels appropriate to their aspirations and abilities. GGFF's founders are current and former Olympic coaches and National Team fencers who focus on outreach and scholarship programs for making fencing and collateral skills that fencing teaches to children whose family financial and economic situation would not permit them to fence. Through the support of recreational development and competitive training programs and hosting of local regional fencing competitions, GGFF promotes the sport and provide safe, healthy, supportive and engaging environment for youth in the sport. More information is available at www.gofencing.com.
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Post by LongBlade on Jun 2, 2010 21:50:38 GMT -5
Fencing instructor preps for nationalsBy: Samaia Hernandez The Record-Journal Meriden, Connecticut June 2, 2010 www.myrecordjournal.com/latestnews/article_d1ffa93a-6e64-11df-a326-001cc4c03286.htmlSandra Marchant didn't know a thing about fencing when she took a beginner class at Quinnipiac University 14-years-ago. But she learned, instantly, that it was a sport for her. "I swear," she said, "the minute I picked up the weapon, the lights went on and I could hear music. I just knew it was for me." Shortly after the mother of three began training with former Olympian Ralph Spinella of Wolcott. The rest is history. Marchant, who has been teaching beginning and intermediate fencing at Wallingford Parks & Recreation De-partment for the past four years won the state's qualifier and will be competing next month at Fencing Summer Nationals, the world's largest fencing tournament to be held in Atlanta, Ga. in July. She will be competing in what she considers a "physical chess" match using the epee weapon that enables players to hit their opponent with the tip of the weapon anywhere on their body. The resident of Prospect will host a ziti dinner at the Prospect Firehouse, 26 New Haven Road, Friday from 5-8 p.m.
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Post by LongBlade on Jun 2, 2010 22:28:40 GMT -5
The Derry teen with the sabre sword The Derry Journal Derry Ireland 31 May 2010 www.derryjournal.com/derry/The-Derry-teen-with-the.6330286.jpFifteen year-old Barry Quigley has an enthusiasm for sport that you would expect to see in an Olympic athlete. But perhaps that's only to be expected, as his ambition is to wear the green vest at the Games. When the Foyle College student isn't taking part in fencing, he is rowing and in his spare time he still manages to get involved with The Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Barry, from Nixon's Corner, travelled with several other fencers from the Foyle College fencing team to Sheffield to take part in the British Youth Championship a few weeks ago where he finished within the top 20. "The youth championships are such a prestigious event," said Barry. "I wasn't expecting to do as well as I did but I think that the coaching I got from my teachers Mr. Westgate and Mr. McGill played a big part." Barry, who is currently studying for GCSE Mathematics exam, uses a sabre sword and came 18th in the U16 category. "I first started fencing when about three years ago," explained Barry. "I only did it for a bit of fun and I didn't do well in my first few fights. However, once I tasted defeat I wanted to improve and that's when I started to take it very seriously." He continued: "I train there three times a week. It's a very demanding sport but I really, really enjoy it. My dream would be to represent Ireland at an Olympic Games." The teenager, who has ambitions of becoming a software engineer, believes that he has what is required to take his fencing on to the next level. "I am very serious about my training and I am really ambitious to do well at both my fencing and in my studies."
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Post by LongBlade on Jun 2, 2010 23:13:54 GMT -5
Fencing Vixens!!! I LOVE it!!!Senior Fencing Vixens Always En Garde By Amanda Kennedy Sports Editor The Bi-College News Bryn Mawr and Haverford Haverford, PA www.biconews.com/?p=24592As a freshman at Bryn Mawr College, Rachel Goddard ’10 noticed a series of fliers posted around campus that read “Fencing: Not Just for Keeping the Rabbits Out of Your Garden.” Drawn to the quirky phrase, Rachel wondered what the college’s fencing team was all about. She decided she had to learn more about the sport. For Michelle Crepeau ’10, fencing summoned her even before she enrolled at Bryn Mawr. During Accepted Students Weekend, she witnessed a fencer on a chair in Thomas Great Hall “belting about fencing,” she said. Both Goddard and Crepeau joined the team the first semester of their freshman year and haven’t stopped since. “We still use [those fliers],” said Goddard, current team co-president, with a laugh. Pret, Allez! Senior fencers Michelle Crepeau, left, and Rachel Goddard face off in Bryn Mawr’s cloisters. Photographer Rachel GoddardNeither had experienced much fencing before attending Bryn Mawr. Goddard had never fenced before, and Crepeau had a “three-week crash course at the end of middle school,” she said. Crepeau, a saberist and treasurer for the fencing team, and Goddard, who normally is a foilist but has also successfully tried her hand at epee, recently participated along with nine other team members in a team tournament March 26-28 at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. While at Annapolis, two Bryn Mawr fencers were able to defeat Midshipmen. “We like to say we beat the Navy,” both said nearly simultaneously with smiles on their faces. “And two of our fencers beat the Navy,” Goddard said. As part of the Baltimore Washington Fencing Collegiate Conference, Bryn Mawr’s fencers, known as the Vixens, compete in a co-ed conference, mostly against male fencers. “We stand out,” Goddard said. Crepeau and Goddard hold devout enthusiasm for not only the sport but also their teammates. They are a core group of women who like to watch “swashbuckling” movies and eat dinner together. Fencing team members have channeled fun and friendly competition in the photo shoots they’ve held at various spots on Bryn Mawr’s campus. After breaking out their weapons on a moment’s notice, they even staged duels on the roof of the Cloisters. “We took at least 500 photos,” Goddard said. Goddard fondly recalls the staging of the team’s May Day Play “St. George and the Dragon,” in which various Vixens battled with wooden swords and wove inside jokes from the team into their dialogue. “We’re made of inside jokes,” Crepeau said. Other memorable moments from their four years on the fencing team include washing parties, during which members gather to do laundry after tournaments, and walks to and from the gym at the School of Social Work, where the team practices. Tucked behind seemingly faraway Brecon, the gym may be a trek, but the distance allows team members to bond. During practice both Crepeau and Goddard take pleasure in watching younger teammates who are new to the sport blossom with experience. “It’s cool to watch new people…and their progression,” Crepeau said. Both seniors have witnessed their own progressions since freshman year. Goddard has learned new skills with new weapons. She picked up epée for the first time during the fall of 2009 and put it to use in competition a few weeks later. She found she was more adept with epée, which seemed “a little bizarre,” she said. “For epée, you can hit everywhere for the target area. It is more for yourself to defend.” Goddard fenced against a “tall gangly man” from Penn State University, and his height proved to be a slight disadvantage for Goddard. Even though she lost the bout – the term for a fencing contest – she was able to place three touches from his wrist to his upper arm against his five touches. Her demonstration of agility and perseverance to take on such a tall order with a newly acquired weapon is something of which she is proud. Willpower has brought out the best in Crepeau too. At a Princeton competition at the end of February, she successfully carried out an overhead parry, a defensive move in which a fencer blocks another person’s weapon, in Crepeau’s case a saber, with his or her own. Crepeau let instinct guide her in this situation. “It was my first time where I was able to apply something that never worked before in a practice,” she said. “It was one of my most memorable bouts.” Crepeau and Goddard have fencing team founder Caitlin Cotter ’08, and the rest of the alumna to thank for their guidance. “[Cotter] was the first club saberist,” Crepeau said. “She had spunk and drive and wanted to show me the ropes [of being a saberist].” They have great respect for the fencers who came before them. “They used whatever they learned to get you interested, to watch you grow,” Goddard said. Soon, Crepeau and Goddard will finish their time as collegiate competitive fencers. They and the rest of the Vixens will compete as a team at the United States Association of Collegiate Fencing Clubs Championships on April 10 and 11 at Swarthmore. And on April 18, the two seniors and four other Bryn Mawr fencers will participate in the Philadelphia Division of the United States Fencing Association Qualifiers for Summer Nationals. If any of them make it into the top 3 or 4 in a weapon, they will qualify to go to Summer Nationals in July. Last year, Co-President Dawn Hathaway ’11 qualified in foil and went to Nationals. After they graduate, Crepeau and Goddard will leave behind a legacy of love and esteem for the sport and their teammates that they learned from the fencers who graduated before them. Crepeau, a Biology and History of Art major from Portland, Me., plans to move to New Orleans with two of her college roommates and prepare for graduate school in the future. She hopes to become a conservator of arts and artifacts. Also a History of Art major, Goddard is graduating and going home to New York City to figure out her plans from there. She has worked in a few museums in the past because of her interest in art. Besides a passion for fencing and loyalty to their teammates, most evident is their strong relationship with each other. They often finish each other’s sentences and add to each other’s stories and memories. They share a history at Bryn Mawr, one that has a foundation in fencing and friendship.
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