I found this very late (early) the other day. Been busy with SWIFA #4 and work. I've just now had time to post it. But it's worth a read. Great PR for SWIFA! ;D I wish every club had a demonstration on the Quad and then volunteer to the reporter for their University paper to volunteer for an interview for an article! 
Bobcat fencers carrying on tradition one épée at a timeBy William Ward
The University Star
4/12/07
star.txstate.edu/content/view/3163/ This weekend the Texas State Fencing Club will travel to compete in the fourth and final scheduled Southwest Intercollegiate Fencing Association tournament, to be held at Texas-San Antonio. Previous tournaments have taken place at Texas State, North Texas and Houston.
The Southwest Intercollegiate Fencing Association consists of clubs from Texas State, Texas, Texas A&M, UTSA, UNT and Houston. Currently Texas State is at the top of the association’s point standings. Club members are confident the team will retain its standing after this weekend’s event.
Jon Clark/Star Photo
READY? FENCE!: Will Cisler, psychology senior (left), and fencing club president, Kevin Beahan, math junior, engage in a form of fencing known as épée. “We’re going to win,” said club president, Kevin Beahan, a mathematics junior who participates in épée.
Fencing offers three different events: foil, épée, and saber. The difference in each concerns the type of blade and guard used in competition. Beginners generally start on foil.
Kyle Maysel, Southwest Texas State University alumnus, is the current president of the Southwest Intercollegiate Fencing Association, which was created to promote the sport among Texas collegiate clubs.
Some of the tougher competition this weekend will come from A&M, Texas and UNT. Beahan said the team’s ability to raise money from tournaments allows it to compete with schools that place greater emphasis on club sports. However, he also asserts fencing is not a sport all about money.
“It takes community support and practice,” Beahan said. “That’s really where we have the edge on these other schools.”
Beahan said John Moreau, faculty advisor and former fencing Olympian, has exposed the club to experienced athletes from around the world. Rob Stull, three-time Olympian and pentathlete, has practiced with the team, as has Moreau.
The sports club, which is the oldest on campus, put on a demonstration this week in The Quad to raise awareness and attract new members. It currently has 20 to 25 members.
“Keeping the club going is key,” Beahan said. “Most people didn’t even know we had a team.”
For members, the fencing club is a way to socialize and meet new friends while staying competitive in athletics.
“It started out as just a hobby, just a thing to do,” said Damaris Dotson, club vice president and longtime member. “It’s fun to compete; you meet people, you make friends.”
Dotson, health services research graduate student, competes in the saber event. She emphasized it is common for new members to have no fencing experience and all are welcome.
“Fencing is a sport most people get into later in life,” Dotson said. “It’s not like football or basketball where you are playing from the age of ten.”
One of the biggest aspects of the club is social contacts and meetings. The club often holds meetings at Valentino’s, on The Square.
“That’s our club meeting spot,” Dotson said.
The club will host the Yorick Tournament April 20 and 21 in Jowers Center, Room 221; the event is scheduled to last most of both days.
The tournament is the second oldest in Texas and named in honor of the court jester in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
“Some people come up to the door (in Jowers) but are scared to come in,” Beahan said. “They should give it a shot. They’re passing on an opportunity to try an interesting and competitive sport.”
