This was a big year for our fencers at Junior Olympics. We had nine participants – our largest group ever! We fielded two Jr. Men’s Sabre Teams and a Women’s Sabre Team. These are nice milestones and definitely something to reflect on as we come upon our annual celebration and turn Three. There were a few themes that emerged from this past weekend: solidarity (among the club and Division), professional development, and hunger.
Solidarity was evident among our young travelers. Four fencers participated in their first National event. It was fantastic to see the other fencers and parents support each other. The “veteran” parents and fencers were definitely assuring the newer ones. Each fencer had their crossed their own challenges. Here are some of my favorite team moments:
Jr. Men’s Sabre: Watching my 14-year old fencer finish pools with one victory, and still fence “to win” against the sixth-seeded Jr. fencer. The momentum changed twice in that bout. It was a real fencing bout! He lost 12-15, but I could clearly see glimpses of his fighting power to come. I saw this same “fight” in many of my other fencers’ DE bouts.
Sr. Women’s Team: 13-5 run. Need I say more? She had the momentum and kept going. She used a variety of actions and didn’t give up. These “C-rated” fencers didn’t phase her! She inspired our women and displayed true leadership.
Top 16: The result is nice (14th), but what really gets me going is to watch the other fencers losing, being soldily beat by my fencer. He wasn’t supposed to win, but he did. The fencers who lost to him in the 64 and then 32 to get to the 16, had black-card worthy performances. My hard-working fencer did what I asked him to, and fenced with no fear. Two-thumbs up.
Division stuff is interesting. There is much discussion going around now about the USFA dissolving Sections and Divisions. I am okay with leaving the Section behind, but our Division? Giving up our membership money to the should-be-bankrupt organization of our NGB (the USFA) doesn’t seem fair. Collectively, our Division brains will be coming up with ways to spend this money “if” this becomes to be. We will stand united.
Professionally: Matt (against my wishes) became chair of the USFA Tournament Committee. UGH… another thankless non-paying job. I got interviewed by a very nice gentleman representing the USFCA regarding my credentials and involvement in the organization. AAI? A Master’s Fencing tournament in Switzerland this year, that I can fence in? Hmmmmm….
HUNGER: What my fencers have. Here, let me provide the food. Come to practice, leave your ego. BYOB. Let’s fence.
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