A university with a mascot such as a cavalier should have a good fencing team, right? Indeed, the Virginia fencing team is upholding that image.
Fencing is a sport that receives relatively little attention and coverage. Few people know much, if anything, about the sport. It is an incredibly technical sport and much of it is based largely upon a fencer's technique and skill. Fencing differs from other sports because it places a large emphasis on technique and does not stress pure athleticism as much.
Over the weekend, the Virginia Fencing club hosted a Middle Atlantic Collegiate Fencing Association (MACFA) round robin tournament. Clubs from Virginia Tech, William & Mary and St. Joseph College competed in the tournament held at Memorial Gymnasium. The tournament was a good learning experience for the club because it is still trying to get acclimated to the new season. The club was able to defeat St. Joseph's and performed well against Virginia Tech as well. However, William & Mary presented a tough challenge.
"The tournament went well, although we didn't do as well as we expected," club president Chen Wang said. "We beat St. Joseph's easily but William & Mary was really good. They have a coach and we have never had a coach so we had a tough time with them."
Club fencing is going through a rebuilding process this year. The club lost a number of veterans who led the club for years and is attempting to get its new members some experience.
"This year is kind of a reforming year for us," Wang said. "Last year we had many veterans who graduated. Now we don't have many veterans and lots of new members. We're trying to pass some of our knowledge of the sport onto them."
Despite the loss of a number of key fencers, the club is progressing through this transition period smoothly. The club's officers and captains have taken on their leadership roles with great zeal and passion and are eager to return the club to its past levels of glory.
"We replaced the leadership roles last semester and the new officers have stepped into their leadership roles very nicely," Wang said. "We can also contact the graduated veterans from last year if we have any problems. Even though they graduated they are still participating in the club."
This weekend the club will travel to Pennsylvania to participate in the Temple Open at Temple University. The tournament will provide an excellent opportunity for the club's new fencers to get some much-needed experience and competition.
"It's a great tournament because it's a chance for everyone to be able to participate," club vice president Mary Ball said. "Anyone who pays the entrance fee can participate. There's no pressure and it's a great opportunity for our new fencers to see what fencing is about."
An interesting aspect about the fencing club is that it is open to any and all students and faculty. Anyone associated with the University is able to attend and participate in fencing practices, which occur every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Potential members are able to attend four practices for free which allows them the chance to gauge their interest level in the club.
"We don't have tryouts and we have guys and girls competing together," Ball said. "The way that we operate now is very family oriented. Everyone gets to know each other very well and has a lot of fun."
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