Fencing Arrives at CRLS

Fencing Arrives at CRLS
Posted on 02/13/2015
February 1, 2015: Concord Carlisle High School
FencingAfter a year of meetings, planning, and several weeks of practicing Falcon Fencing became a reality, bouting against B, B & N, Beaver Country Day, B.U. Academy, Bishop Feehan and host school Concord Carlisle. Coach George Scott reminded the team “Our main goal today is to introduce competition fencing to CRLS and have fun.” Even so it was a little intimidating walking into the gym with banners celebrating “50 years of Concord Carlisle Fencing.” “We knew every school in this competition had years of experience in this complex sport with three different swords - each with their own set of rules. It’s a lot to learn in very little time” Coach Angélica Brisk admits, “Thankfully our school has students with prior fencing experience and they have been amazing mentors to those who are just starting.”

One talented mentor is Captain Amy Zhao who asked Ms. Brisk to start the team along with senior Hajin Kim and junior Isabela Trumble. “I wanted to help promote the sport because it helps with mind and body.” explains Zhao, “But It can be expensive, making out of reach for people. By bringing it to the high school I hoped we could make it possible for more students to try.” And her wish came true. One person who never imagined herself wielding a sabre until the beginning of this season was Khando Kunchok “I started because of my friends. I'm so glad I did this, I never imagined playing any sport and here I am!”

FencingDuring the regular season Falcons came out with 1 team win and 4 team losses. Most of the losses were close with Falcons winning 46% of their bouts and we were particularly strong in Epee where both boys and girls squads swept the day. Captains Amy Zhao and Matthew Mansoor each went 15-0, junior Isabela Trumble and sophomore Noah Scott went 14-1, Hajin Kim, dominated girls foil winning 12-1 There were wins in every squad and the team stayed competitive to the very last bout. “We did it, we exceeded our expectations, we learned a lot and every one of you worked really hard and had fun.” Coach Scott congratulated the tired team at the end of a long day.

FencingThere is much to celebrate this season. Falcon fencing went on to qualify 5 fencers for the semi finals at states and 4 to the finals bringing home 2 gold medals and a bronze. But the big prize was founding a fencing team and doubling the number of students who fence at Rindge. "As an athletic administrator, I think it is very important to explore opportunities for student athletes who wish to participate in 'non-traditional' interscholastic athletics, engaging more students that otherwise may not participate in the current offerings we have.” explains Athletic Director Tom Arria, “Fencing is a great sport that has been in existence much longer than most of our modern day high school sports. However, it is a sport not sponsored by the state athletic association or not widely offered in high school throughout the state. If we can offer opportunities for more students to become involved in our athletic community here at CRLS I am always open to suggestions."

In the last few weeks of the season Falcon Fencers plan on continuing to practice, fundraise, and present a demonstration for rising 9th graders to help build next year’s team. All CRLS families are welcome on Saturday March 7th from 9 to 10AM at the club’s practice space Olympia Fencing Center at 127 Smith Place near Alewife T.
Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2024 SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved.