Earlham fencing grows in popularity
by Andrew Roembke
Fencing is defined by the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary as the art or practice of attack and defense with the foil, épée or saber. It may be more widely known as an art of armed combat that involves the use of pointed weapons manipulated by hand movements to attack a target.
Many students may be unaware that Earlham has a fencing club. It has been up and running for a little over four years now, though it only officially became a club about a year ago. It began as a non-competitive club with only about four members, but today it has around 15 members. Though the team is currently noncompetitive, they are moving in the direction of competition.
“We’re definitely looking to expand and advance the club,” said sophomore co-convener Kelly Short. “We are a relatively new club sport that doesn’t, at this time, compete. It is definitely in our plans for the future though, as early as next semester.”
One of the club’s biggest setbacks is the lack of necessary equipment for competition. The club would also have to gain membership to the USFA (United States Fencing Association). Short talked about how both of these aspects cost money that the club has not had in the past.
“We planned to buy full electric equipment with our money from allocations this semester,” she said.
That changed quickly, as there were 70 students who signed up at the activity fair at the start of the semester. This could have been attributed to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, during which fencing got tons of exposure worldwide. With the amount of interest, the allocation money went to providing new equipment because of the major increase in numbers.
“With the new equipment, we can now have twice as many people fence at once, and even more [are] able to practice with a sword in their hand,” Short said.
The electric equipment is, however, essential to competition today.
“We don’t compete now, but we are looking into it. It starts first by gaining access to electronic equipment used for scoring,” said sophomore club business manager Ross Henderson.
This equipment allows for more accurate scoring that the naked eyes of the judges might not catch. That could also mean the difference in the outcome of a match. The club is hoping to get such equipment by next semester.
Although the club is seeking competitive status, it will not be mandatory.
“Competing in tournaments is not something we will make as a mandatory aspect of the club,” said senior co-convener Sarah Glassman. “Anyone can join, no matter what sort of experience they have.”
If anyone is interested in joining the club, e-mail any of the club’s leaders, or just show up to a practice, held on Monday and Thursday evenings at 8 p.m., Wednesdays at 9 p.m., and Saturdays at 2 p.m. Also, you do not have to worry about bringing anything.
“One of the most important aspects of this club is that you do not need your own equipment to join,” said Glassman.
The club is anxious and optimistic about its future, and would love to see new faces. The club members are all looking forward to getting the electronic scoring equipment to begin competition this spring, and branching the sport of fencing out from just the club itself.
“The most exciting thing we’re looking forward to now is purchasing electric equipment to help us with judging bouts,” said Glassman.
“We are obviously trying to get our members to competitions soon, but we are also hoping to eventually allow people to take fencing for a physical education credit and branch out to the Richmond community if we can,” Short added.
From every aspect, it is obvious that the future of fencing at Earlham is huge. With this type of enthusiasm and optimism, the Earlham fencing club is on its way to doing great things.
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