Oberlin Fences Nation's Finest in Cleveland

The Oberlin College Fencing club, along with several other area clubs, volunteered their time to serve as a USFA division sponsor for the North American Cup, held at the I-X Center in Cleveland Apr. 7-9. The event is a circuit in which fencers from across the country participate to collect points to be eligible for the U.S. Olympic Team. Several Flaming Blades also took advantage of the chance to compete against nationally-ranked, world-class fencers.

Senior Josiah Wagner and Freshman James McConaghie participated in Friday's men's Epeé events, facing stiff competition from experienced, highly-skilled opponents. McConaghie did not make the cut from pools, but Wagner persevered and was elevated to the first round of direct elimination bouts. Wagner ranked 114th and McConaghie 130th out of 130 competitors.

Competing in women's foil were first-years Sarah Stankiewicz and Desiree Herrera. They faced stiff competition and, after a feverish set of pool bouts, both fencers graduated to the first round of direct elimination. As with the men, they did not advance. Stankiewicz ranked 72nd and Herrera 71st overall.

While the Oberlin fencers did not score any major victories, they did show some spectacular talent and, in many cases, gave their world-class opponents reason to sweat. Most notable were a series of clean body shots scored by McConaghie, two very tight bouts fenced by Wagner, at least one of which went to the bell, and a great deal of confidence and poise radiated by Herrera and Stankiewicz. The latter met all of her opponents with a wide grin, which they no doubt found unnerving. All of the Oberlin fencers agreed that the experience was educational, exhilarating, and, most importantly, a lot of fun.

The Flaming Blades' next engagement will be in Columbus at the Todd Curn Memorial Tournament, to be held on April 15 and 16.

James McConaghie is a first-year member of the Flaming Blades