2008 Woodie Awards
Old-school sport thrusts its way into UW-Whitewater
Anthony Iozzo
Issue date: 11/7/07 Section: Sports
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The weapons struck each other with the sound of someone sharpening a knife. After a few misses, the weapon hit Stansell with the thud of a ball hitting a catcher's mitt. Brandon was victorious, and he shook the hand of his opponent.
Scenes such as this one occur regularly on Thursday nights at UW-Whitewater, as that is the meeting time the campus fencing club. The club meets from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Esker Hall, and focuses on all aspects of fencing, from movement practice and fighting.
The fight with Bretl was a foil match. In the match, a hit must be on the torso, not including the arms or the head. Although Stansell lost the match, winning and losing wasn't important.
"We are very non-competitive," Bretl said. "We just come here to have fun."
A typical practice consists of three footwork exercises. Bretl said the exercises helps the fighter use the movements without thinking about them.
In fencing, the fighter puts one hand behind the back while the other points the weapon outward at the opponent. Without good footwork, it is hard to stay balanced and win a match.
"It really is the most important part of fencing," Bretl said. "If you have good footwork, you will be a good fencer."
Fencing is a "good college sport," according to Bretl, because members can meet new people and gain improved eye-hand coordination.
"We have a great environment for people to try what they have never done before," Bretl said. "Most of the people that come have never fenced before, so they are on the same level."
The other types of fencing at the club are sabre and èpée. The sabre is a light cutting and thrusting weapon, while the èpée is heavier.
The target area is also different. In sabre, the valid target lies everywhere except the hands and the back of the head. In èpée, the entire body is the target.
Stansell, a freshman, started fencing in high school, and is starting his fifth year of involvement.
"Back when I went to Catholic Memorial, I didn't think I could make the basketball team," Stansell said. "I wanted to try an interesting sport and fencing was offered. I tried out and made it."
Stansell, like other participants, joined fencing for other reasons than learning how to be a better fighter.
"Having fun with friends is the main thing," Stansell said. "In a way, I use it to relieve some stress of the school week."
Sophomore Shaun Olp also joined the club for social reasons.
"I wanted to meet a couple of people and have something to do on campus," Olp said. "I think it is getting a little more fun by relieveing the stress of the week."
According to Bretl, the fencing club may get involved in tournaments in a year or two. However, the social aspect of the club remains important.
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