Muleskinner

Issue date: 10/2/08 Section: Life & Leisure

Media Credit: Hannah Brewer: Muleskinner The fencing club holds practice in Lovinger gym Wednesday.

Media Credit: Hannah Brewer: Muleskinner UCM's fencing club began in 2002 and instructs members to use the foil, epee and saber.

What do Zorro, the Three Musketeers and UCM all have in common? Fencing.

Fencing is a fast athletic competition evolving from historical swordsmanship and military training. It originates from the self-defense skill of swordsmanship and can be traced back to the Renaissance Era. During the 17th century, fencing changed from a crucial self-defense system into a widely practiced martial art.

UCM's fencing club began in 2002 and is currently operated by co-presidents, Dustin Walborn and Shawn Kelly.

Walborn, senior English major, has been fencing for almost two years and manages Monday and Wednesday night practices in the Lovinger Gym at 6 p.m. All equipment is provided and anyone is welcome to join. The cost is absolutely free.

"Fencing is full of complicated maneuvers, promotes dexterity and builds muscle reflexes," Walborn said.

The main objective of a fencing bout (what an individual game is called) is to score 15 points on your opponent before they can score that number on you.

Members are instructed on using three weapons - a foil, epee and sabre. The foil has a rectangular blade, approximately 35 inches in length and weighs less than one pound. The epee is similar to the foil, but is heavier and weighs in at 27 ounces. The sabre resembles a cavalry sword, but is used as a thrusting weapon as well as a cutting weapon.

Kelly, freshman electronics technology major, manages Wednesday night practices and has been hooked on fencing for five years.

"I was attending a music camp, saw a friend of mine in a fencing tournament, and I've been fencing ever since," Kelly said.

UCM enters fencing tournaments four times each year, which are held in St. Louis or Kansas City, Mo. Competitors must be a member of the U.S. Fencing Association and a small registration fee is required.

Mark Vonetti, sophomore aviation major, is a member of UCM's fencing club and has over eight years experience.

"It's a fun sport," Vonetti said. "It's also a great mental and physical workout."

Walborn and Kelly would like to extend an invitation to anyone interested in joining, or just being a spectator. Practices are open to the public.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools