WSU fencing team hosts "frenzy" fundraiser

WSU Fencing hosted the fourth annual ‘Fencing Frenzy’ fundraiser at the Mort Harris Fitness and Recreation Center on Dec. 5.

Many attended to support the men’s and women’s fencing teams. Guests could buy raffle tickets, participate in a silent auction for special baskets and prizes, buy baked goods and gear up with the new 2015 WSU Fencing shirts.

Head fencing coach Jerzy Radz said the event is meant to promote both fencing and the university.

He said that this is an opportunity for people who come from all different towns in all different directions to see the university and get more information about the team and fencing.

“It is fundraising for us. We can get some money for our program and people can come and watch fencing,” said Radz. “Fencing is getting more popular in the United States, but it’s still not as popular as football and basketball.”

The event especially enticed the crowd by offering interactive stations that allowed people to try the sport out for themselves.

Ireland Portalski, a sophomore majoring in psychology, knew nothing about fencing before attending the event to support her friends on the team. She said that it was really informative and that she was happy to be more involved in WSU athletics.

“I think that it’s really good that this event is hands-on because that makes it a lot more fun than just watching or learning about fencing. We’re actually involved in it,” said Portalski.

Nine stations laid out the basics of fencing. First, an introductory information station delivered a brief history of fencing.

Senior foilist Meghan Flynn said that fencing was originally used to formally negotiate the outcomes of arguments and that the first to bleed lost.

Fancy Footwork and So You Think You Can Lunge? explained proper stances and movements. These stations were then followed by the types of fencing weaponry.

“There are three weapons: saber, foil and epee. Fencing is divided into weapons and by gender. For example, there are six teams and I am a women's epee. Epee is the really long one. It’s heavy and meant for poking,” said freshman Sierra Jones.

Pop The Balloon challenged guests to pop three balloons taped onto the head of a fencer and an obstacle course emphasized the importance of agility in fencing.

Finally, the last station allowed guests to challenge each other with what they’ve learned, on a fencing mat and in full gear.

“We want to give back to the community, spread the word about fencing - since it’s not a very popular sport - and raise money for our team,” said team manager and WSU fencing 2014 alum, Adam Accica. "We try to raise around $5,000 each year as our minimum goal, but mostly we want to have fun.”

Those who completed all stations received a certificate at the end and WSU’s women’s golf team was on-site volunteering to help attendees make their own sabers to bring home.

Attendees were also able to watch two fencers on the team in action.

Sophomores Julie Saint-Cricq and Depsina Tsitlakidou of WSU’s women’s fencing team entertained the audience with a live bout that ultimately ended with Saint-Cricq beating Tsitlakidou.

“It’s good for people to watch and see what a fencing bout is like since most people don’t really know,” said Accica.

Accica said that the WSU Fencing’s only home events are the ‘Fencing Frenzy,’ the Danosi Open and the Alumni Meet. The annual fundraiser is one of the only chances for the team to have a good time with their friends and parents while promoting fencing.

http://www.thesouthend.wayne.edu/sports/article_9897ed4a-9d1d-11e5-8d31-a7ef33723e21.html