Eyes follow the intricate patterns of offensive and defensive maneuvers, the fencers’ faces hidden behind masks, leaving only the palpable tension etched on their silhouettes. In a hallowed arena of skill and precision, where the clash of fencing swords resonates like a symphony of steel, the Poly fencing team combines finesse with ferocity and finds success. The team’s fall season was nothing if not a successful one, with one fencer medaling at each tournament they attended. Junior Max Herman took third place on Nov. 3 at the most recent boys varsity fencing tournament in Bakersfield, earning Poly’s first E-rating in five years.
At the Bakersfield fencing tournament, Herman defeated Guerin Reighard in the first round, and followed this by defeating 5th ranked Jonah Ramos. From there, it was a Poly face off, with Herman facing Poly’s other premier fencer, junior Max Ismagilov. Herman advanced before finally suffering a loss to 1st seed Eugene Bae. With this placement, Herman won an E rating, a remarkable achievement. With this success, the team has high hopes for the winter season.
However, the team’s success is not solely measured in medals and victories but also in the bonds formed through shared experiences. While fencing is a serious sport, in which precision is paramount and technique reigns supreme, the Poly fencing team has balanced their pursuit of mastery with creating a joyous community united by a common love for fencing.
Junior fencer Lyla Pak said, “Despite fencing being an individual sport, we have a super close knit team and are always very supportive of each other.”
Senior fencer Milla Chavez commented, “The fall season was a very fun, productive season with some very exciting moments and lots of improvement.”
Chavez, a four-year fencer who will graduate this spring, said, “I think the future of the team is incredibly bright. Varsity has lots of tournaments to look forward to, and there are some new fencers who will bring fresh energy to the team.”
Coach L. Holmgren said, “The varsity fencers had a tremendous fall season, culminating in a team victory over rival Gryphon. The novices turned in strong showings as well, so our expectations are high for results in the San Diego league, the team’s league for this upcoming winter. Max Herman’s E rating at the first event, and the return of Max Ismagilov, who took second last year in the league finals, and Lyla Pak, who took third in the finals all bode well for both the team and individual events.”
With the winter fencing season underway, we will continue to witness the masterful dance of lunges and parries as the resounding symphony of steel against steel echoes in Gamble Gym.
