This year, Poly’s fencing team hopes to continue their strong form by honing and enhancing their team strategies as well as building character. Their positive results this year are a testament to the hard work of the coaching staff and fencers this season. Over this past weekend, at the Poly Invitational Team Tournament, the team’s dominant performance was a tribute to their positive season, with the JV and Varsity teams winning all of their matches. Seniors Matthew Bristing, Jerry Fu, Max Herman, Max Ismagilov, Ben Lee, Jorge Martinez, Lyla Pak and Emily Yoong led the Panthers with leadership and passion, inspiring the underclassmen to win their games.
Herman said, “The team has gotten generally more skilled on average with better performance across the board, and there is more connectivity between grade levels and a greater sense of team spirit.”
In the heat of a match, the individual aspect of fencing can be challenging; however, the Panthers’ fencing team exhibits a strong sense of camaraderie, transcending differences in grade or skill level. Confident in the team’s collectivity and togetherness, Herman anticipates more success to come in the foreseeable future.
The fencing team is also led by a group of highly skilled and knowledgeable coaching staff that drive the positivity of the team. “We have had a lot of students who have grown and developed as human beings and, as a result, they have become are more resilient, and now have a better understanding of problem-solving and critical thinking,” said Head Coach Eric Holmgren.
However, it is the seasoned crew of team leaders that offer the guidance and support necessary for newer fencers to develop the quick reflexes and spontaneous strategizing of an experienced fencer.
“We have a bunch of graduating seniors this year, so that’s going to be a challenge for everybody to rise up going forward in the future,” noted Assistant Coach Laura Holmgren.
Thus, a great opportunity presents itself to underclassmen who can showcase their leadership and take initiative.
“I never thought I would be on Varsity my sophomore year,” shared sophomore Shayla Starr.
Starr believes that the seniors this year are easy to approach when she seeks assistance, and that they are part of the reason that she has found herself a spot on the Varsity team where she can step up and become a leader.
Additionally, JV team captain Naomi Diehl, another sophomore, said, “Next year, myself and the other sophomores on the team will likely make up the student leaders, and so it will be up to us to continue that blend and encourage motivation and participation.”
Not only does the fencing team have experienced upperclassmen as their leaders, they also have motivated underclassmen who will be crucial in the team’s success for the future. With the help of their experienced coaching staff, the fencing program will continue to thrive and gain notability within the Poly community.