Fencing class studentsfit and focused
By:Alec Moore
Hillsborough High School sophomore Betsy Weber spends much her spare time dodging the dulled tips of swords.
But the young participant in the Hillsborough YMCA’s fencing program has already discovered she has a knack at the medieval sport. Earlier this month, she was among five fencers from the Somerset Valley YMCA contingent to compete in the Junior Olympic qualifying rounds in Hackettstown.
"I’ve always liked unusual sports," Betsy said. "I’m pretty new at this but I really like it a lot," she said, adding that in addition to fencing she also enjoys competing in equestrian events and archery.
Betsy is not the only fencer in her family. After watching his daughter’s training in the sport, Bob Weber, Betsy’s father, decided to take it up as well.
"It’s much more physically demanding than it appears and it really tests your strength and stamina," said Mr. Weber, just after dueling with the program’s coach Charles Hurley.
Mr. Hurley began the fencing program at the Hillsborough YMCA four years ago and said it has grown dramatically. "I started out with three classes at the Hillsborough center and now I have 16 classes between the Hillsborough and Princeton locations."
Mr. Hurley of Crammer Lane took up the sport of fencing while attending college in the late-1970s at the University of Michigan. Several years later, in 1985, he won the United States Fencing Association’s Michigan state epee championship (an epee is a type of sword used in fencing compeitions).
"This is a very competitive sport," said Mr. Hurley. "The only way to advance is by beating your competition. (Fencing) is really a sport of extreme aggression, but it’s a controlled aggression."
Two of the other up-and-coming fencing stars in Mr. Hurley’s program are Hillsborough Middle School student David Thielke and Montgomery High School sophomore Stephany Tzeng.
For David, who is a black belt in taekwondo, fencing presented an additional challenge to undertake.
"I just like coming to class and learning new techniques, it’s always a lot of fun," he said.
For Stephany, who will be competing in women’s foil at the Junior Olympics in Colorado Springs in February, fencing has been a lifelong love.
"I’ve always wanted to compete in fencing for as long as I can remember," she said. "I’m really excited about the Junior Olympics, it should be a lot of fun."
"Stephany has accomplished quite a bit," said Mr. Hurley. "She’s got a tremendous amount of talent and a willingness to learn, which are the keys to doing well in this sport."
In addition to Stephany, Max Eager (epee and men’s foil) and Vincent Lombardozzi (men’s foil) will be competing at the Junior Olympics.