Illinois Fencers Club Holds 2014 IFC Youth and Veterans Fencing Tournament
On June 1st, Illinois Fencers Club (IFC) hosted the 2014 IFC Youth Fencing Tournament. Many young fencers, boys and girls, age 8 to 14 as well as several veterans competed in all three weapons: epee, foil and saber. Illinois Fencers Club members came away with several medals. In the Y14 Mixed Epee category Alexander J. Mikkelson (AJ) from Arlington Heights won a gold medal for first place while his teammate, Andrew Vold, from Niles took silver. AJ also earned a gold medal and Andrew, a bronze, in Y14 Mixed Foil.
AJ has been training in both foil and epee for 4 years now. He enjoys the "mental aspect of training" and fencing has become "a big part in (his) life and a big commitment." "Good spirit and leadership" are what make him stay with IFC.
Peter Kulaga won a gold medal in Y12 Mixed Epee and silver in Y12 Mixed foil. Peter has been fencing at IFC for 4 years as well. He says that "fencing teaches (him) how to be quick minded and think up strategies". He plans to "keep fencing through (his) whole life." Michael Romanov captured third place in the Y12 Mixed Foil event, while IFC fencers, Geeta Jhangiani and Jeremy Livshots, tied for third in Y12 Mixed Epee.
IFC veterans Timothy Glass, John Lartz, and Dave Swanson swept the Veterans Combined Mixed Epee
In Y14 Mixed Epee taking first, second and third places respectively.
Illinois Fencers Club offers a wide range of fencing classes for beginners, intermediate, advanced, and competitive fencers. They are open to members and the public. Fencing equipment (jackets, gloves, masks, and weapons) is furnished free, however, most advanced students elect to own their own equipment. All classes are held at Lions Recreation Center in Mount Prospect.
The IFC Youth Program is athlete-centered with a holistic approach to student development. Its dual focus promotes athletic progress as well as personal growth. The club provides a fun and safe environment, so that participants can enjoy a gradual learning experience. The positive class atmosphere created by the coaches allows students to master the sport of fencing while learning self-awareness, the skills needed to appropriately navigate social interactions, life lessons about cooperation and competition, and how to handle winning and losing in a healthy manner. Our high school graduates move on to some prestigious universities such as Duke, MIT, Northwestern, Notre Dame, and Purdue.
The Illinois Fencers Club promotes and teaches the Olympic sport of fencing to students of all ages and skill levels and provides a friendly venue for members to practice their sport. It is a member operated non-for-profit sports association that has been serving beginning, recreational, and competitive fencers for more than 40 years. The club meets in the Lions Recreation Center, 411 S. Maple St., Mt. Prospect, IL and can be found at www.IFCfencing.org and on their Facebook page.