IFC Fencer Evan Stauber Puts Together a String of Medal Wins - Two Gold and Four Bronze Medals - Qualifying for the Junior Olympics
Illinois Fencer Club member Evan Stauber has had a hot epee this season, chalking up a series of strong performances and medal wins on his way to qualifying for the Junior Olympics. Evan captured a gold medal in Cadet Men's Epee at the Illinois Division Junior Olympic Qualifiers, which were held at New Trier High School, by winning in the final bout over fellow club member Peter Kulaga, who captured the silver medal. Evan's gold medal came at a nice time, as New Trier is a "home court" for him, and he rose to the occasion. A few weeks later, at the Chuck Willis Memorial Epee Tournament in St Louis, MO, Evan won the bronze medal in mixed epee on November 22.
Earlier in the season, Evan won the gold medal in Division II Men's Epee at the ROC in St. Louis. At the USA Fencing North America Cup in Richmond, VA, Evan placed third in Division II Men's Epee on October 12. A week earlier, he captured the bronze medal in Mixed Epee at the Burton Open at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. Evan claimed another bronze medal in Mixed Epee at Metro Open Fencing Tournament on September 20.
Evan, 16, is from Glencoe, IL. He has been fencing for six years and fenced two years on the New Trier High School fencing team, in addition to fencing at the Illinois Fencers Club. Evan believes that the combination of a wide variety of skills makes fencing a nuanced and interesting challenge. Evan acknowledges that fencing is very much an individual sport, and says "there's never anyone else to blame or congratulate other than yourself." He says that what you achieve is a direct result of what you put in.2, CDT, STM)
Evan has learned from his training at IFC how important it is to address all aspects of fencing - mental, physical, technical, and tactical - as all aspects of training must be combined to do reach your best. He credits IFC coach Ina Harizanova for running a fantastic program, "incorporating keeping us focused, challenged, and engaged, and giving us the tools to achieve whatever our goals happen to be." As for his own personal goals in fencing, Evan says he is less concerned about numerical results like counting points or medals. Rather, he says, "I think it's important to be wary of setting only outcome-based goals. My ultimate measure is just to be able to look back every day, week, month, year, and be proud of the work that I've done"
Div II Epee
The Illinois Fencers Club is holding its popular IFC Fall Open on Sunday, November 29 at the Lions Recreation Center in Mount Prospect, IL. Competition in the following events is scheduled with over 70 fencers registered: Senior Women's Epee, Senior Mixed Epee, Senior Mixed Foil, Senior Mixed Saber. There are only two days to register.
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.
IFC offers affordable classes with high quality instruction for kids, youth, and adults in several skill levels and offers three clinics for advanced competitive fencers each year. The athlete-centered Youth Program promotes athletic excellence and personal growth. It teaches self-awareness, responsibility, resilience and cooperation to assist fencers in reaching athletic, academic and personal success.
While fencing is typically one a costly sports, IFC is committed to providing access to our favorite sport for reasonable fees. The current membership fee is only $225 per year, providing the opportunity to fence 7 to 8 hours per week, 12 months a year.
Illinois Fencers Club is open to visitors Monday or Thursday evenings in the lower level of the Lions Recreation Center at 411 S. Maple Street, Mount Prospect, Illinois, just three blocks from the METRA station.
Background information about the club can be found here:
and here:
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For additional information you can contact:
Jim Auchinleck
jimauchinleck@yahoo.com
267.304.2878