By ANDREW POPE
Contributing Writer

The University fencing club has experienced a rebirth this year with the acquisition of fencing coach David Porter and a marked increase in student membership. Currently, the club boasts 15 to 20 members, at least twice the number of last year’s team.

"What I like about the team is that we have a wide range of people," said Allison Bruce, a club member and graduate student. "If it’s something that interests you, you can come and try it out."

The team practices Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 to 11:30 p.m. in Room 383 of the Ramsey Student Center and consists primarily of student novices.

Fencing is a combative sport derived from the historically romanticized sword duel. Aside from requiring rapid bursts of physical energy, fencing is a sport of mental strategy and psychological intensity.

"Fencing is harder than it looks because it requires a lot of stamina," said Alexis Page, club member.

Porter, who coaches the bi-weekly fencing practices, likened fencing to "chess at the speed of light."

Porter coached fencing at N.C. State, Wayne State University and the University of Florida and was a varsity fencer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

"Coach Porter is pretty amazing, actually," freshman team member Jason Greenawalt said. "He’s a real maestro – a master at his trade."

Porter said any student may participate in the club. Although no experience is required, Porter recommended everyone take the beginning fencing class offered by the University to become familiar with the fundamentals.

"We welcome anyone and everyone if they come ready to work, to learn and apply themselves," Porter said.

Fencing utilizes the foil, a flexible and thin blade, and is traditionally a beginner’s weapon. Other weapons include an epee and saber.

Points are scored on the torso, back and groin area in foil matches. Protective masks, jackets and knickers are worn to soften the blows during fighting.

"Fencing is fun because it’s one-on-one, but it also has a team unity in the tournaments," Page said.

The University’s fencing club is not a varsity sport but competes on the club level in tournaments.

The team hosted a weekend tournament – March University of Georgia Foil Epee Saber Tournament – on March 21 and 22 at Gym East in the Ramsey Center. One club member competed in the epee event, and 11 students competed in the foil event with Greenawalt placing the highest, 15th out of 36 competitors.

"We’re forming a much better team now," Greenawalt said. "We’ve gotten a lot better since we started. In just six months we’ve gained more understanding and appreciation for the sport."