MUNCIE, Ind. – Another school year means another opportunity for Ball State students on campus.
Fencing Club provides just that, holding three practices a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., as well as Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. President of the club, Sam Vance, invites all to attend and try it out.
“Our goal is to provide defensive training for any and all people who want to fence, Vance said. “We start instructing class this semester, teaching one of our three blade types. We offer foil, épée, and sabre, which are all Olympic types of fencing that are available. We start with foil and then people can move onto sabre or épée afterwards”.
Newcomers are already taking advantage of this opportunity.
Freshman and first-year member Drake Evans has a vision for what he hopes his first year will look like.
“This being my first year, I really hope to just be able to come here, have fun, like a good way to relax after class, but also feel like I’m improving myself in some way… It’s a good way for me to go out and be able to test my skills and get better at something while also doing it kind of casually,” Evans explained.
The sport of fencing is one of a kind; chances are, students have never been able to give it a try, but Vance emphasizes that experience is no worry when trying to participate in the club.
“We have people that have never fenced at all, but are part of our club and pay their dues. We have people who fence and do two or three tournaments a month, so we have a wide range for everyone, and we offer a variety of blade types.”
Vance also emphasized, “It’s just fun! It’s silly! It’s a little stupid, but it’s a great time!” A unique sport is given the opportunity to grow at Ball State, and club members are striving just for that.
Contact Aiden McNally with comments at aiden.mcnally@bsu.edu.
