The Wake

Masked men and women face off against each other with weapons in a university club.

No need to call in the riot police. This is the University of Minnesota fencing club and the weapons are the epee, foil and sabre.

Although not well known to many at the U, fencing has had a presence on campus since the 1880s; the official University Fencing Club came into existence in 1904.

This year’s fencing club boasts 20 members with a range of skill levels. The club serves as a resource for members of the University who are interested in fencing and the club is always looking for new members.

Adam Rusinak, third year member and vice president, says of the club, “It’s something different and we’re definitely laid back. If you just want to try it out you can do that, but if you want to go on to bigger and better things, you can do that through us too.”

Practices in Cooke Hall host a wide variety of fencing participants. Practically everyone in the club was a first-timer when they joined, Rusinak said. But with the Midwest Championships on March 25 at Notre Dame approaching, competitive fencers are busy preparing for the upcoming bouts. The club promotes competitive fencing, but also welcomes those interested in fencing just for the fun of the sport.

“We do travel to other colleges to compete, so naturally there are going to be people who attend every practice and go hard.” Rusinak said. “But others come in every so often simply because it’s such a good time.”

The Technique

Fencing bouts, as they are called, take place on a long, narrow strip that is approximately 46 feet long and 6.5 feet wide. The fencers take position at the “on guard” lines, which are the equal distance of 6.5 feet from the exact center of the strip. Scores in fencing are recorded as “touches.”

To keep score, fencers hook up to a scoring machine. When a fencer hits the opponent, the scoring machine emits a beep and lights up on the side of the fencer who was hit. The number of touches to gain victory can vary from bout to bout.

Engaging New Members

To witness the intensity of a fencing bout, the public is invited to catch the annual spring tournament at the University. This year’s event will take place on April 22-23 at the Bierman Field Athletic Complex.

But if the urge to feel the rush of fencing can’t wait until April, perhaps it is time to join the fencing club.

“I like to think everybody kind of likes fencing deep inside,” Rusinak said. “I mean as a little kid, who didn’t want to play Three Musketeers or pirates?”