Several years ago, the Powers-That-Be of the Empire State Games (sponsored largely by NYS Lottery, NYS Dept of Parks & Recreation, local businesses, etc) cut out some obscure/low-participation/non-revenue generating events. Fencing was one of them.
They had a say in it, because in ESG EVERYTHING IS PAID FOR. Competition fee, food, travel, lodging, uniform, medals, million-dollar Opening Ceremonies, overtime pay on local police, etc. Over the years, fencing had already been on the path of compromise in the form of reducing number of qualifiers (3 per region to 2 to now 1) as well as reducing the number of regional coaches.
What really sealed the deal at the time ESG Fencing was elinimated was that the administrative type folks looked at the years' worth of paperwork on Regional Try Outs to determine which are "fiercely contested" events, and which are not. Despite large number of high standard fencing in NYS, ESG Fencing regional try outs always had a very low turn out, because 1) not every NYS fencer has an interest in participating in ESG Fencing (very much different "flavor" from USFA Fencing) and 2) those who want to pretty much know already who's likely to qualify from their region, so if they are not hopefuls, they don't bother showing up.
This is in direct contrast to other events such as track, where the qualifier might have fought through a 100:1 ratio by the time he/she makes it through the final round of the regional try outs! Or a basketball team that had a try out total number running around several hundreds!
During the time fencing was taken out of ESG, various individuals and groups ran left and right to try to bring fencing back into the Games. Most notable effort was by Mr. Bruce Gillman, a long time participant and the "heart of ESG Fencing." The solution was to set up an unofficial "NYS Fencing Championships" which coincide with the ESG.
By showing a rather large participation (no qualification necessary), the event showed the unfamiliars that there, indeed, is a sizable interest in NYS fencing despite the ESG paperwork. At the same time, the event also demonstrated that in modern fencing women compete in all events. That caught the administrator's interest as well, since previous ESG Fencing format denied a chance to fence Epee and Sabre for Open Women, Scholastic Girls and Veteran Kids.
Upon the reinclusion of fencing into the ESG, there was a chance (not to mention requirement) to reshape the format in order to remain within the requirements of the ESG (mostly the limit on number of participants they can pay for). The final product of the "negotiation" was that ESG Fencing will take the path of 3-Weapon, 15-touch, Team-Relay format, while creating slots for more events and both genders to keep up with the modern changes. Original ESG Fencing was setup back in the 70's after all.
This aspect alone called for an attention of the local media, and ESG Fencing encountered more tv/newspaper folks in the last two games than we are used to. They actually wanted to come in and cover fencing, rather than "having to come here and do this to make it fair with other events." I've personally done 3 interviews while participating this year, and I wasn't the only one. Local tv station even ran a 2-min segment on introduction to fencing! How many times does that happen to fencing in a multi-sport event?
Good news is that there's a lot more "spirit" by the participants under the new format of the ESG. By fencers and spectators alike, very much like what you would encounter walking into a local high school basketball meet... with fewer numbers. Those who understand and treasure this have already adopted and embraced it. From the moment you walk into the venue, with a quick look you knew that this is unlike any other fencing event you've encountered. Bad news is that there's no longer an individual aspect of fencing experience which is inherent with the sport. Some fencers truly miss it.
For the above reasons, the "unofficial" NYS Fencing Championships continue to run on a rotating basis. There is no solid "official" body behind it or even an agreed format. Just a will and support of NYS fencers and "friends of fencing" who want to see it going. And more opportunities for us to explore all corners of NYS.
Garbage Plates this year!!!!
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Linear Mode
