Hangover Classic Jan 6, 2007 - Jan 7, 2007

[qatet]

Does anybody know the preregistration cut-off date for the Hangover? I'm going to try to get a group of our kids to hit the road for it, but would like to know when the price jumps up to $40 rather than $25.

Thanks!

(Of course, for anybody else who's thinking about going, the Fred entry can be found at FRED: Fencing Tournament Info :: Who Is Coming?)

[CvilleFencer]

Since there is nothing posted to the contrary, I would assume that it closes on Thursday night at midnight. If that turns out not to be the case, feel free to blame it all on me and I will work it out. Note that this offer goes for Qatet and Co only. No one else better pipe up and say that Cville said he would make it square.

However, please sign up as soon as you know something, otherwise we run the risk of being short on refs...

[restlesscheese]

Okay, noob questions follow. Sorry.

I believe I'm planning to make this my first tournament, though I'm not entirely sure yet. I know it's probably a bad idea for a first tournament, but A: I finally have the minimum of equipment, and will get some extra when I'm up there anyways, and B: if I can't get a ride, I'm able to drive to it. (Not to mention that I'm chomping at the bit to fence other people! I know I'll get my butt handed to me on a silver platter, but, as it's said, variety is the spice of life!)

So, kind of back on the topic, is it possible to preregister with FRED if I'm not a member of the USFA yet? (I never got around to doing it, unfortunately.) On a similar note, will I be able to sign up for the USFA when I get there, or must I fill out the form and mail it?

[noodle]

yes, and you can sign up there.

[CvilleFencer]

Well, the Hangover is a pretty strong local tourney, but not as brutal and bloodthirsty as the Kickoff. The past couple of years foil has been fairly strong with over 100 fencers and epee is usually an A3-A4. This is the first year for the womens foil events so it is sort of up in the air on that one, but the womens foil looks pretty decent with a possible B1/2 (from people who have said they plan to come, not just the ones already signed up). So not super strong but certainly not weak.

All in all the VA staff and fencers are a pretty friendly bunch. I think you will have a good time and learn a lot at any of the local opens. The Hangover will be a bit larger and more hectic than the norm, but not outrageously so. As Noodle said you can sign up for the event without being a USFA member and you can sign up for the USFA at the event. Just remember that you will need two checks or preferably a check/cash for the entry fee and a CC for the USFA registration.

[restlesscheese]

Excellent! Thanks for the info!

[Elkhansaa]

is it a bad idea to go out of my way to this competition which is virginia while im in new york.im starting to compete and im in a hurry but i dont know if its worth it.

[CvilleFencer]

is it a bad idea to go out of my way to this competition which is virginia while im in new york.im starting to compete and im in a hurry but i dont know if its worth it.

Well, foil is pretty strong at the Hangover. I don't know your rating or gender (this is the first year we have had separate womens events at the Hangover), but you can figure a pool of seven with one A or B and a good amount of C's and D's on average. There will most likely be a 20% cut, so if you don't expect to finish in the top 80% after pools, it would sort of suck to drive all that way and have to go home without fencing a DE. Registration is a little low, but I expect it to more than double in the next week. Last year I think we had like 118 foilist's so if it stays on track it is a good event to get some seasoning in.

[Elkhansaa]

well this would be my first competition and im a women (15 years old).oh yeah i forgot i fence foil.

[qatet]

well this would be my first competition and im a women (15 years old).oh yeah i forgot i fence foil.

This is a pretty good women's event, but there are others that are closer to you. Brooklyn has one coming up at the end of January, for instance. And keep an eye out for the Philadelphia women's D and Under events. The schedule for further women's events will be up on Fred at some point, once we hammer out the new semester.

Really, as a new competitor, you should get to as many tournaments as you can - there's nothing that can teach competition except competition. If you have a lot of time on your hands right now, and feel like making the trek down to VA (and presumably have somebody else similarly inclined to drive you) then there's no reason not to go. Also, the previous comment about an 80% cut may not apply to the women's event - usually they only do that for larger events (or so it says on the VA division website) - so you'd still get the full experience of pools and DEs.

[CvilleFencer]

Also, the previous comment about an 80% cut may not apply to the women's event - usually they only do that for larger events (or so it says on the VA division website) - so you'd still get the full experience of pools and DEs.

Very true. The cut is only for the opens. Unless the womens events get 60+ people in them. Then there might be a cut...

[restlesscheese]

Does anyone know if I'll have time to purchase another weapon on Saturday morning before the fencing starts? My brother has decided to come, but he's short one functioning weapon.

[CvilleFencer]

The vendors will be there about eight in the morning to start setting up so there should be plenty of time. If nothing else I will loan you one of our club weapons so you will have a full set.

[restlesscheese]

Thanks! Hopefully it won't come to that, but you never know when Murphy's law will strike.

[seak]

From the VA division forum the close of preregistration is Jan 4th