No chance for Seniors in Utah?

[Windsetter]

I decided I wanted to try a local open tournament before I got a USFA memebership and went away from casual fencing to more of a challenge, but was unable to make the first tournament due to me 9 month old daughter being sick. (family will always trump fencing)
Well, I decided to try and make the next tournament that I could find. It was supposed to be this weekend, about 40 miles from where I live. Oddly though it was no longer listed on askfred.net, so I called up the guy organizing it and he stated it had been cancelled. I asked if there would be another tournament soon and was told they would not be hosting any more in the near future.
Now all the local tournaments are Youth and I would have to drive 200+ miles for any semblance of a senior tournament.
Are we that fall into the senior class that much of a minority?

[4qtrs]

Wow, you really are out of luck! I went to the Utah Division site and it was a club website. No calendar of events to be found.

http://www.utahfencing.org/

What is the closest state to you? It looks like northern Nevada has some opens planned for the spring.

[4qtrs]

Oops, I am mistaken, there is a calender. It looks to me as if your only opportunity is the Summer National Qualifiers for Div 2.

[foildad]

It's a function of timing. January through April is "Youth League" season in Utah, with 4 "Youth Cups", 4 "High School Cups", and team relay events dominating the calendar. Adding to schedule overload is the fact that no organizer dares schedule a Sunday tournament in Utah.

Because youth fencing dominates the winter months, Utah organizers have gone out of their way to host senior and open events earlier in the season. Check ASKFRED results for October 7, 14, 21, 27, November 4, 18, December 1, 9, 16, and January 1 and you'll see what I mean.

Not that that solves your problem

You'll see more opens on the calendar in May and June.

[4qtrs]

I would guess that southern Idaho has the same issues with Sundays.

[foildad]

Originally Posted by Windsetter

I decided I wanted to try a local open tournament before I got a USFA memebership and went away from casual fencing to more of a challenge...

Keep in mind that if you aren't a USFA member you'll be limited to unsanctioned tournaments, which are becoming pretty much non-existent around here.

In the meantime, if you want to test your skills, take a drive out of the inverted muck of SLC and visit Park City Fencing Academy on a Tuesday or Thursday from 5-7. You'll find adults, kids, and beginners to strong national competitors. If you want to bring a clubmate or 2 or 3 we'll set up a fun mini-tournament. PM if you want me to set something up. Foil and epee only, though. We don't fence saber.

[Mauler]

Not right away, but...

In May the Utah-Southern Idaho Division will be hosting Sectional Championships ($20 entry, venue yet to be determined, mixed in with kiddie events) and National Qualifiers ($15, $10 then $5 for additional events) back to back from one weekend to another. May 5/6 then May 11/12.

Which city is closest to you? Boise, Pocatello or Salt Lake City? (... wait, just noticed your location ...) You are already in the most active portion of the Division. Foildad has a good suggestion which will probably benefit more than chasing tournaments at this time of the season.