3 months then NAC

[kscott]

Hello everyone.

I'm kinda new to fencing.
I fenced all three weapons for a very informal college club team with no USFA affiliation. Now, 16 years later, I have grown tired of sitting in front of computers all day. Three months ago I joined an epee club here in Chicago and now I have jumped into the deep end. Chicago hosted the Div II/III NAC last week and I thought "why not?"

Basically, I got my butt handed to me. I won one of 7 bouts and actually fenced someone from my club in my DE. This was definiely a great experience and now I can't wait for the next tournament. The fencers who beat me seemed to be impressed by the fact that I have only been at it for a short time and gave great advice. Thanks to everyone for being so cool.

Anyway, that's my intro.
I am now in it to win it.

[Codex]

Welcome! I looked up your pools (Is that creepy?) and you did very good for someone who's only been fencing 3 months. I've seen people go a year before they start to win bouts in pools. Winning one at a NAC is just incredible. You definitely had a hard pool too, I fenced Davidheiser in DEs and he was tough! I look forward to fencing you in other local events.

[kscott]

Thanks.

I figured someone would look it up, K. Scott is not to hard to figure out.
Davidheiser was tough 5 - 4 in the end, could have gone either way.

I assume you are from the Chicago area too? I'm considering Divisionals on April 5 but I will definitely be at Lakeshore athletic club on April 20.

If you are at either of these stop by and say hello, I'm the dude with the dreads.

[Codex]

Thanks.

I figured someone would look it up, K. Scott is not to hard to figure out.

And here I was thinking I'm brilliant...

I assume you are from the Chicago area too? I'm considering Divisionals on April 5 but I will definitely be at Lakeshore athletic club on April 20.

If you are at either of these stop by and say hello, I'm the dude with the dreads.

I'll be at both, I'll sure to say hello. Might I also recommend IFC Dominick Epee Challenge (http://askfred.net/Events/whoIsComin...nament_id=4113).

[kscott]

AHA

I just figured it out.

I didn't know where the detailed info was coming from but I found it and downloaded the PDF from the USFA site.

I see the win that I did have was not Davidheiser and there was a B rated fencer in my pool.

A B in a Div III? How is that possible? Did he just want to use us for warm-ups?

Anyway, I will pay more attention to the details from now on.

[Codex]

If he earns the B after he registers he can still fence Div III. There were also 3 C's who fenced Div III.

[davesaint]

And here I was thinking I'm brilliant...



I'll be at both, I'll sure to say hello. Might I also recommend IFC Dominick Epee Challenge (http://askfred.net/Events/whoIsComin...nament_id=4113).

I also recommend the Dominick Epee Challenge. I am however a little bit biased as my club is hosting it.


Dave

[kscott]

Well, since it is so highly recommended, I will definitely check it out.

We definitely need more Chicago tournaments for us non-driving folks.

Any Metra stops in the area?

Friday Night Open Epee Floor @ Windy City Fencing is always pretty cool just to get some practice in and meet other fencers.

I'm not as good as any of the fencers that attend but since I only have 'real' practice once a week I have to get in as much as I can.

[davesaint]

Well, since it is so highly recommended, I will definitely check it out.

We definitely need more Chicago tournaments for us non-driving folks.

Any Metra stops in the area?

Friday Night Open Epee Floor @ Windy City Fencing is always pretty cool just to get some practice in and meet other fencers.

I'm not as good as any of the fencers that attend but since I only have 'real' practice once a week I have to get in as much as I can.

There is a Metra stop that is a little bit of a hike from the Dominick, I would say about a mile or so. There is not one that is close to Divisionals.


Dave

[kscott]

Thanks for the info.

I will work it out one way or another.

[TBean]

welcome to the forums

[Sinestra]

Hi there!

I just wanted to add that, as long as you're mentally prepared for and realistic about your expectations, there's nothing wrong with jumping right into competition. You learn more fencing in tournaments than you do...well, not fencing in them Now, I didn't go straight to NACs, Chicago was my first as well after fencing for a year and a half, but after my first month I started doing college meets, and I never looked back. Maybe not the most orthodox approach, sure, but if it's comfortable for you, then I'd say go for it

Welcome to the boards!

[kscott]

Understood.

I definitely feel I could have had much more practice going into this event but the event was a sort of practice in itself.

Considering how spread out these tournaments are I have every intention of competing in all local events that I can.

I figure this is one of the best ways to measure progress and meet other fencers along the way.

Currently my only goal is to qualify for nationals in 2009. That may be lofty but I need a goal-post of some kind.

[Nicksmom]

Hi. I went to Chicago, too. I didn't fence, but got my butt kicked by 2 stuffed monkeys/ long story. Any way, Welcome

[kscott]

Thank you.

I am intrigued by the stuffed monkeys though.

Soccer moms can't compare to fencing moms.

[Nicksmom]

You should see the "Feis (irish dance) Mom's"