Becca Ward coming to NC (Duke)?

[Greybeard]

In my best Napolean Dynamite voice - "Lucky."

[dekko]

I can't speak to the rivalry between UNC and Duke(or however it's spelled) but I do hope all of the medalists are willing to open to speaking positively about fencing and maybe fence some events they wouldn't normally fence to 'further the cause'. Where they fence those event would of course be up to them but I do hope they would see their way clear to do one occassionally.

Just curious, does anyone know if Sada got into the Duke grad school? I know she interviewed but didn't know if that had progressed yet. Imagine that, two medalists in the same event in the same small area.

Lastly, I would be surprised if Matt and Jenn Cox wanted to 'use' Becca for their own gain as mentioned earlier but I would hope if one or both of the medalists that could potentially end up in the area fence an event at their place(Mid South) they do let people know. I know personally I would love the opportunity to fence both of them and if that could be done in the same event, even better.

[Delta]

Originally Posted by dekko

I can't speak to the rivalry between UNC and Duke(or however it's spelled) but I do hope all of the medalists are willing to open to speaking positively about fencing and maybe fence some events they wouldn't normally fence to 'further the cause'. Where they fence those event would of course be up to them but I do hope they would see their way clear to do one occassionally.

I'm glad you brought this up. Anyone in NCAAs knows that Dook refuses to fence us more than once a year. Also, I've yet to see dook fencers in local tournaments. I don't know if Becca's presence is going to change that. This situation is not helped by the women's saber void in NC. It's been frustrating knowing that there are more women's saber fencers just down the road and we only fence each other once a year. I suppose that's what a rivalry does.

[Mo]

Originally Posted by JEC

If you look at the Notre Dame website, there is a story indicating that she has a year of eligibility. However, please see the comment of Momster regarding her contract with Nike. That would threathen her collegial eligibility.

She also has an agent. She is with her in Beijing. That is the biggest Bozo no no for college NCAA fencers.

The Momster

[bigdawg2121]

Don't you hate it when people say silly things that are ill-advised and require you to address them? Not little things, like Bob's last name beginning an L instead of an H (it is indeed all in good fun and he's a great guy ) or the idea that the UMD rivalry w/ Dook is on the same scale as it is with Carolina (I still love the Terps though b/c the enemy of my enemy is may certainly hang out and drink a beer) or even a ridiculous thought such as South Carolina having any claim to the title "Carolina" (which just hasn't come up in this thread).

Rather, I refer to things like accusations that Dook fencers don't fence locally, which is only sorta true and has been changing. Actually I hear they're being encouraged to attend more local events - encouragement; sounds awesome.

Also, Mo, I understand your general sentiment and I respect your appreciation of team rivalries but you don't want Becca to be a Cameron Crazy. Sit in a student section, sure. Cheer her heart out, sure. Paint her body an awful shade of blue that will do nothing to compliment her eyes or hair color, why not? Actually be a Cameron Crazy? No. If there's a blemish on the face of collegiate athletics and Dook's athletic culture it's that. There's a point at which it's no longer all in good fun, no longer school spirit as opposed to downright-mean spirit, no longer classy or acceptable from a group of people considered to be future leaders of the human race. The Crazies often use that point as a landmark to remind themselves what the minimum required effort is. Becca is most certainly better than that.


Dekko, I'm pretty sure Sada is not going to Dook (sadly - yes, sadly, I like Dook grad students). I want to say Michigan but I may be wrong. Ask someone more in the know.
I hope Becca, Ashley, and whatever other WS fencers they have fence though...why? B/c WS tournaments are almost always a joke, if not in terms of level, then in terms of numbers. Methinks our most productive weapon (medals-wise) deserves better.

[Phrogger]

I don't think any high-level fencers would have to do much to bring a lot of goodwill to NC area fencing.

It has been a bit frustrating that you can drive all over NC (2 hrs to Wilmington, 2 hrs to Fayetteville, 2 hrs to Raleigh/Durham) and you're more likely than not to only get a C-rated tournament. The better fencers (both Collegiate and otherwise) tend to stay out of the local tournaments (or just show up and direct) to the detriment of fencing in our area. It would be great if they might consider just one event a year, publicized so that people who want the experience can show up. Recruiting little girls in particular has been very difficult at our non-profit club. Fencing in our division could really expand if we had just a little boost.

That said, I suppose a varsity schedule could leave little time for such pursuits, and I can understand if one wants to take a break after an Olympic training schedule! But for the greater good maybe something will come of their arrival. Mo, please put in a good word for us!

[sheck]

Originally Posted by bigdawg2121

Don't you hate it when people say silly things that are ill-advised and require you to address them? Not little things, like Bob's last name beginning an L instead of an H (it is indeed all in good fun and he's a great guy ) or the idea that the UMD rivalry w/ Dook is on the same scale as it is with Carolina (I still love the Terps though b/c the enemy of my enemy is may certainly hang out and drink a beer) or even a ridiculous thought such as South Carolina having any claim to the title "Carolina" (which just hasn't come up in this thread).

But the Dookies claim no rivalry.

Agree about the CC. What a bunch of tools!

[Craig]

The official forum spellings for that university are "Dook", "DOOK", or "the university 8 miles away from the southern part of heaven".

(Joe - You never need to grow out of the rivalry, it's just too much fun.)

School spirit is one thing, the CC's are another and they have been taking it too far the past several years. In the early 90s they were somewhat clever, now they are just dumb. (Kind of like SNL classic vs. SNL today.)

As to the WS in the region - How many young girls could you get into the sport with a camp or tournament let by Ward and Socha? They are both inspirations and anything that gets more women into and enjoying sports would be great. Anything that also helps improve the level of the sabre in the region would be great. Of course studies come first (at least that's what I told my mom when I was off to college!)

Of course, I've got "no dog in this hunt" other than taking a pot shot at dook every now and then (even though I have the highest respect for Alex)

Craig

[JEC]

Craig, I am going to flag your post. As a proud UNC graduate, you know better.

In the modern era, Duke and UNC are the best two men's basketball programs in the country. They make each other better. ... That is the best rivalty in all sports.

I don't know how many of you have been inside Cameron, but it is heaven.

Becca made a great choice academically and sports-wise.

[Delta]

Originally Posted by bigdawg2121

Don't you hate it when people say silly things that are ill-advised and require you to address them? Not little things, like Bob's last name beginning an L instead of an H (it is indeed all in good fun and he's a great guy ) or the idea that the UMD rivalry w/ Dook is on the same scale as it is with Carolina (I still love the Terps though b/c the enemy of my enemy is may certainly hang out and drink a beer) or even a ridiculous thought such as South Carolina having any claim to the title "Carolina" (which just hasn't come up in this thread).

Rather, I refer to things like accusations that Dook fencers don't fence locally, which is only sorta true and has been changing. Actually I hear they're being encouraged to attend more local events - encouragement; sounds awesome.

I don't know what makes you think what I said was silly or accusatory. If dook fencers don't fence locally, they don't. If it's been changing, than that is a recent change I have not seen with local tournaments here.
dook fencers obviously have a choice whether they want to fence locally or not. In all the ones I've come across in askfred, I can't recall a time where one decided to show up last minute without preregistering. If they are being encouraged to fence locally and there is an actual change in place, then I'll expect to see some of them in future tournaments.
I don't know exactly how much benefit a higher level fencer would get of a local tournament. I know that some of my peers don't fence in more local tournaments because better competition exists elsewhere if they can afford it. Otherwise, they have academics/the other parts of life to pursue without necessarily having an obligation to the goodwill fencing of NC or anywhere else.

[mrbiggs]

You say that tournaments are all, at best, C-level and have poor turnout, then you ask why collegiate fencers don't go. Why would they take time and pay money to go to a (at best) C-level tournament with poor turnout?

[Craig]

Originally Posted by JEC

Craig, I am going to flag your post. As a proud UNC graduate, you know better.

In the modern era, Duke and UNC are the best two men's basketball programs in the country. They make each other better. ... That is the best rivalty in all sports.

I don't know how many of you have been inside Cameron, but it is heaven.

Becca made a great choice academically and sports-wise.

Given how hot it gets during games, I wouldn't call Cameron heaven. I mean, they are the blue DEVILS. (Alex does dress it up really nice for dual meets - I'll give them that. I've always liked fencing at dook when they hosted.)

Becca did make a good choice. My final college choice was between UNC and the "university down the road". Having just come out of 13 years of Catholic school, I just couldn't go where the centerpiece was a mock-gothic cathedral!

I agree that the rivalry is good. My point (and Joe's) is that the Cameron Crazies have, a long time ago, crossed the line from being good sports cheering on their team to one step away from soccer hooligans.

Craig

[sheck]

Originally Posted by JEC

In the modern era, Duke and UNC are the best two men's basketball programs in the country. They make each other better. ... That is the best rivalty in all sports.

I don't know how many of you have been inside Cameron, but it is heaven.

Cameron is vastly over rated. As we Terps call it Dixon Indoor Stadium.

[KD5MDK]

People might be happy to note Becca was fencing in several local events (like the Battle in Seattle) in the Northwest even this year, so it's clear she's not opposed to it. Of course, I'd suggest not charging her an entery fee, but that's your business.

[Mo]

Originally Posted by bigdawg2121

Don't you hate it when people say silly things that are ill-advised and require you to address them? Not little things, like Bob's last name beginning an L instead of an H (it is indeed all in good fun and he's a great guy ) .

What the hell is his last name?? Largman? Pray tell??

Don't worry, The B is far too dignified to be a Cameron Crazy. I was insane in college but the marching band was plenty for me.
The Momster

[Mo]

Originally Posted by Craig

I agree that the rivalry is good. My point (and Joe's) is that the Cameron Crazies have, a long time ago, crossed the line from being good sports cheering on their team to one step away from soccer hooligans.

Craig

Wow from what I read it said differently but I will take your guys word on it.
I am shocked.
As soon as the kid met Alex, Duke became the school. He is such a good guy. Hopefully nothing at all like he whose name shall not be spoken.
The Momster

[Craig]

Originally Posted by Mo

Wow from what I read it said differently but I will take your guys word on it.

Alex is, and always has been very classy. Plus, he's good with the pranks.

I just don't like the crazies nor the admirations of a certain Dick Vitale.

Of course, I am just a *little* bit partisan here.

Craig

[Mo]

Originally Posted by Craig

Alex is, and always has been very classy. Plus, he's good with the pranks.

I just don't like the crazies nor the admirations of a certain Dick Vitale.

Of course, I am just a *little* bit partisan here.

Craig

What kind of pranks??
The Momster
ps turn on your skype

[campb1pr]

Originally Posted by Mo

What kind of pranks??

Lots of good sleight of hand (where's the weight and/or shims? was always a good one pulled on plenty of new refs), as well as more that I never witnessed, but heard hearsay about, so will defer to people with more direct experience.

As a person who coached at a school that Duke as well as many others had no problem beating up on, I have always been indebted to Alex for the classy way in which he treated us, and his and Elizabeth's graciousness in hosting events and teams. He always had a moment for a kind word for my fencers, and often a tip or coaching thought, even though we were the opponent.