For the last four years this time of the night we close the doors on another Barbara Lynch RYC and finally sit down and take a breath...smile...and remember Barb looking at us like we were crazy for acting tired after two days of youth fencing because for her it was high octane in her fuel tank. It to her was the reason she loved this sport so much. That shake of her head and the smile who those that have seen can never forget is the reason we do this.

The list of people to thank tends to be way too long to remember because it's not always the big things but the little things such as high school fencers volunteering their weekend to keep score for experienced directors so they can concentrate on the fencers and hundreds of other little things like that..I am going to try to thank in general and so if I miss you or do not name you by name....its not because we are not appreciative but the sheer amount of stuff to be thankful for ...

The wonderful staff at NJFA for running the bout committee

The incredible directors who volunteered their time many who came both days (Jesse S..Rick M. ...many many others

Jeff Bukantz for volunteering to observe new refs which drew many new and talented directors.

The fencers of Morris Hills Fencing Team for numerous errands ran, scores kept, laugh shared

Everybody who volunteered items for the silent auction..we had everything from Hockey Tickets and jewelry to lithographs and scarves

Patsey's Cafe for serving food both days with proceeds donating to the event...

Patrick and the guys for checking body cords , masks, and such...quite often with mad rushes of fencers at the same time...

The fencers of Gill St Bernards they know why

Lisa Campi...for being who she is and still sharing it with the rest of us...

For everybody who simply said...whatever you need....just call

Lefty for the wonderful design of the patches

We thank the parents for supporting youth fencing and bringing their children to the event We had 261 fencers in two days.

We would like to thank the Lynch family

We would like to thank Barbara Lynch for being who she was....She promised she would keep coming if we kept putting them on...I am sure she was sitting and watching today.....smiling at those little things that always pop up....shaking her head when we got too serious ...for showing us how to be...a coach...a friend...and a mentor....

I'll see you next year Barb...


Rick Shellhouse