It has been a struggle to see fencing in the Olympics on network TV, even after one of the USA fencers, Lee Kiefer in women’s foil, won a gold medal. But I did find a way to see the bronze and gold medal bouts, both individual and team, on the internet. We have been able to get the NBC Sports app on our FireTV. So there should be a way for everyone to watch some excellent fencing. They do not show all the touches, but it has a very good selection of the best actions.

By the way, it seems footwork is critical for the winners. Hmmm…. where have I heard that before?

I look forward to seeing many of you in August, and the rest of you in September.

Seacoast Fencers had stellar qualification results last May, and now eight are competing in the National Championships & Junior Olympics in Philadelphia later this week. Competing in the Junior Olympics, Division 2 & 3 Championships, and the Junior Men’s Foil Team are: Charlie and Grace Murdoch Roy, Jay Wendell, Trevor Wohlers, Caleb Wenger, Michael Hoang, Sucheta Tamragouri, and Finn Debecker.

This will be a long trip for our fencers, as six of them will compete on the first four days (July 3-6), and five will be competing on the last two days (July 11 & 12). Seacoast’s men’s foil team (Charlie, Jay, and Michael) will fence on July 8.

USA Fencing may broadcast some of the fencing through links on this link: USA Fencing

So wish our teammates “Good luck, and safe travels”, and we will see you in August!

Hannah McPherson was recently honored by USA Fencing, with the prestigious Fencing Spirit of Sport Award. Below is an excerpt from the letter announcing her award.

“USA Fencing is proud to recognize individuals who have shown exceptional dedication to the sport with the Fencing Spirit of Sport program….

Based on the nomination from Kristen Bannister for this award, you were selected as the Region 3 recipient…Thank you for your dedication and commitment to the sport of fencing.”

On behalf of the entire Seacoast Fencing Club, congratulations, Hannah. You are a truly exceptional member of our club.

Seacoast Fencing Club had a very nice article about our club published in a local weekly paper, Seacoast Scene, which covers the seacoast area in New Hampshire. The article, “The Language of Fencing” on page 7, did a great job of explaining my coaching philosophy, and why I started the club. And a bit on Hannah McPherson too! The link to the article is below. My thanks to the reporter, Sadie Burgess!

Hampton Beach 2021 – SeacoHampton Beach 2021 – Seacoast Scene – 05/05/2021 by Seacoast Scene – issuu

Manchester will be closed on Monday, May 31 for Memorial Day. It is a meaningful day for me. This is one of the few federal holidays for which I close the club. So stay home, enjoy the day, and please take the time to think about the sacrifices that your fellow Americans have made to protect and defend our country’s democracy, and the lives of its citizens.