"BACK AND FORTH - Using an epee, a fencer thrusts and scores at Oasis Park during "Duel at the Oasis" fencing tournament on Saturday." BERNARD KANE/Valley Press
Posted on 06/03/2007 9:35:05 AM PDT by BenLurkin
PALMDALE - The featureless black mask hid his face, but everyone in the crowd knew exactly how he felt. Iain Carson threw his arms toward the ceiling, letting a joyous shout erupt from inside. With a 15-9 victory over Eugene Park, Carson earned himself a brand new epee - the first place prize at the Duel at the Oasis fencing tournament at Oasis Park Recreational Center in Palmdale on Saturday.
"(That was) the best I've done," Carson said.
Carson was the top seed after pool competition, and didn't lose a single bout in the tournament. The only bout Park lost was the championship.
"(Park was) really good," Carson said. "His defenses were incredible. But, after about two minutes I was able to figure out his weaknesses and get to him."
At times Carson's vocal outburst and celebrations seemed out of place with the proper image of the sport, but by the time of the championship bout the crowd of parents and fans was cheering along with him.
"It's to help boost my morale," Carson said. "It helps me warm up and get ready to fight."
The 15-year old from Santa Clarita is in his fifth year of fencing, and is working on establishing a high ranking with the United States Fencing Association.
Unfortunately for him, Saturday's tournament victory won't help him increase his ranking because the tournament was a non-sanctioned event.
Matt Damron was in charge of putting on the tournament, and he explained that the purpose of the contest wasn't to provide a competitive setting for the area's top fencers, but to increase the sport's visibility in the Valley. He says that fencing provides a lot of kids who otherwise wouldn't have it, an opportunity to compete and express themselves physically.
(Excerpt) Read more at avpress.com ...
"BACK AND FORTH - Using an epee, a fencer thrusts and scores at Oasis Park during "Duel at the Oasis" fencing tournament on Saturday." BERNARD KANE/Valley Press
May your swash never buckle!
It’s a beautiful sport. My two do this, well, one epee, one foil.
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