Fayetteville fencers compete, bring home two medals

All-American Fencing Academy

Fayetteville fencers from the All-American Fencing Academy competed in the Junior Progressive Open at the MidSouth Fencers Club in Durham, N.C., Sunday.

The All-American Fencing Academy offers classes in downtown Fayetteville and through Fort Bragg’s SKIESUnlimited program.

According to officials, the SKIESUnlimited program was started by the Department of Army in 2004, as an instructional program that enables children and youth to expand their knowledge, inspire, explore and acquire new “schools.” The program is based on a four-school system — the schools of sports, arts, life skills and academic skills.

In the 7 to 10 age category, Caroline Berger and Gabriel Guevarra both won a bout in their pools, but lost in their first, direct eliminations.  Berger and Guevarra finished fifth and sixth, respectively.

Triston Li-A-Ping and Madeline White also put up a single victory in their pools in the 11 to 14 age category,.  Li-A-Ping received a bye in the first round, but lost in the second round of elimination. Li-A-Ping finished in sixth place.

 White narrowly lost in the first round of direct eliminations, scoring 10 touches on her opponent.  Her 15 to 10 loss in the first elimination placed White in ninth place.

In the 13 to 16 age category, John Murray posted two wins in the preliminary pools, but also lost in the first direct elimination securing a tenth place finish.

The All-American Fencing Academy’s strongest team of fencers were in the 9 to 12 age category. 

Baker White (Madeline’s brother), Ronnie Britton and Jeb Berger (Caroline’s brother) led the charge for Fayetteville’s fencers.

White posted three and Britton posted two wins in the pools.

Later, White faced Daniel Auber from the Greensboro Downtown Fencing Club in the gold medal round.  Auber previously posted the only win against White in the pools.

Though Auber won the first period 5 to 3, White took control in the second and third periods by initiating successful attacks to take home his first gold medal, said Gerhard Guevarra, head coach.

“We didn’t discuss much between the period time-outs. We both knew what he had to do to win,” said Guevarra. “White was getting through the defense, but just wasn’t landing his touches. He (White) made a minor change and landed the rest of his attacks,” Guevarra said.

The teen and adult fencers at the All-American Fencing Academy are now getting ready for the next team event.

The Airborne Open will be hosted at the All-American Fencing Academy, Feb. 26.  This event will feature the foil and sabre weapons in fencing.

“We have a strong team of fencers this year and we think we can come out on top in the foil event. The sabre event will be difficult, but possible,” Guevarra said.

The All-American Fencing Academy is located in downtown Fayetteville, at 207-B Donaldson St. It instructs and trains recreational and competitive fencers from ages seven to adult who compete regionally and nationally. The academy’s coaches include former World Cup and NCAA fencers.

For more information about the All-American Fencing Academy, call 644-0137 or visit its website at www.allamericanfencing.com.

Share