Townsend Harris High School’s Boys Fencing Team won second place in the Queens division last season. This year, the team aims to focus more on training recruits and returning athletes to build a stronger team.
“This is going to be a building season because we have a few seniors, some that have not returned to the team… It’s going to be different than other years that we’ve had, but also an opportunity to see our juniors step up,” Coach Diane Ramirez said.
This goal was slightly adjusted due to the limited number of returning players. The team adapted to this challenge by starting practices earlier than usual.
Senior Captain Yugesh Kumar said, “We have been working hard on our skills, whether through footwork and bladework drills or open bouting against each other, and even our managers. On top of our practices, some of us train outside of school in fencing clubs.”
Yugesh said, “I won’t be able to fence at 100% [due to an injury], so I’m overcoming this issue by focusing on training our underclassmen more rather than giving myself extra time on the strip.”
Junior Captain Aidan Ng said, “I want to be able to do well on my bouts. I want the returners and [underclassmen] to improve to the point where they are comfortable and confident in their own ability.”
Aidan said he pushes himself even further to strengthen his fencing skills by going to practice and taking lessons on the weekends.
Coach Ramirez said she also wants to modify the environment of team practices. She said, “The goal this year is to have a more positive environment. I wanted to choose captains that were knowledgeable, yes, but amiable, approachable… that can keep a nice clear open chain of communication with themselves and the other athletes.”
Through their rigorous training and efforts, the team members aim to secure a spot in playoffs and advance.
Senior Ivan Wu said, “My personal goals for this season is to improve my footwork and blade handling especially when I go on offense.”
Sophomore Jordan Liu also said, “My steps to [become a better starter] will be to fence as much as possible and to give absolutely everything during practice and matches.”
The Boys Fencing Team has its first game on October 6 against the past season’s first-place team in Queens: Francis Lewis High School.
