On Jan. 18, the fencing team hosted their annual fencing invitational. In the freezing cold, athletes staggered their arrival from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. depending on what pool each fencer was in.
The event returned to Macalester College for the second year in the campus track and field house. It was filled with athletes and spectators from many different schools. Over a couple dozen matches happened simultaneously in the center of the indoor track, with spectators standing or in bleachers.
The team did not end up winning the tournament but that did not stop many athletes from having strong performances.
Captain Rowan Moore, who specializes in Women’s Saber, found success not only in their event but throughout the day.
“I always like being at tournaments, especially like our invitational, because we get to set it up and it’s like home base,” they said.
Even with some tight match-ups and tough losses, Moore said, early in the day, that “The team has been super supported today and it has been going very fast so far which is good.”
Moore also won their bout, a match between two fencers, and reflected on the strong mindset needed to perform well.
“I always try to return to the basics … seeing what works and what doesn’t.”
Moore said, “The hardest part is definitely the mental part. If you let your mental fatigue get you, then you checked out for the rest of your bout.”
Sophomore Baron Bailey who specializes in Men’s Épée, where fencers can hit all over the body, also reflects on the hardest parts of the sport.
“The hardest part is that everybody fences differently, so you kind of have to change what you do,” he said.
After starting last year, Bailey makes sure to clear his mind before each bout through his routine that gets him ready.
“Before I do a light little warm up and then in the bout I just think about getting points and being strategic,” Bailey said.
Both Bailey and Moore both emphasized the importance of staying mentally focused. By the end of the long meet, even though the team did not win as a school, many athletes pointed to positive moments and personal highlights.
As Bailey reflects on the invitational he is happy with how it went, and similarly to Moore, the support from peers was especially exceptional.
“They all give good advice, like if there’s not a coach there during your bout they will give you tips and encouragement,” Bailey said.
According to Bailey and Moore, the invitational created a strong sense of community and both walked away with a fun experience.
