Congratulations to all of the fencers who participated in the first-
ever divisional championships for the AFL National Division held at
Willamette University in Salem, Oregon on May 20-21, 2006.

Complete results are available on the American Fencing League website
at http://www.americanfencingleague.org

21 fencers entered in eight events came from all over Oregon --
including Portland, Salem, Eugene, Grants Pass, and Ashland -- to
compete. All events were mixed gender and all ages. There were five
women competing. Ages ranged from 12 to over 50. There was a father-
son pair entered, as well as a mother and son and two sibling pairs,
making the tournament truly multi-generational.

The tournament ran about 12 hours on each day, making these
divisional championships a true test of endurance for fencers
competing in multiple events. Not only was this the largest and
longest tournament the AFL has ever held, it also marked the return
of three-weapon fencing to the United States.

Individual events were held on Saturday, including foil, epee, sabre,
and the first individual three-weapon championship in the U.S. since
1948. As fencers know, each weapon is quite distinct in its
appearance, tactics, and "feel". Foil is a balanced offensive and
defensive game with deep strategy and tactics. The weapons make a
distinctive metallic "tick" during combat.

Epee, with each bout consisting of only one touch, is highly
technical as the fencers try to balance the need to score a touch
while simultaneously trying to defend their entire body. Epee fencing
demands nerves of steel to stand up to the combined pressure of a
three-minute time limit and an opponent eager to exploit the smallest
error. The oversized guards ring clearly during fencing.

Sabre is explosive and powerful, while also rewarding the fencer who
is able to take advantage of small mistakes on the part of the
opponent. As the only slashing weapon of the three, sabre fencing is
distinguished by various loud clangs, clatters, and thwacks.

Team events were held Sunday, including team foil, team epee, team
sabre, and the first three-weapon team championship held in the U.S.
since 1964.

Team foil and sabre are both fenced in a relay fashion, with the
score being cumulative. The team captain plays a crucial role by
determining the team's lineup and directing the team's strategy. Once
a fencer begins fencing, the decisions are up to him or her alone.

Team epee and three-weapon is fenced bout by bout, with the goal
being to win each individual bout. The captain's role is less
significant and more weight rests on the shoulders of the individual
fencers. Unlike individual three-weapon events, which favor the
generalist, team three-weapon competition favors the ultra-
specialist, with each club putting forth their best foilist, epeeist,
and sabreur to meet with those of the competing clubs.

After 24 hours of fencing, the competitors were physically and
mentally exhausted, but very happy knowing that they had fenced their
best.

Individual competition was dominated by Josh Conner of Eugene, Oregon
(unattached), who took the gold medal in foil, epee, and three-weapon
(he did not enter the sabre event). The gold medalist in individual
sabre was Wolfgang Agotta of Ashland, Oregon (Southern Oregon Fencing
Center).

Teams from Southern Oregon Fencing Center won the team foil, epee,
and sabre events. Salem Classical Fencing won the three-weapon team
competition after a last-minute withdrawal of SOFC's team due to
fatigue.

Media: Photos for publication are available on request.

For more information about the event, fencing in general, or the
American Fencing League, please contact us.
--
Michael Heggen, president
American Fencing League, a nonprofit corporation
michael@...
http://www.americanfencingleague.org

This e-mail may have my digital signature attached.