Ball State Fencing Club

Saturday, March 6 and Sunday, March 7 were big days for two Ball State fencers, Brian Koby and William Stark as they traveled to Columbus, Ohio to compete in the Arnold Fencing Classic, part of the Arnold Sports Festival.  In the past the Arnold Fencing Classic has been a way for younger fencers to meet, compete, and socialize with celebrity fencers, but this year marked the first year it was open to fencers of all ages, including senior fencers.

Brian Koby competed on Saturday in the mixed epee open event.  The event was an A1 event with only 20 fencers registered, 3 of which were A-rated fencers.  Koby’s pool was difficult as he faced a few fencers he’s never seen before, and a few others he had not.  He finished 5th in his pools with only one win, a seeded 15th going in to the DEs.  He excelled during his first DE round (round of 32) to win 15-11.  He then faced A-rated Henry Reed in the round of 16 and lost 5-15, but fenced rather well.

Bill Stark had to wait until Sunday to fence in the mixed foil event, where he faced 31 competitors; 5 of which were A-rated, making it an A-2 event.  Bill started strong in his pools, but ultimately finished 7th with no wins, seeding him in 29th for the first round of DEs.  Bill changed his strategy for his DE and faired well against 4th place ranked Josh Grill; Bill lost 3-15, but learned a lot from his final bout.

To bring more excitement to the weekend, Koby and Stark were also lucky to have the chance to meet two Olympic fencers; 2008 Mens Sabre Silver Medalist Tim Morehouse and 2004/2008 Womens Sabre Gold Medalist Mariel Zagunis.

On top of the fencing celebrities, Koby and Stark also had a chance to meet the person responsible for the Arnold Sports Festival; California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Next year Koby plans to take more fencers from Ball State to experience this spectacular event, hosted by the city of Columbus, Ohio and organized by Royal Arts Fencing.