Behind the scenes of the fencing team's recent achievements

Isha Patel, Staff Writer & Arshita Sunnam, Staff Writer

Northview High School's fencing team is building an impressive reputation in the competitive world of high school sports. Fencing is a competitive and skill-based sport that combines physical agility, strategy, and quick reflexes. It typically includes both individual and team events, with students competing in many different tournaments.

Recently, the team showcased its skills at a tournament held at Johns Creek High School, where both the men's and women's sections saw notable achievements. 

“We had two [members] make it to the finals and semifinals,” sophomore team member Milly Koh said.

This achievement not only shows the individual skill of each member but is a reflection of the hard work and dedication shown by the entire team, as it's not easy to place high in tournaments. Nile Solomon, a sophomore and two-year team member, describes the challenging environment of tournaments. 

"It's not easy having to beat all the other fencers [in] direct elimination. If you lose, you get eliminated," Solomon said. "It's very impressive to see how far our team members are able to go."  

Typical fencing practices are held at a dedicated club building. However, Northview's fencing team practices differently than other schools, which may be a contributing factor to their impressive success.

"One thing [that sets Northview apart] is having practice in the school. While it is kind of weird having to practice in the school instead of a fencing club, It helps because there's a lot more space and lot more you can do with that space," Solomon said.

As the fencing team progresses through the season and refines their organization, the improvements are noticeable. The structured practices they implement not only build individual confidence but also create a sense of camaraderie among the team.  

“The team is much more organized now. We have practices that simulate tournament conditions, helping us prepare mentally and physically,” Solomon said.  

Due to these structured practices, participation has increased among the members. This increased commitment has led to a stronger team dynamic, with members pushing each other to their best. The supportive community and training prior to competitions within the fencing team plays a crucial role in its preparation. Before tournaments, the team often gathers for a final practice.

“Our coach, [Daniel Jung], sets up a mock tournament so we can fence each other and get a feel for the competition. It really helps with strategy and preparation,” Solomon said.

This teamwork is key, as even though each fencer competes individually during tournaments, the environment has a supportive feel. The Northview fencing team functions as a whole, rather than representing individual players.

“When Northview makes it to the top four, we all cheer each other on. It’s different from other schools, where the energy isn’t as high.” Koh said.

Though their current achievements are certainly impressive and noteworthy, the fencing team is striving to attain more recognition. The standards that they have set for themselves show their ambition and willingness to work hard to better their team as a whole. They aim to improve their finishes in tournaments and to bond together as a team.

Read this piece on our digital issue!