Air Force Academy

Air Force Academy fencers performed well last weekend at the Denver Open with five fencers finishing in the top 3 of their respective events. All five, Sean Andrews and Fred Meyer (men's epee), CJ Baran (men's sabre) and David Fang and Kent Morgan (men's foil) earned new US Fencing Association ratings.

"All the Air Force fencers performed excellent this weekend; it was a great weekend for the team. We took home five medals, which is an impressive accomplishment," commented Morgan.

Andrews earne a D05 and Meyer earned their E05 rating in epee after finishing first and second place, respectively. In sabre, Baran also earned his E05 rating for finishing in third place. Also earning a new rating in USFA were Fang and Morgan. Fang won the foil competition, earning a C05, while Morgan who finished in third place earned his D05.

"I was pleased with the team's results. Our top finishers got their medals and new rankings by fencing well under pressure, especially in a few close bouts during direct eliminations," said assistant coach Brian Banas. "I was also impressed with the strong showings from several of our less experienced fencers. I am very hopeful for the upcoming NCAA season and expect to see continued improvement throughout the year."

The individual results were as follows: Epee: 1. Andrews, 2. Meyer; Sabre: 3. Baran, 5 Kate Gulczynski, 7. Brent Watson, 11. Ryan Zaccagnini. Foil: 1. Fang, 3. Morgan, 5. Trent Atwood, 7. Andrews, 16. Chris Pederson, 24. Mryamn Ruth, 26. Adam Otten, 34. Collette Bannister, 35. Kristin Bevins, 36. Kara Thoreson, 39. Julie Luce.

"It was an overall great experience. For those that haven't fenced before the Academy, it is a great opportunity to fence for the first time," added C3C Mryamn Ruth. For the rest of us, it was a chance to see where our weaknesses are and how to improve upon them, but most importantly it allowed us to get to know one another. It is occasions like this that make our team stronger."

On Oct. 29-30, the Falcons host the Falcon Open at the Academy's Cadet Gymnasium. The event is open to the public.
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