![[News page]](images/news.gif)
Two brothers who have been taking fencing at the American Fencing Academy in Stone Mountain for the past two years competed in the North American Cup sponsored by the United States Fencing Association. This year's fall competition was held at Macalaster College in St. Paul Minnesota. The USFA, which is the governing body over fencing in the USA sponsors national level competitions several times per year, concluding with Summer National Championships in July each year.
Daniel Miller is 12 years old and has been training in Epee fencing since Feb. of 1998. He has earned several medals in local competitions and has competed at national competitions 3 times prior to the October 1999 St. Paul North American Cup. Daniel has always been homeschooled and is a member of the Gwinnett Christian Home Educators. He enjoys reading, Legos, and model rocketry as well as fencing. He went to St. Paul with hopes of getting past the first round of direct eliminations, but especially to place somewhere in the top 10. Daniel's recent growth and constant practice with fencers older than himself really paid off as he went up against other 12 year old and under fencers in the Men's Youth Epee competition. Daniel tied for 3rd place with another homeschooler and brought home his first Medal from a national competition. He is greatly encouraged by his performance. He enjoys the opportunity to travel to national competitions having visited New York, Kentucky and North Carolina over the past two years. He also enjoys meeting boys from all over the U.S. and even some other homeschoolers. Daniel's brother Stuart, also fences.
Stuart Miller is 10 years old and has also been fencing Epee for 2 years. He has worked very hard at fencing and his growing older brother has provided lots of tough competition. He also went to St. Paul, and competed in his own division of Men's Youth Epee 10 years and younger. Though a much smaller field of competitors, Stuart's goal was to make it into the top of the field and he exceeded that by hanging in on some tough conversations (as fencing bouts are called)and winning the 1st place, bringing home a gold medal.
Each boy was given a medal, a certificate and a poster of the event in St. Paul and a bouquet which they gave to mom. Both brothers earned points in the rolling point standings and moved up in the pool of national fencers. They both enjoy their coach, Sandor Kiss, who is a kind man who always encourages them. They would like to fence in college if the opportunity arises, but they know that if not, fencing is a sport they can continue all their life, even into their Senior years.
The boys also enjoy wheelchair fencing with their fellow A.F.A. club member Joey Royal of Athens. He recently finished 2nd in national wheelchair fencing bringing home a silver medal. He works patiently with the boys as they learn a different skill in fencing by competing from a chair as Joey does. They also have learned that people like Joey who are disabled in some fashion can compete in sports like fencing too. They enjoy cheering for Joey whenever they have competitions in the same venue.
Anyone interested in joining for recreation or to eventually compete should contact American Fencing Academy, email to: SandorKiss@aol.com. Fencing has proven to be a very safe sport that improves concentration, agility and thinking. It is year round and lifelong sport that girls as well as boys can do. The whole family can enjoy. Further info can be found at http://www.usfencing.org/.
| About HEIR ||| Home ||| Contents ||| News ||| Opinion |