Summer Nationals Are Here!

Summer Nationals

The biggest tournament of the year is upon us, just two hours away in Columbus, Ohio! 20 HoF fencers will compete in over 40 individual events from June 29th through July 8th. Many of our fencers have worked hard to qualify and prepare for these events, and this is a chance to put practice into action! You can view an event preview right here , or visit the full tournament page for more details. Whether you are competing, interested in watching or checking out some high-level fencing, or just curious how this event will affect regular practice schedule, read on for more information!

For Fencers & Parents

First of all, good luck to all of our fencers! If you haven't yet, make sure to check that all your equipment is in working order, and fix or rent weapons at the club as needed. There will be vendors at the venue, so if you really need last-minute equipment, that is an option. It's a good idea to arrive the day before you fence and have equipment checked, as the lines can sometimes be very long and checking your equipment the day of the event may prevent you from warming up. If this is your first national event, it's also a great idea to scout out the venue before you actually compete! Plan to bring snacks and drinks to stay fueled during fencing, and save this link on your phone to track pools, strips, and results. Parents--remember, your job is to support and encourage! One useful thing you can do is to take video that fencers can watch later, but remember many fencers will be feeling the pressure, and often the best thing you can do is just stay relaxed and encourage your fencer!

For Spectators & Supporters

For those who are not competing, I would highly encourage you to pick a day and drive down to the Greater Columbus Convention Center to check out some fencing! This will likely be the biggest fencing tournament of all time, and it's basically in our backyard! It's a great opportunity to see exactly what that looks like and get excited about the sport. There are HoF fencers competing every single day, so you can always support your teammates in action. There will also be past and current Olympians at this competition, so you can see fencing at the very highest level. Plus, the convention center will be filled with vendors selling fencing merch and fencing equipment worth checking out! This is a good place to purchase new equipment, with the ability to compare different products and try on gear in person. If you are considering an equipment purchase, I'd be happy to offer some guidance as not all equipment is great quality. If you can't make it to the venue, you can follow our fencers' live results right here , and follow us on Facebook or Instagram for club updates.

For Regular Practice Schedule

There are two things to note about the practice schedule during Nationals; first, I will be in Columbus for most if not all of the days, which means Coach Johnny will be giving all lessons next week. Second, HoF will be closed two days during Nationals--Thursday the 4th of July, and Saturday, July 6th. Otherwise, it's business as usual! Enjoy the holiday, and see you all after Nationals!

-Nick

HoF CLOSED on July 4th & 6th

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