A demonstration in the cafeteria April 13–labeled as a publicity stunt by the leaders–served the purpose of promoting a new Northwood club: fencing. Founded by juniors Kevin Cappes and Gwendolyn Chapman, the fencing club will be composed of a team that participates in local tournaments and potentially advances higher to states.
“Our plans are we are going to try and make a team because there is an in-state competition that runs every year and we’re going to try to get a team for that competition,” Cappes said. “My brother and I–John, one of the other fencers–we won state in that competition in our old school. There are national tournaments and there are also local tournaments.”
Cappes and Chapman strategically chose to entice people into joining the club by giving them a lunchtime show.
“Not many people know what fencing looks like, so by showing them a little intensity that’s our goal right there,” Cappes said.
The club founders offered some information and advice for any fencing beginners looking to join. They wanted to specify that the swords for fencing are not actually dangerous.
“It’s a very low possibility of injury,” Cappes said. “You get more injuries from working out incorrectly than you do by the sport. One thing people should be aware of is that it is expensive to start, but the gear lasts.”
“Stab and don’t get stabbed,” Chapman said.
