CFFA update for Augusr 27

Gregory Spahr Coaches Communication
CFFA update for Augusr 27
Starting with the good news, Alex Hoelscher has had his film about Erica Julien and her last year’s trip to the World Championships accepted by the Cucalorus film festival.  The festival runs from November 8th to 12th.  He doesn’t have his exact showing time yet, but once it is known, I will relay it to you.  His once 15 minute film is up to 40 minutes now.  On the Blu-ray it will probably be about two hours.  LOL
Also, CFFA has once again been named one of the “Best Fencing Clubs” in the US based on how many people finished in the top 16 at National events.
This week, standard Tuesday and Thursday evening.  No practice at Camp Lejeune Friday due to the holiday weekend. 
I will be at the annual homeschool scheduling meeting on Saturday.  If other people with keys are going to open up for Saturday practice, I will let you know.
Afterschool
will start for returning fencers on Tuesday, September 5th.  (The day
after Labor Day).  The usual 3:30 pm start time.

Homeschool
class will start on the Wednesday after Labor Day, September 6th.  A
new time of about 1:15 pm for returners, with the beginner class
starting at 1:30 pm.

The next Camp Lejeune class will begin on Friday, September 8th at 7 pm.

We got September 9th for our first event of the year from the
Division and it is posted to askfred.  We will have open foil, epee, and sabre
events.  Epee already has 2 A’s, so it just needs the other ranks and bodies.  Foil and sabre are lagging behind.

The
beginner class for Afterschool will start Monday, September 11.  That
evening at 6:30 will be the start of the September beginner class.

I think September 23rd should be free for the first youth event of the season.  Ages 12 and under, foil at 10 am, sabre at 1:30 pm, epee at 3:30 pm.  $5 per event.  This is the first time in years that there really is no preseason favorite in either the boy’s or girl’s competitions.

UNC
Chapel Hill has received September 30/October 1 for their Tarheel
Open.  Their foil and epee are already large A events.  Sabre has As and Bs, but really needs numbers.

Also on September 30 is Salle New Bern’s E and under foil event.

pax vobiscum,

 
Greg Spahr
Head Coach
Cape Fear Fencing Association

“The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but that’s the way to bet.” Damon Runyon

CFFA update for August 19

Gregory Spahr Coaches Communication
CFFA update for August 19
Fall is rapidly approaching as the first beginner class for this season will start on this Tuesday at 6:30 pm.  Standard 6 week beginner class on Tuesday and Thursday.  The rest of the week will be regular practice for this time of year.  Tu/Th night, Friday at Camp Lejeune, and a practice on Saturday morning.
Also an unrated foil and open epee that Saturday at Charlotte.  The foil just needs a couple of more bodies to give an E away and the epee should be at least a B event.  Check askfred for the most current information.
Afterschool will start for returning fencers on Tuesday, September 5th.  (The day after Labor Day).  The usual 3:30 pm start time.
Homeschool class will start on the Wednesday after Labor Day, September 6th.  A new time of about 1:15 pm for returners, with the beginner class starting at 1:30 pm.
The next Camp Lejeune class will begin on Friday, September 8th at 7 pm.
We got September 9th for our first event of the year from the
Division and it is posted to askfred.  We will have open foil, epee, and sabre
events.  Already people from NC State and Charlotte.

The beginner class for Afterschool will start Monday, September 11.  That evening at 6:30 will be the start of the September beginner class.

UNC
Chapel Hill has received September 30/October 1 for their Tarheel
Open.  Their events are usually large A events for all weapons.

Also on September 30 is Salle New Bern’s E and under foil event.

pax vobiscum,

 
Greg Spahr
Head Coach
Cape Fear Fencing Association

“The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but that’s the way to bet.” Damon Runyon

CFFA update for August 14

Gregory Spahr Coaches Communication
CFFA update for August 14
We had a fair number of people up at Mid-South’s Big Blue this weekend.  Joe Mclaughlin lost his first DE in Men’s sabre to eventual winner Jeff Kallio, 10-15.  Catherine Shin of UNCW, won her first Women’s foil DE, but then lost to eventual winner Tammy Jackson, in a close 12-15 match.  In Sunday’s epee, Erica Julien and Nicole Milewski both got points against Leslie Marx (Two time US National Champion, Olympian, current Vet 50 National Champion, etc.).  Erica was 1-4 in the pool while Nicole was 2-3.  Samantha Milewski went 2-2 in her pool.  Unfortunately, all three lost their first DEs, so Sam was 10th, Nicole 11th, and Erica 13th in a solid B1 Women’s event.
Regular practice this week.  Tu/Th nights, Friday at Camp Lejeune, and there should be a Saturday practice.  Don’t forget the floor fee for 7:30 pm evening practices has gone up to $10.  If you are coming once a week or any 4 times during the month, it is cheaper to do the monthly dues of $35.  That gives you access to all the practices.
We got September 9th for our first event of the year from the
Division and it should be posted to askfred within the next few
days, hopefully.  We will have open foil, epee, and sabre
events.

UNC
Chapel Hill has received September 30/October 1 for their Tarheel
Open.  Their events are usually large A events for all weapons.

Also on September 30 is Salle New Bern’s E and under foil event.

pax vobiscum,
 
Greg Spahr
Head Coach
Cape Fear Fencing Association

“The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but that’s the way to bet.” Damon Runyon

tonight at CFFA

Gregory Spahr Coaches Communication
tonight at CFFA
I just came back from the club.  I think we will be fine for practice tonight.  However, you may want to not put equipment right next to the wall under the window as there is still some water in spots.
Of course, if we get some heavy rain before this evening all bets are off.
pax vobiscum,
 
Greg Spahr
Head Coach
Cape Fear Fencing Association

“The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but that’s the way to bet.” Damon Runyon

No practice tonight

Gregory Spahr Coaches Communication
No practice tonight
Herman just informed me that the club is totally under water, so no practice tonight.  We will get things dried out and hopefully it stops raining so we can practice Thursday.  You can always still do footwork at home.

pax vobiscum,
 
Greg Spahr
Head Coach
Cape Fear Fencing Association

“The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but that’s the way to bet.” Damon Runyon

CFFA update for August 6

Gregory Spahr Coaches Communication
CFFA update for August 6
Verily, that about which you hath been warned comes to pass.  Be thee mightily afeared.  CFFA has a new D in epee.  She is 13 and has yet to fence in an adult competition.  Nicole Milewski took 6th in the Junior Women’s epee at the RJCC in Greensboro this weekend.  The event was a B1, so she earns her D.  Sister Samantha had a solid pool, but had the misfortune of running into the Faith Park who would win it all in Samantha’s first DE.  Samantha’s bout with Faith was the closest one she had on her way to first place.  On Sunday, in the Cadet Women’s epee, Nicole won her first DE and placed 8th.
I guess that means epee camp worked.  In the finals of the camp championship Samantha defeated Herman Smith.
Saber camp starts Monday.  The rest of the week should be regular.  Friday night fencing at Camp Lejeune.  There should be a Saturday morning practice unless someone enters an event at Mid-South that would cause me to go up there.
Next weekend is Mid-South’s Big Blue.  The adult events have been
split into women’s and men’s events.  Women’s epee needs bodies to make a B1 event.   Women’s
foil and sabre are small.  Men’s epee is one more fencer to become an A2.  Foil is getting larger and needs bodies to become a B.  Sabre needs a D fencer to reach being a B.  Check askfred to keep current on the numbers.

August 1 was the start of the new season, (August 1, 2017 – July 31, 2018) so get started on renewing your USA Fencing and CFFA memberships.

We
have requested September 9th for our first event of the year from the
Division and should know if that is what it will be within the next few
days, hopefully.  If it is, we will have open foil, epee, and sabre
events.

UNC
Chapel Hill has requested September 30/October 1 for their Tarheel
Open.  Their events are usually large A events for all weapons.

Erica Julien is currently getting ready for her 2nd appearance at the World Championships in October.  She needs our epeeists to be showing up and fencing with her.  She also needs to have her clubmates to help her at the level for which she needs to be ready.  That means put aside your egos and fence her at an appropriate level.  None of the other women in the 70+ category are going to be throwing fleches at her at the speed of a 20 year old.  It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go out to win, but look at this as an opportunity to practice other types of moves.

pax vobiscum,

 
Greg Spahr
Head Coach
Cape Fear Fencing Association

“The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but that’s the way to bet.” Damon Runyon

CFFA update for July 30

Gregory Spahr Coaches Communication
CFFA update for July 30
A very good advanced foil camp with a bunch of fierce 7-11 year olds last week.  This week is advanced epee camp and should be very strong.
I attended a meeting for the NCHSFL yesterday.  Kestrel Heights is out as the high school lost its charter (they may still have some middle school fencers).  Orange County, Hoggard, Chapel Hill, and Research Triangle look to be solid.  New Hanover and East Chapel Hill are a little shaky.  Therefore, if we can get a few more teams on this side of the state we might get our own conference or at least get a few more events here.  I will be in touch with everyone with more info.  The other big news is it looks like epee will be moved back to being a B division weapon.  That means that junior high fencers can participate.
Regular Tues/Thurs practice this week.  Friday practice at Camp Lejeune.   I will be at the RJCC on Saturday, so I doubt there will be a Saturday practice.
Next weekend (August 5-6) is
an RJCC (Regional Junior Cadet Circuit) event in Greensboro.  You need
to be registered and
paid through askfred by today or there is an additional $200
surcharge.  Small adult epee and foil, but very strong cadet and junior events.

August 7-11 is sabre camp.  I need people who have expressed an interest to touch base so I know what topics we need to cover.

The
following weekend is Mid-South’s Big Blue.  The adult events have been
split into women’s and men’s events.  Women’s epee needs a rated fencer
and bodies to make a rated event.  It might reach a B event.  Women’s
foil and sabre are small.  Men’s epee is a solid A, foil is small, and
sabre needs mid level fencers and bodies to reach being a rated event.

August 1 is the start of the new season, (August 1, 2017 – July 31, 2018) which means a number of things happen.

You
need to renew your USA Fencing membership, not only for the right to do
tournaments, but also to keep our insurance viable.  People
involved in the advanced epee camp should note that the start of the
season falls during the camp, so please have your membership renewed by Tuesday.

August
1 (Tuesday) also means that the club’s dues for the season are renewable. 
Also starting on Tuesday, we will be raising the floor fee for evening practices at
Wilmington, to $10 per night. 

We have requested September 9th for our first event of the year from the Division and should know if that is what it will be within the next few days, hopefully.  If it is, we will have open foil, epee, and sabre events.

UNC Chapel Hill has requested September 30/October 1 for their Tarheel Open.  Their events are usually large A events for all weapons.

pax vobiscum,

 
Greg Spahr
Head Coach
Cape Fear Fencing Association

“The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but that’s the way to bet.” Damon Runyon

CFFA update for July 23

Gregory Spahr Coaches Communication
CFFA update for July 23
We had a fun beginning camp last week with some young men who you may soon see showing up to continue fencing.  Be gentle.
We also had a good, if small, Saturday practice with a number of fencers from New Bern and Greenville.  Later yesterday, Herman and I represented the club at the get together Salle New Bern had to commemorate the passing of their founder and coach.
The advanced foil camp starts tomorrow with a good group of younger fencers.  If anyone is interested, but has not contacted me, just show up at 9 am.
Regular practice Tuesday and Thursday.  Lejeune practice Friday.  I am not certain about practice next Saturday.  I have an NCFL meeting in Chapel Hill.  Once I know whether or not other people will be in, I will let everyone know.
The week of the 31st will be the advanced epee camp.  It is going to be a very strong camp with a number of our recently retired fencers attending.  I guess it is a bucket list thing.
Early
next season is starting to shape up.  The first weekend (August 5-6) is
an RJCC (Regional Junior Cadet Circuit) event in Greensboro.  You need to be registered and
paid through askfred by July 30 or there is an additional $200
surcharge.  Askfred says it is now accepting payment, so get that done
if you are interested.  As of this morning, with all the people who have paid in the open adult epee, Samantha Milewski would be the top seed and Nicole is probably second.  However, if all the people registered, but not paid get in, it just needs a couple of Cs to be an A event.  The open foil has jumped and if everyone registered pays and it gets a couple of bodies, it could be an A or B event.  Pretty much the same for the youth events about getting everyone who has registered paid, and with a week to go getting a few more bodies.  Cadet Women’s epee needs one rated fencer and bodies to be a C event.  Cadet women’s foil is small at the moment.  Cadet men’s epee needs one body to be a B and cadet men’s foil should be a B.  Junior Women’s epee also is one rated fencer from being a C, with Junior women’s foil looking small.  Junior men’s epee and foil both should be strong A events.

August 7-11 is sabre camp.  I need people who have expressed an interest to touch base so I know what topics we need to cover.

The following weekend is Mid-South’s Big Blue.  The adult events have been split into women’s and men’s events.  Women’s epee needs a rated fencer and bodies to make a rated event.  It might reach a B event.  Women’s foil and sabre are small.  Men’s epee is a solid A, foil is small, and sabre needs mid level fencers and bodies to reach being a rated event.

August 1 is the start of the new season, (August 1, 2017 – July 31, 2018) which means a number of things happen.

You
need to renew your USA Fencing membership, not only for the right to do
tournaments, but also to keep our insurance viable.  Every one of our
members has to have some level of the organization’s membership for our
insurance to be valid.  The noncompetitive membership, which means you
will not be competing in USA Fencing sanctioned events, is still $10 for
the season.  The competitive membership is still $75.  The competitive
membership can be upgraded for club officers, referees, etc.  for an
additional $20.  Coaching memberships are now $120.

People
involved in the advanced epee camp should note that the start of the
season falls during the camp, so please have your membership renewed by
then.

If
you got your first membership after April 1, 2017, or upgraded to a
competitive membership after that date, you should be good for the
2017-18 season.  However, check your membership on the usfencing.org
website to be certain.

August
1 also means that the club’s dues for the season are renewable. 
Monthly dues will remain at $35/month (afterschool will stay at
$25/month).  If you wish to purchase a 6 month package  August 1 –
January 31, it will run $175, you save 1 month.  The yearly package runs
$350, August 1 – July 31, meaning you save 2 months.

Starting
on August 1, we will be raising the floor fee for evening practices at
Wilmington, to $10 per night.  The rationales for the increase are that
the people who pop in occasionally are the least likely to have all
their own equipment, meaning they are putting the most wear and tear on
uniforms and weapons.  Secondly, the insurance from USA Fencing is
jumping $450 for the season.  Lastly, and most importantly, the hope is
that people will go to the monthly fee for evening practices and then
show up more often so there are more people to fence.

pax vobiscum,

 
Greg Spahr
Head Coach
Cape Fear Fencing Association

“The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but that’s the way to bet.” Damon Runyon