Nina Raynor
Staff Writer '18
Coaches want more than anything to give every student a chance to play a sport. However, in situations where there is barely room for even half of the kids trying out, changes must be made to the repertoire. This year’s Fencing tryouts were a bit unconventional compared to previous years; there were two separate rounds of cuts due to the overabundance of kids trying out and a new coach, stepping into the big shoes that Coach Dylan left behind. Coach Caldy and Coach Tyler looked for those who were dedicated and tried their best. It didn't matter if students necessarily knew how to play the sport, but if they tried their hardest and executed every drill as best they could, their chances of making the team were pretty high. Since the bulk of the team had been upperclassmen, the coaches found it crucial to bring more underclassmen on the team in order to train them and build a team for the future. In total, 40 kids-- some returning players-- had to be eliminated to make room for the high standards of this year’s season.
According to Junior athlete, Sharlene Zar, “tryouts this year were definitely a challenge, and I was a bit nervous but I tried my best to keep my spot on the team, which I was able to do.” This will be Sharlene's third year on the team, and she is very excited to compete and get to know her new teammates. Natasha Dilamani, another Junior who has been playing for two years now, exclaims that she felt quite intimidated since many upperclassmen were being cut, but in the end she shared, “I tried my best and put in a lot of effort in everything I did to prove to the coaches that I was still good enough for the team.” Thankfully, Natasha made the team, and is excited for the upcoming season.
Hopefully since tryouts were extra-competitive this season, fencers will channel that overbearing responsibility that rests on their shoulders towards their upcoming matches. Although many were discouraged since they were unable to make the team, it does not mean they won’t have a chance next year. Fencing may not appear a strenuous sport, but it is just as competitive as any other team sport. The team is hoping to slash their way through the season undefeated this year; with the best of the best on their side, let's hope they make it!
Staff Writer '18
Coaches want more than anything to give every student a chance to play a sport. However, in situations where there is barely room for even half of the kids trying out, changes must be made to the repertoire. This year’s Fencing tryouts were a bit unconventional compared to previous years; there were two separate rounds of cuts due to the overabundance of kids trying out and a new coach, stepping into the big shoes that Coach Dylan left behind. Coach Caldy and Coach Tyler looked for those who were dedicated and tried their best. It didn't matter if students necessarily knew how to play the sport, but if they tried their hardest and executed every drill as best they could, their chances of making the team were pretty high. Since the bulk of the team had been upperclassmen, the coaches found it crucial to bring more underclassmen on the team in order to train them and build a team for the future. In total, 40 kids-- some returning players-- had to be eliminated to make room for the high standards of this year’s season.
According to Junior athlete, Sharlene Zar, “tryouts this year were definitely a challenge, and I was a bit nervous but I tried my best to keep my spot on the team, which I was able to do.” This will be Sharlene's third year on the team, and she is very excited to compete and get to know her new teammates. Natasha Dilamani, another Junior who has been playing for two years now, exclaims that she felt quite intimidated since many upperclassmen were being cut, but in the end she shared, “I tried my best and put in a lot of effort in everything I did to prove to the coaches that I was still good enough for the team.” Thankfully, Natasha made the team, and is excited for the upcoming season.
Hopefully since tryouts were extra-competitive this season, fencers will channel that overbearing responsibility that rests on their shoulders towards their upcoming matches. Although many were discouraged since they were unable to make the team, it does not mean they won’t have a chance next year. Fencing may not appear a strenuous sport, but it is just as competitive as any other team sport. The team is hoping to slash their way through the season undefeated this year; with the best of the best on their side, let's hope they make it!