Keystone College Fencing Club competes in Binghamton University’s spring tournament

The Keystone College Fencing Club (KCFC) and our high school outreach club Scranton Prep Fencing Club both competed at Binghamton University’s spring tournament on Sunday, March 26. Seven KCFC students and alumni competed, led by Head Coach Steve Howell, Ph.D., and Assistant Foil Coach Luke Cruver. Seven Scranton Prep high school students also competed and they were led by Keystone-trained Assistant Foil Coach Marcella Amendola, a Scranton Prep senior.  Scranton Prep students competed in foil, while Keystone members competed in all three Olympic weapons: foil, epee, and sabre.

Despite strong competition from the West Point Army team, Keystone recorded some good results. In foil, freshman Seeley, and alumnus Hardler made it to the second round of direct elimination, just prior to the semifinals.  Club officers Betancourt, Cooper, and Peterson-Farella recorded personal bests. In epee, Hardler made it to eighth place, while Cruver and Seeley fenced off for the bronze medal, with Cruver winning a close match 15-13 to take it.  In sabre, Cruver and freshman Bertram recorded personal bests.  In their first tournament, Scranton Prep’s fencers performed well, with two of the juniors finishing in the top half in foil and making it to the second round of direct elimination. Full results will follow.

KCFC would like to thank Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Andra Basu, Ph.D., Social and Behavioral Sciences Chair William Chase, Psy.D.; Director of Student Activities Kellina Yarrish; and Director of Athletics Scott Gower for their support of our non-NCAA US Fencing-affiliated competitive program and its associated student club.  Thanks also to sabre coach John Minora for his work with our sabre team, and epee coach Stephen Janoski for his work with our epee team.

Keystone will host a USFA sanctioned tournament soon where some of our fencers may earn USFA national classification rankings. We look forward to continued growth of our club and competitive team, and more strong results for Keystone!