CADETS, LADIES, AND NOVICES EXCEL AT ENGAGE I!
Engage was a set of firsts, as well as a day for our members to graduate up, sometimes against formidable odds.
The day began with our three cadets taking the top three slots in the cadets division! Jeremiah, Corbin, and Conner took 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, respectively. Conner did very well for his first competition, and Jeremiah, being the most experienced of all the cadets, went undefeated. Congratulations, Jeremiah!
The second wave of the day were the novices, featuring fencers from all over Southern California, including four of ours: Brandon Nease, Max Whitaker, Albert Ortaliza, and JC Marquez. It was Albert’s first competition in a long time, so he gets credit just for showing up! JC has also been away but we’re glad to see him back and not having lost too much speed. Brandon took 8th last time and made it all the way to 4th this time! But it’s Max who was the breakout this time, surging from 13th last time to 3rd this time! He was undefeated in his squadron, losing only to and getting knocked out by Trevor Poteet, whom Max had defeated earlier. Well done Max and Brandon!
The women’s fleet went next, with six ladies from four squads, including Tricia and Angie from Academy, and the 2018 women’s champion, Jowanna (our somewhat long-distance academic!) They all had tough competition in the form of Erin Isbell from the Santa Clarita school. Erin and Jo were definitely the favorites for top 2, and they did not disappoint. Unfortunately Jowanna had to settle for second, but our ladies filled out the rest of the top 4, with Trish in 3rd and Angie in 4th. Great job, ladies!
Finally, at 8:30 PM, the advanced tournament began. Our school is relatively new, and assistant instructor Daniel Delgado was the only Academy member to qualify and enter. He faced very seasoned fighters who have been part of Lightspeed Saber League since before it was called Lightspeed Saber League. Despite that, he still did exceptionally well, earning two wins against some of the best competitors this league has ever seen. So great job to you, Daniel!!
Overall it was a long, tough day, and we couldn’t admit everyone that we wanted to but we certainly could not have admitted everyone that we did without the assistance of everyone. Special thanks to Jamar and Steven for showing up to help even though they couldn’t stay. Special commendations to Jeremiah and Corbin for refereeing for the first time in an official competition. Thanks to all moms, dads, husbands, and wives and everyone else who came out to support their fencers. Thanks to all of you for your help.
Keep an eye out for the next one, we’re looking at late February in a very special venue!
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This has been the Academy-centered writeup. For the full writeup, check it out over at lightspeed-saber.com!
— Supreme Leader Snow
PS congrats to Conner for winning this awesome gift card and Tricia for winning the Grateful Ripper Blade!
