DETROIT – An invite into the unknown.
Fencing is not a sport most people are familiar with outside of perhaps watching it on TV, but two area universities are looking to introduce the sport to new players and audiences. At Wayne State University, it hosted Fencing Frenzy on Sunday.
“This an opportunity for people who don’t know anything about fencing to come out, try it and learn about the sport,” said Andy Tulleners, head coach of the fencing program at Wayne State University.
The event will also be used as a fundraiser for fencing programs.
It’s the first time varsity programs from Wayne State University, University of Detroit Mercy and Lawrence University have come together for fundraising and community outreach.
The lineup features multiple stations and demonstrations from some of the best fencers from Wayne State University and the University of Detroit Mercy.
“People either don’t know fencing exists or they know it exists vaguely but they don’t know they can get into – that there are clubs locally they can join,” said Michael Ramlow, head men’s and women’s fencing coach at the University of Detroit Mercy.
It’s a snapshot of a sport growing in popularity across the U.S.
At 18 years old, Helena Linares has fenced nearly her entire life. The Spanish native is really good.
“I’m the Spanish champion, European champion, Central American champion and Mediterranean champion,” said Helena Linares, a freshman at University of Detroit Mercy.
Her skill earned her a full-ride scholarship.
In an obscure sport, it’s not often you see many girls and women in the world of fencing.
It’s part of the reason why Ludovica Mancini wants to showcase it to new audiences and possibly new players.
“So, I’m glad to be here and to show we can do it and we are good doing that as men are, of course,” said Mancini, a third-year student from Italy studying at Wayne State University. “It’s not very popular to see a woman do a fighting sport. So, I think it’s good to have women representing this kind of sport in general.”