Dateline: Colorado Springs, CO

2003 Junior Olympic Championships

Young Ark-La-Miss fencers from Duke University, Louisiana State University at Shreveport, Caddo Magnet High School, St. Marks School, and Ridgeland High School (Jackson) representing several clubs across our division met to fence this week at the elegant Broadmoor Resort at the foot of Cheyenne Mountain.  Several adults joined team members in support of those fencing against some of the best in the country in each weapon.

On the first day, two fencers made the dreaded 20% cut.  Clint Bowers and Jack Harkey both drew byes in jr. men’s epee and both lost their first direct elimination bouts.

Day two, in cadet women’s epee, Sarah Day and Tiffany Hernandez both won 2 bouts in their pools insuring their promotion to the next round.  Tiffany won her first d.e. and ended with the highest finish so far at 43rd.  Ken Williams also went 2-4 making it to the round of 128 in jr. men’s foil, won his first d.e., but lost the next one.

Day three, BIG excitement when Lee London parried a blade to the knee that sent him to the hospital.  He’s fine now with only a very painfully bruised knee.  Mark Cole in cadet men’s epee, Trena Edwards, and Tiffany Hernandez in cadet women’s foil made the cuts today.

Final day happenings included the two Ark-La-Miss fencers who vie for high stakes today in junior women's epee.  Both fought well.  Evelyn went 100% in her pool, Dorothy lost one.  Evelyn finished 10th after losing a hard fight to Leader.  Dorothy drew the Hurley quadrant and ended up 14th. 

Other women's epee fencers included first time JO participants Sarah Day who made the cut but lost her first d.e.   Over in the tower, Damara Mora won a bout, but not enough to overcome the cut.  Ken Williams went 3-3 in his pools and got a bye, then won his first d.e. lost his second to Baran.

For complete division results, go here.