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2007-2008 Fencing News

WILLIAMS MAKES IT A FOUR-PEAT: CAPTURES ANOTHER PREP TITLE

Feb. 20, 2008

Marty Williams Jr. established a mark that can never be beaten – only equaled. But even that will be tough.

Williams, a constant in the Gray Bees fencing lineup the past four years, put forth another dominating showing in the state Prep fencing championships.

The St. Benedict’s senior became the first fencer in history to claim four successive Prep titles when the Sabreist won another championship Wednesday at Princeton Day School.

“It feels good,” said Williams, who has earned a scholarship to Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Ct. “It feels like it got harder every year and I had to work harder to get it. I'm glad I could continue to meet the challenge.”

Williams’ effort broke away from a four-way tie between fencers who held three Prep titles – all of them being St. Benedict’s products. Current coaches Jeff Austin won three Foil titles from 1994 through ’96, while Matt Fabricant claimed a trio of Sabre crowns in 1996, '97 and '99. Adam Crompton also captured three Sabre crowns, from 2000-’02.

While Williams continued his supremacy in his discipline, St. Benedict’s wasn’t as fortunate as a team. The Gray Bees’ run as team champions came to a halt for the first time after 15 straight successes.

St. Benedict’s, which had won every Prep championship since the New Jersey Independent Schools Association Tournament was re-instituted in 1993, lost by one bout, 38-37, to the host school, Princeton Day.

“We lost the overall title by one bout. It's the first time we didn't win it and I know the places we could have won bouts to clinch,” said Austin. “We are a young team this year and will be coming back stronger next year.”

St. Benedict’s did, however, win the Epee title for the 10th straight year behind Dylan Knox’s second place effort. And, of course, Williams led a first-place showing by the Gray Bees’ Sabre contingent for the fifth successive season. The Foils placed fourth.

“This isn't a disappointment, but a motivator,” said Austin of his team’s second-place finish. “Princeton Day School earned their victory and we have to earn ours."

--By Ron Jandoli

SBP FENCING TEAM CAPTURES THIRD STRAIGHT VICTORY

Jan. 9, 2008

A young and relatively inexperienced group of fencers for St. Benedict’s keeps improving as the season progresses.

On Wednesday, before a boisterous homecoming crowd, the Gray Bees put forth a commendable effort with a 15-12 victory over Princeton Day School to push its record over the .500 mark for the first time this year.

“We received a great deal of support from alumni, students, parents and faculty,” said coach Matt Fabricant. “It was great to see the cheering and chanting. It definitely propelled us to the win and enabled our fencers to become excited about the match.”

St. Benedict’s (3-2), which has won three straight matches since an inauspicious start, was powered to the victory in Shanley Gym by the continued excellence of Marty Williams. The Sacred Heart-bound senior, who is ranked No. 4 nationally in the junior rankings at Sabre, went 3-0 against PDS.

Williams, who is seeking his fourth state prep title, had his perfect day matched by Dylan Knox. The junior, who excels at Epee, also scored three victories without a defeat.

Sophomore epeeist Dylan O’Connor sealed the meet with a 5-3 decision that gave St. Benedict’s an insurmountable cushion, 14-11, with two clashes left in the meet.

“I think we still have a lot of work to do,” said Fabricant, who also noted that the foils went 2-7 on the day. “Our fencers are very talented and athletic (and) keep improving as the season goes on. Our guys are young and have time to develop as fencers.”

Notes: The fencing team has several of its members competing at the Junior Olympic Championships in Charlotte, N.C. on Feb. 15-18. Nicolas Flores-Tober (Sabre), Dylan Knox (Epee) and Rodrigo Bergamasco (Epee) all qualified for Charlotte by virtue of their performance in the Under-17 New Jersey Division event Dec. 30. Marty Williams got an automatic entry into the Championships in the Sabre competition.