Fencing isn’t as common as basketball, hockey, or baseball, but interest in the sport has grown steadily—especially after its visibility during the 2024 Paris Olympics. There are three swords in the sport that fencers use: sabre, foil, and épée. The sport itself is a combative one, where two competitors use the swords to score points by touching their opponent’s target areas. For the sabre, it is only all of the upper body, the foil is only the torso, and the epee you can hit anywhere except the head. The sport itself originated from Ancient Egypt. However it was Ancient Greece that established the first ever fencing schools, and it had become modernized during the Renaissance Period in Europe. Fun fact: Several native New Jerseyans are current fencers for the Olympics. These people are Mitchell Saron from Ridgewood, and Chase Emmer from Morristown, Francesca Russo from Wayne, and Ibtihaj Muhammad from Maplewood.
Here at Indian Hills, fencing is one of the winter sports that is offered. However, the sport has smaller numbers compared to other sports such as wrestling, basketball, swimming, or indoor track and field. The school fields both boys’ and girls’ varsity teams, competing against schools such as Wayne Hills, Don Bosco Prep, Lakeland, Northern Highlands, Passaic Tech, and others. Also, the team goes to Drew University every year to compete in a tournament against schools from NY, Pennsylvania, and other U.S. states, in addition to students from Britain, France, Italy, and even Ireland. Aside from New York, New Jersey is one of the biggest fencing states in the US for fencing.
Senior Noah Park, captain of the boys’ team, describes fencing as more than a sport: “Fencing to me is more than just an athletic sport. It’s an opportunity to meet new people or experience what it’s like to be a part of a team, and to help others. Fencing looks like an individual sport, but in reality, if we didn’t have such an amazing and supportive team, I would have quit immediately.” Senior Sean Delaney, captain of the épée squad, shares a similar sentiment: “I joined this sport in sophomore year because my friend was in it, and I wanted to do a sport in the Winter. I had played basketball the year before, and it was a nice experience with good coaches and teammates, but it was not my cup of tea. When I joined the team, I was lucky enough to become a starter right away, as my sword, épée, only had 3 members altogether. The more I’ve played this sport, the more I have loved it. I can’t name a single time when there was any bad blood between teammates, just a bunch of kids having fun and improving their skills together. Every sport has a lesson to teach, and I believe fencing teaches teamwork, patience, and sportsmanship. All in all, I love the sport and am honored to play my last year as captain of the epee team. Go Braves!”
From the girls’ team, sophomore Jane Burdge reflects on how fencing has shaped her high school experience. “Fencing has and still means the world to me from freshman year because it brings out all the sides of me that truly represent who I am as a person. It brings out my confidence, competitiveness, happiness, and sometimes even sadness,” Burdge says. “Joining the fencing team has brought me to meet some of the most amazing people and has given me chances to work and reach goals I didn’t know were possible as a freshman athlete. Fencing also gave me a reason to dedicate myself and keep being happy when I was going through one of the toughest patches in my life. It continues to do so during my sophomore year where I am now one of the captains.”
The program’s coaches share the same enthusiasm. Head Coach Cleaver explains, “Fencing challenges both the body and the mind. Students who join fencing learn strategy, focus, and quick decision-making while also building coordination, agility, and confidence. It’s a sport that welcomes everyone, no matter their size or background beyond the physical and mental benefits, fencing teaches discipline, respect, and sportsmanship — values that carry over into the classroom and life. It’s also a great way to relieve stress, make new friends, and to be part of a supportive team. In short, fencing helps students grow as athletes, thinkers, and individuals. It’s not just about competing; it’s about developing skills and habits that last long after you leave school.” Assistant Coach Lucas adds, “A hard working and competitive team that has fun. And plus, where else do you get to play with swords?”
One of the best parts about joining the team is its accessibility—no prior experience or tryouts are required, and all equipment is provided. Team members simply return their gear by senior year. Overall, fencing is a very unique sport. It not only benefits you in many ways, but it can benefit in college as well. They love to see people stand out, and fencing is definitely a sport that stands out to people. In other words, give fencing a try! Maybe it will become your new favorite sport like most members of the team!