Author: Chad Wyszynski
It has been over five years since Oxy has had an official fencing club. In the past few weeks, Brady Gillerlain (first year) has been taking the necessary bureaucratic steps to change that – and students are taking interest. On Club Day, more than 60 people signed up for the fencing club’s mailing list.
Last week, Gillerlain met with Student Services Coordinator Emily Harris and then with Recreational Sports Coordinator Sae Woon Jo to discuss his vision for the club. The plan is to introduce Oxy to fencing by giving the club a “physical activity club” status. This type of club can reserve athletic facilities but cannot represent the college in athletic events (though members may still compete in non-collegiate tournaments as private individuals).
Gillerlain, who spent a year teaching 5-14 year olds, will teach introductory fencing courses a few nights a week. His experience training under coaches from the Ukrainian Red Army should keep advanced members interested.
“Skill level doesn’t matter,” Gillerlain said. “Fencing is a sport for everyone.”In the distant future, Gillerlain hopes to turn the club into a full-fledged club sport – which means that the club could represent Oxy in intercollegiate competitions. But that requires a demonstrated and sustained interest.
“If there’s a demand for [fencing as a club sport], we want it,” Recreational Sports Coordinator Sae Woon Jo said. Demonstrating that demand, though, could take a while.
Although the club is coming together, it still has a few steps before it becomes official. This week, Gillerlain will meet with Risk Management and staff from the Office of Student Life to assess the dangers of the club.
“We want the club to happen, but we need to balance it with safety aspects,” Student Services Coordinate Emily Harris said. Necessary waivers will be created and the school weapons policy’s effect on the club will be addressed. If the risks seem too great, the fencing club would have to be merely an interest club. “We are working towards making it a real physical activity club,” Harris said.
After the risk assessment, the club faces other challenges. ASOC and OSL must approve a formal proposal in order for the club to be made official. Then, the club will need to secure ASOC funding to purchase equipment for lessons.
Despite the challenges, Gillerlain feels encouraged by the number of interested students and hopes to get the club running as soon as possible.
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