We fence, of course, which means we wear special safety equipment and attempt to hit other people with swords while trying not to get hit ourselves.  At our weekly practices we learn the techniques of saber fencing, apply them vigorously upon each other, and applaud when someone does something that works really well.  In the past we have gone on field trips to Madison where we participated in the UW's fencing classes, and later fenced members of Durendal, a private fencing club in Madison.  We regularly compete against other schools, students and adults included.  We perform a skit or demo during Cabaret Night where we can show our talents in front of an audience.  In February of 2007, Mike Conard represented the club on a national level, fencing in the Junior Olympic Championships in Denver.

Who's in charge of this?

Our fencing instructor is Mr. Steven Stary, (NDA '92) an English/Social Studies teacher at NDA.  He learned fencing from the University of Wisconsin and has been fencing for twelve years now. Assistant instructor is Ms. Dierdra Baumgart, who has been fencing since 1997.  But that's just the adults.  As it turns out, the more advanced students do rather a lot to help the beginners, and in teaching others the basics, they become better fencers in the long run as well.

What do you need to join us?