SEEKING TO break into the Top Three this Season 75, the Ateneo Fencers have worked hard to prepare for the UAAP fencing tournament this year, which would be held from December 11 to 14 at the Philsports Arena.

With only six teams battling in the fencing arena—including the University of Santo Tomas, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, the University of the Philippines and the consistent champion, the University of the East (UE)—the fencers re-evaluated their performance and strengthened individual and group dynamics prior to the season.

Taking off from last year

From garnering second place two seasons ago to a bruising fall to fifth place last year, the Blue and Lady Fencers eagerly anticipate the bouts that will give them the opportunity to avenge last year’s pains.

In Season 74, the team suffered from the loss of top veterans: Bryant Cabantac, Scott Siy, Mikki Reyes and Stephanie Payayo. They also had difficulty as majority of the line-up were testing the waters as rookies. Due to these unprecedented factors, the Fencers were not able to deliver with the same kind of intensity and consistency as the previous year.

However, returning Women’s Team Captain Glenda Yano saw this difficulty as part of the preparation and training for the coming season. Being able to see the Fencers’ progress, she takes pride in saying that every downfall is a chance to challenge themselves to strive harder.

“Biggest threat ‘yung kaba bago pa lang ng competition (The biggest threat is nervousness just before the competition). Kung may gusto akong mangyari sa team, this year is ma-realize nila na they can actually win (If I want something to happen to the team this year, it’s that they realize they can actually win),” Yano says.

“That’s why we’re focusing on the self. Personality is important. Dapat may tamang (There should be an appropriate) level of confidence. You can’t be overconfident pagtapak sa laro (going into the game).”

The climb

With the whole team committed to developing their individual characters and group chemistry, the Fencers went to Antipolo to partake in the two teambuilding activities planned for the coming season.

The first teambuilding activity held last summer was arranged to establish relationships within the team, while the second teambuilding activity last November 30 to December 1 was designed to prepare each athlete’s mindset and attitude for the upcoming season.

The Blue and Lady Fencers continued their pre-season warm-up by joining both local and international competitions such as the Enrique Cup, Philippine National Games and Singapore Fencing International. Moreover, they were encouraged to attend the National Opens, a monthly event to determine the rankings of each team, wherein everyone gets a chance to test and fight other fencers from different schools.

Training sessions happen on and off campus depending on the coach and the weapon (foil, saber, and épée) of choice. However, the Blue and Lady Fencers hold their communal trainings every Wednesday from 4:30 to 7:30 PM at the Blue Eagle Gym.

Administrative Coach Walter Torres explains in a mix of English and Filipino, “They [coaches] stay beyond training time to assist.  For the players, when they have extra time, they ask for lessons. So, besides the morning conditioning and scheduled trainings, they themselves have initiative. The formation is more holistic and consistent.”

The other weapons

Going into the tournament with a better understanding and control of the sport, the team is eager to brandish its secret weapon: the newbies.

Freshmen Mary Rose Hernandez, Andie Ignacio and Mighty Ignacio are the young recruits expected to level-up the team’s performance this year.

Hernandez, who had the chance to compete several times abroad, states, “Mas mahirap. Doon kasi talagang may school for fencing. (It’s harder. In other countries, they really have a school for fencing.) But playing with them [foreign athletes] helps in learning other techniques. It’s a great experience.”

“It feels nice to be part of a team. I always competed and trained individually. Here, it’s fun. They give you advice. We’re a family,” shares Andie Ignacio, a former member of the National Team, who grew up playing fencing.

Both lady rookies and Mighty Ignacio feel the pressure of executing outstanding performances for the team, but, more than ever, they are determined to showcase their edge against their competitors.

Currently a member of the National Team, Mighty Ignacio is another asset of the Blue Fencers to watch out for. Only 16 years old, he ranked third in last month’s National Opens.

Inside and out

Aside from the mental and physical aspects of training, the Blue and Lady Fencers reveal the other make-or-break factor of the team: the professional and personal relationships.

“In the Women’s, [it’s] emotional. There are issues, but when it comes to competition, there’s none. When we train with other schools, we’re really open to each other’s mistakes and criticisms. I think we’re more bonded as a team. They also said, compared to previous years, this is the most bonded,” Yano details in a mix of English and Filipino.

Meanwhile, the Men’s Team Captain Kelvin Ingente says otherwise when it comes to the Blue Fencers. He emphasizes the significance of being more than just a playing team.

“Siyempre, sa lalaki, walang personalan (Of course, for guys, things are not taken personally. In every team, ‘di maiiwasan ang [personality clashes]. Nagbabati naman agad. (They make peace immediately after.) We come together as a team. We train as one. One thing that my coach said is setting relationships. That’s why we’re a family.” Ingente concludes.

To what’s ahead

With the UAAP season around the corner, Coach Torres remarks, “I’m very excited for this year. Top Three is possible. UE’s the team to beat for the Women’s while it’s UST for the Men’s. But, it’s all about the consistency and delivery. Pray that they [Fencers] eat and sleep well for [competition].”

The Blue and Lady Fencers’ performance trend, though, has been inconsistent and ever changing over the years. With this, one of their main goals is to build a stronger and more dependable team that would continue achieving despite the loss of senior players every year.

“In high school competitions, we already spot skilled fencers. We recruit outside, assess, help them in applying [in Ateneo], but they have to pass the exams. Minsan naman ang problema, wala ‘yung course na gusto nila. (Sometimes, the problem is that the course that they want is not here),” narrates Torres on the process and challenges of getting new players.

Being a junior team captain, Ingente keenly expresses, “Having new people join the team is something we always look forward to. We need a whole new generation of dedicated fencers. The team is always open.”

The Ateneo Fencers will finally have the chance to put all their hard work and commitment to the test on December 11 to 14 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.