Regional Youth Circuit

Houston, TX
November 18-19, 2006

Congratulation to our medallists:

Jack Hudson - Gold Medal, Youth 12 Men's Epee

- 6 place, Youth 14 Men's Epee

Kristin Taylor - Bronze Medal, Youth 14, Women's Epee

Nicole Niconchuk - Bronze Medal, Youth 12 Women's Epee

Anton Piskovatskov - Bronze Medal, Youth 10 Men's Foil

Preston Gray - 6 place, Youth 12 Men's Foil

The young and future hopes of Alliance Fencing Academy fought their way at the Regional Youth Circuit held at the Bayou City Fencing Academy location in Houston. This was a tournament for the Youth 10, 12, and 14, boys and girls, in all three weapons. Eight young Alliance fencers participated in eight competitions returning “home” with six final medals: one gold, three bronze, a fifth, and a sixth place.
It was very remarkable of the performance of our team that two of our top national fencers in the Youth 14 and one in the Youth 10 did not participate, and yet our newest members, many at their first tournament ever acquitted themselves so well. We are extremely proud of the results of all our fencers and look forward in particular to these new “champions” and their continuous successes in the years to come.

Youth 10 Mixed Epee

12 competitors, NR event

Only Michael Popovici represented Alliance fencers in this event. Michael was one of the youngest fencers in the group. He had a rough start in pools and lost his first DE finishing 11th showing good competitive spirit. Good job Michael! You earned valuable experience for the next time!

Youth 10 Mixed Foil

25 competitors, NR event

Kelsey Bing (9) and Anton Piskovatskov (10) represented Alliance. In pools Kelsey had to struggle a bit, but still won one bout. Anton sailed through his pool bouts with 5 victories and a +15 indicator. In DEs Kelsey was eliminated in her first bout but Anton, after getting a bye, beat Nicola Sirito of BCFA 2-1 and Bin Ahn of AFA 2-0. He then faced Thomas Dudey of Salle Mauro and was eliminated 2-0. Dudey finished first and Anton got the bronze medal. Next time, the gods will be watching over you, Anton!

Our youngest foil fencers did very well and will improve at the next round!

Youth 12 Men’s Epee

20 competitors, NR event

Jack Hudson (12) was the only Alliance fencer and he dominated this event. He literally sailed through pools with 6 victories and a +27 indicator (he repeated Max Ferguson’s feat in Albuquerque’s NAC where he received only 3 touches and scored 30!). In DEs after a bye our super-Jack hammered all his opponents 2-0 winning the gold.
Congratulations Jack! You are one of our most dedicated fencers and this is just another “gold” for you, but we all appreciate your sportsmanship and style. Bravo!

Youth 12 Women’s Epee

7 competitors, NR event

Nicole Nikonchuk (12), at her first tournament, represented Alliance at this event. In pools she won 3 out of 6 bouts. In DEs she won her first 2-0 and lost the next one 0-2 tying for third. This was a good start for Nicole who has been fencing with us for less than a year.

Good job Nicole! More medals to come for you!

Youth 12 Mixed Foil

28 competitors,NR event

Preston Gray (11) and Anton Piskovatskov represented Alliance in this event. Preston finished pools with 5 victories. Anton (still a Y-10) had a harder time with only 2 victories. In DEs both Preston and Anton easily won their first DE 2-0. In the next DE Preston won again 2-0, but Anton ran once more in Thomas Dudey. He barely lost 1-2 the chance to continue and face his friend Preston in the next bout. Unfortunately Preston then lost against Dudey 0-2 who eventually won this event.

Good show guys!

Youth 14 Men’s Epee

22 competitors,NR event

Michael Conrad (14) and Jack Hudson were our only fencers in this event. Michael finished his pools with 2 and Jack with 4 victories. In DEs Michael won his first bout 15-13 but lost the next one 8-14 to the fellow who would then finish second. Jack had a bye and won his first DE 15-11, but surprisingly lost 13-15 the next bout.

Youth 14 Women’s Epee

10 competitors, NR event

Kristin Taylor (13) was our only Alliance fencer in this event. In pools she finished with 2 victories. In DEs after a bye, she won overwhelmingly 15-6, but then lost 13-15 the next one.

Next time Kristin you’ll step higher on the podium!

Youth 14 Mixed Foil

21 competitors, NR event

Only Preston Gray represented Alliance in this event. Preston did well in pools with 5 victories and ranked 7th overall. In DEs after the bye, he lost his bout surprisingly 7-15.

Preston is still a Y-12 and will do better next time.

Closing Comment

These are our youngest fencers in age and fencing experience. Six years ago our “old” fencers were just like they are now, giving their best at local tournaments and hoping to make it one day in national competitions. They did valiantly and continue to do so making Alliance Fencing Academy and our program known throughout the US and slowly, but surely, in the world. We expect to grow from these young and dedicated athletes new fencing champions to keep the name of our club high up in the world of fencing.
Congratulations to our young athletes and thank you Andrey and Sabina for making this happen!

GO ALLIANCE!