Following are the Youth Points as of 5/2/2009

To the PCC membership:

The BOD’s meeting in Chicago was an amazing experience. I say this even though I am a cynical, experienced, veteran of USFA committee work and political posturing.

My expectation was that, although it was a new, and possibly better group, that a lot of the same issues of lack of collaboration and compromise would limit the groups’ ability to get things done.

Thank goodness I was wrong! The meeting agenda was clear, the leadership positive and appropriate, the information clear and available; we accomplished all that we hoped, on time.

You can see by the Minutes (called ‘draft’ because they need to be ratified at the next meeting) that there were a number of actions that were passed that will help the USFA move forward; help us recover from the financial problems, redefine the role of the organization, and learn how to support efforts strategically, with planning and execution.

I was especially pleased to watch BOD members with strong differences of opinions compromise to move actions through. The new Executive Committee is committed to the effort it will take to get things done. They have structured the oversight of committees well (see Committee Appointments) and have a focused timeline. The budget and all activitions are being presented in a transparent manner, and that is what we should expect to see going forward.

I was honored to be appointed as co-chair of the Resource Development Committee, with Michael Morgan, who has been involved with fencing since 1958. Our committee’s job is to develop a clear brand message, and then find both internal and external resources to help fund the USFA’s operation and growth goals. We will also make sure that all the committees are supported in presenting a common message as they develop club support, school programs, a wheelchair program, technology: the web site and other critical infrastructure and programs.

Thank you again for electing me to represent the Pacific Coast Section. I am optimistic that we are moving forward in a positive manner. Anyone with specific questions for me, please email me at kathryn@balestra.us.

Respectfully,

Kathryn Schifferle

In the last couple of weeks, I unfortunately had an opportunity to learn a lot about the knee injuries in female athletes – primarily because my daughter had a bit of a scare (which thankfully turned out to be minor).

It turns out that female athletes have an inordinate number of knee injuries.  While there is some debate about the underlying reasons (some think it has to do with hip geometry of post-adolescent female athletes, others think that its the lack of weight training that girls do after puberty), the answer does seem to indicate more stringent physical training for these competitors.

I’ve attached some research and information from the University of Cincinnati that was sent to me – I encourage all female athletes and their parents/coaches to read it (and any other information that they can get their hands on).  Then, I’d encourage our women fencers (or those who are responsible for our women fencers) to speak with their doctors and coaches and develop a training plan to improve strength around these very important joints.

We can encourage these athletes to do the training necessary to reduce the incidence of these injuries – and prolong their enjoyment of our sport.  Thanks!

Gary Zeiss
Chair

• Preventing ACL Injuries
• Trunk and Hip Protocol
• Information regarding ACL Injuries in Women Athletes
• Conference Brochure (if you’re really interested!) 

Today’s news gives us a somber reminder that all competitors need to use caution – and make sure our competitive children use caution – when it comes to banned substances.  Italy’s Andrea Baldini – one of the world’s best men’s foil fencers – was excluded from the Beijing Olympics for testing positive for a banned substance.  While Mr. Baldini is disputing the test, for him the damage has been done, as he will be missing this chance to medal in the 2008 Olympics.

Banned substances can be tricky.  They include a number of Over-the-Counter and prescription medications, as well as many homeopathic remedies.  Also, some substances persist in the bloodstream long after their therapeutic benefit has been experienced.  It behooves each of us to know – and to make sure that our kids know – what these substances are and how to avoid them.

The USADA web site has a number of resources that can guide us when it comes to which substances can and cannot be used.  Please refer to it regularly – and remember to check any prescription and OTC remedies that you or your child athlete may wish to use.

I wanted to wish our olympians the best of luck in Beijing!

• Doris Willette (Women’s Foil)
• Gerek Meinhardt (Men’s Foil) – and also the youngest US male athlete!
• Jason Rogers (Men’s Sabre)
• Gerard Moreno (Wheelchair)
• Scott Rodgers (Wheelchair)

Congratulations to all who fenced at this years’ Summer Nationals in San Jose. Reports from the venue were overwhelmingly positive – it was truly a great nationals for all involved.

And the fencers of the PCS truly excelled, garnering 135 medals (the most of any section) including three gold medals!

As we begin the summer season and begin recharging for next year’s competition, we should all take a moment to celebrate our accomplishments of 2008.

Best regards,

Gary.

Congratulations to the following members of the Pacific Coast Section and their efforts at the 2008 World Cup in Las Vegas, Nevada (June 19-23, 2008).

Women’s Foil

Foil

Alicea, Pilar C
Bravo, Nobuo U
Chan, Edbert Y
Chang, Jason
Chang, Jerry
Dew, Eric
Dollar, Chris
Henvick, Allison M
Khoshnevissan, Christopher K
Lew, Dillon M
Louie, Brennan W
Martin, Jeffrey P
Massialas, Alexander C
Mattox, Norman S
Meinhardt, Gerek L
Nguyen, Danny T
O’Barr, Kieran C
Padgitt, Tedd S
Schenkel, Eli A
Urbain, Kevin
Vella, Anthony
Willette, David G
Willette, Doris E
Zeiss, Madison E

Epee

Alexander, Charles H
Aljibury, Halim F
Amos, Madeline
Bethel, Dylan A
Bothelio, Jere P
Carnahan, Garrett M
Case, Dylan P
Demirchian, Gagik M
Gegan, Cooper M
Hansen, Eric J
Hedges, Philip S
Jensen, David J
Lichten, Keith H
Neveu, Grace K
Ordody, Gyorgy
Peterson, Emma K
Raynis, Michael A
Rentmeister, Andrea
Rhea, R. Robert
Rock, Matt W
Safford, Hannah R
Sallembien, Nicolas H
Tepedelenlioglu, Mehmet

Sabre

Nydam, Barron W
Rogers, Jason N

Congratulations to our Sections Olympians!

• Doris Willette – Golden Gate Fencing Center – Womens’ Foil
• Gerard Moreno – Los Angeles International Fencing Center – Men’s Wheelchair Foil & Sabre (Category B)
• Gerek Meinhardt – The Massialas Foundation – Men’s Foil
• Jason Rogers – Los Angeles International Fencing Center – Men’s Sabre
• Scott Rodgers – San Diego – Men’s Wheelchair Foil & Epee (Category B)

When you see them, congratulate them and wish them our best!

Fencers:

Welcome to the new Pacific Coast Section web site.  Over the next few months, as we transition to a new PCS administration, this web site will contain updates and information that I hope you will find useful.

The first thing I would like to do is offer my sincere gratitude, and encourage you to offer your sincere gratitude, to Frank van Dyke.  He ran the section for 13 years – pouring his heart and soul into it.  The result was a group of events that were exceptional at this level – both in quality of fencing and the event experience.  Trust me when I say that far more goes into this job than one would expect – and Frank was the engine for a section that has excelled over the past thirteen years.

Continuing the fine work of Frank will take lots of collective effort.  I hope that we can count on each of you to help where possible. 

Again, my sincerest “thank you” to Frank and those who have helped him over the years.
Best regards,

Gary.