Beginner Fencing – Ohio State Buckeyes
BE A VARSITY ATHLETE WITH NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE!
The Ohio State Women’s Fencing Team has a great opportunity for the best female athletes in the State of Ohio and across the country. We are looking to recruit athletic women who want to contribute to the legacy of Ohio State fencing and become national champions. No fencing experience is necessary!
Ohio State women’s fencing is looking for athletic Ohio State freshmen and sophomores that are excited to try something new and determined to be champions. We can give the right athlete what they need to know to be part of one of the most competitive Division 1 programs in the country.
We are recruiting for the 2020, 2021 and soon the 2022 beginner fencing team. If you are interested in learning more about the team, you can:
- Submit your information here: go.osu.edu/fencinggreatathletes
- Contact Coach Dmitri Lapkes lapkes.1@osu.edu
BEGINNER FENCING INFORMATION
Do I need experience to join the team?
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!
At Ohio State we specifically design a program that will teach our beginners everything they need to know to compete with, and against, other elite athletes. You bring the grit, we give you the training.
Is this a club?
No, Ohio State women’s fencing is not a club. We are a fully funded NCAA Division I team and part of the Ohio State Department of Athletics.
What type of athlete are you looking for?
Someone with a combination of the following:
- Grit and determination– the willingness to work hard every day to be better
- Resiliency
- Athletic Background
- Team player
- Competitiveness and strong desire to win
- Great work ethic
- Willing to represent Ohio State with pride and be a Buckeye!
As an Ohio State Fencer, you will:
- Learn and be a part of a new and upcoming sport
- Be a part of a team with incredible teammates who may become your lifelong friends
- Have connections to hundreds of alumni in countless career fields
- Learn how to endure, push yourself, accomplish your goals and learn to be your best self
- Learn valuable life skills you can’t learn out elsewhere but can be applied anywhere
What about my class schedule?
We understand you didn’t come to Ohio State this fall planning on being part of Buckeye athletics. For this reason we work around your current class schedule. As a varsity athlete, you will have priority scheduling for the spring semester and beyond which makes it easy to accommodate both classes and fencing. When making your class schedule in your first year, keep 8 a.m. to noon free of classes during the week.
What is practice like?
In the fall semester, we practice five days a week for about 3-4 hours. Practices are held at the Schumaker Complex and at Steelwood Training Facility.
We start with general fencing practice including footwork, target work and functional movement/strength. From there we progress to strategic fencing with a greater emphasis on technique while always expanding your cardio base and muscle strength. Each day we build on the day before (physically, mentally and technically) to be as prepared and fit as possible when we enter championship season in January.
What can I do now to help me prepare for my first fall as a fencer?
The best thing that you can do to prepare for your first year as a fencer is to be active. There are many sports and physical activities that can grow your aerobic base and the fitter you start the faster we will be for the NCAA Championship season.
What about my grades?
We know you have come to Ohio State to be a student first. Throughout the year we gradually build on the time demands of being a varsity athlete to give you the opportunity to adjust. As a varsity athlete you have access to academic support throughout the year.
NOT SURE? Try out!
You never know if you don’t try.
This is a great opportunity for competitive, team-minded athletes to pursue both academics and athletics at a top university. No experience necessary!
Ready to Join the Team?
Athletes can apply at this link: go.osu.edu/FencingGreatAthletes
Questions? Contact Dmitri Lapkes – lapkes.1@osu.edu
