Fencing bids farewell to three seniors

    The UCSD fencing team bids farewell to its three veteran seniors this season: Halvor Melom, Lauren Muir and Kent Thompson.

    Melom, an epéeist, finished 17th in the Intercollegiate Fencing Conference of Southern California this season, helping UCSD’s men’s epée team finish fourth as a team overall. According to head coach Stuart Lee, Melom was a walk-on to the team his freshman year with no prior fencing experience. He represented UCSD well that year and has evolved into a solid starter ever since.

    “Hal really developed into a leader through dogged determination,” Lee said. “He has good work habits and a sense of accountability and responsibility, which has helped him become a solid performer and stable influence on the team.”

    This year, Melom was captain of the men’s epée squad. He is finishing a double major in political science and communication, and next year he will attend law school at UCLA.

    Muir, also an epéeist, finished third individually in the conference this season, helping women’s epée finish second overall. Muir made an appearance last season at the 2003 NCAA Championships in Colorado Springs, Colo., placing 24th in the nation in her event. This year, Muir placed second in Regionals, just missing out on another trip to the NCAA Championships.

    “I gave Lauren [Muir] the Athlete of the Year award this season,” Lee said. “She is so talented, and got us wins whenever we needed it this season. She is really mature beyond her years. I wish I could get one more year with her. Hopefully, she’ll continue fencing.”

    Because she only fenced three years in her time at UCSD, Muir still has a year of collegiate eligibility, and may continue fencing next year at graduate school.

    Thompson, a sabreist, has been captain of the entire squad the past two years. He was the elder statesman on a men’s sabre squad that dominated the IFCSC by finishing 1-2-3 individually (Thompson took second himself) and easily placing first overall as a team.

    According to Lee, Thompson is a proven winner, evidenced by the fact that every year Thompson has been on the team, men’s sabre has finished first in the league. He was also named MVP to the team the past two years.

    “He’s the natural leader of the team,” he said. “He leads by example with his work ethic, and he’s selfless. His attitude is infectious throughout the team. He’s got a way with the people on the team — they’re all happy to work with him.”

    Thompson plans to continue fencing on the U.S. Fencing Association circuit in the future. His immediate plans are to travel in Europe this summer and then return to enroll in UC Davis’ Masters Brewers Program. Thompson has been home-brewing for the past three years and considers it a serious hobby.

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