UCSD fencing sent four of its brightest young stars to the NCAA Championships in Houston, Texas, from March 17 to March 20. They returned home as leaders of the 18th-ranked fencing program in the United States.
Freshmen Jason Runyan, Cameron Sprowles and Chelsea Ambort and junior Bret Martin represented the Tritons on collegiate fencing’s grandest stage. Competing in fields of 24, the Tritons were up against the top competition the nation had to offer, including a number of Olympians.
Runyan and Martin competed in the men’s sabre event, Sprowles in the men’s foil and Ambort in the women’s epee. This was Martin’s second visit to Nationals, and the other fencers’ first.
“I loved [the experience],” Martin said. “I loved it last time, and I enjoyed it just as much this time. The experience wasn’t as new this time, but it was different because I had teammates with me.”
The tournament was in a round-robin format. Each fencer went against the other 23 fencers in his or her field in a series of five-touch bouts spread over two days. After the completion of the round-robin bouts, the top four finishers fenced one another in fifteen-touch bouts to determine the placing for the top finishers.
“The great thing about this tournament was that you are able to go up against every other competitor in the tournament,” Runyan said. “Whereas at another tournament you may only go up against eight other fencers, Nationals provides a great way to gain experience against a lot of great fencers. You learn a ton.”
Martin made good on his promise to improve on his performance last year, where he picked up five victories en route to a 19th -place finish. This year, he picked up seven victories — though in the overall standings he once again placed 19th.
“I got off to a slow start, going 0-11 on the first day,” Martin said. “But on the second day, I went 7-5. I wish I had come out and fenced like that from the start. Even though some of the competition was tougher on the first day, I think I could have taken a few more bouts.”
Martin’s fellow sabreur, Runyan, finished with four victories and a 23rd-place finish.
“With so many bouts, it was hard to fence at my best for all 23,” Runyan said. “I fenced better during some bouts than others. It changed a lot over the course of two days.”
Sprowles managed three victories in the tournament, and placed 23rd overall among the men’s foilists.
UCSD’s lone female representative, Ambort, scored the most points for UCSD, winning nine bouts on her way to a 19th-place finish.
The combined effort of the Triton fencers led to an 18th-place team finish for UCSD. Notre Dame took the top overall team award, squeaking by last year’s champion, rival Ohio State, on the last day of competition. These efforts were bolstered by the Fighting Irish’s large number of competitors at the Championships.
All four UCSD fencers missed out on All-American status, designated for the top 12 placers in each of the six events (men’s epee, foil and sabre for both men and women).
As the collegiate fencing season comes to a close, the fencers already have their sights set on next year. While many will continue to compete and train with private teams and coaches during the off-season, their minds will certainly be with the team.
“I feel like I’ve accomplished a good amount, and I hope that I don’t feel too much pressure next season,” Martin said. “I just want to enjoy my last year with the team. I love the sport and am having more fun with it and enjoying it more all the time.”
