Madison Bowe / Winonan

Although modern fencing originated in Spain, this unique sport is still represented at Winona State University. On Tuesday and Thursday nights, students gather around to trade in their every day clothes for a metal lined jacket, a mask and a sword, and then they fence.

Since fencing is not as well-known as other mainstream sports, most of the participants were not involved with it until they reached Winona State.

“I had never fenced before I got [to Winona State]; most of us had never fenced before coming here,” junior club president Lance Urbick said.

Most of the participants heard about the club through the club fair. The majority of the club’s members had never fenced before, but thought that it would be a great activity to test out. It turned out they were hooked after their first time.

“I was just walking around the club fair and I had never done this before so I gave it a try,” senior Amber Thunstrom said. “I look for unusual hobbies; I did color guard for four years.”

Although the club is mainly for recreation the group makes an effort to incorporate a sense of competition into the club.

“The club is a mix of skill building and recreation; we actually have plans to visit another organization in the cities this semester,” Urbick said.

Often times, people who share similar interests with each other end up building great friendships. That is exactly what has happened within

the fencing club.

“It’s kind of a close knit group,” Urbick said.

Although the group is close, there is certainly room for anyone who might have an interest in taking up the sport and building new friendships.

“We’re looking for new members, no experience needed,” Urbick said

If you find yourself with a desire to fence,

check out the fencing club in the Talbot gym from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.