Mendham has Strong Showing In Iron Hills Freshmen Sophomore Tournament

-Story by contributing writer.

On December 28, 2007, 24 Mendham fencers competed at the Iron Hills Freshmen and Sophomore tournaments. Mendham had a particularly strong showing with 14 of the fencers winning medals and the freshman winning first place in four of the six events.

In the Freshmen events, Mendham dominated women's foil with Ryan Western 1st, Bea Jacobson 3rd, Kayla Loree 4th, Rebecca Canipe 5th, Sophie Kaplan 9th, Elizabeth Donato 12th and Masha Lamb 16th of 24 fencers. Megan Wallace finished 1st of 8 epee fencers. Dina Krannich finished 1st of 8 saber fencers.

For the boys, Kyle Doyle, Steve Dabal and Patrick Lee competed in foil with Kyle finishing 1st of 18. James Flannagan finished 7th in epee. Max Weiner finished 4th of 10 in saber.

In the Sophomore tournament, Alexis Grant, Kim Morsch, Sydney Fondots and Brielle Runyon competed in epee with Alexis placing 3rd and Kim 5th of 14 fencers, Megan Holmes finished 9th in foil. Sarah-Emma Graham was 4th of 14th in saber.

For the guys, Alex Levielle was 6th and Thomas Wetherington 8th of 20 saber fencers. John Graham was 10th and Kyle mesce 11th of 15 epee fencers.

Since its first season Mendham has traditionally competed and done well in the freshmen and sophomore tournaments, These tournaments provide valuable experience especially for fencers who have not competed in tournaments before.

This year Mendham again had a very good overall showing in the freshmen and sophomore tournaments.

Mendham H.S. Fencing Team Poised for Successful Season

The Mendham High School Fencing Team seeks to build upon an impressive third year as it begins its fourth season. The program had humble beginnings three years ago with much enthusiasm. The girls’ team had one win and the boys team none in the first year. In the second year there was tremendous progress with the girls 6-6 and the boys 5-7. Last year was the breakout season for the team with the girls 10-2 and ranked third in the State and the boys 8-4 and ranked in the top ten in the State. With much hard work in the off season by many team members, they are looking to build on this success.

The team continues to be coached by Laura Pelizzoni, who has generated enormous enthusiasm for the program. She is supported by three volunteer assistants who have considerable fencing experience: Tom Tishman, who once trained with the Olympic team, Dr. Steve Dultz who fences all three weapons, and Meimee Persau, who has fenced foil.

Leading the girls’ team is Janelle Krannich, captain of the saber squad. Janelle is a D rated fencer in foil, the only team member who is nationally ranked and was second team all State last year. She will be supported by new starters E rated fencer Julia Melvin and Genele Streitz.

The foil squad should be strong, led by Shannon Cooley and E rated foil fencer Ryan Western. Alice Jacobson who was a strong part of the squad last year rounds out the starting trio.

The entire starting epee squad from last year has graduated. New varsity ans starting fencers are Kimberly Morsch, Alexis Grant and freshman Megan Wallace.

The boys team has several returning rated fencers, with at least one at each weapon.

The saber squad boasts two rated fencers. Chris Bonner is a D rated saber fencer who has been very active in the off season and should have a major impact on the team’s success. Brian Stellingwerf is an E rated fencer and returning starter from last season. They will be joined as starters for the varsity by Will Bruno.

The foil squad also has a strong foundation with two rated fencers. Andy Jung is a C rated foil fencer – the second highest rated fencer on the team. And foil squad leader Michael Striano is a D rated fencer. Both return from outstanding seasons last year. They are joined on the starting team by Adam Brozynski.

Salim Short heads the epee squad. Salim is a B rated fencer – the highest rated fencer on the team and has the top position or A strip in epee for the third consecutive season. He is joined by starters Tim Hains and Hao Du.

Each team will have challenges. The girls’ team lost two top fencers Jill Mahen and Jess Wallace to graduation and their loss will be felt. Janelle Krannich has enjoyed tremendous success in the off season and she will be looking to help lead this year’s team to similar success.

The boys’ team has some very stiff competition in its conference and district including a number of perennial powers starting with State Champion Columbia High School and the previous year’s State Champion Bernards High School. The boys’ team has five rated fencers – Short, Jung, Bonner, Striano and Stellingwerf. Still, it will need support from all other members of its squads if it seeks to improve upon last year’s top ten rating.

That the teams are even in a position to seek such success in only the fourth season is the result of the effort of Coach Pelizzoni and a very knowledgeable and supportive trio of assistant coaches.