Congratulations to Beaver fencers Joseph Randles ’12 and Will Harrington ’12 who recently qualified to compete in the U.S. Fencing Association’s 2010 Junior Olympics in Memphis on Feb. 12-15. Joseph will compete in the under-17 and under-20 epee classes, and Will in the under-17 saber class. The Junior Olympics draws the country’s best young fencers to compete for the national title in each class.

Both students are members of Beaver’s varsity fencing team; Joseph also fences at Bay State Fencing Club, and Will fences at Moe Fencing Club.

Varsity fencing coach Ian MacEachern says, “It is a great accomplishment for our individual fencers to qualify to compete with the most talented fencers in the country. Beaver’s fencing program we now have has gained in popularity each year (21 boys and girls are on the roster this year), and our student-athletes are improving their skills. Their hard work is paying off.”

Coach MacEachern himself competed on the junior and collegiate fencing circuit in the epee class. A team captain at Concord-Carlisle High (the state’s only public high school with a fencing team), he went on to fence at St. John’s University. The coach remarked that while a fencer’s technique and physical conditioning are important, having a positive mental attitude is the key to success in the sport. He said that the experience of competing at the elite level should give Joseph and Will a mental edge in future school meets, and could also inspire other Beaver fencers to work hard to raise their level of play. Look for Joseph and Will to leverage their J.O. experience at the State High School Championship on February 28.