Colson Combs

I started fencing in 2012 at Apex Fencing Academy with Coach Kriszti and Coach Igor. At that time, we were fencing out of the Middle Creek Community Center, and I have warm memories of the friends I made and the hours I spent there. In my youth and pre-teens, I played soccer and basketball, but neither sport clicked with me. I have always had an interest in swords, and when I was nine, I asked my parents for fencing lessons. I thought I was signing up for gladiator fighting; instead, I was beginning what would become a years-long journey in a growing Olympic sport.

I am graduating from: I have been homeschooled throughout my life, which has made tournament travel much easier. In the Fall of 2021, I will begin school at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, where I hope to build community and discover where my talents and passions align. UNC Asheville does not have a fencing program, but the city of Asheville has a small fencing club that I may involve myself in once I arrive.

My life/career goals: After graduation, I hope to work in an industry that involves travel, networking, writing, and, if possible, music. Otherwise, I’ll be satisfied if my career is entertaining and profitable.

Wisdom to share with the younger fencers: I have learned two major fencing lessons in the last two years, and I hope they can help the next generation of Apex Fencers. The first is that the tactical side of fencing is always as important as your technical skills. My coaches have tried repeatedly to tell me this. Excellent footwork and point control are crucial, but you must also be able to see and respond to an opponent’s tactics, to control the distance in a bout, and to find a flow in which to relax and fence effectively. Once your technical skills are mostly automatic, put 99% of your focus into your opponent to avoid becoming paralyzed by indecision and self-criticism in the middle of a bout. Where is your opponent holding their arm? Is their tip ready? Is their distance easy to read or are they playing with it? Where is their weight placed? What are they expecting you to do, and how can you subvert their expectations to score?

The other lesson is simple. Let the fun of fencing be in improving your skills, growing stronger and faster, and developing your tactics so that you have absolute freedom of ability on the strip. Placing well at competitions is great, but that’s a tiny part of our sport. If fencing engages your mind and helps you become a happier, more athletic and more confident version of yourself, you’ve already won.

Tony Cui

I started fencing when I was 13 years old at Apex Fencing Academy, back at Middle Creek. My parents had a family friend that fenced and when I talked to them about fencing, they said it was really cool so I wanted to try it out.

I am graduating from:  I attended Enloe Magnet High School in Raleigh, where I became a school lead marshal and competed nationally in Speech and Debate. 

Fencing plans after HS:  Duke has a really nice fencing program that I wish to be involved in. As for my college fencing plans, I intend to walk-on for Duke’s athletic team.

My life/career goals: My current plan for after graduation is to attend Duke University for four years. I don’t know what I want to exactly study yet, but I’m excited to study at Duke.

Wisdom to share with the younger fencers: One piece of advice I would give to younger fencers is that they should aim to train with certain goals in mind. Whether those goals are results-oriented or mastering specific skills, it’s important to practice with a larger, rewarding purpose. 🙂

Abel Griswold

I started fencing foil with AFA in 2012 when we were at Middle Creek. I cycled through other camps and sports with the Town of Cary before my parents stumbled on fencing. I stuck with it and eventually started competing locally, then regionally, and nationally. I’m also a referee and have refereed regional and national events. I’m grateful to have made friends all over the country through fencing.

I am graduating from: I attended Cary High School. Covid forced me into virtual school mid-way through 11th grade, and I finished off at home.

Fencing plans after HS: I hope to become involved with the fencing club at ECU. It’s been dormant for the last year and a half because of Covid, but I hope it can be restarted. If so, I’ll participate and help coach the students. I hope to continue training and competing as much as possible.

My life/career goals: I will join East Carolina University in the fall. I’ll start off in business / marketing and see where that takes me. I enjoy coaching and helping others, so it wouldn’t surprise me if I end up coaching or running a club at some point.

Wisdom to share with the younger fencers: The answer is always distance or timing. Too far away, you will telegraph your actions. Too close, you’ll get counterattacked. Too slow, you’ll miss the opportunity. Too fast, you’ll miss or be counterattacked. Work to develop the feel for distance and timing. It’s all about execution.

Ethan Hortelano

I started fencing in 2016, when AFA was at the Community Center, because I wanted to do something more fun than competitive swimming and what’s cooler than playing with swords?

I am graduating from: I attended Cary Academy and participated in such varied activities as Theatre, Outdoors Club, Crocheting Club, and Tabletop Roleplay Club.

Fencing plans after HS: I will be fencing at Brandeis, a NCAA Div III program, as a member of the Men’s Epee squad.

My life/career goals: I will attend Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts majoring in Biochemistry. Eventually, I plan on working in the field of genetics.

Wisdom to share with the younger fencers: The best advice I have for any young fencer is to focus on developing the best form they can possibly have; coordination and strength will come with age.