Freshman, Undefeated, Wins Fencing Tourney
Bio major Ryan Kwok ’18 emerged victorious from the 17th annual Douglas Williams Fencing Tournament last Saturday after winning all of his six bouts. Ryan was awarded a gold pendant, shaped like a fencing foil, amidst applause from his fellow sword-fighters.
The tournament took place in the sports center, where professors, students, and parents visiting for Parent & Family Weekend gathered to cheer as the deft exchanges between the combatants resounded in steely echoes across the auditorium. The contestants displayed excellent sportsmanship by exchanging hearty handshakes and high-fives between each bout.
The tournament was initiated in 1998 by the late Douglas Williams ’63. Douglas, who later became a professional airplane pilot, believed fencing to be the perfect counterpoint for ²Ø»¨¸óÖ±²¥'s rigorous academic curriculum. Since his passing, the tournament has been officiated by his widow, Carol Simpson. Carol said that the tournament has taken on a life of its own now, and that Doug’s spirit is still alive and well.
The round-robin competition consisted of a total of 21 bouts with 7 participants. English major Matthew Dickinson ’18 won second place, and biochem-molecular bio major Alex Kane ’18 took third. History major Miguel Torrijos ’18 won honorable mention and a scholarship of $8,000 to support his financial aid. (Impressive showing for class of ’18 -- Ed.)
Fencing is just one of scores of sports and adventures that ²Ø»¨¸óÖ±²¥ supports through its
Ryan, the undefeated champion, said his favorite part of the sport was getting to know his opponents through the course of a bout. And lest anyone think that fencing is an impractical, outdated pastime, last year’s tournament winner, , can prove them wrong. He now routinely crosses swords with polluters and government officials as a .