News & Events
Local Fencing Academy Dominates Modern Pentathlon Event
by David J. Wyatt
Young members of Ernest Kiraly's Akron-based Kiraly Fencing Academy recently traveled to Ligonier, PA, to compete in a United States Junior Pentathlon hosted by the Rolling Rock Hunt Pony Club on June 13-15th.
Elizabeth Buerling of Uniontown, Mack Totten and Jake Totten, both of Richfield, and Andrew Wyatt of Hinckley, won four out of the first five places in the fencing portion of the five-phase event.
Fifty competitors from five states made the event a bona fide interstate competition. Each fencer, using epee, competed in 22 two-touch bouts apiece. Wyatt won 21 of 22 bouts to place first in this phase.
The other phases of modern pentathlon include distance running, swimming, riding a horse over a jumping course, and target shooting with pistols. It is a daylong test of skill, strength and endurance. In the overall standings, Mack Totten won the event, Wyatt was third and Buerling was fourth. Each of the four led their respective age groups in the overall event.
United States Olympic Pentathlon Coach and Gold Medalist Janusz Peciak and 2008 Olympic team members Sam Sacksen and Margauz Isaksen attended the entire competition to watch, encourage and discuss modern pentathlon with all of the competitors.
Parents attribute the success of the fencers in this event to Ernest Kiraly's emphasis on form and fundamentals, which proved to be an overwhelmingly successful approach to the sport.
Kiraly said, "Fencing is a sport for all age groups. I am very proud of these four young people for their maturity and work ethic. Their focus on the fundamentals of fencing has made them successful and will carry throughout their lives."
To learn more about fencing opportunities for youth and adults, e-mail us at kiraly@kiralyfencing.com or call 330-762-4866.