Fencers ready, fence! These are the words that start each fencing bout. Fencers, like Tim Steinberg, have heard these words thousands of times, literally. The sport is divided into three weapons, foil, epee, and saber, and each has its own distinct qualities.

The epee blade has a large bell: the metal piece that guards the hand- and no target limitations.The foil has a small bell and the target area exists between the arms, head, and legs. Saber, considered the most aggressive and quick-paced of the three weapons, has a large bell with an extended hand guard and everything above the waist is fair game, even the head.

The three weapons have different mindsets; a fencer must adjust his or her thinking depending on the weapon. In an epee-foil-saber test, fencers are lined up across from each other.

The goal is to cross to the other side of the room. Epee fencers wait to see what their opponent is planning on doing before they move. Foil fencers move around and avoid the other fencer to get to the other side. Saber fencers charge at each other; trying to muscle past their opponent.

Tim Steinberg, a senior, has reached his final year on the Hackley Fencing Team. Like many fencers who began fencing in middle school, Tim started fencing as a foilist in seventh grade. However, as he continued to fence in high school, he switched to the saber team.

In Saber, the bouts are quick, so the fencers must think on their feet. Tim says that saber is all about “instinct and intuition”.

In a bout, Tim was described as “amazing – a lethal combination of quick, smart, and strong” by Matt Bonanno, a fellow saber fencer. Tim has fenced all four seasons as a starter for the Saber Squad. Last year, he finished ranking 9th overall, placed 3rd in the individual tournament, and finished the season with a 17-11 bout record. His record has been similar in previous years as well.

In his senior year, Tim hopes to improve his ranking. From his standing last year, Tim wants to rise and claim the first ranking.

The Hackley Fencing Team is an inclusive community. The team is divided into three groups, but they all share a common passion for the sport. Since fencing has no JV team, the fencers can get to know people from differents grades. Upperclassmen are not seen as the impossibly  good varsity team, they are the captains that help the younger students  become better fencers.

This is what Tim admires in the team. Before he graduates, he wants to show others the amazing sport of fencing. After six years of fencing, Tim has had an experience that he wants to continue. Tim plans on continuing his fencing career in college, whether he is on a varsity or club team.