Manalapan Resident To Receive Service Award From Columbia University

MANALAPAN, NJ — A head fencing coach from Manalapan has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Buchman Service Award from Columbia University.

Dr. Anthony Kestler, who serves as the head fencing coach at Immaculata High School in Somerville, will receive the award in recognition of "his significant and enduring contributions to Columbia Fencing."

Presented by the university's Fencing Alumni Advisory Committee, the award recognizes members of the Columbia fencing community whose achievements and service have made a lasting impact on the program’s fencing history and continued excellence.

Dr. Kestler will be honored alongside five other recipients at Columbia’s Fencing Alumni Meet and Brunch on Oct. 25.

“As interest in fencing continues to grow in New Jersey, Immaculata remains committed to strengthening and expanding our program,” said Thomas Gambino, Director of Athletics at Immaculata High School. “We congratulate Dr. Kestler on this well-deserved honor and are proud to have someone of his experience and expertise leading our student-athletes.”

The Buchman Service Award is particularly meaningful to Dr. Kestler because of its namesake, Steve Buchman ’59C, ’62L, who recruited Dr. Kestler to Columbia when he was 17.

Dr. Kestler went on to win the 1969 NCAA Individual Foil Championship and has remained involved with Columbia fencing as a mentor and fencing master for more than 50 years.

“To receive an award bearing the name of Steve Buchman is something deeply personal, and a moment that brings my entire life in this sport completely full circle,” Dr. Kestler said. “When he recruited me, he didn't just give me a place on the roster; he gave me a vision of what I could achieve.”

Now in his second season leading Immaculata's fencing program, Dr. Kestler is bringing that experience to the school's growing fencing program.

He said his goal is to give Immaculata student-athletes the same passion, work ethic and mental toughness that fencing gave him.

“The ultimate victory as a Spartan coach will not be the titles won, but to establish a team culture of technical mastery, accountability, resilience and respect,” Dr. Kestler said.

Immaculata’s fencing program is now in its third year competing at the NJSIAA varsity-affiliated level.

The school has paired that step with an investment in leadership, naming Dr. Kestler head coach in August 2025.

The moves reflect Immaculata's commitment to building a premier high school fencing team in New Jersey, officials said.