Santelli and Cetrulo - Worlds Largest High School Fencing Events

Today, January 13th, 2018, is day one of the Santelli (girls) and Cetrulo (boys) NJ High School Fencing tournaments. Each day of Fencing is open to 50+ teams and are the traditional first steps on the road to the state finals as the tournaments results have impact on seeding for the state playoffs.

A sight to behold in the superb Simon Forum field house at Drew University, hundreds of Fencers from NJ High Schools compete in the 3 blades, Foil, Sabre and Epee. The event boasts that it is the world largest high school Fencing tournament and this observer can’t imagine a bigger event. Fencing tournaments are complicated and fast paced affairs and this one is clearly among the most complex. It was not uncommon to hear coaches, parents and student athletes commenting on how well run this year's event was.

For most people, Fencing is a sport only watched during the Olympics. However, NJ is considered a hotbed for Fencing exemplified by the significant turnout for this event. Fencing is a growing sport in our country and college Fencing has become more and more competitive. Our colleges are developing the world-class and Olympic Fencers who compete at win at international events. The quality of Fencing at this event again proves that New Jersey and the Santelli and Cetrulo event are ideal for college Fencing coaches to see the best talent in action facing their highly skilled and experienced peers.

Although the enormity of this tournament is evident, the sport of Fencing is one of friendship and comraderie. Many Fencers recognize Fencers from other schools and Fencing clubs and community of support and joy is palpable.

Results will be posted on the web site of the New Jersey Interscholastic Fencing Association.