Fencers draw and clash swords
By June Ace G. Esteban
Cutting through air with razor-sharp blades and thrusting every opportunity at helm, Far Eastern University (FEU) Fencers will engrave an epic in the realms of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 72 swordfights.
Aiming the tip of their sword towards the evasive champions’ regalia, both the lion-hearted swordswomen and the chivalric men duelists are putting their combat masks on—ever-ready to slice and dice obstacles along their crusade for pride and glory.
Advanced arsenal
Being the commander, Coach Wilfredo Vizcayno prepares the Tamaraws for the upcoming hostilities by molding their physique into steel through vigorous conditioning as he irons their senses and counter-measure their abilities with free-fencing sessions.
For a greater exposure on creating new tactics, the green and gold squad trains together with Philippine National Team members at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City side-by-side with other UAAP contenders. Already hitting two birds with one stone, they earn both the needed veteran smarts and an insight of their opponents’ abilities.
“Lahat sila, malayo pa ang UAAP nagmi-meet na kaagad. Napapa-practice na nila ang isa’t isa (They meet and practice together way before UAAP starts. It helps them train their skills),” he furthered.
Like a good blacksmith who forges sword but doesn’t ignore the metal used, Vizcayno, a South East-Asian Games (SEAG) gold medalist, knows it is unwise to focus neither on cutting edge alone nor solely in brute strength. He then hardens the resolve and mindset of the fencers through pep talks and give them tips from his own reaped know-how’s.
“Pag-aralan niyo na kung paano sila tatalunin. Kaming mga coach, sinasabi namin kung anong gagawin niyo, pero kailangan mai-apply niyo ‘yung mga nile-lesson. (Learn how to defeat your opponent. We [coaches] just tell you what to do but it’s up to you on how to apply what is taught),” Vizcayno emphasized to his players.
Coup de grace
Tams develop their skills through continuous repetition of what the coach has taught them during practice, the application during sparring and mental picture of the technique’s execution in face off real combatant.
Vizcayno also noted that another key in winning, besides the will, is keen observation of the opponent’s movement patterns and habits.
“Gawa ng paraan para mapuntusan [ang kalaban]. Mag-isip ka lang ng mag-isip, ‘Wag yung naka-stick ka lang sa isang action (Find ways to score. Think of what you can do, don’t just focus on one action),” the coach said with utmost certainty.
Being asked about the fencers’ winning edge against other universities, the coach humorously replied that it was taunting that they are good at.
“Itong mga ‘to, tulad pa rin noon, malalakas pa rin mang-asar (They are really great at teasing),” the coach humored.
But he furthered, “Pero sila, malalakas talaga ang loob. Pa’no kasi sa laro, sa fencing, normal kasi sa una kinakabahan. Pero kapag nand’yan na sila, nawawala ‘yung kaba. ‘Yun ‘yung winning edge sa kanila. (They have the guts and they are really full of spirit─ that is their best asset).”
At the same time, Vizcayno reminds the team to think of their training as the actual tournaments so that in the real battle, they would see it as the typical free-fencing sparring sessions.
FEU fencers will sparkle with Captains Frederick Metcha and Jenina Gatuz leading the provocations in the full-contact epee swordsmen. Captains Edward Quirit and Ann Jerilou Gorayeb will target the chest with lightweight foils while skippers Louise Dior Teves and Jessica Reyes will pilot the good-for-all-attacks saber event.
Eyeing University of the East as the toughest nut to crack this season, the coach assured the green and gold community will never back down from the challenge.
“Alam nating malakas sila, pero ‘wag kakalimutang lumaban, walang susuko. Ibigay pa rin nila ‘yung best nila. Kung alam nilang malakas [‘yung kalaban] tapos hindi nila ibibigay ‘yung best nila, walang mangyayari. Kung lalabanan mo ‘yung lakas nila, kahit matalo, at least lumaban (We know that they are strong but they should not forget to fight, never give up and always give their best. They should always their opponents a good fight so even if we lose, we won’t regret it),” Vizcayno said.