Nothing screams Christmas spirit like a zombie skeleton trophy.
That’s what was up for grabs as the Vernon School District Fencing Club hosted the 18th annual Christmas Épée Clash last weekend at Beairsto Elementary.
Athletes from as far away as Alberta and the Sunshine Coast competed in the event.
David Enns beat his friend and fellow Kalamalka Laker Jaxsen MacKay for the gold in the Junior Men’s event. Chris Dlouhy, also of Kal, shared bronze with Fynn Mansbridge-Fafard of Robert’s Creek.
In the Youth 14 events, Andrew Schmidt of the Seaton Sonics earned a fifth-place showing, while newcomer Brennan King of Beairsto placed sixth. Chantel Bennett of Beairsto captured bronze, with Keara Govender of Kelowna winning gold.
In the Youth 12 boys Épée, Jake Bennett of Beairsto fell to Dylan Stiles of Gibsons for the silver, while classmate Jonah Violini recorded bronze. Chantel Bennett secured silver in the girls side, and Casni Govender of Kelowna took gold.
Beairsto athletes swept the Youth 10 boys event, with Jake Bennett beating Violini for gold, and with Nathan Stewart and Quin Tobin sharing the bronze. Kensie Brown of Lavington Elementary bowed to Mireille Stiles of Gibsons in the final of the girls Youth 10. Beairsto fencers Amber Lowe and Emiko Robertson claimed bronze.
In the senior men’s draw, Chris Dlouhy upended school district coach Brendan Robertson before falling to Matt Clarke of Okanagan Freestyle Fencing Club in the final.
The Vernon School District Fencing Club welcomes any students from the area to come and try the sport. Contact Brendan Robertson at Beairsto school by e-mailing brobertson@sd22.bc.ca.
Would-be adult fencers can contact Matt Clarke by visiting www.okanaganfreestylefencing.com
