Brooklyn, NY, October 25, 2011 – Fencers from the New York Fencing Academy (NYFA) traveled to Richmond, Virginia last weekend to compete among 2,000 athletes in the North American Cup. Some went for the training and experience, while others vied for national points and delivered their best performances to date.
Annie Morelli, 15, from Brooklyn, was determined to do better at this Cadets (under 17) NAC than she did at the July NAC in Reno. She’s been training for 8 hours a week and the hard work paid off. “It was her day,” her coach, Misha Mokretsov said, “she felt timing perfectly and was very patient and stable. Once she got the lead, she never gave it back.” On her way to earning her first national Silver medal in Cadets Women’s Epee, Annie defeated #7 ranked Horowitz and #3 ranked Sirico. She also earned an “A2011” rating – the highest possible, as well as national points which led to her selection to represent the US at the Cadets World Cup in Grenoble, France. Her next goal is to make the national team in 2012.
Romain Cannone, 14, from Manhattan, has been competing for less than two years, but that didn’t stop him from earning two NAC medals this weekend. Romain was focused and fencing well throughout the Division III (D & under rated) Men’s Epee event. As he was about to fence for top 8, his coach began a pep talk only to get interrupted by Romain. “I WILL win – I don’t care about that kid!” he exclaimed. He went on to earn his first national Silver medal, and came back the next day to earn his second medal for 6th place in Division II (C & under rated) Men’s Epee.
Two more NYFA fencers earned Cadets points at the NAC: Gabriel Canaux, A-rated sophomore on the Brooklyn Tech High School fencing team, placed 9th, and Sophia Chelnitsky, 15, also from Brooklyn, got 30th and a “D2011” rating. NYFA’s previous best results were earned at the July National Championships by Skyler Chin, 14, from Long Island who took Silver in Division II and Bronze in Y14 Men’s Epee, and also earned his “A2011” rating.
Although the club opened just over a year ago, several students were training with Coach Mokretsov at other clubs before following him to NYFA. This month, NYFA expanded its facilities to triple the original space to accommodate its growing membership. “It’s a great mix of good fencing, physical conditioning, and fun” said Romain who commutes from his Westchester home Friday nights to fence at NYFA, catches some sleep in his family’s Manhattan apartment, then returns to NYFA to train all Saturday afternoon. “It’s tough, but really worth it. Fencing is the best sport in the world!”
New York Fencing Academy is located in a newly renovated, state-of-the-art fencing center at 2896 W 12th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11224. They offer group classes, private lessons, and open bouting for students of all ages and levels, from beginners through advanced. (718) 996-0426. http://www.fencenyfa.com.
Contact: Misha Mokretsov
Company: New York Fencing Academy
Address: 2896 W 12th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11224
Club Phone: (718) 996-0426
Cell Phone: (347) 741-1343
Email: info.nyfa@gmail.com
Website: http://www.fencenyfa.com
