Mendham High School Fencing

Captains Ballot for 2011-12 Season

The Mendham High School Fencing teams elect their own captains.  At this time each season, all fencers are asked to cast ballots for both team captains since our teams are run as a unified program.

Download: 2011-12 Captains Ballot(.pdf)

All 2010-11 fencers, including graduating seniors, should return their ballots with two votes only, one for a boy and one for a girl, to Mrs. Dunnick in Room 126 by the close of school, Wednesday, March 16.

Graduating seniors are asked to cast ballots because their seniority in the program makes them great judges of who would make a good captain for the following season.

The captains, elected by their teammates, and the squad leaders, appointed by the coaching staff, will be announced at the Awards Banquet on Thursday, March 24.  

Jung Most Dedicated Fencer Voting; Due Date for Banquet RSVP

Please, download the Jung Most Dedicated Fencer ballot. Vote for one boy and one girl.  The completed ballot should be returned to Mrs. Dunnick in Room 126 by the close of school on Friday, March 11.  Thank you to MHSFPA Co-President Kris Swanson for producing the ballot.

RSVPs and checks for Mendham High School Fencing 2011 Awards Banquet tickets are, also, due Friday, March 11.  The deadline for ordering tix is a hard deadline.  Places cannot be held without checks and orders cannot be taken after the deadline because of Meadow Wood Manor's lead time that they need to make the event really nice.

9 Fencers Approved on the Penultimate Day

The following fencers completed their paperwork for the upcoming fencing season today:

Girls' Captain, foilist Ryan Western, sabre Squad Leader Lizzie Donato, senior, E-rated epeeist Shawn Osarczuk and freshman Leah Hoogerhyde

Boys' sabreur Joe Falvo, epeeists James McManus, Dan McDonald, and Peter Sauter and freshman Dan Hoogerhyde.

The names in red on the paperwork status file are still missing paperwork.  All paperwork is due tomorrow, Wednesday, November 24.  No exceptions. 

Download: Paperwork Status thru Nov 22, 2010(.xls)

Additional 4 Fencers Join the 'Cleared to Participate'

Assistant Girls' Captain Bea Jacobson, sophomores epeeist Chris Buckler and sabreur Mike Hasson, and freshman epeeist Alexander Andriatis have been cleared to practice. 

The student-athletes now highlighted in red in the file are in danger of not being able to participate this season.

Download: Paperwork Status - MHS Fencing 2010-11, thru Nov 21, 2010

4 Get With the Program; Many Still Missing Paperwork

Foilist Adam Pollack, sabreur Robin Rizal, and freshmen Brad Fortunato and Gordon Fraser have completed all the paperwork necessary to practice with the boys' team.

The following fencers have not completed their paperwork and will not be in the program this season, if paperwork is still missing at the close of business Wednesday.

Boys: Max Condie, Chris Buckler, James McManus, Jario Gonzalez-Ward, Dan McDonald, Alexander Andriatis, Joe Falvo, Gaston Gonzalez, Jack Vitale, Danny Hoogerhyde, Luis Santiago Gonzalez, Anthony Bello.

Girls: Ryan Western, Bea Jacobson, Shawn Osarczuk, Liz Donato, Leah Hoogerhyde, Jennifer Beede.

Download: Paperwork Status - MHS Fencing 2010-11, thru Nov 20, 201(.xls)

 

Many More Fencers Cleared to Practice

Add Boys' Team Captain, E-rated epeeist James Flanagan, E-rated freshman foilist Julian Campos, junior foilists Tom Myers, Shawn James, sophomore foilists Jessica Lakritz, Joe Marrett and freshman Mark Zawadiwsuy to the list of fencers cleared to participate in our first practice on Friday, November 26, at 2pm in the high school cafeteria. 

Download the paperwork status list updated thru November 19.  All fencers should download this file now to see if they owe any paperwork.

Still Waiting for Latest Updates from Nurses' Office

No students joined the list of fencers with completed paperwork today.  However, we have not received updated information from the nurse's office in more than a week. 

If your name is not yet highlighted on this list, please turn in your paperwork immediately and ask the nurse's office to provide us updated information.  The deadline for all fees and paperwork is Wednesday, November 24.

Fencers Ready for the Season

The following fencer has joined the ranks of those who've gotten all of their monies and paperwork into the nurse, treasurer and coach: sophomore epeeist Angela Flanagan.

All fencers should download the Paperwork Status spreadsheet thru November 15 to see if you're ready for the season.  Please, remember that no late paperwork will be accepted.  All activity fees must be submitted, physicals approved and paperwork submitted by Wednesday, November 24.  It is the fencer's responsibility to be on top of his or her own paperwork status. 

Order your Mendham Fencing Clothing Today from MHSFPA

Mendham High School Fencing team hoodies, PJ pants, and athletic pants will be offered for sale this season.  These items are being offered at the request of the fencers.  Since there are minimum item counts required to place a team order only one order will be placed this season.  Orders will be taken until Monday, November 29. Delivery is expected before winter break.  If you have any questions, please contact Anne Zimmermann.  Click the link below to download the order form for submission.

Download Fencing 2010 Clothing Order

 

28 Boys and 16 Girls Make-Up Mendham HS Fencing Teams

The following fencers have joined the ranks of those who've gotten all of their monies and paperwork into the nurse, treasurer and coach: Foil Squad Leader Adam Campos, Epee Squad Leader Megan Wallace, State Individual Epee Champion Kaitlyn Wallace, and freshman sabreusse Meredith Gano. 

Have you gotten all of the paperwork in? Check your paperwork now. The deadline for all activity fees to be paid, paperwork to be submitted AND physicals to be approved is Wednesday, November 24, the day before Thanksgiving.

The season's first practice is Friday, November 26, 2pm-4pm in the high school cafeteria.  Those who complete their paperwork should wear gym clothes to that first practice, bring a water bottle and sweat clothes to run outside.  Experienced fencers, leave your fencing equipment at home.

Fencers are required to use Attendance E-mail link above to report the absence before the fact. 

Paperwork Status thru November 11

The following student-athlete has completed all the required paperwork: sophomore foilist Annie Blanc. 

Have you?  Download paperwork status thru November 11.

Please, remember that the MHS Fencing Parents' Association will not keep anybody out of the program because they cannot afford the required activity fee or purchase of a uniform.  If your family needs financial help, please contact Co-Presidents Kris Swanson and Tom Fuscaldo before the Wednesday, November 24, deadline.  Your request will be held in the strictest of confidence.

Paperwork Status thru November 10

The following student-athletes have completed all the required paperwork: Freshman Emily Peters, E-rated epeeist Lars Swanson, and foilist Nick Lamont. 

Have you?  Check your paperwork Status thru November 10.

Please, remember that the MHS Fencing Parents' Association will not keep anybody out of the program because they cannot afford the required activity fee or purchase of a uniform.  If your family needs help, please contact the Co-Presidents Kris Swanson and Tom Fuscaldo.  Your request will be held in the strictest of confidence.



Status of Paperwork thru November 9

Assistant Boys' Captain Kyle Doyle, Epeeists David Ricculli, Lea Fuscaldo, Sabre Squad Leader Alexandra Boden and Sabreusse Natasha Sidhu have submitted their six required documents to compete for the Mendham HS Fencing program this season.

Have you?  Download the file of Paperwork Status thru November 9(.xls)  

All paperwork must be submitted and approved by Wednesday, November 24, the day before Thanksigiving.  No exceptions.

The first day of practice is the day after Thanksgiving at 2pm.

Paperwork Status Updated thru Tuesday, November 2

Please, download the Paperwork Status(xls) file to see where you stand.  The file includes a second batch of activity fees from MHSFPA Treasurer Wallace and code of conduct, parental permission, emergency contact info and equipment policy forms from Coach Dunnick.  The file has all information received thru Tuesday, November 2.

Remember, that all paperwork must be approved and fees submitted by Wednesday, November 24, the day before Thanksgiving.  If you have not yet begun the physical examination process, it will be virtually impossible to get your paperwork approved by the school doctor in time.  There will be no exceptions to the "before Thanksgiving" deadline.

Boys' Sabre Squad Leader Kyle Persau joins Sabreusse Sarah Redick and Foilist Dmitri Bleifer as the first fencers to get all their paperwork in.

If there is an issue with your paperwork, contact the person who is the destination for that paperwork: the school nurse, Treasurer Wallace or Coach Dunnick.

Winter Sports Meeting for Fencing Teams

The organizational meeting for the boys' and girls' fencing teams will be jointly held on Tuesday, October 19, at 11:10am-11:30am, in the large group area in the freshman wing.  All the forms that must be completed by fencers will be available at the meeting.  Coaches Tishman and Dunnick will hand out the forms and discuss the practice schedule by weapon.

The due date for approval of physical exams, activity fee collection and submission of all documentation is the Wednesday, November 24, the day before Thanksgiving.  No forms will be accepted after that date.  There will be no exceptions granted.  Get started on the process now.  

Required Documents for Upcoming HS Fencing Season

Please review this list carefully and use the links included to access the documents, which are required for all fencers who wish to participate in the 2010-2011 season!

The season starts in just two months. No fencer can participate without completing and submitting the required paperwork.  Submit the forms in enough time that they can be verified by the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. We’re giving you plenty of notice that all 4 of these areas must be covered before you can set foot on the strip - no exceptions.

1. PHYSICAL - submit to nurse’s office. You must complete three forms from the high school's athletic page. The nurses have asked for all submissions by October 29, 2010. Watch the school web site or contact the nurses’ office ASAP if you need to schedule a physical with the school doctor. If you have any questions, call them at 973-543-2501 x4490.  All fencers must submit a physical exam or an update form, a parental consent form and a code of conduct form.  NO late forms will be accepted.

2. EMERGENCY CONTACT FORM - submit to Coach Dunnick. All fencers must complete this brief form. You can leave your completed form in Coach Dunnick’s mailbox in the high school office. NO late forms will be accepted.

3. EQUIPMENT POLICY - submit to Coach Dunnick.  All fencers, even those with their own equipment, are required to sign this equipment policy, which governs the use of team equipment. As many of you know, we have lost hundreds of dollars of FPA-purchased equipment over the last couple of years. As a result, we must implement a system that makes fencers responsible for equipment that is not returned. Please review it carefully.  NO late forms will be accepted.

4. ACTIVITY FEE - mail to Treasurer Julie Wallace The FPA requires an activity fee to help fund many of the team seasonal expenses. This fee is $50 for returning fencers and $65 for new fencers (includes a team polo shirt). Please include your Activity Fee/Polo Shirt Order form with your check. Checks should be made payable to MHSFPA and sent to 130 Mountainside Rd, Mendham 07945. Please note: No fencer will be disqualified for financial seasons. Contact MHS FPA Co-presidents Kris Swanson and Tom Fuscaldo for inquiries related to this fee.  NO late forms will be accepted.

Thanks! If you have questions, use the links at the top of the blog to email the coaching staff.

School Budget Vote on Tuesday

Here's is a list of frequently asked questions and answers regarding the upcoming vote this Tuesday on this year's school budget.  Please download the Budget FAQs.

The voting booths will be open from 7am to 9pm on Tuesday, April 20.  VOTE early and often.

Join Us for the Annual Awards Banquet

Download the 2010 Awards Banquet Invitation Now!

Please take a moment to download, complete and send in the Awards Banquet RSVP form. Instructions on where to send the form are included in the file.

This year, MHSFPA is proud to announce that we are holding the banquet off-site, at Meadow Wood Manor in Randolph, for the first time. It will be a delicious buffet dinner featuring a variety of food, including a beef, chicken and pasta dish as well as various side dishes and dessert for the reasonable price of $25.  Siblings are welcome.

Proper attire is requested; we want to celebrate our fencers and their season in style! Jackets preferred.

Please note: We must have your reservation by March 11 to hold your seats. Please reply promptly.

If you have questions, contact Chairperson Cecelia Donato. 

We're looking forward to a fabulous event.

"19 Tactical Tips" by Coach Milligan

This month's issue of American Fencing magazine has an article that foilist Ryan Western, Coach Wallace and Coach Tishman were discussing the other day at practice.  We all agreed that it was a succinct, useful summary of points to remember when competing. The author, B.C. Milligan, wrote "19 Tactical Tips" for his students.  He was the coach of Vassar College.  He granted us permission to reprint the article here.

Jacket Orders Extended Thru Wednesday; Parents' Association Meeting Next Tuesday

It's not too late to order a Mendham Fencing warm-up jacket.  Mark Zimmermann will collect final orders at practice on Wednesday, January 6, and the order will be placed Thursday.  Please see this article on the blog for more information and the order form.

Reminder: the next Parents' Association meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 12, at 7 pm in room 139 at the high school. The agenda will be posted on the blog later this week.

Order Your Mendham Fencing Warm-Up Jacket Today!

The MHS Fencing Parents' Association will be ordering Fencing Team Warm-up Jackets for general use by the teams during medal ceremonies this season. 

In addition, the MHSFPA is giving parents the opportunity to purchase the same jacket customized for your student-athlete. These navy blue, hooded jackets have a micron polyester shell, which makes them wind and water resistant. They'll be embroidered with the Mark of Mendham logo and the fencer's name. Orders will be taken until Tuesday, January 5.

Friday Activities

This coming Friday, December 18, there are two exciting activities for the Mendham HS Fencing program marking the beginning of the regular season. 

1) The entire high school will participate in the winter pep rally immediately after school at 1:50pm.  Wear your navy blue Mark of Mendham polo shirts.

2) Immediately after practice the same day, the Mendham HS Fencing Parents' Association will be sponsoring the first pizza party of the year beginning at 7:00pm.

Patch Sewing on Tuesday

Your Mark of Mendham patch belongs on the upper arm, mid-way between the shoulder and the elbow of your non-weapon hand for foil and epee fencers and on your upper thigh on your back leg for sabre fencers.

If your patch is not yet affixed to your whites, please bring your patch and a clean uniform to practice on Tuesday, December 15.  Kate Franklin will bring in her sewing machine that day only. 

Tuesday Announcements

Picture Day - Report at 3:45pm, Wednesday, December 2.  If you have whites report to the auditorium.  If you have need to borrow whites, report to the cafeteria.  Everyone should report to the picture session with whites and a glove, while seniors and squad captains should report with weapon, mask and glove.

Sabre Group Lesson - Sabreurs only, report with full fencing gear on Friday, December 4.  If Coach Dultz cannot get away from work on Friday, the first group lesson will be on Monday, Dec 7.

Fencing Demo - Volunteers needed to work a fencing demo for the scouts in Mendham immediately after practice on Friday, December 4, at Hilltop House next to Hilltop School.  Contact Mr. Fuscaldo, the demonstration's coordinator.

Say Cheese!

The team photos will be taken on Wednesday, December 2, at 4pm.  Boys' team parent Bob McDonald will be donating his photograhy skills to the program.  All fencers should report to the auditorium in whites and gloves.  Only seniors should bring masks and weapons, in addition.  The photos taken will be for sale individually, in addition to being in the "Inside Mendham Fencing" booklet.

Navy Mendham team socks, which are part of the team uniform, will be on sale for $7 per pair at the end of Friday's and Monday's practices.  All fencers should wear the team socks at the photo shoot.

Big Disappointment Lies Ahead

All fencers have completed their physicals according to School Nurse Esposito, which puts us ahead of last year's pace.  All 20 girls have gotten their paperwork in. 

However, three(3) boys still have outstanding paperwork due. 

See where you stand. Download Mendham Fencers Paperwork thru November 25(.xls).

The following fencers should not report to practice on Friday or any other day since they have not completed their required paperwork: Chris Buckler, John Crooker and Chris Franklin.

Some Progress, But Not Enough

There are still significant numbers of fencers who are looking to be disappointed come the first practice on Friday.  If any of your paperwork is missing, you will not be a participant in the program this season.  No late paperwork will be accepted.  No exceptions.

The following girls still owe paperwork: Juliet Lisky and Anna Rago.  19 of 21 girls have completed all their paperwork and had it approved.

The following boys still owe paperwork: Chris Buckler, Max Condie, John Crooker, Chris Franklin, Patrick Lee, Alex Levielle, Dan McDonald, Robin Rizal, Jack Vitale, and Max Weiner. 24 of 34 boys have submitted all their paperwork and had it approved.

Download Mendham Fencers' Paperwork 2009 thru Nov 20(.xls) to see what paperwork you're still missing.

Are You Ready to Practice?

Please remember it is the fencer's responsibility to get all six documents into the school nurse, Coach Dunnick or Treasurer Wallace.  No paperwork will be accepted after the start of practices on Friday, November 27.  Contact the recipients, not Coach Tishman, to find out the status of previously submitted paperwork.  See the most recent paperwork file thru Nov 17 to find out where you stand.  It appears that the last visit by the school doctor to sign-off on outside physician-performed exams will be this Friday, November 20.  Therefore, this is now the deadline for all physical exam forms.

The following girls still owe paperwork:

Sarah-Emma Graham, Alexis Grant, Juliet Lisky, Alyssa Martin and Shawn Osarczuk.  15 of 20 girls have completed their paperwork.

The following boys still owe paperwork:

Chris Buckler, Max Condie, John Crooker, Chris Franklin, Jack Hilsinger, Patrick Lee, Alex Levielle, Dan McDonald, Harrison Morris, Robin Rizal, Lars Swanson, Jack Vitale, JG Ward and Max Weiner.  Only 20 of 34 boys have completed their paperwork.

Paperwork Status Thru November 13

Download Mendham Fencers Paperwork 2009 thru Nov 13(.xls)

With less than two weeks to the hard deadline of Wednesday, November 25, only 14 of 21 girls and only 18 of 33 boys have completed their paperwork.  Please, remember the school nurse, the coaching staff and the MHS FPA will accept no late paperwork or checks.  There will be no exceptions made to this policy.  It is the fencers' responsibility to make sure all paperwork is turned in. 

Check the Excel spreadsheet right away.  The order of the columns was changed since it was last published to accommodate the superheadings that indicate who receives the paperwork.

Paperwork Status

A list of all fencers' submitted paperwork is available. Please download Mendham fencers' paperwork status.  If your paperwork is complete in a category, you'll see an X.  If you're missing a piece of paperwork, you'll see a blank cell highlighted in yellow.  There are two spreadsheets in this Excel file, one for the boys and one for the girls.  You can flip from one to the other using the tabs in the lower left-hand corner.

Remember, no paperwork will be accepted after Thanksgiving.  If all of your cells are not X'd out by the holiday, then you'll not be part of the Program this season.

Thank you to School Nurses Laura Esposito, Debbie Messinger, Coach Barb Dunnick and MHSFPA Treasurer Julie Wallace for helping to assemble this important information.

Required Documents for the New Season

Please review this list carefully and use the links included to access the documents, which are required for all fencers who wish to participate in the 2009-2010 season!

The season starts in just two months. We’re writing to remind you that no fencer can participate without completing and submitting the required paperwork. We’re giving you plenty of notice that all 4 of these areas must be covered before you can set foot on the strip - no exceptions. Here goes:

1. PHYSICAL - submit to nurse’s office. You must complete three forms on the high school's athletic page and submit to the school nurse. They have asked for all submissions by OCTOBER 30, 2009. Watch the school web site or contact the nurses’ office ASAP if you need to schedule a physical with the school doctor. If you have any questions, call them at 973-543-2501, x 4490.  All fencers must submit a physical exam or update form, a parental consent form and a code of conduct form.  NO late forms will be accepted.

2. EMERGENCY CONTACT FORM - submit to Coach Dunnick. All fencers must complete this brief form. You can leave your completed form in Coach Dunnick’s mailbox in the high school office.

3. EQUIPMENT POLICY - submit to Coach Dunnick.  All fencers, even those with their own equipment, are required to sign this equipment policy, which governs the use of team equipment. As many of you know, we have lost hundreds of dollars of FPA-purchased equipment over the last couple of years. As a result, we must implement a system that makes fencers responsible for equipment that is not returned. Please review it carefully.

4. ACTIVITY FEE - mail to Treasurer Julie Wallace The FPA requires an activity fee to help fund many of the team seasonal expenses. This fee is $50 for returning fencers and $65 for new fencers (includes a team polo shirt). Please include this form with your check. Checks should be made payable to MHSFPA and sent to 130 Mountainside Rd, Mendham 07945. Please note: No fencer will be disqualified for financial reasons. Please contact Christine Myers Gorski or Kathy Doyle for inquiries related to this fee.

Thanks! If you have questions, use the links at the top of the blog to email the coaching staff.

Second Annual Captains' Party

Following the tradition, Girls' Team Captain Sarah-Emma Graham, Boys' Team Captain Zia Zaidi and Assistant Girls' Captain Kim Morsch jointly hosted the 2nd Annual Captains' Party at American Fencing Coalition, Randolph on September 8th.  They gather to celebrate the beginning of a new school year and share their summer camp experience with each other and welcome the incoming freshmen to Mendham High. The group picture is posted on the right and check out the size of the crowd.

USFA Membership Form

The new USFA fencing season begins August 1.  Renew your membership now, so you won't have to worry just before your first competition.

Download the USFA 2009-10 Membership Application.  It appears that the online registration system used by the USFA is no longer.  This is currently the only way to join or renew your membership.

Why Every Touch or Goal Matters

The United States Men's Soccer Team is playing in a 16-team tournament called the Confederations Cup.  In the preliminary pool round they lost their first two games and things looked grim.  The numbers said they had to beat Eqypt in their third and final pool game by at least three goals, while at the same time Brazil, who was already assured of advancing by winning its first two games, would have to beat Italy by at least three goals.  Well, at the end of premlinary pool, the US, Italy and Eqypt were all 1-2, but both the US and Italy had a minus two goal differential, read indicators, with Eqypt behind on goal differential at minus three.  The US advanced out of pools over Italy because the US scored four goals, while Italy only scored three.  The goal differential in soccer to decide ties is applied identically to the touch indicator in fencing.

The US went on to defeat Spain, the number one ranked team in the world, 2-0 in the Confederations Cup semi-finals. 

Remember To VOTE

Remember to vote in the school board and budget elections on Tuesday, April 21.  Polls are open from 7am until 9pm at the following locations:

• Chesters: Black River Middle School
• Mendhams: Your Nearest Firehouse

Missing a JV Letter?

A number of those fencers who earned JV letters did not receive them at the Awards Banquet.  If you still need a JV letter, please leave a comment below.

If you still have fencing equipment belonging to Mendham HS, you must return it to Mrs. Dunnick immediately.

Return School's Equipment; Clear Music Wing

All equipment belonging to Mendham HS must be returned immediately to Mrs. Dunnick.  There is quite a bit of equipment that is in your weapon bags and not in the equipment cabinets.

Take your weapon bags home.  With the season over, team members can no longer leave weapon bags in the music wing hallway.  All weapon bags left this week will be removed by the coaching staff.

Randolph Home Meet; Columbia Away Meet

Reporting place and time for all fencers for the Randolph home meet on Wednesday, January 14, is the Mendham HS cafeteria at 4:45pm.  All freshman-sophomore medal winners should bring their medals for photos.  In addtion, the Mendham HS Yearbook will be taking photos in the gym just before the meet starts.  Hence, the seemingly early reporting time.  Girls epee is responsible for all electrical equipment getting to the gym.  Boys sabre is responsible for marking the floor with tape for the four strips.  Girls foil is responsible for electrical connections. 

The bus for the Columbia dual meets on Thursday, January 15, leaves at 4:30pm.  The meets begin at 6:00pm.  The meets will be held at New Jersey Fencing Alliance.

Some fencers are not e-mailing Mrs. Dunnick with their absences.  Please use the Attendance E-mail link at the top of this weblog to report all lateness or absence from practice or dual meets.

Monday's Away Duals at Livingston HS

The set of away meets vs. Livingston on Monday, January 12, begin at 4:30pm at Livingston HIGH SCHOOL.  See the away maps section for the address down the right-hand column.

Dangerous Parking Situation Exposed

A dangerous situtation has been brought to light by several members of the Mendham HS Fencing community.  At the end of practice, parents are stopping their cars and parking in the traffic lanes directly in front of the music wing.

Effective immediately, please park in designated parking spots so as not to block traffic and make it hard to see students in the dark between cars as they leave the music wing transversing the parking lot to get to their rides home.  It will cost each of the students several extra steps for the benefit of avoiding a serious car-pedestrian accident.

Team Photos for "Inside Mendham Fencing"

The team photo date is this Wednesday, December 3, during practice at 5pm.  All fencers must wear their whites and the new Navy Blue team socks.  If you have any extra whites, please bring them in for your fellow fencers.

Navy Team Socks Have Arrived

Yes, they've arrived.  Just in time for the holidays. 

The new team socks for the Mendham High School Fencing Teams are now navy with white "Mendham" lettering.  Each fencer is required to purchase two pair at a cost of $7 per pair.  These long socks are required at all dual meets and tournaments. 

The socks will be available for sale starting at Friday's practice.  Please bring cash or a check payable to "Mendham HS Fencing Parents' Association."

Have You Submitted a Completed Physical Exam Form? Check this List

The first practice is Friday afternoon, November 28, from 2:00 pm - 4:30pm in the High School cafeteria.  Everyone should wear sneakers, shorts and t-shirts.  If you have any experience, bring your equipment.  Alumni of the program will be joining us for this first practice.

All fencers must download the List of Completed Physicals.  Do NOT assume that because you've already submitted your forms, that they have been accepted.  The nurse does NOT inform you or the coaching staff of rejected forms. 

If your name is not on the list, you MUST see the Nurse Esposito ASAP to find out why you're not ready to practice. 

Last Chance Physicals; DO'C HS Championships

The school doctor will be performing physical examinations for winter sports on Thursday morning, November 13.  If you have not submitted your forms, see School Nurse Laura Esposito immediately.  Coaches Tishman and Dunnick will be receiving a list of athletes cleared to compete on Thursday evening.  If your name is not on the list, you cannot practice with us on Friday, November 28, 2pm - 4:30pm.

If you've been fencing in the USFA, please register now for the Denise O'Connor High School Championships on November 22-23.  In addition, unrated sabre fencers should be looking at fencing Friday November 14, at the Bergen Saber Unrated Tournament and the November 21, Mendham Friday Evening Unrated Sabre Tournament.

Physicals Due in 3 Weeks; New Parents Info Meeting

Please be aware that physical examinations to participate in winter sports are due in the nurse's office during the first week of November.  A doctor will be at the high school on October 16 and October 30 to perform physicals.  If you participated in a fall sport, you do not have to submit a complete new physical_examination form.

There will be a lunch-time meeting, most likely on Tuesday, October 21, for all winter sports participants.

There will be a meeting for parents of new fencers on Monday evening, November 3, from 7pm to 8:30pm.  The meeting will be in Mendham HS's Room 139.  We will go over all the basics you need to know to prepare your child for participation in the high school's fencing program.

Next Season's USFA Membership Application Available

The USFA's membership application for the new 2008-2009 season, which starts August 1, is available now.  Don't delay renewing your application.  You'll need a new membership for the Garden State Games in August.

If you are joining for the first time, please send your application thru the Mendham HS coaching staff because if we have 10 new membership applications, the NJ Division of the US Fencing Association will grant us $200 to spend on equipment.  Contact Coach Tishman.

Don't Forget to VOTE on Tuesday!

The school board/budget elections are this Tuesday, April 15.  The polls are open from 7am to 9pm, longer hours than most school board elections of the past.  Here are the locations to cast your vote:

Chesters - Black River Middle School Gym

Mendham Boro - Mendham Boro Fire House

Mendham Township - Brookside Fire House or Old Ralston Fire House

Please exercise your right to vote!

MHSFPA Expresses Gratitude

On the behalf of the Mendham High School Fencing Parents’ Association, we would like to thank all the parents who were behind our Organization and who provided a fantastic support system to the teams. Every one of you, together, made this happen. THANK YOU!

Once again, House Party, Inc. prepared another delicious and enjoyable dinner. Special thanks to Doug and Liane Wesley, Christina Wesley’s parents, for their generous donations towards the delicious dinner.

The MHS Fencing Teams and MHSFPA would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Salim Short, Michael Striano and their parents, Skip Short and Ron and Ruth Striano for their generous donations, by lending their reels and scoring machines to the program for the past three years.

Special thanks to Gina Bruno and Akemi Wetherington who chaired the Awards Banquet and all the wonderful pizza and pasta parties.

Mendham HS Fencing Awards Banquet Set for Thursday, March 27

The Mendham High School Fencing Awards Banquet is scheduled for Thursday evening, March 27, 6:30pm in the High School's cafeteria.  The cost is $17.00 per person.  The affair is being catered by House Party, Inc, owned by Liane and Doug Wesely.  Please download the invitation, which has conveniently been posted at the top of the left-hand column of this blog under RESOURCES.

The completed application with payment is due back March 13.

Location and Map to Wednesday's Dual Meets Away at West Essex

West Essex Regioinal HS holds its home meets in the West Essex Junior High School cafeteria.  The Jr HS is on property contiguous to the HS and shares the same address.

The map and a link for directions from your location to West Essex Junior HS, 65 West Greenbrook Road, West Caldwell 07006, are now in the list of Away Maps towards the bottom of the left-hand column of this blog.