Fencing Keeps Maranatha’s Andrew Huang On His Toes



Andrew Huang (3rd from left) with students from other schools places 3rd at the Southern California Scholastic League Fencing Tournament in Los Angeles
Andrew Huang places 3rd at the Southern California Scholastic League Fencing Tournament in Los Angeles

Maranatha High School sophomore Andrew Huang is finding rapid success in a lesser known sport. About a year and a half ago, Andrew set out to find a sport to partake in after school hours and discovered a fencing club close to Maranatha’s campus. Fencing rapidly developed into more than just a sport for him, but rather an intense and strategic activity that keeps him on his toes. Andrew mentioned, “In the beginning, it can be boring because you have to learn the basics and do the drills. However, later you start competing in actual matches and tournaments and it’s there that you begin to put together your own strategies and learning techniques from others.”

Andrew shared how physically draining fencing can be because the human body is not used to the fencing position or constant follow through with the movements. “It can also take a toll on you mentally,” he added, “because situations change so fast and you have to choose the best course of action amongst limitless options.” He acknowledges, fencing “is not just about the physical aspect as I am not the strongest person on the planet, but if you put together mental capacity with natural strength, it works out perfectly. Good reflexes are also a key component.”

Andrew Huang Fencing at the Southern California Scholastic League Fencing Tournament in Los Angeles

Just a little over a year after starting, Huang found himself competing in a series of matches. He recently represented Maranatha High School at the 2016 Junior Olympic Fencing Championships in Cleveland, Ohio, as well as the 2nd Southern California Scholastic League Fencing Tournament in Los Angeles. In the Southern California tournament, High School Men’s Saber division, Huang won 3rd place based on his cumulative points.

Huang gives credit to God for his successes saying, “I get my strength from God to make the correct moves and I feel His presence during my matches.”

Fencing will continue to be a huge part of Andrew’s life, both during high school and college. He looks forward to growing and progressing in this exciting passion of his. He shared that fencing is an open sport and through it, he has made so many friends. He appreciates that the fencing community is small so he has the opportunity to get to know people as he sees them frequently at tournaments.

Maranatha High School, 169 S. St. John Avenue, Pasadena, (626) 817-4000 or visit www.maranatha-hs.org.

 

 

 

 

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