Greetings and salutations to all you blade hogs out there. With the first week of classes behind us, fencing at MSU is off to another solid start. A class enrollment of twenty promises to produce an exciting Slingin' Steel Competition at semester's end. To all class members and others interested in sport fencing I want to extend an invitation to check out the club on any Tuesday 8:00-10:00 or Thursday 7:30-9:30. We meet in the gymnastics room of Carr Health (up the steps, to the left and then to the right, big room, lotsa mirrors, robot lookin people with really big toothpicks but no post hole diggers).

Last Thursday's meeting was well attended for the initial gathering of the semester. Along with Spencer and myself, Steve and B. J. showed up to put in a good workout. Both these gentlemen exhibited solid athleticism and a serious approach to their instruction. Concentrating on footwork and proper presentment of their weapon they've established an early gap between themselves and their classmates. I look for both to contribute significantly to the overall quality of this semester's class. It can be anticipated that by continuing in their demonstration of self-application they will chalk up an A for the course. More importantly they can be developed into palatable fodder for more experienced fencers e.g. myself and fencing gods like Spencer Cooke (who, by the way, just returned from a secret gathering of the Sacred and Honourable Brotherhood of Ancient Sabre Masters held somewhere in the north of Spain).

There are several items on the agenda for the near future and we hope to break out of the gate at a dead run. Hopes are to have the best year of fencing ever at MSU. Among the items up for consideration,

1. Racer's Edge '99

This year's event is tentatively planned for mid-late November. Last year's tourney was a great success with fencers Jim Phillips and John (Doc) Matthews traveling from Ole Miss to put our guys to the test. These two racked up . RE '98 was hosted in the North Gym of Carr Health but it has been suggested that Curris Center provides greater exposure and thereby creates more interest on campus.

2. University-wide fiscal cutbacks affecting sports club funding

Apparently no institutional financial support will be forthcoming this year. This situation necessitates that even greater emphasis than in the past be given to fund-raising activities. To be blunt, its time to really suck it up.

3. Equipment purchases

Several people have expressed interest in placing a group order with Triplette Competition Arms in order to save money on shipping charges. The class will order gloves next week and those who desire to take advantage of group savings should see me as soon as possible.

In closing, I want to thank Jason Purcell for his work on the club's web site. Exhibiting his characteristic commitment to fencing and quality in every undertaking, Jason has provided us with one of the very finest fencing sites on the web. I've surfed many a fencing site over the course of the last 18 months and I can assure you this one stands head and shoulders above most of them. He tells me we can look for additional improvements and additions in the weeks to come. I cannot compliment Jason enough for his tireless dedication to fencing in general and this web site in particular. For a whacked out, longhaired freak (this especially endears him to yours truly) he ain't too shabby. Take a bow maestro, you deserve it!