Salut,

I pen this edition of State of Murray State in tremendous exhilaration, as I enjoy the task of reporting marvelous progress in our preparations for the 2000 Spring Steel.

To begin, the Regional Special Events Center (RSEC) has been officially confirmed as the tournament site. Our much-anticipated competition dates are Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7. The use of RSEC – the most massive and modern event center in the region – is exclusive to the Spring Steel during this period.

Secondly, I am most delighted to announce that Murray State University has forged an alliance with Triplette Competition Arms (TCA) that will serve to immeasurably enhance our upcoming super-tournament. TCA will provide all electrical scoring equipment – including machines, reels, and extension lights – for as many strips as required throughout the competition. In addition, TCA will make a full range of fencing equipment available for purchase on-site. Triplette has also graciously offered the services of a first-tier armourer to supplement our own capable equipment staff. As TCA has long stood as the preferred supplier to MSU fencing, we are unendingly pleased by this arrangement, and will endeavor to do everything in our power to strengthen our relationship with TCA in order to ensure a long-term association with these refreshingly accessible professionals.

Armed with these invaluable assets, the Organizing Committee is preparing to launch its relentless campaign to secure corporate and private sponsorship from both local and regional sources. To this end, we request the assistance of every MSU fencing supporter. Please contact the Organizing Committee at your earliest convenience to learn how you can help thrust Murray State University to the forefront of US fencing in the new millennium.

Best Regards,

Jason M. Purcell
jpurcell@prefer.net