Fencing Tournament
“Flunge”: Action unique to saber – a combination of a lunge and a fleche.
Thursday, February 9, 2023
6:30PM RECEPTION - 7:00PM TOURNAMENT
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - PROCEEDS BENEFIT JAKEENGARDE - FEBRUARY 9 IS JAKE THAYER’S BIRTHDAY
“Fence to defend yourself as though your life was on the line.”
Tournament Schedule:
6:30 pm Reception
7:00 pm Tournament - Part 1
7:20 pm Intermission (20 minutes)
7:40 pm Tournament - Part 2
8:00 pm Announcement of the Winner
8:15 pm Photos with the Fencers
10:00 pm Conclusion
COMPLIMENTARY BUFFET DINNER
Cavatelli Pasta with Shrimp
Parmesan Reggiano - Cream - Bacon - Herbs
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Beef Sliders
Ground Veal - Lettuce - Tomato - Mustard - Ketchup
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Braised Lamb Shank
Grilled Red Onions - Roasted Potatoes
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Dessert
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Cash Bar with Wine, Beer, & Spirits
Coach Jake Thayer
Jake Thayer was born and raised in Port Charlotte, Florida. He started fencing in 2012 and, for the majority of that time, he trained with noted fencing competitor and instructor Charles Johnson. During this period, Thayer was taught the classical and historical French style of the sport, revitalizing an almost lost art in our modern times.
Thayer now lives in San Antonio where he competes with Division I fencing at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) where he mixes ancient techniques with contemporary styles. His peers unanimously appointed him team captain of his collegiate fencing team in 2020 and he continues to be their leader in his final year of college.
Thayer made top sixteen at the 2021 NCAA Championship and was also six-year reigning Florida state champion in sabre and 2019 foil state champion. He is rated an “A” in both épée and foil indicating competitive mastery of these weapons. Additionally, he also has a “C” rating in sabre. As a coach, several of his students earned medals in national competitions including 2014 The Salt Lake City March NAC, top eight at the 2018 National Championships, and a gold medal at the Washington D.C. 2016 Super Youth Circuit (SYC),
The Fencing Tournament will be held at the lower floor Gallery
Auction Items:
SEAFOOD BOUILLABAISSE FOR 12 - Members of the fencing team will come to your home to prepare and serve a French dinner of Seafood Bouillabaisse with garlic bread for 12 people. The Roosevelt Library chef, Shih-Hua (Steven) Fuh, will oversee the lobster stock bouillabaisse which will include lobster tail, sea scallops, mussels, clams, shrimp, halibut, vegetables, and fresh herbs. Opening bid: $450.
PRIVATE FENCING LESSON - Coach Jake Thayer will give you an intense 90 minute one-on-one private fencing lesson where you will learn the basics of fencing or improve your foil, épée, and saber skills. Opening bid: $100.
The Competitors
Maia Slowinski: Despite originally being a foil fencer, Maia utilizes her quick speed and laser fast parry-ripostes to beat her opponents. She has trained in Israel and competed against some of the world's top athletes at the Maccabi Games.
Rodaina Gaafar: An Egyptian fencer who ranks number 5 in the world, Rodaina has trained with Egypt’s strongest coaches and athletes. She uses her strength to overpower her opponents and leaves them wondering “what just hit me?”
Jacqueline Willingham: Jacqui has been trained in San Antonio by three Olympic coaches. She uses her patience and decisive beat attacks to win a majority of her bouts.
Carolina Geyer: After fencing on a farm by herself most of her life, Carolina quickly took the NCAA collegiate circuit by surprise. Her unique left-handed fencing poses a threat to any fencer who is not prepared for her sneaky under the hand touches.
Desiray Rodriguez: Coming from volleyball to fencing proved no difficulty for Desiray as she entered the sport as a sophomore in college. Sparing no one, she uses her long arms and quick counterattacks to annihilate anyone that stands in her way.
Rico Braun: A German national team fencer and senior squad member, Rico instantaneously showed American fencers he is here to stay. His lethal combination of powerful actions and decision-making skills are unmatched by any of his opponents.
Dominic Zubeck: An “A” rated fencer from Chicago, Dom has mastered a mix of Polish and American fencing styles. His French grip and hyper fast movement enable him to sneakily hit his opponents from afar.
Julian Spier: Western Conference champion and El Paso native, Julian has trained with one of the most elite fencing coaches in the United States. His recorded height of 6’9” leaves his adversaries trembling in fear of his incredible reach and ability to hit from almost anywhere on the piste.
PARKING AT THE ROOSEVELT LIBRARY
The Roosevelt Library has about 50 complimentary self-parking spaces available to guests. Street parking is often available. Vehicles are not to be left in the Roosevelt Library parking lot overnight. An off-duty SAPD officer will be monitoring the parking lot throughout the event. The Roosevelt Library will not be liable for theft or damages to vehicles or the contents of vehicles.
MAP TO THE ROOSEVELT LIBRARY
311 Roosevelt Avenue, San Antonio, Texas 78210
HISTORY OF THE ROOSEVELT LIBRARY
In 1929 the library opened as the Roosevelt Park Branch Library, San Antonio’s South side library, and in 1968 it closed. The building is located across from the Roosevelt Park which marks the beginning of the Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project, an eight mile stretch of the San Antonio River that has received designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, the building’s architect was John Marriott who also designed the Carnegie Library in Delaware, Ohio. Leland Stone purchased the building in 2013 and, as heralded by SA2020, it is a “new kind of gathering space.”
Reserved Lounge Sofa Seating for FOUR with Buffet Dinner and two Bottles of Red, White or Rosé Wine