Many sports teams at Archbishop Carroll have experienced setbacks in the past few months because of COVID, but the fencing team has experienced fewer than most.

Fencing is already a pretty COVID-friendly sport to begin with. The participants already wear masks and socially distance because of the length of their swords.

The team has experienced setbacks involving practice time.

“This pandemic has definitely affected our practice but we still practice maybe twice a week,” senior Peiyu “Steve” Shi said.

Practices will start within the next few weeks and many students have been signing up so this will be a good year for the team, according to Mr. Ed Scanlan, the fencing coach

Mr. Scanlan, a social studies teacher, is this year’s new fencing coach. Mr. Scanlan has not coached fencing in the past but his wife has been a fencing coach at The Hill School for the past six years.

“And I have seen ‘The Princess Bride’ over 25 times!” Scanlan added.

Fencing is very unique and interesting.

“There isn’t a lot like it. It’s really fun especially once you learn some of the tricks and other things,” added Nick Waldman,a  senior member.