GSB Girls’ and Boys’ Fencing Mount a Successful 2022-23 Season

Girls’ Fencing

The GSB Girls’ Fencing team (4-5-1) ended the 2022-23 season with a host of impressive accomplishments, including a 2nd place finish in the NJISAA Prep B Championships. Squad members each contributed to the overall success of the team and consisted of seniors Grace Crimi (18-6), Anvika Hegde (18-6), Emma Moussally, and Lauren Rossiter (20-7), juniors Whitney Lapper (23-7) and Sam Liu, and sophomore Akshara Datla (18-6). Lapper also earned 3rd place overall in her category (foil).

“I am very proud of the successful season this team had,” said Head Coach Stephen Olsen. “Over the past 3 years, everyone on this team worked hard at practice and put a ton of effort into improving themselves and their teammates. Their hard work showed this season.”

As a result of their strong standings, three Knights were selected to participate in the NJSIAA Individual State Championships. Lapper captured 14th in the state for women's foil, Hegde secured 20th for women's sabre, and Rossiter finished 34th for women's epee.

“My most memorable moment from this season was the individual tournament,” Coach Olsen reflected. “Despite fencing the best fencers in the state, our three qualifiers put forth a strong effort and had some great finishes.”

Unfortunately for GSB, half of the girls’ team will be graduating this year, and next season will begin with a relatively new team of fencers.

“The captains this year were incredible leaders and were determined to have a great season,” Coach Olsen said. “They were constantly keeping the team on track and making sure that everyone was working hard during practices. The team will need to keep that determination next season as we begin to rebuild.”
 

Boys’ Fencing

Despite being in one of the hardest districts in the state, GSB Boys’ Fencing (0-10) put forth a strong effort and ended the season with several fencers falling just a couple touches short of qualifying for the individual tournaments.

“The determination shown on this team was unsurpassed,” said Head Coach Stephen Olsen. “During tough bouts and matches, the team always gave their best effort—despite being a very young team and despite facing some of the best schools in the state.”

Dedication was the word of the season, as demonstrated by senior Adam Goldschmidt who did not miss a single practice or event.

His example paved the way for the younger fencers such as freshman Jacob Ross (17-10), sophomore David Pressley (11-14), and sophomore Chris Kolb (10-17). All three impressive records for first year fencers, but more importantly, they put in a ton of effort during practice and encouraged their teammates throughout the season.

“This team was exposed to a very high level of fencing skill in New Jersey,” explained Coach Olson. “They now understand the amount of work required on and off season to be able to compete at the state level.”

2022-23 Season Photos