Fencing

Jason Pryor has been part of the NFA Fencing Team since 2010. He has practiced with swords and similar martial equipment for more than 20 years. When introduced to the NFA team, Coach Pryor started training in Foil, Epee and Saber. With the progression from Armorer to Assistant Coach, the training continued. As Head Coach, the knowledge learned for the previous 10 years will be passed on to the student-athletes who have joined the team.

Tim Menard has been involved in the NFA fencing program since 1999. While he works with the entire team, Menard primarily focuses on the novices teaching fundamentals, rules and an appreciation for the demands of the sport while preparing them for the rigors of varsity competition. He began fencing at NFA in 1968 with Coach Dan Blackstone at which time his brother was a varsity fencer in the school’s new program. When he attended NFA in 1975, Coach Blackstone was still at the helm but fencing was only available as a club activity. Upon graduation, Menard fenced at Western Connecticut State University. He has also fenced at several area clubs over the years. 

Ian Senerth has 11 years of fencing experience, capped by his time on the NCAA Division I team at Sacred Heart University. He fenced two years as a foilist, one year as an epeeist and one year fencing saber. He also fenced for four years during his time at Bacon Academy. Senerth fences regularly at Sword in the Scroll Fencing Academy in Willimantic, where he also coaches prospective fencers.