As a parent of a "Silver team fencer", I just wanted to take a second to thank Josh Barry and Jeff for all they have done for windy city fencing in general and for us personally.
It is a simple fact that without them, Windy City Fencing would never have been started. What started as 3 guys looking for an outlet to continue their love of fencing, began first as a class, (Thanks to Neal at Menomonee) has grown into one of the dominant Epee clubs in the nation.
All three of them have shown a consistent dedication and great empathy towards the kids. As a parent, it's wonderful to watch someone really "Be there" for your child. To give them a
"High-Five" after a victory, and talk them down after a crushing loss.
They each come to practices with a great attitude, and a sincere love of the sport that’s contagious. Lane has greatly benefited by being a part of the Windy City team. At the same time that his skills have grown, he has gained additional self-confidence, and bonded with some wonderful children. Ilene and I have also been fortunate to make some good friends as well.
Tsanko Hantov is going to do a fantastic job continuing the legacy left by, Barry, Jeff and Josh.
He has really put his heart into training the teams to be competitive on the national stage.
With the help of Boris, and Assistant coaches Henry, Kevin, I’m confident about Windy City’s future.
Thanks again to Josh, Barry and Jeff.
Sincerely
Larry Lubell
All,
Four years ago Barry, Jeff, and I started teaching a fencing class at the Menomonee Club one night a week just for fun. Little did we know that it would turn into the Club we all know today. Over the last four years, Windy City Fencing has grown to over 150 students at four locations, we now have four coaches (Henry, Kevin, Boris and Tsanko) and at last count over twenty national qualifiers for the 2007 National Championships this summer! We are extremely proud of what we have started and will always cherish the friendships we have made with all of you and all of our students over the past four years. We also want to take this moment to thank each of you for all of your many contributions to the Club because it never would have been possible without your help.
While the growth of Windy City Fencing has been phenomenal, it has been extremely difficult for Barry, Jeff and I to balance the increased time committment with our personal lives. Additionally, given our responsibilities outside of fencing, we have really struggled to give the Club the attention it needs to become one of the premier Epee programs in the United States. As such, we have spent the last year working with many of you as well as the Menomonee Club on a transition plan that will continue the great momentum we have started.
It is my pleasure to announce that as of April 1st, we have officially transitioned ownership of Windy City Fencing to Tsanko Hantov. As many of you know, Tsanko has been with us from nearly the beginning of the Club and his passion and enthusiasm for coaching is one of the main reasons the Club has grown so fast. While Tsanko is relatively new to the US, he has picked up the business side of the Club very quickly and his passion for his students and the sport will serve him well as the new owner of Windy City Fencing. Over the last two months, he has worked with the Menomonee Club to institute some great changes for the Club, which he will share with you in a few weeks at the next parents meeting he is scheduling. A few highlights include:
-The first ever Windy City Fencing/Menomonee Club fencing Camp
-A new Thursday night Adult Class
-Updated the fencing room with more equipment for drills and storage
-An expanded Bronze, Silver and Gold Team schedule for the Fall Session
-A new WindyCityFencing.com website Windy City Fencing
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Congratulations Tsanko! Thes changes are only the beginning and we know we are leaving the Club in great hands. At this point, I would like to take a moment to thank Neal Bader from the Menomonee Club. Without him, we never would have gotten a chance to start the Club and his enthusiasm and passion for fencing and the Menomonee Club students and parents have really enhanced our program. Thank you Neal!
As for Barry, Jeff and me, you will still see us from time to time helping out Tsanko with coaching as needed and hopefully getting to spend a little more time fencing with kids which is still a passion for all three of us. However, all future inquires regarding the program should be directed to Tsanko at tzaka_sport_2000@yahoo.com.
In closing, we want to thank each of you again for all your support these past four years. This has truly been one of the greatest experiences of our lives and watching the kids develop over the past four years is something we will never forget and will always cherish. We wish you all the best and thanks again for everything!
Warmest Regards,
Josh, Barry and Jeff
