Windy City Fencing
Here are some logistics/details for the upcoming Summer Nationals. The entire Athlete Packet is available here, and it is worth reviewing. The general page for Nationals information is here.
Check-in Times
If you haven't seen it, the check-in times have been posted by USA Fencing here. (pdf here)
Fencers should check in for each event as close to the beginning of the check-in time as possible. It is best to arrive at the venue before the check in time, find the Windy City group (look for the banner), and be ready to check in when the check-in window opens -- so that the fencers can then warm up. Events generally start between 15 and 60 minutes after the close of registration.
Mask, Cord, and Weapons Check
As at a NAC, the tournament has a formal check of masks and body cords at an armory set up in the venue. If possible, masks and body cords should be checked on the day before competition, especially for those with a 7-8 a.m. check-in. (If the fencer is fencing more than one event, the mask and body cords only need to be checked once, before the first event.) According to the Athlete Packet, the armory will be open on Friday, June 30, from 1-6 p.m. -- only for those who are competing on July 1.
The tournament armory does not check weapons: those are checked on the strip prior to each bout. But fencers should check their weapons before their events, or make arrangements with Tsanko or Iliya or with one of the experienced parents to check weapons before the event. If you have weapons problems during the event, several of the vendors can effect repairs (Sword Masters has the largest repair crew and usually the shortest turnaround time).
Contact Information
Please reply to this email (or send to Jim Speta directly at jim.speta@gmail.com) with cell-phone contact information for all parents traveling with fencers to Nationals. Jim will compile a master-list, together with contact numbers for Tsanko and Iliya, and circulate it.
Pan-Am Championships
If you are in Reno from the 4th-9th, the Pan-American Zonal Championships will also be held at the convention center. Information here.
Questions
Several of the Gold Team parents are going to their 7th Nationals (yikes), and others have been to multiple Nationals. Please feel free to contact us or others if you have any questions!
Have Fun!
Good luck to all. Nationals is always a lot of fun!
Jim Speta
