The 2001 Illinois Divisional
March 3rd, 2001 in Gurnee, Illinois

OK, I had pneumonia.  I couldn't fence.  So don't ask "Where's Don?".  Don was taking photos, directing and coughing.

In summary, Pete McCann again won Men's Open Epee.  Second year in a row for him.  The IFC qualified one team for Div. II Men's Epee at the Summer Nationals.  More latter.

Click on the images to get a better view.

Bob Baldwin fences some nameless nobody from Fencing 2000.Bob Baldwin does Los Riposte Grande!
Mike Czarnik and Vitalli PeckerMike Czarnik and Vitalli Pecker have never been on a web site before.  That's why they are here.  No other reason.
IFC Members show off there new warm ups. Boo Boos, Braces, Bottles, Body Cords, Bob, Bulgarians

IFC members show off there lean butts.

The IFC shows off its new warm-ups.  Do you see the tall guy in the middle picture?  Way in the back?  Well, that is Kang Sun, who doesn't like our warm-ups.  What a shame.
Kang vs Schidel in the Team Epee CompetitionKang vs Schidel in the Team Epee Competition.  Kang needs new socks.
Catie of NT. I taught her everything she knows, but she still fences well.Katie Filkins of New Trier HS.  I'm glad at least a few of the kids are getting out and fencing during the off season.  So many of them are "Oh, I'll get ready to fencing in October."  Sure you will. Kristin Rill shows off her new IFC Jacket, and More!Kristin Rill!  Behave!
Other Bob vs SchidelOnce in a while, a stranger appears at Lions Park.  His name is Bob, and he is a very good epee fencer.  And on this day, Bob consented to fence on our A Team.  As a reward, he shall now be known as Big Shirtless Bob.
Peirce and Big Shirtless Bob go at it in the DEs.Peirce Richardson on the left, vs. Big Shirtless Bob on the right.  Shirtless prevails. Peirce and Girls share a moment of levity. What was the joke, Peirce?No, I can't do it.  Too easy. 
Ina watches as Pete's hand disappears. Cool trick, huh?Pete: Ah, coach.  My hand seems to be disappearing.
Ina:  I keep telling you, that is because you are not using your fingers to control your point!
Pete:  But I can't go home like this!  What will my wife say?
Ina:  You Americans are such babies.
Pete vs BarryAn old fencing buddy of mine, Barry Matchet, who ran off to Fencing 2000, is on the right fencing Pete.  Barry has developed a wicked fleche and counterattack in the past couple of years.  He is a long way from the guy I used to beat 15-2 by using nothing but hand touches.  Still, Pete won and kept on moving up. Again, Pete against Patrick Gettings from Fencing 2000.
Pete McCann vs Mr. PecherekThe Final.  Our Hero, Pete McCann against the Evil Warlord George Pecherek.  Just kiddin' George.
Ina coaching Pete.During the Final, both Ina and I were yelling lots of good advice to our man Pete.  Whether it did any good is a matter of opinion.  Pete won 15-14.