John Petro has been coaching fencing at Marist for 8 seasons. He is a former Marine, former Pro Boxer, former Prison Guard and professionally coaches two college teams, as well as students at the Phoenix Fencing Academy. While focusing on Sabre, John coaches and fences all three weapons. He is both professional and supportative as a coach, and we are lucky to have him!

Our club would not be here today were it not for the efforts of our former president, Brian Sands. As former Sabreist captain, he lead our Sabre team to many victories, while still managing to run the entire club and graduate in his field of Computer Science. Brian Sands currently resides with his girlfriend in Maryland, where he has been training in the art of Gumbdo, the Korean art of the sword.

Starting in the fall 2000 semester, the Marist Fencing organization began with just enough members to field co-ed foil and sabre squads in order to compete against the Culinary Institute of America in their first tournament.

Marist Fencing has grown from this small group of 10 fencers into an organization currently with 40 active fencers, fielding 6 squads including both a men's and women's foil, sabre and epee squad.

Currently, Marist Fencing holds a club status on the Marist campus, and competes with NCAA level colleges. The organization welcomes new members at anytime throughout the semester, whether it be for competition or leisure. For more information, please contact our president or send us an email.