On December 9th through 11th, the Round Rock Sports Center is once again transforming into an arena of swordsmanship. Last year, Round Rock hosted the largest regional fencing competition in central Texas. This year, the fencers are returning to the Sports Capital of Texas for the Austin Challenge Super Youth Circuit (SYC) and Cadet Fencing Tournament, but this time the competition has stepped it up to the national level.
“Interest in the sport of fencing has grown significantly since the last Olympics, and we are so honored to host the Austin Challenge again this year in Round Rock,” said Nancy Yawn, the director of the Round Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau.
That growth is substantial: the number of registered athletes has grown from more than 100 youth fencers in 2015 to approximately 400 fencers for this national qualifier, aged anywhere between 8 and 16.
This event serves as a qualifying competition for USA Fencing’s National Championships, the largest fencing tournament in the world, held in Salt Lake City in July 2017. Eric Mallet, fencing master and head coach of the Austin Fencers Club, commented on Round Rock’s impact on this competition’s growth.
“The event last year was a huge success and allowed us to grow this into a larger tournament that now also allows fencers to earn national points toward the national championship in the summer,” Mallet said.
Round Rock is proud to see organizations continue to choose The Sports Capital as their tournament destination year after year. Most importantly, it is an honor to play a role in this vital stepping-stone on the path to success for these young athletes.
This tournament is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the event page.
Date: December 9 – 11
Location: Round Rock Sports Center, 2400 Chisholm Trail, Round Rock, Texas