Colorado bound … again

The packet arrived on Monday. I am officially accepted to this year’s United States Fencing Association Coaches College for coaching instruction in Epee I. This will be the second year I’ve attended Coaches College, and I am really looking forward to it.

This year will be somewhat different from last year. Last year Foil I was taught by Maestro Alex Beguinet, whom I knew pretty well before I arrived at Coaches College; Epee I is taught by Zoila Palacio. I have never met her, so there is the apprehension that always comes with meeting a new instructor along with the uncertainty of new expectations.

There is also the additional apprehension of not knowing anyone else attending this session. Last year I went with my club mate, Jim, so I had a built in partner. Jim isn’t able to attend this year, and, though Henri is attending Foil I, that is in the second session. Thankfully, Dr. Robinson (our head coach) will be there, as she is every year, to teach first-aid and sports safety. I’m sure I’ll see Maestro Beguinet around campus as well. I won’t be entirely alone.

These fears and uncertainties are all normal, though. I’m not letting it get to me. I will go and I will either succeed or fail. I have the advantage of knowing what to expect as far as the over-all program is concerned, having done it last year, and so that does create a certain comfort level.

My biggest issue right now is getting my knee back in shape. I fear I will be one of the old guys, this year, that I saw last year icing their knees down every night while pouring over the manuals and lessons for the next day. I really need to find a good brace that will not cost me the leg it is meant to support.