The recreation boys fencing team defeated Central Catholic, 5-1, in the finals of the 2015 FIPA Boys Foil Championship on Friday, April 17.

They also defeated first-seed Winchester-Thurston, 5-4, in the semifinals.

As the fourth seed, the BPHS boys fencing team was a huge underdog going into the tournament.

The team consists of Joe Wright, John Kazalas, and Adithya Krishnachand.

“I’m pretty happy,” Wright said. “Winchester-Thurston was undefeated for the entire season, so it rocks [that we beat them].”

BP’s fate rested on Wright in the semifinals. With the score tied at four all, the BP team sent Wright in to finish the job. Wright did just that, winning the final battle against Winchester-Thurston to help BP get to the finals.

Krishnachand opened up play for BP against Winchester-Thurston. He earned a resounding victory, 5-0, to help BP get to an early 1-0 overall lead. However, Winchester-Thurston rallied to tie it up late before Wright’s heroics.

“It was awesome [to start off with a win],” Krishnachand said.

After the thrilling victory, BP went on to face Central Catholic in the finals. BP quickly gained control, and took the game, 5-1. Kazalas was able to win the championship with a 5-2 victory in the final bout.

“We were at a disadvantage,” Kazalas said. “Our team only had four fencers, and the other teams had at least five. However, [we prevailed to win].”

The championship was their fencing championship since 2008. It was also their first foil championship since 1999.

The team is coached by Chris Williams. Williams was a former fencer for Bethel Park.

Congratulations to these three individuals and to the fencing team.