NEW YORK — Columbia fencing hosted its annual season-ending banquet Friday, April 28, at Low Library. The Lions honored the 15 members of their senior class and presented six team awards to cap the 2022-23 academic year.
 
Former NCAA Epee Champion and one of the newest members of the United States Senior World Team Anne Cebula '20BC and member of Columbia's first Ivy League Championship team Steve Buchman '59CC, '62LAW served as guest speakers.
 
Each member of the senior class had an opportunity to give a speech and spoke about their Columbia fencing experience showed their appreciation for their families, teammates and supporters of the program.
 
Zach Binder, Tierna Oxenreider and Audrey Chu were presented with the Norman Blackwell Award. The Norman Blackwell Award is given to the member of the fencing team who best embodies the qualities of athletic accomplishment, sportsmanship, and community. The award was established in honor of Columbia Fencing's Norman Blackman '41CC by his daughter Allison Blackman.
 
Justin Haddad took the James Murray Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the fencer who has made the most significant contribution to the varsity men's fencing team.
 
The Women's Fencing Award went to Nora Burke, which is awarded annually to that member of the varsity women's fencing team who has made the greatest contribution to the team based on team leadership and ability.
 
Burke, Zander Rhodes, Teddy Lombardo and Ashton Daniel were the Kestler Award winners. Named after Dr. Tony Kestler, Columbia College Class of 1971 and NCAA Men's Foil Champion in 1969, the Kestler Award is given to the varsity fencer who inspires the team to superior performance and leads the way to victory, following the example set by Dr. Kestler.
 
Daniel, Lombardo, Burke and Natalie Minarik won the Dr. Aladar Kogler Senior Awards, which honor the senior varsity fencer who has made the greatest contribution to the team based on team leadership and ability during their four years.
 
Finally, Chloe Gouhin and Nick Harvey were presented with the Meade Anderson Spirit Award. The honor was awarded to the fencer whose attitude embodies the spirit of Columbia Fencing. The recipient instills positivity and energy throughout the team. Bourtis and Gouhin follow in the footsteps of Meade Anderson, class of 2007, who always inspired his fellow teammates.
 
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