Varsity Fencing: 31 Years at OBHS

The Oyster Bay High School Varsity Fencing team: Back row, left: Coach John Bruckner. The members are: (not all pictured Helena Ajudua, Kristen Bellissimo, Douglas Boorstein, Erin Bruckner, John Bruckner, Timothy Bruke, Lauren Capewell, Sarah DeFilippe, Connie Fedele, Moreno Ferreira, Holly Kleinman, Joanne Lee, Brian Libert, Peter Whitelaw, James Williams, Karl Zate.

The Oyster Bay High School Varsity Fencing team has a long history at the school, having started their 31st continuous year this past December. OBHS was among only six original schools in Nassau County to have a team, which began with Coach John Halasz, who retired after 30 years as the school's fencing coach.

A member of Mr. Halasz's fencing team in the mid-1970's and a former OBHS student, John Bruckner leads the team today as fencing coach. Coach Bruckner stated that he loves the sport because it requires individual effort, but has a team flavor to it.

The 16 members of the team include five returning seniors. Seniors Helena Ajudua and Holly Kleinman are the co-captains.