IFC'S "BROCKMIRE" SWINGS FOR THE FENCES IN ITS FOURTH AND FINAL SEASON PREMIERING IN MARCH 2020

HANK AZARIA-LED SERIES WELCOMES BACK SERIES ALL-STARS AMANDA PEET, TYREL JACKSON WILLIAMS AND KATIE FINNERAN

Reina Hardesty (The Flash) Joins the Cast

First Look Photo of Hank Azaria and Amanda Peet

NEW YORK - December 12, 2019 - IFC announced today that the fourth and final season of its critically-acclaimed series Brockmire starring Hank Azaria will premiere in March 2020. Returning for the series' final season are Amanda Peet, Tyrel Jackson Williams and Katie Finneran. Additionally, Reina Hardesty (The Flash) has joined the series' line-up for the final eight episodes.

Said Executive Producer and star Hank Azaria, "I really loved this season in several very right and a few very wrong ways. I hope you will too."

Jim Brockmire commented: "Making this show has been one of the top 7 joys of my life. Others include: that time by the swings with this guy Phil; my visit to the belt factory; my childhood days on the carrot farm; every time I finish a pancake challenge; that moment when you pass a porta potty and it really stinks then finally you get far enough away from it where you don't smell it anymore and just normal air seems like sweet, sweet perfume to you."

IFC Executive Director Blake Callaway added, "From the beginning, Brockmire was conceived as a four-season story, and we are so proud to see it written and produced to its creative conclusion. Blazers off to the amazing crew, our fantastic partners at Funny Or Die, and the incredible cast, especially the incomparable Hank Azaria, who lives, sleeps and breaths Jim Brockmire, as well as Amanda Peet who makes an indelible contribution to the show as Jules, and Tyrel Jackson-Williams who completely shines as Charles. Fans and critics alike will love watching how the story ends."

"It's hard to believe that Jim Brockmire first entered our lives a decade ago in what is now regarded as one of Funny Or Die's all-time classic videos," said Mike Farah, CEO of Funny Or Die and Executive Producer of Brockmire. "It's been an amazing journey and honor watching Hank bring so much comedy, empathy and emotion to the character, and we are excited for fans of the show to see the final and most ambitious season of Brockmire. I want to thank the entire Brockmire team, and especially IFC, for always championing our show."

Brockmire follows Jim Brockmire (Azaria), a famed major league baseball announcer who suffered a notorious public breakdown after stumbling upon his wife's (Finneran) infidelity - a breakdown so bad that "Brutal Brockmire" became a viral internet meme. Season 1 began a decade later, as Brockmire looked to reclaim his career and reputation by calling games for the Morristown Frackers, an underdog minor league baseball team. Despite finding happiness in Morristown alongside his girlfriend/team owner Jules (Peet), Season 2 began with a newly-single Brockmire calling games in New Orleans and living with his co-dependent friend Charles (Williams)... while fully indulging in the city's booze-riddled sins. When a drug-fueled night of partying with a stranger ends with a near-death experience, Brockmire realizes it's time to get sober once and for all. Season 3 took place one year after a stint in rehab, with Brockmire doing play-by-play in the radio booth for the major leagues in central Florida while maintaining his brazen and narcissistic tendencies, despite actually being on the wagon.

Brockmire originally appeared as a viral short video on the award-winning comedy website Funny Or Die. The series is written and developed by Joel Church-Cooper. This season Azaria, Church-Cooper and Funny Or Die's Farah and Joe Farrell are executive producers. Mo Marable is also an executive producer and series director.

Brockmire Seasons 1-3 are currently available to watch on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon and XBOX. Season 1 and 2 are also available on Hulu, with Season 3 joining Wednesday, January 1, 2020.

For updates on Brockmire, please check out:Website: http://www.ifc.com/shows/brockmireFacebook https://www.facebook.com/BrockmireIFC Twitter https://twitter.com/BrockmireIFC Hashtag #BrockmireInstagram https://www.instagram.com/IFC

About IFC

IFC is the home of offbeat, unexpected comedies. Acclaimed series Documentary Now!, Brockmire, Baroness von Sketch Show, Sherman's Showcase and the upcoming Year of the Rabbit air alongside fan-favorite movies and comedic cult TV shows. IFC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc., and available across multiple platforms. IFC is Always On, Slightly Off.

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Breaking News - IFC's "Brockmire" Swings for the Fences in Its Fourth and Final Season Premiering in March 2020 - The Futon Critic

The Massachusetts Appeals Court today overturned a Superior Court judge's ruling that a church on Harvard Street in Mattapan has to make changes to a six-foot fence that really annoys a neighbor, ruling that matter should have gone to Land Court instead.

Lula and Leon Johnson sued Christ Apostle Church in 2014, saying they had long been allowed to park in the church driveway, dating to the day's when it was owned by the Jehovah's Witnesses, but that something hapened in 2013 to really sour relations between the couple and the church:

This resulted in the church building a new fence, six feet high, directly on the property line. Prior to building it, the church received a permit to build the fence from the city of Boston. The new fence did not have a gate in it. Moreover, because the Johnsons' home was situated very close to the lot line on the side facing the church, the new fence made it practically impossible for the Johnsons to access that side of their home for maintenance purposes; indeed, in one place there are only thirteen inches of space between the fence and the Johnsons' home.

In their filing, the church alleged that one of Johnson's grandson's attacked the pastor, and that's what led it to build the fence.

The couple sued in Suffolk Superior Court over what they claimed was a "spite fence," alleging negligence and "adverse possession." The church then filed a counter-suit alleging trespassing - the church said the Johnson's hired a contractor to move the fence away from their property.

A Suffolk Superior Court judge sided with the couple and ordered the church to install a gate in the fence and to let the Johnson's "access" their property from the church land.

But in its ruling today, the appeals court said that was a mistake, not for any reasons related to Lula Johnson's claims - the suit continued after her husband died - but because state law gives "exclusive original jurisdiction" over disputes related to parcels of land with titles registered in the county registry of deeds, and both pieces of land have titlles registered with the Suffolk County registry.

While not denominated as such, the judgment purports to grant the plaintiff a permanent easement to use the church's property to access her property. The Superior Court does not have jurisdiction to so encumber registered land.

So the court ordered the case transferred to Land Court for its consideration.

The rest is here:
Good fences don't make good neighbors, one court rules, but another court will have to consider the matter now, a third court rules - Universal Hub

The Real Housewives of Orange County are in Key West, and the drama is off the charts! The Tres Amigas are likely never going to be on good terms with Kelly Dodd ever again. Kelly made up with Tamra Judge on last weeks episode, but how long will that really last? Vicki Gunvalson has been reaching out to a woman that Kelly allegedly attacked. OOF.

For some reason, Shannon Beador took it upon herself to tell Kelly what Vicki was doing. GinaKirschenheiter wanted to do it first, but Fun Shannon beat her to the punch. Emily Simpson is also on the trip. Shes not really making an impact of any kind, but shes there. Braunwyn Windham-Burke probably didnt expect all this chaos when she planned the trip. Fun times are not allowed. Kelly and Vicki are about to go to war once again.

Vicki is injured. What a shock. Once again, the biggest drama queen of all time (besides Shannon) has been hurt. OKAY, VICKI.

Kelly, of course, doesnt believe Vicki is as hurt as she claims. Emily makes a hilarious dig about Tres Amigas being senior citizens, and Im dying. SO FUNNY.

Braunwyn, Emily, and Kelly take a tour of the Hemingway House, and it looks beautiful. Who knew there was so much history in Key West? Very cool.

Vicki falls trying to walk on her crutches, and her need for attention is annoying. Someone is trying a littletoohard to earn back her orange. Grow up.

Gina and Kelly have the same bathing suit and Kellys oranges are loud and proud. Sorry Gina, but Kelly wins a who wore it best contest this time. There really was no competition.

Watching how scared Gina is of water shouldnt entertain me as much as it does. If she isthat scared, she should stop putting herself in positions like this. Going on a jet ski isprobably not the place for someone with crippling water anxiety.

Honestly, watching Shannon do water sports is just as entertaining as watching Gina. Shannon doing athletics of any kind is never NOT going to be funny. Her facial reactions and body language are way too hilarious.

While in the water, Gina spots a shark, and now her life may be over. What a year. First, she was arrested, and now shes going to get eaten by JAWS. What a way to go though! Everyone out of the water!

I know the guide says nobody has ever died from a hammerhead, but damn. If I saw a HAMMERHEAD SHARK in the water, Id be fleeing for my life. Someone put my back on land.

Gina is crying, and Kelly hands her a starfish for good luck. LMAO. Alright. Hey, I know a shark is coming to eat you, but here is Patrick.

Braunwyn tells the Tres Amigas that Kelly admitted to having an anger problem. Here she goes again. Being the bone collector. She is SUCH a flip-flop.

The women are going out to a group dinner, so things are about to heat up. Theres almost no chance of this event going off without a Kelly and Vicki showdown. Someones going overboard on this booze cruise!

Braunwyn has the weirdest energy. She also looks panicked and frazzled. Im not sure if this group is the best environment for her.

Vicki has personalized hats for everyone, and the Kelly hat says Krazy AF. Apparently, doing it with a K is not shady. However, being shady doesnt make it not true. I think Kelly is very aware shes crazy, and she owns it for the most part.

Emily opens up to Kelly about her children mimicking her fighting with Shane Simpson. Kids pick up on everything, so thats not surprising. If their environment is toxic, theyll act out.

Kelly issues a very heartfelt apology to Tamra, and they exchange I love yous. Unfortunately, Tamra cant let that be it. She tries to initiate a peace treaty between Kelly and Vicki as well. LET IT GO.

How can Vicki honestly think shes doing nothing to Kelly? Shes done so many low down dirty things to Kelly. Pretending not to be self-aware isnt cute.

The ladies are back in Orange County after an intense Florida trip. Hopefully, being back home will knock some sense in them. The Tres Amigas cannot dominate this group forever. Its a clique that needs to come to an end.

Tamra, Shannon, and Braunwyn meet up for dinner with their significant others. They discuss Kelly and Vickis never-ending feud and how they always go low.

When you lay it all out there, they really are very similar. That could be the reason why they end up clashing.

Theyre inviting Kelly to Vickis engagement party. Oh, man. I dont know how great of an idea that is. Its the happiest day of Vickis life, and youre inviting her biggest enemy. Pot stirrers!

Kelly and her boyfriend Brian Reagan go to a batting cage, and hes horrible when it comes to athletics. Kelly actually can hit the ball really well! They talk about Vickis engagement party, but she has no interest in going to that. I feel that. Vickis been horrible to her.

Kelly shuts down Brian when he asks what the next step is for them. He wants her to move in, but she doesnt want to move in without an engagement. Fair enough. Although, we all know the real next step

Gina calls her mother and talks about the status of her marriage. She needs to figure out what shes going to do next. None of this is healthy. She wants to make the marriage work, but COME ON.

Her mother says its not just sex and says it shouldnt be the only priority. Thank you, momma! Preach! Gina is willing to stick this marriage out forallof the wrong reasons.

I feel like Tamra put her sons together in the room without telling them just to get a storyline. Thats not okay at all. Shes really forcing this situation.

However, the conversation turns to Tamras behavior. Shes been snapping at everyone lately. Shes projecting her financial issues onto the entire family.

Spencer Barneysays that Tamra doesnt really listen to him, and told him to get over a breakup. He claims theyre all wired by everyone. So many people in the family arent speaking to one another. What a mess.

Emily and Kelly are actually going to this anger management. I love that Emily is self-aware enough to realize she snaps too quickly. Thats such a good step.

Kelly had a better childhood than Emily, but the girl still has some issues. Although something went wrong in her life for her to get in the place shes in now. Most people dont react the way she does at the drop of the hat.

The therapist has them envision the people they find hardest to love. Naturally, Kellys top name was Vicki. She finds it hard not to punch Vicki in the face.

I mean, surely thats a common feeling. Theres so much hurt between the two. They might not ever be able to FULLY make up.

Emily wants everything in her life to be perfect to combat the chaos of her childhood. Stuff that happens when people are kids really sticks with them. It can be really rough.

Kelly doesnt want to hate Vicki. I actually believe that. I think she reacts really quickly to things. However, that doesnt mean she wants a blood feud. Shed probably prefer peace because at the end of the day nobody wants to fight forever.

Unlike Vicki, I dont think Kelly wants this to keep blowing up. Kellys going to the engagement party, so evidently, she is open to peace. Instead of fighting, this could be a new beginning for the two. I guess we will find out soon.

TELL US SHOULD KELLY AND VICKI MAKE UP? WHO IS MOST TO BLAME FOR THEIR FALLING OUT? ARE YOU ENJOYING THIS SEASON OF THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY?

[Photo Credit: Bravo]

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Real Housewives Of Orange County Recap: Some Fences Are Made To Be Broken - Reality Tea

The seemingly ever-changing Marlins Park will sport a few new looks for the 2020 campaign. While roster changes are being made to improve the Marlins on-field product, that product will literally be presented on a new field.

The Marlins announced on Wednesday on their Beyond the Bases blogthat asynthetic grass surface will be installed for the upcoming season, thanks to a corporate partnership with Shaw Sports Turf. This new playing surface will replace the natural grass which struggled to take root at times in the retractable-roof stadium.

According to the announcement, the turf should closely mimic the surface play of natural grass.

The B1K: Batting A Thousand by Shaw Sports Turf is a dual fiber turf system comprised of Shaws high-performance Strenexe XD slit film and Bolt monofilament. This system provides excellent durability and functionality by minimizing infill splashing, maintaining adequate infill levels across the field. The Bolt fiber provides realistic ball roll, friction and natural grass aesthetics. These characteristics ensure the experiences of the players and fans will be maintained at the highest level.

Miami will join the Texas Rangers, who open their new stadiumGlobe Life Field in 2020, with the new synthetic turf for this season. In 2019, the Arizona Diamondbacks installed the same surface in Chase Field.

In an interview with Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republicin August, Diamondbacks infielder Nick Ahmedsaid he hadnt experienced any bad hops on the infield. Ahmed said the turf behaves as close to grass as any artificial surface on which he has played. He called it definitely slower than the grass.

This new synthetic system should play more realistically than other artificial surfaces like Astro-Turf. Notoriously fast and bouncy, Astro-Turf was said to impact player durability, leading to injuries. This is perhaps most notably associated former Marlin Andre Dawson, who played for 11 seasons on the artificial turf at Olympic Stadium for the Montreal Expos and had 12 knee surgeries.

Miami CEO Derek Jeter said the following in a press release regarding the new playing surface.

In going through the process of evaluating the playing surface at Marlins Park in 2019, we set out to find a solution to combat the challenges we have experienced with growing natural grass in Marlins Park. We appreciate the extensive research and new technology from our partners at Shaw Sports Turf to help us deliver a consistent playing field designed to enhance the safety for players and the playability for baseball.

MIAMI, FLORIDA MAY 30: Harold Ramirez #47 of the Miami Marlins. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Marlins Park will also feature slightly different dimensions in 2020. Straightaway center field will now be 400 feet from home, whereas it had been 407 feet for the last few years. In right-center field, the wall will now be 387 feet (previously 399).

The stadium has always been a pitchers park, but this adjustment may change that thinking.

On Beyond the Bases, Jeter is quoted about the new dimensions.

As we enhance the playing surface at Marlins Park, we felt it was also appropriate to take the opportunity to evaluate our outfield dimensions. We made the decision to adjust the distance of the outfield fence, which will now be more in line with the field dimensions you see across many of todays ballparks.

The Marlins were last in the MLB with 146 homers last season, 68 of which came at Marlins Park. According to Jordan McPhersons article today in the Miami Herald, the Marlins would have had 19 additional home runs last season with the new dimensions. McPherson notes the opposition would have also had 19 additional home runs playing at Marlins Park with the new distances.

While this change may affect the pitchers, its a positive move for the team. Having the ballparks dimension more in line with whats seen around the league will help market the team to free agents in the future.

See the article here:
Synthetic Turf and Shorter Fences coming to Marlins Park in 2020 - Marlin Maniac

More Babies Born With Opioid Exposure In The Denver Metro AreaOne mother talks about her experience and her plan to combat her addiction.

The Together 4 Colorado Toy Drive Is A Success Thanks To Generous DonorsOne little boy donated all of his birthday presents he got for his 7th birthday.

Saliha Sulieman Killed In Hit & Run CrashSaliha Sulieman's relatives talk about losing a member of their family.

Deadly Tanker Crash Closes I-70 Near Deer TrailWhat happened leading up to the tanker crash is being investigated.

Aurora Police Officer Nate Meier At Center Of DUI InvestigationOfficer Meier was found slumped over the wheel of his patrol car while on duty in March.

The Community Showed Their Support For The Together For Colorado Toy DriveThe Together For Colorado Toy Drive continues through Dec. 24.

Colorado Congressmen Joe Neguse, Ken Buck At Impeachment HearingsPres. Donald Trump is accused of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

Justin Simmons Is The Broncos Walter Payton Man Of The Year NomineeJustin is recognized for his community work.

Make-A-Wish Helps Boy Build SnowmanBrantley is from Texas and playing in the snow had been a dream.

Adaptive Athletes Surprised With New GearUS Paralympic athletes helped coordinate the gear surprise in Breckenridge.

Student Zach Curnutt Honored For Saving Woman From PoolZach Curnutt is considered a hero for saving Courtney Jackson.

Volunteers Help Build Tiny Homes For HomelessThe new homes will be at the "Beloved" tiny home village in the Globeville neighborhood.

Charges Dropped Against Aaron Ellinoff In Short-Term Rental CaseThe Denver DA says new information made it tough to prosecute.

Aurora Police Dept. Criticized For Handling Of Suspected DUI CaseAurora Police Officer Nathan Meier was found passed out behind the wheel of his patrol car, while on duty.

Driver Arrested In Deadly Hit & Run, Victim Identified As Saliha SuliemanSaliha Sulieman is a refugee and mother of 5.

Coloradans Who Worked At Rocky Flats Face Serious Health ProblemsMany get their medical bills paid for by the government, but one group is missing out.

Toy Drive Benefits Boys and Girls Clubs Of Metro DenverThe Together 4 Colorado Toy Drive Continues Through Christmas Eve.

Hinsdale County Sheriff Resigns, Moves From ColoradoThe sheriff's family was caught in an avalanche in Lake City.

800 Tons Of Hay Burns In PlattevilleThe fire caused $250,000 in damage.

A Lot Of People Donated To The Together 4 Colorado Toy DriveThe toy drive continues through Christmas Eve.

The "Pineapple Express" Blasting Our WayWatch Dave Aguilera's Forecast

St. John Properties Employees Celebrate Holiday BonusThe head of the company gave a total of $10 million to employees.

Golden Considers Vaping Proposal To Raise Age From 18 To 21The Golden City Council is hearing public opinion during its Thursday night meeting.

Victim In Hit & Run Identified As Saliha SuliemanSaliha Sulieman was struck by an RV driven by Roosevelt Cribbs, Jr.

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Dog And Elk Play Together On Opposite Sides Of Fence In Colorado - CBS Denver

Temple University fencing went 4-0 at the Sacred Heart Invitational in Fairfield, Connecticut this past weekend, defeating New York University, Brown University, Vassar College and host Sacred Heart University.

Temple opened up the day with a 22-5 defeat over NYU before defeating Brown 20-7 in the second match of the day.

The Owls took on Sacred Heart in their third match of the day, defeating the Pioneers 22-5.

Coach Nikki Franke said it was key for Temple to start out fast and carry their momentum throughout.

Our last meet we got out to a slow start and we werent really ready physically as well as mentally when we started, Franke said. So it was very important that they learned from that experience and they were ready to go.

Freshman sabre Zoe Turner led the team in wins, going 9-1 on the day.

Senior sabres Kerry Plunkett and Malia Hee both went 7-1. The two lost just five bouts each the entire day.

Franke commended the supportive leadership the sabres showed to the two freshmen in the squad.

Theyve become very supportive and close, really helping the two freshmen that are there. Theyre leaders, theyre excellent competitors and they set a very good tone, Franke said.

Sophomore Aryana Abtin and senior Kennedy Lovelace dominated in foil, going 8-0 on the day. Junior Megan Ross went 6-1

Junior epee Marielle Luke led the epee squad going 6-1. Freshman epees Margherita Calderaro and Sarah Park went 5-2.

This was Calderaros first team competition of the year, Franke said.

Franke said the squad leaders and captains took initiative to make sure each squad was prepared heading into the weekend.

We had a conversation about the importance of making sure we were prepared as a team, Franke said. That really paid off. They took the lead on that and made sure everyone was in a good place when we started.

Franke was pleased with how the Owls won a lot of close bouts and ploughed through each match with consistency.

I was very pleased with the performance of the team across the board. They were very consistent, Franke said. They were very focused, especially for the end of the semester. Its hard to pull in that focus, so I was pleased.

The Owls will be heading to Charlotte, N.C. on Jan. 3 for the January North American Cup.

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Temple fencing goes undefeated at Sacred Heart Invitational - Temple News

By Bryan Mims, WRAL News reporter

Raleigh, N.C. Groups fighting plans for a rock quarry on land owned by the Raleigh-Durham International Airport are now protesting the plan to build a border fence.

The groups say the fence will close a popular access point to William B. Umstead State Park. RDU officials said the groups have been spreading misinformation.

For several years, signs reading "Stop RDU Quarry" have stood along the trail. In March, the RDU Airport Authority gave the go-ahead. Now, airport officials want a border fence in the area. They say it's for enhanced security and to keep trespassers off their land.

That set off dueling YouTube videos.

The first YouTube video came from a group called RDU Forest, which has been fighting to stop the expansion of the rock quarry on airport land. In the video, bicyclist Matt Thompson said RDU plans to block the Old Reedy Creek Road trail in two places with a fence.

The trail, well-used by hikers and cyclists, provides access from a parking area in Cary to Umstead State Park.

The second video came Monday from the airport. In it, the vice president of communications, Crystal Feldman, said that the airport has a request for bids to design fencing around airport property. She said Umstead State Park informed the airport that this road, built decades ago, runs through a corner of RDU land.

But what would that look like?

Airport spokeswoman Stephanie Hawco said it's likely the road would be realigned or built around the fence, but park access will not be blocked.

In a written statement, she said "activists are spreading misinformation" as "scare tactics."

Jeff Wald uses the trail regularly. What bothers him is the prospect of a tall, chain link fence on either side of the Reedy Creek access road.

"Still, this park is a beautiful gem for North Carolina," Wald said. "And do you want to welcome people to the park with a barbed wire tunnel? And that's what will be at the airport overlook and what will be at the entire entrance here."

An airport spokeswoman said the cost estimate for the fence is about $2.4 million. She said it's early in the process and the airport authority has not voted on any plans.

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Proposed security fence for RDU Airport not sitting well with users of nearby park - WRAL.com

MIAMI -- The Miami Marlins will join Major League Baseball's trend toward artificial turf by installing the surface at Marlins Park for 2020, and they'll move in the fences for the second time in four years.

CEO Derek Jeter said an artificial surface solves the challenge the Marlins have had growing grass in the retractable-roof stadium since it opened in 2012. They'll install the same turf used by the Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers.

Five of the 30 teams in the majors now will have artificial turf. Arizona added it this year, joining Toronto and Tampa Bay. Texas' new ballpark opens in 2020.

"While playing the Diamondbacks in Arizona, we were able to get a close look and examine the new surface at Chase Field," Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill said on a team website. "We agreed as an organization that this change was for the best after our players and staff had encouraging remarks regarding the playability of the playing surface."

The Marlins also plan to move in their fence in center and right-center field. The distances are changing from 407 to 400 feet in center and from 399 to 387 in right.

The distances "will now be more in line with the field dimensions you see across many of today's ballparks," Jeter said.

Since it opened, Marlins Park has had a reputation for being pitcher-friendly. This year the stadium had the third-lowest home run rate in the majors.

New York Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo, whose team plays in Miami three series a season, said the new turf will require an adjustment.

"It does change how you play the game just a little bit," Nimmo said. "The bounces ... they can actually bounce over your head rather than right. So we'll see how it plays."

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Marlins to install artificial turf, move in fences for 2020 season - ESPN

Sabre Raymond Zhao is among the newcomers getting acquainted to the college level By Helen Ly 7 hours ago Credit: Eric Zeng

The Penn men's and women's fencing teams have gone through their fair share of changes this year, but the fencers are optimistic about the teams future. A number of freshmen have joined the Red and Blue, and the transition to college fencing has proven to be a major challenge.

Sabre Raymond Zhao is a starter for the men and has done a lot to improve his skills in a college-level environment.

The main difference is youre fighting for a school, [not] yourself, so the intensity is incredible," Zhao said.

Competing for the Quakers is what gives him extra motivation to work harder, and hes quickly learned what it takes to become better.

You have to focus on these short burst of strategies, focusing on clutch situations, and working under pressure, which [are all] important aspects of college fencing," he said.

Sabre Enzo Bergamo and epee Madeline Adams-Kim both see majordifferences between fencing competitions in high school and in college.

The system points are different, and in college, its about adapting to the new format," Bergamo said. The matches are quicker than what youre used to in regular fencing.

High school was more individual and trying to get a higher ranking for yourself, but now, each time you win, you get a point for the team, Adams-Kim agreed.Its team-oriented, which I like a lot."

Being a small fish in a big pond, Zhao, Bergamo, and Adams-Kim are three of the many freshmen new to Penn fencing. However, the bond between the incoming teammates has grown exponentially.

Our team has made great efforts this year, especially acclimating the freshmen with group events," Zhao said. The group cohesion is really good."

Bergamo has found a community in the team, as the fencers share common goals and all experience growth both as athletes and people.

Get our newsletter, Dear Penn, delivered to your inbox every weekday morning.

It is a big family, and everyone received the freshman very well and is always striving to improve and [be] on the same page. he said.

In terms of personal goals, Zhao has high expectations for himself. He hopes to qualify for the NCAA Championships and is very hopeful about the rebuilding process of the team. Adams-Kim also has lofty goals, looking forward to making it to NCAA Regionals and possibly, Nationals.

With a fresh face of athletes, the fencing team continues to strive towards improvement. No matter the end result, the rookies of Penn fencing will play a crucial role in the team's success.

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New to the team, these Penn fencing freshman are stepping up on the mat - The Daily Pennsylvanian

This piece was originally intended as an open letter to the Columbia Fencing Team, urging them to accept the presidential invitation to the White House. It has since been edited to reflect the time passed.

Earlier this month, the Columbia fencing team received an invitation to the White House to be honored for winning the 2019 NCAA championship. The announcement of the invitation immediately polarized our team. Some fencers expressed their intentions not to attend, others were hesitantly excited, and many were more preoccupied with the potential optics of their decision than their personal feelings about the invitation. Even though the Columbia fencing team already went to the White House last week, I still think it is important to note the significance of this eventnot only the larger significance of the teams visit but the smaller significance of the individual decisions made by Columbia fencers. Columbia fencers had the choice as to whether or not they would personally accept the presidents invitation to the White House, and the majority chose to attend.

Unfortunately, this decision did not apply to me (despite the fact that I am on the fencing team), since I was representing the country in an entirely different capacity: competing for the United States at a Junior World Cup in Laupheim, Germany. But I still would like to discuss how important I think it was for my fellow teammates to personally accept the invitation.

I consider that decision to be pretty damn brave. In todays political atmosphere, on Columbias ultra-liberal campus, during this particular election year, you may reasonably fear the social ramifications of visiting the Trump White House. You may fear political ramificationsbeing incorrectly or uncomfortably labeled as a conservative, a Republican, or worse (especially on this campus): a Trump supporter. But I urged my teammates to keep in mind one thing: This decision does not have to be a definitive statement of your personal politics. The recognition of your accomplishment does not need to be politicized, and accepting a presidential invitation does not constitute support for the incumbent. It should be possible to visit the White House out of pride in our accomplishment and respect for the office of the president of the United States without being labeled (properly or improperly) as a Trump supporter.

Furthermore, the fact that we as collegiate athletes even had the option of accepting or rejecting a presidential invitation is in and of itself a privilege. In some other countries, we may not have a choice. It should not merely be a point of pride to us as NCAA champions to be invited to the White House. It should be a point of pride to us as American athletes that we were offered an invitation, as opposed to an order.

But I know that for many fencers on the team, visiting the White House out of a sense of national pride or respect for the presidential office was insufficient. The decision still felt inherently political, and some fencers felt that declining the presidential invitation was the most effective way to demonstrate their opposition toward President Donald Trump or his policies. (A few fencers chose to attend and try to deliver a letter to the president, but thats a subject for another essay.) But I think a much stronger statement was made by the fencers who chose to attend, and in doing so, continued one of the most important legacies of American athletics.

I believe the history of American athletics has consistently demonstrated one clear message regarding the confrontation of controversy: Choosing to attend an event and taking a stand for what you believe in always makes a stronger statement than sitting at home. Take Jesse Owens, the Black track and field athlete who chose to compete at the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany (and won four Olympic golds). Take Kathrine Switzer, who registered as a man to run in the 1967 Boston Marathon, and famously evaded race officials trying to physically impede her from participating in the event. Or the members of the 1971 U.S. table tennis team, whose demonstration of sportsmanship with Chinese athletes at the World Table Tennis Championships in Japan led to a reinstatement of diplomatic relations between the United States and China. Any one of these athletes could have chosen to stay at home and all faced backlash for their decision not to. But their resolve to participate in controversial events demonstrates clear support for attendance, or at the very least activeness when faced with a controversial decision. To me, this makes perfect sense. Were athletes; sitting out does not impress us.

So my fellow Columbia fencers, even though the White House invitation (and all the controversy that came with it) already came and went, I encourage you to continue to realize how important of a statement it was to be invited and to have gone. In the future, if youre given another invitation to the White House or any other similarly significant event, make a statement that you will not allow your sport and your accomplishments in that sport to be politicized. In the future, when faced with decisions such as this White House invitation, make a statement that the spirit of camaraderie in athletics is stronger than the divisiveness of a controversial invitation. Make a statement that the Columbia fencing team is what it claims to be: a family that supports each other no matter the circumstance.

And most importantly, if you do not support President Trump (which I should now say I very often dont), consider how even more important your visit to the White House was. For those of you that attended, you have shown that your pride in your country and your accomplishment is more important than your feelings about the current president. You have shown that this current president is not the only representative of our country. He and his administration alone do not define this country. We do. And what we chose to do in this situation was more representative of our country and our countrys values than of President Trump.

The author is a sophomore in Columbia College, intending to major in American Studies and concentrate in Polish language and Culture. She is a member of the Columbia Fencing Team and the USA Junior National Team. The opinions stated here only reflect the view of the author and do not represent those of the fencing team as a whole.

To respond to this op-ed, or to submit an op-ed, contact opinion@columbiaspectator.com.

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The significance of the Columbia fencing team at the White House - CU Columbia Spectator