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02/16/2022 11:00 PMAJ Raucci first picked up a fencing sword five years ago when one of his friends suggested that he try out the sport. AJ knew that competitive fencing included being part of a team, but he was also intrigued by the idea of fending for himself on the strip.
Now senior in high school, AJ is serving as a captain for the Guilford boys’ fencing team. AJ mainly competes in the épée discipline with the Grizzlies.
“My favorite aspect of the sport is being able to play by myself. I also love being able to play the with the team,” says AJ. “I see my effect on the team with my individual scoring and, depending on how my teammates do, we can ultimately get a team victory.”
AJ knew that he was going to stick with fencing following a positive experience during his freshman year. AJ defeated a formidable opponent while participating in a statewide tournament, giving him confidence that he could succeed in the sport.
“My favorite moment was probably my freshman year, when I was in a high school tournament with kids from all over the state, and I was able to beat the best person there,” AJ says. “I won because I had almost my entire team cheering me on and coaching me on what best to do, and I was insanely proud after I won.”
So far this season, AJ has an overall record of 20 wins and 2 losses for the Guilford boys’ fencing squad. The senior captain has also qualified for the Junior Fencing Olympics, which are being hosted in Utah from Friday, Feb. 18 through Sunday, Feb. 20.
AJ joins teammates Catherine Zhou, Lucia Rusconi, and Owen Angkatavanich as a Junior Olympics qualifier. AJ is pumped up about competing in the event, especially since he came close to qualifying two years ago.
“This year was my second year trying to qualify for the Junior Olympics. My first year was during my sophomore year. I was pretty close, but didn’t make it, and I didn’t do very much last year because of COVID,” says AJ. “This year, after some really tough matches, I made it into the top four and qualified into Junior Olympics. Just about 290 or so people qualified for the boys’ épée portion. It will be really tough, but I’m extremely excited to go. I’m hopeful that I can bring some of my experience back to Guilford.”
Aside from the Junior Olympics, AJ is looking for a strong finish to his senior campaign at Guilford. The boys’ épée team owns an undefeated record, and AJ feels confident that the Grizzlies can keep it the way as they approach the postseason.
“I’m really excited for the rest of the season. We only have really big matches left, mostly in ensuring the boys’ épée team retains its undefeated record,” AJ says. “I’m also hopeful that I can do the best I can in individual states, while also leading the team to a win in states, as well.”
AJ has learned a lot about fencing from Guilford Head Coach Tara Bowers, who’s in the second year of her second stint with the Grizzlies. AJ describes Bowers as one of the best coaches he’s ever had and gains strength whenever he hears her cheering him on from the sidelines.
“My head coach really came through in a time of need for us. We had just lost our previous coach, and she volunteered to take his place,” says AJ. “She’s so supportive. You always hear her yelling in the background. She also gives me great advice prior to my matches.”
Coach Bowers was equally complimentary of AJ, calling him one of the strongest fencers in the Guilford program. Bowers applauds AJ’s willingness to help his fellow fencers improve their skills as he dedicates himself to the sport.
“AJ is an amazing fencer and leader. He brings such positive energy to the team,” Bowers says. “He works hard during practice and also makes it a priority to work with the newer fencers to guide and teach them.”