In conjunction with its annual alumni meet, the MIT fencing program dedicated its expanded and improved salle d’armes on Saturday, Oct. 22. The renovation was the first for this facility since the completion of the duPont Athletic Center in 1959.
The room underwent many significant enhancements, including a 30 percent expansion of the space allowing for safer practices, an increase in junior varsity competition, seating and storage. A new “sprung” athletic floor was installed, providing a resilient surface that will reduce team injuries. In addition, 12 full-length strips and ceiling-mounted electronic scoring equipment were built in, enabling more fencers to practice safely.
“It took eight years of dreaming, one year of intense fundraising, and four months of building to produce this state-of-the-art, world-class facility,” said head coach Jarek Koniusz. “Our student-athletes are the recipients of a place that is productive for practice, will allow them to wind down from the academic stress and then return to class full of creative energy.”
In addition to Koniusz, speakers at the ceremony were Julie Soriero, head of the Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation; Athletic Director Arlie Sterling ’77, of the Fencing Room Renovation Fund; and senior captains Molly Kozminsky of Port Matilda, Pa., and Daniel Levine of Succasunna, N.J.
The room underwent many significant enhancements, including a 30 percent expansion of the space allowing for safer practices, an increase in junior varsity competition, seating and storage. A new “sprung” athletic floor was installed, providing a resilient surface that will reduce team injuries. In addition, 12 full-length strips and ceiling-mounted electronic scoring equipment were built in, enabling more fencers to practice safely.
“It took eight years of dreaming, one year of intense fundraising, and four months of building to produce this state-of-the-art, world-class facility,” said head coach Jarek Koniusz. “Our student-athletes are the recipients of a place that is productive for practice, will allow them to wind down from the academic stress and then return to class full of creative energy.”
In addition to Koniusz, speakers at the ceremony were Julie Soriero, head of the Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation; Athletic Director Arlie Sterling ’77, of the Fencing Room Renovation Fund; and senior captains Molly Kozminsky of Port Matilda, Pa., and Daniel Levine of Succasunna, N.J.
