Sabreist wins national title, fencers finish 5th

Last minute goal lifts water polo against Illini; rugby dominates Loyola

By Etan Harmelech

The Daily Northwestern

Although many aging athletes harbor the dream of retiring at the zenith of their careers, few actually put that wish into practice.

From Michael Jordan’s valiant, yet unsatisfying, return with the Washington Wizards to Mike Tyson’s repeated ignominious (and hilarious) forays back into boxing, athletes tend to have a tough time leaving the sport they love.

With that in mind, Northwestern club fencing president James Zirkle ended his collegiate career by besting sabreists from around the country en route to winning the United States club fencing championship in New Hampshire last weekend.

But Zirkle hasn’t fenced his last match.

“I definitely want to keep fencing wherever I end up,” Zirkle said. “I don’t really know what I’m doing next year, but there are more opportunities to fence (elsewhere) than there are at colleges.”