PROFILE: Failed Floridian Fencer Finds Finale
Ready. Fence!
Chris Law advanced a step on the raised strip in front of a crowd of more than 300 at the Ocala, Fla., Fencing Tournament. His Russian opponent charged. Law, who was only two points away from winning, retreated a few steps and attempted to block the moves. The Russian lunged forward and body checked Law. Law stumbled, twisted and slipped. His leg was broken and his Olympic bound fencing career was over.
Law is now a senior about to graduate from Marietta College. Before his final fencing match began the fall of his senior year of high school, he planned to go to Penn State on a full ride scholarship and join the fencing team. If Penn State had not worked out, he had been accepted to Harvard under the same conditions. The same was true with Yale, Oregon, Oregon State, and Syracuse. In a few seconds, all of that was gone.
“I blacked out immediately after it happened,†says Law. “The next thing I remember, I was going to the hospital and knew I had a bad injury.â€
The injury was pretty serious indeed. The doctor determined Law’s right leg had a broken tibia and femur, a dislocated and shattered patella, several torn muscles, a torn LCL, and a strained ACL.
Within a few days, every scholarship offer had been revoked except for Law’s academic scholarship to Marietta College. This was Law’s backup to his backup. As it turned out, it became one of the best things to ever happen to Chris Law.
“I enjoyed MC more than I thought I would. Classes I could have had anywhere. The friends, though, I wouldn’t trade for Penn State’s fencing program or Harvard or anything like that for the friends I made at Marietta.â€
Law embraced the situation and he become very involved at Marietta College. He joined a fraternity and became an editor for the Marcolian, the student newspaper. He is about to graduate with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations, a double minor in journalism and organizational communication, and a certificate in international leadership.
Adam Bruhenne, Law’s best friend and former roommate, is impressed by how much the entire situation has humbled Law. “I don’t think I could have taken this as well as Chris Law. He’s become an avid volunteer for the Boys’ and Girls’ Club and wants to join the Navy after he graduates.â€
The military is one option Law is considering. If he can’t find a job in the private sector, he’d like to serve his country.
“My dream job is to be the director of social media for Budweiser, but it will take a while to get there. If I can get in a few years with the government, I think it will not only help my career, but I will be able to give back for everything my country has given me.â€
EDITOR’S NOTE:  This article is by Dave Hood, a Media Writing Two student at Marietta College.  If you are interested in writing for Writing on the Mall, send an e-mail to Patrick_H@writingonthemall.net.
Posted by Dave_H Date: Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tags: Chris Law, College, Dave Hood, Fencing, Florida, Harvard, Marietta, Ocala, Ohio, Olympics, Oregon, Oregon State, Penn State, Syracuse, Writing on the Mall, Yale
WATCH: Student Senate Presidential Debate Videos
All three videos from last night’s Student Senate Presidential Election Debate are online, so enjoy the videos below or on YouTube.
Candidates Dave Hood and Josh Maxwell answered questions in the Kremer Amphitheater, along with Vice President and Treasurer candidates.
Remember that you can vote tonight from 5 to 7 PM in front of Gilman dining hall, or tomorrow from 11 AM to 1 PM and 5 to 7 PM.
Posted by Patrick_H Date: Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Categories: Uncategorized
Tags: College, Dave Hood, Debate, Election, Josh Maxwell, Marietta, Ohio, President, Student Senate, Video, Writing on the Mall, YouTube
BREAKING: Defaced Student Senate Candidate Posters Appear On Campus
As I walked through Upper Gilman today, I noticed that two posters for Student Senate Officer Candidates had been defaced. Â Here are images of the two posters.
A poster for the Dave Hood campaign had been defaced by someone crossing off his name, then writing “Maxwell = Maximum Experience” and “By Voting Maxwell” in pencil. Â Also, a poster for Sarah Campfield had been defaced, with somebody writing “But Her Grammar Doesn’t.”
Dave Hood and Josh Maxwell, both Juniors, are running for President of Student Senate, while Sarah Campfield is running against Chandler Wittel, the current Treasurer.
A poster for Josh Maxwell that was located in the same area had not been defaced.
The posters were removed immediately.
If you see any other defaced posters on campus, please let us know at Writing on the Mall by e-mailing patrick_h@writingonthemall.net.
Writing on the Mall has sent e-mails to Megan Moore, Judicial Chair of Student Senate, and the four candidates for their responses to the situation. Â Stay tuned to Writing on the Mall for further news and the response of the affected candidates on the issue.
Posted by Patrick_H Date: Monday, April 5, 2010
Tags: Chandler Wittel, College, Dave Hood, Josh Maxwell, Judicial, Marietta, Megan Moore, Ohio, President, Sarah Campfield, Student Senate, Treasurer, Upper Gilman, Writing on the Mall
What You Missed Last Week
Here are all the stories we ran last week while you were all off in paradise:
- 98.5 Provides Diverse Listening Opportunities by Joe Dillon
- Forensics Team Adds Life to College by Allison Holton
- Marietta Gourmet Coffee Shop “Stoked” to Serve More College Students by Jen Emmert
- “Pioneer Pledge” to Replace College Creed by Dave Hood
- Career Center, Internships Help Find Your Passion by Chris Miller
- Resident Assistant Positions Growing Interest by Danielle Staub
Posted by Patrick_H Date: Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Categories: Campus, Off Campus, Site, Students
Tags: 98.5 WCMO-FM, Career Center, Chris Miller, College, College Creed, Danielle Staub, Dave Hood, Forensics, Internships, Jen Emmert, Joe Dillonm Allison Holton, Marietta, Ohio, Pioneer Pledge, RA's, Resident Assistants, Stoked Coffee, Writing on the Mall
"Pioneer Pledge" To Replace College Creed
The Marietta College Creed may be getting a completely new face next year. A new “Pledgeâ€Â has been proposed to replace the Creed currently in use. If President Jean Scott approves the changes, the new pledge could be ready for Matriculation this fall.
The proposed changes have been in development for five semesters. A faculty member on the campus life committee showed how a similar pledge at another university helped make them stronger and give them an identity.
Vlad Grecu, a senior and member of the campus life committee, believes that the proposed Pledge could have the same effect on Marietta College students. “More than anything, it gives identification to what a Marietta College student is. It shows what character we want to show through the people in our college.â€
Posted by Dave_H Date: Thursday, March 11, 2010
Tags: College, College Creed, Dave Hood, Dean of Students, Dr. Robert Pastoor, Marietta, Matriculation, Ohio, Pioneer Pledge, Ryan Gontero, Vlad Grecu, Writing on the Mall
