Posts Tagged ‘Fencing’

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.”

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Within a few days, every scholarship offer had been revoked except for Law’s academic scholarship to Marietta College.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.”

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.”

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.”

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.