Michigan Inaugurates Divisional Publication
Item
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Title
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Michigan Inaugurates Divisional Publication
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Date
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December 1941
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volume
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6
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issue
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5
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page start
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13
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page end
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13
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content
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en
Michigan Inaugurates Divisional Publication
An official publication of the Michigan division of the A. F. L. A. called "The Michigan Fencer" made its appearance at the start of the fall season. Edited by David Merriman with a staff of ten prominent members of the Michigan division, its first issues have provided extraordinarily complete coverage of the district’s activities.
The first competition of the 1941–42 season was the Metropolitan outdoor championship, held at the Salle de Tuscan. Three events were decided: women’s open foil, men’s novice foil, and the open three-weapon.
Gerda Michels of the Salle de Tuscan, former midwest champion, swept through the women’s event undefeated, with Charlotte Finch, Jane Scott and Doreen Voiles finishing behind her in that order. The first men’s novice outdoor foil competition ever held in Michigan drew a large field from throughout the state. Kenneth Bracken of the Grosse Point Sword Club won the title, with Sam Gorman runner-up and Frank Thomas of the Salle de Tuscan third.
In the three-weapon competition William Osis of the Grosse Point Club was the winner after a fence-off with Byron Krieger. Roland Rogers took the third place medal. Medals were presented to all winners at a colorful ceremony presided over by Miss Toni Favor and Richard Noyes, who were playing in the record-breaking “Life with Father” in Detroit.
The Michigan division has voted to give service stripes each year to the ten active fencers who in the opinion of the executive committee distinguish themselves through outstanding service for fencing in ways other than proficiency in the sport. The stripes are intended to become the outward recognition of sincerity and the value to organized fencing of the individuals who wear them.
The possibilities of an inter-divisional tournament between Michigan and Illinois were discussed at a recent meeting at which Floyd Traynham, president of the Illinois division, was a guest. This may supplement the inter-club and “league” tournaments that will play a large part in the Michigan season.
