Brazil McGruder, a member of Marian Catholic High School’s junior varsity (JV) fencing team, collaborated with two fencers from the Homewood-Flossmoor JV squad to secure first place in Women’s Epee at the Homewood-Flossmoor Snowdown on December 20.
In the final bout of the day, with the score tied at 4-4, McGruder achieved victory with a decisive 5-2 win over a competitor from Stevenson High School. Her performance earned her a custom ornament, which she added to her family’s holiday tree.
According to reports, McGruder was one of 11 members of Marian’s JV team competing in the event. Two other members also joined composite squads with fencers from Gwendolyn Brooks and Libertyville/Vernon Hills.
Marian’s fencing team is set to host two events in January. The first is a dual meet with Culver Academy on January 8 at 7 p.m. in the East Gym, following a match between Culver and Homewood-Flossmoor at 6 p.m.
The second event will feature Conference Dual Meets for both the South and North Divisions of the Great Lakes High School Fencing Conference on January 11. The first round starts at 9 a.m., with the final round scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Admission is free, and an equipment vendor will be present.