En garde

Audrey Toffelmire (pictured), 6, prepares for her fencing class at Alliance Fencing Academy. The Smith Academy first grader began fencing about a year ago, after waiting patiently on the sidelines and watching her older sister, Amelia, fence. Now Audrey gets to join the fun. She is in the Youth 8 division, with other children ages 5-8. Audrey is learning the en garde position, salute and other basics with plastic blades that allow young fencers to master moves without the weight of a metal blade. The Youth 8 division practices twice each week to prepare for monthly local competitions within the club. Once Audrey turns 8, she can begin competing outside the club at local, regional and maybe even national competitions.

Editor’s note: Send your best high-resolution photos and behind-the-scenes stories about young local athletes, in both team and individual sports, to SportzBuzz, Jr. at [email protected]. Include all contact info, names, ages, grades and schools. Featured athletes must live in Buzz-circulation neighborhoods. Items will be published on a space-available basis.