Pulak Raj ’16, an exuberant sportsman, has been a member of the Ridge Fencing Team for three years and now plays on the varsity team.  Last year, the boys fencing team had a very successful year. The team managed not only to win their conference but also to win districts and to place 2^nd in the state. While fencing as a sophomore, Pulak competed in the state finals. When asked to share the details of his sports career, he graciously agreed.

Sarah John (Reporter for The Devil’s Advocate): When did you start fencing? And how did you know this was the sport for you?

Pulak Raj: I first started fencing when I heard a couple of my friends were fencing. Fencing sounded like a pretty cool sport right from the beginning and the more I fence, the more I enjoy it.

SJ: How much time do you spending practicing a week?

PR: During offseason, I spend about 6 hours a week but when the school season starts, that jumps to around 13 hours a week.

SJ: Who is your hero or idol [in this sport]? And why do they inspire you?

PR: My hero would probably have to be my coach, Yeisser Ramirez. He told me that when he was around my age, he was one of the worst people in his fencing class. He then started practicing every day, nonstop, and today he has ended up winning many national titles.

SJ: What is an aspect that is unique to fencing as a sport?

PR: It’s probably going to have to be how it is a physical chess type of game. Not only do I have to use physical strength but you have to think of plans to attack the opponent and be able to quickly react.

SJ: When are you the most nervous when playing a game?

PR: I’m most nervous when I am versing someone from my own club or school. I don’t really want to lose but I don’t really want the other person to lose either so it always becomes a nerve-racking match.

SJ: Do you have any pre-game rituals you follow?

PR: I usually just listen to music and warm-up.

SJ: How do you balance playing a sport, and school work? Do you have to make any sacrifices?

PR: Balancing fencing and school is definitely very difficult. Sometimes I have to sacrifice some study time for practice or sometimes I just can’t go to practice because I have a really big test the next day.

SJ: What is your favorite part about playing on the school team?

PR: My favorite part is the team aspect. Outside of the school, fencing is an individual sport. You go to all of your competitions alone and if you win or lose, it is only you that is winning or losing. On the school team, if you win, your entire team wins and my teammates are always very encouraging.

SJ: What has been one of your greatest disappointments as an athlete?

PR: My greatest disappointment was probably when we took second at states last year. Our team was undefeated until the finals where we just couldn’t pull through and defeat the reigning champion, Columbia. We are looking forward to beating Columbia this year.

SJ: What would you consider your biggest success to be during your time fencing?

PR: Although we came in second place in states last year, last year was our most successful year. We won our district and our conference. Our team is even better this year and we can probably win everything this year.

SJ: What other sports are you interested in besides fencing?

PR: I like playing basketball and football with my friends, outside of school.

SJ: Do you see yourself continuing fence in the future?

PR: I definitely want to fence in college and wouldn’t mind fencing even after college. It’s a great sport and great exercise.

SJ: What advice do you have for other athletes?

PR: Even if you are winning, there is always room for improvement. Never stop trying to improving your game.

Support Ridge Fencing and Pulak this fencing season as they strive to achieve the same success as they did last year!