In a clandestine corner of Murray State’s campus, anonymous, masked people with body armour can be found fighting tooth and nail with three-foot swords, valiantly defending the University’s honor. Not all are fit for this kind of combat – in fact, only the bravest, boldest, most honorable warriors can manage making the treacherous journey to … Wait. Carr Health Hall?

It’s actually the fencing club – the only student organization in which you can stab people for fun – and for free.

Murray State’s fencing club’s self-sufficiency and determination has kept the club spirit alive for over four decades. With multiple tournaments every year against nationally-ranked competitors, the team is hard at work every week creating a balanced community that prioritizes personal growth, teamwork and of course, sword-fighting sweetness.

McKenna Ice, junior pre-veterinary medicine major and fencing club president, began her fencing journey on a whim. After seeing the opportunity for exploration and camaraderie in the practice room, she was hooked. Throughout her four active semesters, Ice has become the cornerstone of the team. With the help of the rest of the leadership team, she organizes tournament sign-ups, leads club meetings and is a mentor for all who come through the fencing room’s doors.

Aspiring masters of the sword come from far and wide to study this intricate art. Though the team frequents campus recruitment events, many are drawn in simply by live action combat.

“I was taking a tour to see the campus and out on the lawn I saw two people attacking each other with swords, which, at the time, was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen,” said freshman physics engineering major Harper Horton.

Although many current club members came on their own accord after seeing the club tabling on campus or locating it on the list of Murray State’s student organizations, others were recruited by one, cherished member of the club.

While modest, Corey Crick, a sophomore electrical engineering major, is the glue that bonds newcomers to the regular club attendees, creating a cohesive connection between first-timers and old-timers. He is both quick-witted and agile-footed, rounding up talent from the deep corners of campus and teaching them the swift ways of the sword.

Despite the inevitable aggression and competitive nature of the sport, this club is set apart by their sibling-like companionship and colorful affinity for collaboration. It is a safe haven for all who are searching for a somewhat outlandish, invigoratingly enriching hobby with arguably practical applications. Stephen Sersaw, a sophomore criminal justice major, describes the club best:

“You can stab people for free and for fun,” Sersaw said.