By Eric Lusk
Sports Editor
elusk@elkintribune.com

Elkin High has had a dominant fencing program since its creation seven years ago.

But the Buckin’ Elks had never enjoyed an undefeated varsity season. Until this year.

Elkin completed its perfect sweep over the weekend in Wilmington, defeating East Chapel Hill, Bishop McGuinness and Carlisle Prep (Va.) by identical scores of 5-1 in the final competition of the regular season.

The unbeaten campaign gives the Elks their sixth straight championship in the N.C. High School Fencing League.

Brett Pardue and captain Brian Rector led the way for Elkin. Both were undefeated in their matches. Steve Deck and Grant Justis provided strong support, coach Walter Triplette said.

“We have conditioned the other teams such that they expect to lose when they see a blue uniform on the other end of the strip,” Triplette said. “When we have them beaten that badly psychologically, the physical part is much easier.”

Rector and Leya Wood are the Elks’ two senior leaders. Both have been inspirational in their roles, coach Triplette said.

“These two kids come to practice ready to work,” Triplette said. “They are never giving less than 100 percent attention and effort in every workout, leading the team by example. We win because we practice harder and smarter than our opponents, and Wood and Rector see to that. In addition, we have outstanding parents that support the kids in every way.”

Elkin’s impressive performances weren’t limited to the top-level varsity fencers. Matthew Schumak went 7-0 in the B league over the weekend.

“The most surprising aspect is that he attends Elkin Elementary School but fences in the high school division because there is no interesting competition for him in his own age group,” Triplette said.

The Elkin coach praised his program’s “mom squad” for organizing a lot of the behind the scenes work. Judy Deck is the leader of the mom squad, he said. Elkin brought a contingent of 35 to the weekend compeition.

“Judy Deck ... organizes the trips, the parties, and the food,” Triplette said. “Due to her incredible dedication, the Elkin team had more fencers and parents at the Wilmington meet than the home team.”

Elkin fencers will compete in the individual high school championships at Morehead High in Eden on March 7. Brian Rector and Cameron Blackburn are among the favorites in the men’s division. Rector was second a year ago and Blackburn third.

Abby Triplette and Hannah Rector, Brian Rector’s sister, are among the top fencers in the women’s division, placing first and second respectively a year ago.