Nothing foils this artistic fencer

When an athlete combines physical activity with mental acuity in sport it usually creates an artistry that illustrates the best that athletic endeavor has to offer.

For 12-year old Hewlett Harbor resident Sam Moelis fencing has become his canvas and the seventh-grader who attends Lynbrook South Middle School is currently ranked No. 1 on the East Coast and No. 2 in the nation in his division for foil. Foil is one of the three types of swords used in competition; épée and sabre are the other two.

Moelis is considered an artist by no less his coach Jonathan Tiomkin, who fenced at Hewlett High School, won the bronze medal in foil for St. John’s University in 1999 and was a member of the 2004 Olympic team.

“Sam’s particular style is not to be a bulldog, but more like an artist,” said Tiomkin, who added that Moelis is a “very hard worker and very creative person.”

Larry Moelis, Sam’s father, recounted a story from the September Rochester competition, when ne noticed that Tiomkin was overwhelmed by Moelis’ prowess. “He described it as if Sam was on a checkerboard and instead of being in the boxes he was walking on the lines,” said the elder Moelis about how fast his son scored points against his opponents.

Introduced to the sport at 8-years old, when Tiomkin of the Five Towns Fencers Club gave lessons at Congregation Beth Emeth. “I loved it,” Moelis said. “It is like a fun game, where everyone is very tactical and you have to know what to do at the right moment.”

Moelis thinks one of the key reasons he became so good is that unlike most fencers who take up the sport and take lessons, then compete, he only took lessons for his first year before competing.

“I was very emotional and I learned that mistakes are the key to getting better,” said Moelis, who noted he does very well in school, especially math. “You lose touches to gain touches, it is not always about getting stronger and winning is just part of it.”

In competing against and defeating regional and national fencers, Moelis is in different environment than the typical 12-year old who is playing Little League baseball.

“When you do these individual sports like gymnastics and fencing you are quickly launched into the national arena,” said Larry Moelis, who has coached Little League. “There is six-thousand people out there and it’s nothing like you have ever seen.”

Practicing three days a week and keeping up with his schoolwork, Moelis is surrounded by family from his dad, mother Sharon and sisters Ryann, a Lynbrook High School tennis player, his twin Eve, an artist who painted the murals at the fencing club and younger bother Nate, who Moelis calls his “wingman” and helps carry equipment.

With two upcoming competitions next month, Moelis looks to continue his growth as a fencer and add to his portfolio. “Winning is one of the best feelings,” he said. “You rip off your mask and yell, the adrenaline rushes, it’s just amazing.” And artistic.