A member of the Five Towns Fencing Club for five years, Dan Goldfeder didn’t let the absence of a fencing program at Lawrence stop him from competing at the high school level.
Goldfeder enjoyed a three-year career as an independent fencer and recently completed his second All-Long Island campaign with a record of 24-3. He finished ninth in foil at the Nassau County championships on Jan. 30.
“I started to realize my potential in fencing during my sophomore year,” said Goldfeder, who plans to continue with the sport if he attends Hunter College or St. John’s University. “Being left-handed is a huge advantage,” he added. “It’s rare, like a knuckleball pitcher. My game is based on defense and counter-attack.”
Goldfeder developed his skills under former U.S. Olympian Jonathan Tiomkin, a Hewlett High School graduate who owns and operates the Five Towns venue. “I couldn’t have a better coach,” Goldfeder said. “Jon has Olympic, World Cup and International experience. He’s demanding, but in a good way.”
Goldfeder posted 22 wins as a sophomore and 29 as a junior. He lost only 12 of 87 high school matches. This season, senior Zach Brandt also represented Lawrence as an independent fencer and went 18-9. He finished strong by placing third in the county tournament.
