About our Coaches
Coaches: Ron Hendricks, Kenny Nopens, Martin Gravis, and Scott Whitesides
Over our 45-plus-year history of Wasatch Fencing, we have had the privilege of coaching thousands of kids and hundreds of adults in fencing. We strive to provide a healthy environment where all our members can develop respect for each other while learning the dedication it takes to improve as competitive fencers. We hope this experience plays a small part in helping our members lead healthier, happier, and more productive lives.
Oh, yes, we aren’t bad at teaching and coaching fencing either, with our share of fencers achieving local, regional, national, and international top finishes, along with going on to fence with major NCAA fencing programs, including Duke University, Princeton University, Sanford University, Drew University, Notre Dame University, the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Naval Academy, Dartmouth University, MIT, and the University of California San Diego.
| Kenny Nopens – Head Coach.
Kenny began fencing while a student at Central Washington University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He was looking for ways to improve his fencing skills and understanding, so he attended Coaches College in Colorado Springs at the Olympic Training Center. After a few sessions, he focused on learning about the sport and how to help others. After moving to Utah in 2002, he continued fencing and teaching at local clubs and community centers. Three of Kenny’s fencers have competed with World Championship teams, with Dylan Nollner finishing 10th in the world in 2012 and Tatijana Stewart taking the silver individual and gold team medal in 2016. Kenny is proud of the students he has coached and the adults they have become. Ron Hendricks – Head Coach, Founder
In 1983, Ron established Wasatch Fencing, which has produced numerous local, regional, national, and international fencers over its 37+ year history. His wife, Sheree Josephson, points out that it is less about fencing with Ron and more about helping kids develop respect for others, a strong work ethic, self-esteem, and a healthy attitude toward life. Scott Whitesides – Assistant Coach Many, many years ago, Ron taught Scott how to fence. His daughters followed in his path, training and becoming accomplished fencers at Wasatch Fencing. Scott has volunteered his time and developed his coaching skills. We are grateful to have him help out with instruction and coaching at our club. Scott also continues to compete in local and national veteran events. |
It wasn’t until his mother made him sign up for “one more” credit as a freshman at Utah State University that Ron was introduced to fencing. After the first class, Ron joined the fencing club and has been passionate about the sport ever since. That summer, Ron fenced under the tutelage of Master Mel North in Denver, Colorado, where he gained a solid understanding of the sport’s foundational strategies and tactics. By his junior year, Ron had taught all of USU’s fencing classes and had taken over the coaching responsibilities for USU’s club.