About Us
Western University is a home for competitive fencers to strengthen their athletic potential. The team invites and welcomes all students with a variety of skills and backgrounds. We believe in a culture where every fencer deserves an opportunity to learn and grow as both an individual and an athlete.
Coaches
Carol Christie - Former Head Coach 2001-2024
FORMER HEAD COACH 2001-2024
Carol Christie
Carol Christie has been co-head coach of Western’s fencing team alongside Brad Winder since the 2001-02 season. After expressing concerns of serious mistreatment from athletics, Carol was fired April 29, 2024. Brad Winder is continuing as Co-Head Coach with Karen Laansoo who has nobly stepped up to help lead the team for the 2024-25 season.
Carol started fencing in 1965 with Hungarian Fencing Master and Olympian Lorande de Kaffka. In 1970 Carol joined the UWO varsity team and trained with Robert Foxcroft, a Londoner and Olympic sabre fencer who is honoured in the Hall of Fame.
While continuing coach certification, Carol has trained under numerous illustrious coaches throughout Canada. She has used her experiences to help develop both coaches and fencers. From1970 to 2024 she has served the Western University varsity fencing team as a varsity athlete, assistant coach, armourer, tournament organizer, and head coach.
Carol and Brad continue to run the Mustang Sword Club which was opened in 2007 and welcome fencers there. Carol is continuing her involvement with the team as an alumni, historian, and archivist.
Brad Winder - Head Coach
HEAD COACH
Brad Winder
Brad Winder first joined Western’s fencing team as a co-head coach in the 2001-02 season with his wife Carol Christie. Brad continues to be Co-Head Coach of the team with Karen Laansoo.
Brad, a native of Vancouver, B.C., has been coaching since 1977. He has been involved with multiple sports, foraying most often into coaching roles within fencing and football. This includes a 15-year stint with the University of Waterloo football team, where he has worked primarily as the special teams coach. He has also acted as assistant football coach at several high schools in London, Ontario and as the head coach of the London Falcons and the London Beefeaters football club, where he received the Gord Currie award as Coach of the Year in 2009.
Brad is branching out with referee certification for both fencing and football. He continues to coach at the Mustang Sword Club.