Inside of IM Sports-West, about 20 dedicated members of the MSU Fencing Club sat in three rows across the gym floor, stretching their arms toward the ceiling with one leg crossed over, remaining focused in the off-season.

The club's time and dedication showed on the metallic surface of its season-ending tournament.

Earlier this month, the club competed in the National Collegiate Club Fencing Championships in Gainesville, Fla., and placed fourth out of 22 teams.

"It's a great honor for our team," said Eric Romein, captain of the men's team. "I love the teamwork and excitement we have when we travel."

Romein, who placed third in an individual competition, added he was honored to win a medal for MSU.

Now some members of the club are preparing to battle this summer.

Along with her weapon, studio art junior Katherine Slee said mind games will be a key instrument when competing in the United States Fencing Association amateur circuit this July.

Fencers have one action, but it's important to pre-think the next move before an opponent strikes, she said. Slee described it as "physical chess."

The amateur circuit competition gives fencers who do not get to fence in college-level competition a chance to participate, and club fencers get a break from collegiate fencing.

With this summer's amateur circuit being held in Austin, Texas, social work senior Molly Buckman said she is full of positive energy.

"I brought my game up a notch this year and really turned it on," she said. "I beat fencers that I didn't think I would."

Buckman added the disadvantage of being coachless limits her chance to medal, but she hopes to be rated in the top 30 percent of more than 200 competitors.

After this season's success, Buckman said things look promising for next year.

"I am really excited to see a young team develop into real contenders," she said. "I expect them to medal next year if we keep up the hard practice schedule."

Outside of practicing and attending tournaments, Buckman said they are more like a family than a fencing club.

"So many of us are far away from home - Poland, England and Britain," she said. "It's like a whole support system."

But almost everyone in the club agrees that fencing is unique to other activities at MSU.

Communication sophomore Emilie Riester said fencing requires a mix of different skills, which makes it different from any other sport.

Buckman said all students on campus are welcome to join the club, including those with no fencing experience.

She also added joining the club in the summer is a good opportunity to pick up the sport because fewer people are around campus.

"It's hard work at first, but it's very rewarding," Buckman said. "Walk into practice, tell us you are interested, and we will teach you all the footwork."