Coaches
Tony Laurene
[Founder / Head Coach]
Tony Laurene began his fencing journey in 2001 with the Bowling Green State University Fencing Club (BGFC). He quickly made his mark, serving as captain of the BGFC Collegiate Team from 2003 to 2004 and competing at the NCAA level. After college, Tony returned to the Wadsworth area, continuing his passion for the sport with the Kent State University Fencing Club.
In 2005, Tony faced a significant challenge when a spinal injury sidelined him from fencing and other sports for nearly two years. Through hard work and minor surgery, he made his return to the sport, relocating back to Bowling Green, Ohio. In 2007, he became an assistant coach with the Toledo Blades Fencing Club, where he focused on teaching high school students. Simultaneously, he served as the club advisor and coach for the BGSU Fencing Team, nurturing the next generation of fencers.
In 2009, Tony moved back to Wadsworth and founded the Wadsworth Fencing Club, which started with just two members. Over the years, the club has flourished, now accommodating 20-25 students per session with a dedicated team of five coaches to guide them in form and footwork. In 2014, nearly a decade after his spinal injury, Tony celebrated a remarkable achievement by securing 1st place at the DIV II NOD regional qualifier. That same year, he renewed his DIV I status for the fifth time. With a growing family—two wonderful boys and a supportive wife—Tony decided to step away from competition to focus on coaching and spending time with his family. His last major tournament was the 2013 DIV I North American Cup (NAC).
By 2024, the Wadsworth Fencing Club had transformed significantly from its humble beginnings. With a new location and a fresh vision, the club officially rebranded as Clashing Steel Fencing, reflecting its growth and the vibrant community it has become.
| Experience | |
| BGSU Fencing Club (BGFC) | 2001 - 2009 |
| BGFC Team (NCAA) | 2003 - 2004 |
| Toledo Blades Asst. Coach | 2007 - 2009 |
| Highest Ratings Achieved | |
| Foil Rating | C2015 |
| Epee Rating | D2013 |
Evan Littlejohn
[Coach - Foil]
Evan Littlejohn began his fencing journey in February 2010 and quickly became an integral part of the Clashing Steel Fencing community, where he spent five years as a dedicated student before transitioning into a coaching role. As the second member to join the Wadsworth Fencing Club, Evan has actively competed in numerous tournaments, earning ratings in both foil and epee through his commitment and skill.
As a coach, Evan particularly enjoys working with students, developing fun and interactive games and lessons that make learning fencing concepts engaging and accessible. His enthusiasm for the sport and ability to create a positive learning environment have made him a favorite among his students, helping them build confidence and passion for fencing.
| Highest Ratings Achieved | |
| Foil Rating | E2016 |
| Epee Rating | E2016 |
[Coach - Foil]
David's journey in fencing began in 2014 when he joined the Wadsworth Fencing Club, quickly developing a passion for the sport that would shape his future. He founded the Zips Fencing Club at the University of Akron in 2016, creating a vibrant community for aspiring fencers. David has established himself as a fierce competitor, recently participating in the 2024 DIV II U.S. Summer Nationals, showcasing his dedication to the sport.
Beyond coaching, David is actively involved with local fencing clubs, including the Cleveland Fencing Academy, Two Ravens Fencing, and Cyrano's Place. His commitment to teaching goes hand-in-hand with his competitive spirit, as he enjoys sharing his expertise and inspiring students of all levels. David believes that fencing is about building connections and empowering athletes to reach their full potential, making him a valued mentor in the fencing community.
| Highest Ratings Achieved | |
| Foil Rating | E2024 |
Josh Shivak
[Coach - Foil]
During his college years, Josh took up fencing primarily for course credits, viewing it as a fun way to engage with the sport and enjoy the thrill of sparring with swords. Although life circumstances led him to pause his fencing journey for nearly two decades, his wife noticed he was spending more time at home than she preferred. To encourage him to pursue his interests, she discovered a local fencing club and insisted he dedicate some of his time there instead of lingering around the house.
In 2021, Josh reignited his passion for fencing at the Wadsworth Fencing Club, much to the delight of his wife, who has since been much happier. His enthusiasm for the sport has not only benefited his home life but also positively impacted the club, where he was welcomed as a coach. The environment has proven to be rewarding for him, as he enjoys engaging with new members, who enthusiastically return to class, eager to experience the joy of fencing once again.
Dan O'Connell
[Coach - Foil]
Dan and his son began fencing with Clashing Steel Fencing in 2022. Prior to taking up the sport Dan has been a lifelong athlete in other sports such as wrestling, archery and more. Dan joined as a coach at Clashing Steel Fencing in 2024 assisting with our growing youth program.
Dan primarily works with Josh to help provide instruction to our youth fencers. Dan's extensive experience as an athlete in other sports has allowed him to pick up the sport of fencing quickly. Dan is a great communicator and is extremely insightful. He is a great addition to the coaching staff.
Joel Bosler-Kilmer
[Coach - Foil]
Joel began fencing in 1997 at Salle Du Lion Fencing Center in Cincinnati. Lloyd Howell and Duane Orlemann were wonderful teachers. Many tournaments later he would achieve a D rating in foil and an E rating in saber. A move to Cleveland in 2001brought about a great change in fencing. An interest in modern sport pentathlon caused him to seek out fencing master Bill Reith of Alcazar fencing. Bill brought about a focus on epee and the opportunity to begin coaching. Many more tournaments and Joel would achieve a B rating in epee. Bill managed the Cleveland Municipal School Districts fencing program and asked Joel to coach at John F Kennedy High School and Fuchs Mizrachi School. Joel also took over coaching at the Cleveland Fencing Club which was out of the JFK Rec center. In 2008 Joel moved home to Wooster. He started coaching the fencing club at The College of Wooster and helped Tony in the early days of the Wadsworth Fencing Club. He is happy to be back fencing and coaching at Clashing Steel Fencing.
| Experience | |
| Coach - CLE Schools | 2001 - 2004 |
| Coach - Cleveland Fencer's Club | 2001 - 2004 |
| Coach - College of Wooster | 2008 - 2020 |
| Coach - Wadsworth Fencing Club | 2012 - 2016 |
| Highest Ratings Achieved | |
| Epee Rating | B2007 |
| Foil Rating | D2006 |
| Saber Rating | E2008 |