History of Fencing in Shreveport

Mrs. Ascension Smith, founder and principal at Caddo Magnet High School introduced fencing at the school's beginning and recruited Sharron Settlemire as instructor. They promoted fencing across our parish for over 20 years, but fencing was confined to school hours. Serious fencers had no place to train after school and during school holidays - a time, which if you are a student at Magnet, is critical to exploit because of the academic demand during normal school sessions.

In the early part of 2001, Scott Harkey became concerned for the lack of a training facility for serious fencers, one of which was his own son, Jack. He considered many options including borrowing space from civic group club meeting rooms, even a modified small building behind his business, Bearing Service & Supply. None were acceptable.

In spring of 2001, Scott and Terry Harkey agreed it was time to find an appropriate building to accommodate the needs of fencers and to house the growing Sword Masters fencing supply business. In July, 2001, they purchased 447 N. Market Street, formerly American Bank.

Using the Calvary Baptist Church aerobics room, Jack began giving lessons in early summer of 2001. When the floor of Sword Sports was complete, lessons continued there. The building was the site for the first Louisiana State High School Championships in May 2002. The resident competitive club at that time was Shreveport Fencing Club.

Scott and Terry have a vision for fencing in Shreveport that includes taking athletes of every age and ability to the level of fencing to which they are capable of achieving. Long range plans include wheelchair fencing and toward that goal the club was built completely wheel chair accessible.

As long time investors in our town and its young people, the Harkeys hope is you will join them in this vision for fencing in Shreveport.