Montclair High's Epee Squad Wins State Championship, Earns Honors

From Essex Board of Chosen Freeholders: During a special presentation held at the Caldwell Town Hall in Caldwell, New Jersey, on June 21, 2017, the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders honored The Montclair High School Epee Squad for winning the NJSIAA New Jersey Epee Squad State Championship in 2016 and 2017.

Freeholder At-Large Patricia Sebold, District 5 Freeholder Cynthia D. Toro, and Freeholder At-Large and Vice President of the Board Brendan W. Gill sponsored the Commendation in celebration of the team’s win and ending two consecutive seasons (2016 and 2017), with championship titles. Coaches Ed Chang and Shakil Uddin accepted the Board’s Commendation on behalf of the squad. Coach Chang shared how proud he was of the girls’ dedication and how much he looks forward to another championship win.

In the state tournament competition, the Montclair High School Girls Epee Squad compiled a combined score of (44-7), to secure a second straight state championship title at North Hunterdon High School on February 25, 2017. The squad also earned a combined score of (19-5), to secure a second straight district championship title during the District 5 Championship Tournament held at Montclair High School on January 29, 2017.

The Squad finished its outstanding 2016-2017 season with a stellar undefeated dual-meet record of (9-0), achieved by its members’ combined record of (67-14). The team members were further recognized through honors bestowed upon several individual players, including: Junior Amina Troupe NJSIAA All-State 1st Team, Super Essex All-Conference 1st Team, and NJ.com All-State 1st Team; and Senior Rachel Paroff NJSIAA All-State 2nd Team, Super Essex All-Conference 2nd Team, and NJ.com All- State 2nd Team.

Montclair’s Epee Squad is comprised of the following members: Seniors: Lucy Aley, Aly Greengrass, Zahra Morgan, and Rachel Paroff; and Juniors: Georgia Garrison and Amina Troupe. The squad was led to victory by Head Coaches Julie Carlsen and Ed Chang and Assistant Coaches Dan DiFillippo and Shakil Uddin and received administrative support from Superintendent Barbara Pinsak, Principal James N. Earle, and Vice Principal for Athletics and Student Activities Jeffrey Gannon.

Image Courtesy of Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders