GREENSBORO, N.C. — Football, basketball, and soccer are some of the common sports high school athletes play, but there's a unique sport Page High School has to offer.
"Really, you’re going out there to stab somebody like boxing; it's safe," Randall Hinds said.
Hinds is the fencing coach for the Pirates.
Yes, fencing; like the fencing you've probably only watched during the summer Olympics.
Odds are it's not a sport many grew up around. Page sophomore Liam Fiddler didn't pick up fencing until middle school, when his friend told him about it.
"It's competitive, which is neat,” Fiddler said.
The Pirates have a fencing team all thanks to Hinds. He owns Greensboro Fencing Academy and coaches Page on the side.
"It’s something to test your skill rather than hurt somebody," Hinds said.
In mid-February, the Pirates went to the State Championship in Chapel Hill.
"I was a sub," Fiddler said. "There were better fencers on the team."
The Men's Foil team made it to the end. The only team standing in the way of it and a state title - Chapel Hill High School.
"We have two brothers on the team, and the older brother said, 'I don’t think I’ll be able to take this next guy,' so he subbed in his brother," Hinds said.
Fiddler said he was only trying to take notes. Little did he know, he would come in during a time the team needed him most. Page was down.
"I guess I’ll give it a shot," Fiddler said.
Chapel Hill only needed one more point to win the whole thing. Fiddler didn't let that happen.
"Liam Fiddler just pulled it out and was able to come back from a 4-2 deficit, made up three points, and really brought it home for us," Hinds said.
The Pirates Men's Foil team won the state title. The Eppe Mixed team won third place. The Women's Foil also took third place.
Now, the teams prepare for the individual championship.
"Maybe we’ll bring home the championship for individuals as well," Hinds said. "I’m hopeful."
The fencing individual championship takes place in Greensboro on Saturday, Feb. 26, starting at 10:30 a.m.
The event will be at Barber Park.