Mark Dolata
From his childhood days L. Mark Dolata was always fascinated with Sabre Fencing. The first day that his dad took him to watch European Sabre Championships in his native Poznan (Poland) remains in his memory to this day. The speed of action, the agility of competitors and fencing mystique left lasting marks on his character which after years, helped him to immerse into his dream sport.
Mark took Sabre into his hands about 16 years ago and after an initial warm up period, he went to fence among seniors and veterans at the local, regional and national competitions. While helping his son Phil to climb through the ranks of the US Sabre Fencing elite, he began earning medals at various events and found his name on the veteran’s National Ranking List. In his medal collection one can find National, Regional and Empire State Games awards.
In April 2005, Mark decided to found a Sabre Fencing school which would operate upon the basic premise of “Fencing for All” and bring the sport of fencing to the local community. Thus, the Capital District Fencing School (CDFS) was established in Schenectady, NY. A year later, Foil and Epee classes were added to the school’s program and CDFS became the only “all weapons” fencing facility active year around. In 2006 and 2007 Mark organized Regional Youth Circuit competitions that attracted 240 and 260 young fencers respectively, from fencing clubs as far as Georgia and the Carolinas. These events, held in Schenectady High School, helped to raise the local awareness about this Olympic sport and attracted many local youth to competitive fencing. Every year, CDFS runs a number of local, club level competitions to help local fencers stay in competitive shape.
Over the last few years Mark helped several young fencers to achieve Regional, and some, a National, recognition.
Mark is still working full time in the field of environmental engineering, but upon retirement he wants to focus his energy on further expansion of fencing activities in the Capital District Region.
