CHS HAS STATE FENCING COACH OF THE YEAR

Star-Ledger reports:

Ibtihaj Muhammad of Columbia High is The Star-Ledger's girls fencing state Coach of the Year for 2011-12

 

When Ibtihaj Muhammad decided to return to Columbia High to coach, her goal was simple -- to help her team earn the respect due a champion.

Earning the respect of her fencers has never been a problem for Muhammad, who fenced for Columbia from 1999-2003 as part of three state championship teams and knew what it took for a team to succeed.
After fencing for Duke University, Muhammad returned to Columbia in 2009 to coach, bringing her credentials as an Olympic hopeful in sabre — she is currently ranked No. 3 in the USA Fencing rankings and is a member of the U.S. national senior team.

Muhammad, who has a deep knowledge of the sport, is a tireless worker and a fierce competitor. That's why she was able to win over her fencers so quickly and gain the respect of her fiercest coaching rivals like Gov. Livingston's Vince Paragano.