
OUR COACHES
GENE GETTLER
Gene earned his certification as a Fencing Master in 1977 from the American Fencing Academy at Cornell University, and founded the Atlanta Fencers' Club that same year. Many of his students have become regional and national finalists and champions, including one pupil who made two US Olympic Teams. Also an accomplished fencer, Gene was a bronze medalist in foil in the 1998 Div. II Nationals, has been US Masters Champion twice, Southeast Section Foil Champion twice, and twice has been the Southeast Section Epee Champion. Gene is also a faculty member teaching fencing at Emory University and Head Coach of the Centennial High School Fencing Team. Gene is also dedicated to the training and certification of Fencing Coaches. Gene is former SE Vice-President for the United States Fencing Coaches Association. Wishing to help the growth of Fencing in Georgia, Gene has served as an officer of the Georgia Division of USA Fencing for over 30 years.
BILL LANIER
Foil Coach
Bill Lanier is an assistant coach at the Atlanta Fencer's Club and a professional fencing referee for USA Fencing. He has been fencing for 18 years, having begun at age 50 for his health (lost 40 pounds!), and staying with it for fun.
LAURA GETTLER
Coach
Instructor in Foil, Laura has been fencing for 35 years. Among her competitive accomplishments, Laura is a past Southeast Section Champion, and several times National Finalist in Veteran’s Foil. Laura assists with the Beginners Youth and Adult classes, and is particularly liked for her patience and sensitivity. Gene and Laura have been married for 35 years.