Jan. 22, 2010

Irish fencer Zach Schirtz has played a major role with the men’s foil team since his arrival on campus. In 2008, the Rochester, N.Y. native was third team All-American and finished 11th at the NCAA Championships. He has been fencing since he was nine-years old and has traveled around the world to compete. This year, he will lead the team as one of its captains. Schirtz recently sat down with UND.com to tell us a little more about himself.

1. What is it you love about fencing?
I would have to say the traveling has been incredible. Being involved in fencing at a high level has allowed me to travel not only around the country but around the world as well.

2. What is different about being an athlete at the college level?
Since college athletics are so popular and widely viewed, I think the major difference is the publicity and the media involvement. It is important for many athletes to remember that younger kids everywhere are looking up to them. It is our job as college athletes to make smart, healthy decisions that reflect the universities we represent in a positive manner.

3. Where do you most like to eat on campus?
Decio Café and its Italian Panini on Tuesdays!

4. When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Sports Agent

5. Other than fencing, what is your favorite sport to watch?
College football

6. How does it feel to represent Notre Dame?
It feels awesome in my opinion. It has always been a dream of mine to attend Notre Dame. Being able to throw on a Notre Dame Letterman jacket and represent Notre Dame is an opportunity I feel blessed to have, and it is one that I would not trade for anything.

7. What is your biggest goal for yourself within your sport?
To be an active contributor in helping my team win the NCAA Championship.

8. What’s the biggest difference between South Bend and home?
Definitely not the weather. I’m from Rochester, N.Y. and the weather there is just as bad. I would say the main difference is the people. People from Indiana are very friendly and relaxed. The New York lifestyle has a much faster pace and everyone is always in a hurry.

9. How do you mentally prepare yourself for fencing?
Before I fence, I listen to music to get pumped up and to get focused. I like to create a little anger in order to keep my intensity high and energy levels up. I usually try to get myself psyched up, like I’m going into a fight.

10. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Well I am a marketing major in the Mendoza College of Business, so hopefully I will have started my career in the business world and will have gone back to graduate school and received my MBA. I hope to be living in the Midwest somewhere.

11. Is college how you thought it would be?
It’s been everything I thought it would be and more. I feel like I have accomplished a lot both in the classroom and on the fencing strip. I couldn’t have asked for anything better thus far.

12. So far, what is your best memory of Notre Dame?
Fencing for Notre Dame in the NCAA Championships

13. Is there something you’ve always wishd you had tried but never have?
Playing high school football

14. What made you decide to come to Notre Dame?
It wasn’t just one thing. Between the excellent academics and athletics, I felt the decision was pretty easy. In addition, I had been to Notre Dame many times for football games prior to starting college and really felt like this was the right place. I felt comfortable every time I visited the campus.

15. Are you looking forward to being a senior on the team next year?
I am very excited to be a senior. We only have a few seniors this year, so next year we will have pretty much the entire team back. We have a very strong team and I think there will be a lot in store for us next season.

16. What’s a class you really want to take while you’re here?
Ceramics. I don’t have much artistic ability but it looks like a lot of fun and I’m always up for a new challenge.

17. Did you play any other sports when you were younger?
When I was younger, I played basketball and baseball.

18. What has been your greatest accomplishment as a fencer?
Being an All-American as a freshman felt really sweet.

19. How do you like to unwind?
The best way for me to unwind is to just go to sleep, but I enjoy watching movies in my dorm room.

20. What are you looking forward to this year?
I am looking forward to the fencing season and traveling with the team. College fencing is very exciting and the whole season is extremely intense. We have a very good team this season. I am pumped to be a captain this year and to help lead our team in the hunt for a national title.

— ND —