Ohio State Fencer Matthew Hayes takes his final bow

Matthew Hayes dons a fighting stance. Credit: Courtesy of Mathew Hayes.

By Chantal Brown

His stomach in knots and his feet traveling faster than a lightning bolt, Matthew Hayes sped around and scanned the crowd, but he wasn’t running track —  as an eighth grader, Hayes, a fencer, was frantically trying to find his competition strip when he attended a high school national championship at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. 

Years later, Hayes will take his final bow, with plenty of personal success under his belt, as well as the urge to pay it forward.

Hayes, a fourth-year in psychology and Ohio State fencing sabreist, said in 2011, he participated in Jack and Jill, a program that helps African American mothers introduce their children to social, cultural and community service opportunities. 

When Hayes was in middle school, one of the instructors introduced him to a local fencing club in Columbus and later, his future.

“His sister was wearing him out,” Ohio State head fencing coach Donald Anthony Jr. said. He recalled the first time he met Hayes, three years before becoming head coach at the university. 

Anthony Jr. said he was just one of many instructors who fenced with Hayes one-on-one while he was in high school. He even suggested that Hayes attend Ohio State.

“Right now, he’s fencing the best he’s ever fenced. It’s really nice to see him as a senior on top of his game,” Anthony Jr. said. “He’s been working really hard to get there, and it’s nice to see him finally get the results.”

Some high points in his career at Ohio State include finishing top 20 in the Midwest Fencing Conference championships three times, as well as being selected as an Ohio State Scholar-Athlete three times. 

Hayes said he realized the importance of being just as competitive in classes as he is during a duel. He primarily attributed his capability to frequent naps and time management strategies. He even chalked up some of his success to technology.

“Apple Maps has been my best friend throughout the whole entire four years, so I just always have everything scheduled, so it just pops up on my screen and when I need to do it,” Hayes said.

In light of all of the accomplishments, Hayes does not leave one T uncrossed or opponent untouched.

“I tend to still overthink, but it’s much better that I can make quicker decisions now when it comes to being on the strip (playing area). That’s been my biggest pet peeve, or my Achilles’ heel,” Hayes said.

Hayes said he learned from his peers and mentors to not focus on winning or losing in a bout, but instead to take things one touch at a time.

“In reality, especially with fencing, it's really important to focus on certain touches that you want to work on, so then it will translate better once you get to those bigger situations, like in the tournament,” Hayes said.

Hayes doesn’t plan to go for an Olympic title. Instead, he said he wants to keep fencing recreationally, including volunteering demonstrations for children — bringing everything full circle.

Although Ohio State and the fencing program molded him into the man he is, he plans to  pursue a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. As he prepares to get a fresh start outside of Ohio, he said he hopes current and future fencers will know how to take a touch.

“When it comes to winning or losing just with — especially in practice, don't focus too much on that — just focus on certain things you want to work on and you'll have the best chance of improving in the sport,” Hayes said.

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