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Athlete of the Week: Ayo GriffinBy Aaron Zamost One would think a Bar Mitzvah in Israel would be atop the list of the year's great moments in the life of Ayo Griffin, SM '00. Perhaps this would be followed closely by a recent appearance in American Fencing Magazine, or a vacation in Italy, and maybe the journeys to both France and Budapest. Yet, a quick excursion to mundane South Bend, Ind. proved more rewarding for Griffin than any other recent accomplishment. On Sun., Mar. 22, while most of America watched Kentucky mount a miraculous comeback en route to the Final Four, Griffin overcame a late deficit against Pennsylvania's Yaron Roth to win the 1998 NCAA Foil Championships."The experience was more unreal than surreal," Griffin said. "Winning the championship has always been a dream of mine, but I wasn't quite sure that it really could be done." Of the 24 national competitors, only four would survive early round-robin competition and proceed to the semifinals. Having finished 19-4, Griffin entered the round of four seeded third, and in a tough match against Columbia's Dan Kellner, overcame an 10-11 disadvantage to win 15-12. "I had a lot of confidence heading into the final match," Griffin said. "But I knew that I'd have to fence a calculated bout and keep my opponent constantly guessing." But the final match began with Griffin doing most of the guesswork, as he doubted both his own strategies and a few questionable calls by referees. "There was a poor call in the middle of the bout that gave Roth a point for a controversial touch. But I maintained my composure, fought at a tighter distance, and I was able to finally take the lead." Fencing mostly from a quick defensive position, Griffin hit his mark, and the match ended 15-13. "I was truly floored by the victory," he said. "Winning the NCAAs takes a long time to sink in."
But winning doesn't come without sacrifice. An English major, Griffin has spent most of his time occupied with training, travel, and competition, which leaves little time for schoolwork or procrastination. "Practice and competition have taken a lot of my energy," he added. "I haven't had much time to go out, see movies, or just goof off." He admits that he hasn't followed much of the other NCAA tournament. "I've had enough trouble with the Knicks and the Rangers." Griffin is the first Yale fencer ever to win an NCAA championship, and he will soon compete in the Junior World Championships, to be held in Venezuela. And although he is cautious in setting goals, Griffin is already looking towards the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. "I don't want to get ahead of myself," he said. "But I intend to do everything I can to make it a possibility." Should Griffin make it to Sydney, you can be sure the currently basketball-engrossed nation will recognize his talent. --Aaron Zamost
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