Fencing is one of Notre Dame’s sports that doesn’t get nearly the amount of recognition it deserves. Notre Dame has one of the best fencing programs around. I had the pleasure of talking with one of Notre Dame’s finest fencers, Jonah Shainberg. He’s from Rye, New York, he’s a world class athlete, and he is also one of the classiest guys I know. Jonah has been fencing for a long time, so I definitely would not want to get in a sword fight with him! He’s a hero without a cape, so ladies watch out.
The Basics:
Year: Class of 2018
Major: Business (undecided)
Dorm: Keough
Political Affiliation: Kanye 2020
Fencing Fanatic:
How long have you been fencing and how did you get into it?
I started fencing when I was 8 years old after seeing Pirates of the Caribbean at my friend’s birthday party. I figured that being able to play with swords after school would be the coolest thing ever, and a great way to meet new friends. Turns out that I’ve met lots of great people, but I’m still not sure if playing with swords has made me cool.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
Definitely my mom. I have no idea how she was able to put up with my younger brother and I for 18 years while being a full time teacher. She somehow managed to make breakfast for us in the morning, pack our lunches, drive half an hour to school and spend six hours with a class full of wild 3rd graders, come home, drive me to practice, deal with me being annoying and cranky, make dinner, and repeat. Starting to think that her level of patience is unattainable and she is actually a superhero.
What’s it like fencing for Notre Dame?
We have a killer team here. I’m lucky to be surrounded by such great people every day and we truly are a family. Winning NCAAs is our mission year in and year out, and we work hard to ensure our millions of fans across the globe that it’s going to happen soon. If I could legally bet on our team, I would! (Don’t show this to the NCAA.)
What’s your favorite pump up song?
Easy: “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift. No doubt. It’s also my alarm every morning.
I know you have traveled internationally for fencing, so far, which destination has been your favorite?
Tel Aviv, Israel was awesome. Tashkent, Uzbekistan was not. Trust me- don’t ever go there.
Sabre Shenanigans:
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Incendiary, Loquacious, Fetch. My friend Kiera says that I’m like a golden retriever, so whatever that means.
What do you like to watch when you Netflix and chill?
Anything that has Ryan Gosling or Leonardo DiCaprio in it. God, they are perfect.
Who is your ND crush?
This is a tough one given the amount of beautiful ladies on this campus, but I have to go with the one and only Marilyn M. Keough, the namesake for my dorm. She’s a beaut.
Oh and also 3-time NCAA Champion Lee Kiefer. Absolute legend.
We all know ND athletes have a very distinct style, aka issued gear. What’s your favorite style to rock?
I know it’s fashion taboo, but I dig the socks and slides look. They help me walk extra-slowly in comfort and style while everyone around me is hustling to get to DeBart on time.
What are the training tables actually like?
Technically, what goes on at Training Tables, stays at Training Tables. However, since I like you guys, I can reveal a few secrets. We have endless baskets of fresh strawberries, mouth-watering steak, delicious snacks, live music, full-time masseuses, a tanning bed, and cute puppies.
Give me your best Yik Yak:
I didnt write this one, but I thought it was funny- “I know a lot of you don’t like Everett Golson, but he’s a really great guy. One time he saw me really struggling with the SDH waffle machine, so I asked him for help, and he turned it over.” Most of mine get voted down within seconds.
I have to ask…Are you single?
Newly single and ready to mingle. Hit me up… my dorm has A/C
I would definitely take him up on that offer!
Thanks so much Jonah!
XOXO HCND
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