Zivkovic Stresses Perfection, New Technique, and Team Unity

Branimar "Ben" Zivkovic is the head (and only) coach of the Harvard and Radcliffe fencing teams. In his first year as coach, Zivkovic has offered Harvard fencing a new program and a new outlook.

"Zivkovic treats each one of us equally and fairly," a member of the Crimson fencing team says. "As a coach and a person he is very receptive, very encouraging, and teaches us an incredible amount," he adds.

Zivkovic, a Yugoslavian native, is a hard worker who is perpetually enthusiastic about fencing. His impact on the sport has been recognized throughout the world, and his effect on Harvard fencers has already been beneficial.

Zivkovic started manufacturing fencing equipment three years ago. "There's always room for improvement in the equipment for any sport," he says. One of Zivkovic's innovations has been a dueling strip which was used as the official strip of the 1976 Olympics in Montreal.

He has manufactured other articles which are used throughout the fencing world. "Myself and a number of colleagues are continually searching for improvements," he savs.

The team members and Zivkovic have developed a strong sense of team unity. Zivkovic has bolstered this feeling by introducing post-match meetings in which the entire squad participates.

"After each contest we discuss the match weapon by weapon. I offer my observations and criticisms to each fencer and then the rest of the team does the same," Zivkovic says. "This is a learning process. There are no hard feelings," he adds.

During practice Zivkovic gives individual lessons. Ideally, each team member would receive two lessons a week. There are 36 fencers on the two teams, however, and one team member says the coach sometimes "spreads himself thin."

"For me coaching is like being a psychiatrist for each person on the team," Zivkovic says. "I have to know each fencer completely, mentally and physically. Our practices, lessons, and matches are like group therapy. I must see what I have and what I can develop in the individual and in the team."

Inter-squad bouts and round robin tournaments are also a part of the practice sessions. The electrical equipment used for scoring in competetive matches is used in these practice bouts and in lessons. This is a new method of training at Harvard and in collegiate fencing.

"We are the only school in the country that fully uses electrical equipment for practices and lessons. We are utilizing the appropriate equipment, everything we have at our disposal. This is the way it must be. You can't play basketball with a volleyball," Zivkovic says.

Until this year the fencing team members were encouraged to purchase their own equipment in order to preserve the team's swords, masks and protective vests for official intercollegiate competition.

Zivkovic intends to make other changes in Harvard's fencing program. "It seems to me that nothing has been done in the past about recruiting," he says. "For the sake of the school, the sport, and for the fencers here, I want to attract great fencers from American high schools and from other countries. I would go to the top of the moon to attract good fencers."

"We have one of the best fencing programs in the country. The equipment, practices, outlook and attitude are all excellent. We are anticipating to improve our standing in the country."

As a Yugoslavian citizen, Zivkovic fenced in five World Fencing Championships, competing in two weapons: epee and foil. In 1953 at the Brussels championships he made it to the quarter-finals. He studied in Belgrade for a year and became a "maestro," fencing's most honored accomplishment. After competing in the 1958 world championships in Philadelphia, the maestro decided to remain in the United States.

Before coming to Harvard, Zivkovic coached fencing at West Point, Columbia University, Fairfield University, and the Santelli Fencing Club--America's best. He has coached in the U.S. since 1959.

Zivkovic says, "I am happy and honored to be coaching now at the most prestigious school in the country and in the world." How do you say in this country: the feeling is mutual.