Coaching Staff

Gary Copeland, Head Coach

Gary opened Northern Colorado Fencers in 1979, with a mission to develop top-tier athletes. Gary has coached more than 800 fencers to the medals podiums of U.S. national competitions. 46 individual fencers and 14 NCF teams have become national champions under Gary’s leadership. Additionally, Gary has coached 64 Junior (under-20) and Cadet (under-17) world champions, earning many NCF fencers positions on the Pan-American team.

Gary was named 1999 Fencing Coach of the Year by the U.S. Olympic Committee. He has served as U.S. National Team coach more than 20 times. He was the Assistant Director of the U.S. Fencing Coaches College at the U.S. Olympic Training center in Colorado Springs, from 1994 to 2006.

Gary lives in Boulder, Colorado.

Scott Permer, Assistant Coach

Scott Permer is a Prevot certified by the United States Fencing Coaches Association. Scott has been a fencer for more than 20 years. Over the last 15 years, Scott has taught fencing at Colorado State University, and in Fort Collins, Windsor, and Boulder.

Scott teaches all skills levels and has helped fencers to qualify for National Championships and Junior Olympics. He specializes in working with beginners and has taught many summer camps and youth classes. Scott strives not only to teach the technical aspects of the sport, but also to model good health habits, manners and positive sporting behavior for athletes. He brings thoughtfulness and enthusiasm to all his classes.