December 16th, 2025

​Tennessee Claims the Appalachian Cup Championship Series, While Virginia Dominates at the Tri-State RegionalThis past weekend, fighters from across the East Coast gathered for the Tri-State Saber Legion Regional Event, held alongside the Appalachian Cup Championship Series. While the regional tournament welcomed competitors from around the country, the Championship Series itself was reserved for elite fighters from West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee, all battling for the title of Best in Appalachia for the coming year. Hosted by the West Virginia Moffman, the event was exceptionally well run and a pleasure to attend.
Virginia entered the weekend as the defending Appalachian Cup champion, having claimed the title last year. While another state ultimately walked away with the Cup in 2025, Virginia’s depth and consistency were on full display throughout the weekend—a theme that unfolded across multiple divisions and disciplines.

Saturday: Standard Division (Regional)The weekend opened with a 30-fighter Standard Division, beginning with pool play before splitting competitors into elimination and redemption brackets. The top two fighters from each pool advanced to eliminations, setting the stage for several high-level matchups early in the bracket.
One of the first major upsets came when Nevan Lucas (TN) edged out reigning World Champion Bobby Zavala (TN), 6–5, in a contest defined by timing and precision. Lucas’ ability to capitalize on small openings proved decisive.
Ryan McKenna (VA) faced Akaya Robey (WV) in a clash of styles—McKenna’s precision versus Robey’s disciplined defense and measure. McKenna advanced, continuing Virginia’s strong showing.
Lucas’ run was halted by Isaac Coffey (VA), whose superior range and athleticism secured the victory. Meanwhile, Michael Sprague (VA) outdueled Clayton Baggett (TN) in a cerebral exchange of timing and distance.
One of the most anticipated bouts of the early rounds featured Jieyu Wu (MA) against Anthony Robertson (VA). Wu’s experience and timing collided with Robertson’s speed and precision in a back-and-forth battle that ultimately saw Robertson advance, 7–5.
SemifinalsThe semifinals featured four Virginia fighters, underscoring the state’s dominance.

• McKenna (Saber Light Knights) vs. Coffey (Freedom Fighters)
  McKenna jumped out to an early lead, but Coffey rallied late with well-timed lunges to force sudden death. McKenna survived overtime with a quick thrust to advance.
  
• Sprague (Saber Light Knights) vs. Robertson (Freedom Fighters)
  Robertson’s explosive offense proved too much, as he advanced 8–6.
  

FinalsIn the third-place match, Coffey secured victory over Sprague in another tactical contest.
The championship bout featured McKenna vs. Robertson, a fast-paced clash marked by Robertson’s relentless pressure and McKenna’s measured counters. Regulation ended tied at 5–5. In sudden death, Robertson maintained his aggression, cornering McKenna and landing the decisive point to secure his first Standard Division championship.

Redemption DivisionThe Redemption Division featured 12 fighters, delivering a series of stylistic contrasts.
Highlights included:

• Isaiah Pajares (TN) overpowering Stephen Blaylock (WV) with raw speed.
  
• Katriel Litvin (WV) advancing past David Graham (VA) and later David Cook (VA) through aggressive pressure.
  
• Steven Boston (WV) defeating Em Watson (VA), despite Watson showcasing notable technical growth.
  
• TK Parker (WV) advancing with a balanced, composed attack.
  

Semifinals and FinalsPajares advanced past Litvin with superior field control, while Tyler Adcock (TN) advanced on the opposite side through sustained aggression.
In the final, Pajares built an early lead, but Adcock adjusted mid-fight, matching speed with superior timing and measure. Adcock emerged as the Redemption Division Champion.

Sunday: Tag Team DivisionThree teams remained undefeated after pool play:

• Clobby (Zavala / Baggett)
  
• Smoking Wreckage (McKenna / Sprague)
  
• Shake N Bake (Robertson / Coffey)
  

After a series of tight elimination rounds, the semifinals delivered fireworks:

• Smoking Wreckage edged Vincident (Mendoza / DelVecchio), 7–6, after McKenna delivered five unanswered points.
  
• Clobby narrowly defeated Shake N Bake, 7–6, in a highly anticipated Zavala vs. Robertson showdown filled with explosive exchanges.
  

Shake N Bake secured third place with relentless aggression.
In the championship match, Clobby built an early lead and ultimately held off a late surge by Smoking Wreckage to win 9–7, claiming the Tag Team Championship.

Exotic Weapons DivisionThe Exotic Weapons bracket featured an exceptionally strong Virginia presence.
Early rounds saw:

• David Cook (VA) defeat Anthony Wazelle (WV) in a pike duel.
  
• Robertson (VA) survive a stern test from Akaya Robey (WV).
  
• DelVecchio (VA) advance past Shaak (PA).
  
• Coffey (VA) defeat Tyler Adcock (TN).
  
• Sprague (VA) overcome former top-ranked Clayton Baggett (TN).
  

Quarterfinals & SemifinalsSeven of the final eight fighters hailed from Virginia.

• Zavala (TN) advanced past Cook.
  
• Robertson defeated DelVecchio.
  
• Coffey upset top-ranked McKenna in sudden death.
  
• Sprague advanced over Coffey in a patient, tactical bout.
  

Zavala once again edged Robertson in a tense semifinal, while Sprague defeated Coffey on the opposite side of the bracket.
ChampionshipThe final featured Zavala vs. Sprague, and Sprague wasted no time. Unleashing relentless pressure and superior range, he overwhelmed Zavala to claim the Exotic Weapons Championship, marking one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.

Final TakeawayWhile Tennessee ultimately captured the Appalachian Cup Championship Series, Virginia’s dominance across the Tri-State Regional divisions was undeniable. With championships, podium finishes, and deep bracket runs across every division, Virginia reaffirmed itself as one of the most formidable forces in modern saber combat.
The rivalry continues—and the road to next year’s Appalachian Cup has officially begun.