22 July 2023
Chess at a thousand mph
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, to a
military mom, Guevarra has moved with his
family from coast to coast. He attended the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
and earned a degree in sports science and
physical education.
For his freshman-year physical education
requirement, Guevarra signed up for fencing
aer a suggestion from some high school
friends who were attending N.C. State
University. ey told Guevarra they were
trying fencing because they loved the movie
"e Princess Bride."
"So being an Asian kid, I looked to sign up
for Kendo, Japanese sword fighting. ere
wasn't Kendo, so I signed up for fencing
instead."
Guevarra was taught by legendary UNC
fencing master Ronald C. Miller, who holds
the record for longest tenure as a head coach
at UNC. Miller was a pioneer in fencing,
credited by many with bringing the sport to
North Carolina.
Aer fulfilling his credit requirement,
Guevarra was asked by Miller to try out for
Above, Guevarra teaches a class. Below, 12-year-old Zachar y Thurnher took up
fencing in elementar y school and has been at it for five years.
