SODA SPRINGS — A fundraising dinner netted some much-need money for a group of men who are not only planning to travel to Europe, but to travel back in time, as well. A branch of several medivil re-enactment societies, Team USA fielded its inaugural squad in 2012, and took fourth place in worldwide competition in Poland and hope to go even further for the finals tentatively scheduled for France in May.

    “We were sort of a running joke at the time,” said Ryan Weaver, 35, the team’s Northeast Regional Commander. “But we changed a lot of people’s minds. We also impressed a lot of people, too. This year, I believe we are on track and will be even more impressive.”

    The costs of sending the group, which could number 75 individuals, could be tremendous, but Weaver, who with his father owns a welding and fabrication company, supplants his income by designing and creating armor, shields and weapons. Personal and corporate sponsors are also expected to aid the cause.

    While travel arrangements can run into the thousands, a single suit of armor can cost between $10,000-$30,000.

    “I always studied history and wanted to be a part of an organization that honored those days,” he said. “So, I joined the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), which I belonged to for several years.”

    The SCA is an international organization dedicated to researching and re-creating the arts and skills of pre-17th-century Europe. Their “Known World” consists of 19 kingdoms, with over 30,000 members residing in countries around the world. Members, dressed in clothing of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, attend events which feature tournaments, royal courts, feasts, dancing, various classes and workshops, and more.

    Later, Weaver joined the Medieval Chivalry Reenactment Society (MCRS) and continued to practice his fighting skills. Team USA will field men for one-on-one, five-on-five, 21 vs. 21 and even 50-on-50 competition, and injuries are normal. Weaver returned from Poland with a broken nose, finger and rib.

    Fellow member of last year’s Team USA, Shane Cluff, 50, of Chubbuck, uses this activity for a much more serious reason after suffering a major heart attack in 2008. Participating in martial arts and medieval reenactment (Knights of the Azure Stone), he has lost four pants sizes and more than 50 pounds, of course, when the suit weighs an average of 100 pounds, weight loss is fairly easy. In addition, three of his four sons (ages ranging from 17-22) are squires, or apprentices, in the organization.

    “I was really proud of what we did in the Battle of Nations last year,” said Cluff, the oldest member of the squad who first started out with SCA and its padded weapons before branching out to

    Training and fighting with rebated steel implements. “With my martial arts and medieval reenactment experience, I have always been interested in these type of activities. Sure, you can get hurt, like anything else, I suppose, and it can be pretty dangerous. We are working to make it as safe as possible, however.”

    Tryouts and fundraising for Team USA are continuing. For more information, call Cluff at (208) 241-7672.