This January, audiences will have the opportunity to experience the extraordinary story of an inner-city high school team that defied expectations, broke barriers, and transformed the lives of its athletes with the premiere of Untouchables: The Story of Coach Derrick Hoff and St. Benedict’s Fencing. The documentary, directed by former St. Benedict’s Prep team captain Sabbuur “Saki” Ikhlas, tells the true story of the Newark, New Jersey, school’s fencing program and its remarkable rise to dominance in state high school athletics.
St. Benedict’s Preparatory School, located at 520 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Newark, serves as the central stage for this inspiring tale. The film captures the unique challenges and triumphs of a team coming from an urban, economically disadvantaged environment, showcasing how the fencing program became a guiding light for students facing systemic barriers, limited resources, and societal prejudice. The story underscores the local significance of the program, emphasizing how an inner-city school in New Jersey could compete at the highest levels of a sport traditionally dominated by wealthier, suburban programs.
Ikhlas, whose own life was profoundly shaped by the sport, recounts how joining the team in his sophomore year changed the trajectory of his life. Choosing fencing over a ride with friends that might have led him into trouble ultimately allowed him to win a state championship, earn a college scholarship, and eventually tell the story of the team’s extraordinary accomplishments. “It was fencing that saved me,” Ikhlas reflects. “My life could have gone a totally different direction.”
The documentary highlights Coach Derrick Hoff, who led the St. Benedict’s Gray Bees from 1985 to 2000, building the team from modest beginnings into a powerhouse of ten undefeated seasons. Hoff brought more than technical skill; he provided mentorship, stability, and guidance to students navigating personal and social challenges in Newark. Alumni recall Hoff intervening in crises, helping students avoid dangerous situations, and instilling the discipline and focus necessary to excel in fencing, school, and life. Hoff’s dedication extended beyond the gym, ensuring his athletes had access to equipment, tournament travel, and support when families could not provide it.
Untouchables delves deeply into the team’s historic achievements. St. Benedict’s won its first state championship in foil fencing in 1989 and followed with its first overall championship victory in 1990, covering foil, sabre, and epee. The team’s dominance in tournaments such as the Cetrulo Tournament drew national attention while challenging the biases and racism embedded in the fencing community. Despite facing economic disadvantages and discrimination from predominantly white suburban programs, the team, affectionately known as the “Untouchables,” maintained an undefeated record for a decade, proving that talent, discipline, and community support can overcome structural barriers.
The film also illuminates the personal and social impact of the program. Many team members were students of color from Newark neighborhoods with limited access to extracurricular opportunities. Fencing provided structure, focus, and a sense of belonging, helping students navigate personal challenges ranging from foster care and family struggles to exposure to violence. Alumni attest to the deep bonds forged through the sport, describing a brotherhood that transcended race, background, and socioeconomic status, and a culture shaped by Hoff’s unwavering belief in their potential.
Through interviews, archival footage, and animated recreations of pivotal matches, Ikhlas traces both the team’s triumphs and the obstacles they faced, including unfounded accusations of cheating and resistance from other programs intimidated by St. Benedict’s success. The documentary illustrates how this Newark-based team challenged the status quo, proving that inner-city students could excel in a sport often reserved for privileged athletes. The narrative is firmly rooted in New Jersey, highlighting both the school’s location and the broader state context, including the role of local tournaments, state championships, and New Jersey fencing organizations.
Untouchables also celebrates the ongoing legacy of St. Benedict’s Prep fencing. Many alumni went on to achieve professional success in fields such as education, public service, and the arts, carrying forward lessons of perseverance, discipline, and teamwork learned on the strip. The documentary emphasizes the long-lasting impact of mentorship, community, and opportunity, demonstrating how a high school program in Newark created life-changing outcomes for generations of students.
The premiere of Untouchables is scheduled for Saturday, January 17 at 12:15 PM at Regal Union Square in New York City as part of the Dances With Films Festival. This documentary is more than a sports story; it is a testament to the power of resilience, leadership, and the transformative potential of New Jersey’s educational and athletic programs. For those interested in connecting athletics with broader cultural storytelling, the film complements New Jersey’s thriving film and television scene, highlighting how local narratives can resonate far beyond state borders.
