Student skating club gears up for competitions

By DEIDRE STALLINGS
Collegian Sports Writer

As spring approaches, figure skaters usually hang up their skates. But this is far from true for members of the Penn State Student Skating Club. Instead, they will be sharpening and polishing their skates in preparation for their upcoming schedule.

In the coming months, the club will participate in some noteworthy events. Two main events are the Ice Skating Institute of America College Challenge, which will be held on April 29 at Delaware, and a show called Ice Rhythms, which will be held at the ice pavilion in the spring.

The Challenge consists of many different levels, so skaters of all abilities can enter. This year, the club will be entering about 12 skaters at all different levels.

"I think we will do well," said Tracy Frederick (senior-administration of justice). "We have a lot of skaters going."

Hard work has been put forth by all of the club members. All of the skaters said they spend hours a week preparing for their competitions and shows.

Treasurer Nicole Simonelli (sophomore-international politics) said she often doubles the amount of time that she normally skates in preparation for these events.

In the past, the skaters have done remarkably well in the Challenge. They placed fourth last year, competing against clubs from Delaware, Miami of Ohio and Ohio State.

Although they did not capture first in this competition, the skaters racked up many individual first and second places in various categories, such as freestyle, figures, dance and speedracing. This year, the club's main objective is to do better than last year.

While this club caters to the competitve nature of its members, it is also for those who just wish to skate recreationally. Skaters who do not wish to compete have the option of skating in shows like Ice Rhythms rather than the competitions.

"It's a lot of fun and very easy going," President Janet Cavinato (sophomore-Spanish) said. "Any skater can join."

Ice Rhythms is a big event on the club's calendar because it features both competitive and non-competitive skaters. Besides individual performances, there will be a few featured skaters and group performances.

The show will give all the skaters, even those who do not compete, a chance to skate in front of a large audience.

In the past, Ice Rhythms has attracted much attention. This year, the skaters hope to do the same. Simonelli said the rink was packed and there was not even standing room for last year's show.

While the skaters look ahead to their future performances, they are also proud of past efforts. The skaters showcased their talents in the Penn State Christmas Show, which was held in December. The skaters said the show was a success. Not only did it go well, but it exhibited the growing interest in the club.

"As far as I could see, there was greater involvement (in the show) than the year before," Simonelli said.