Colleen Mearon ‘21
Staff Writer
The Merrimack College Figure Skating Team is one of 18 club sports here at Merrimack, and is one of the select few coed teams. The team is composed of all levels, from beginners to high level skaters. The team is broken down within based on the interest of the skater.
“We have two teams, recreational and also a competition team,” explains Senior Captain Isabelle Carter. “The recreational team is just for those who want to use our ice or just participate in the games, whereas the competition team is for those who perform at the games as well as compete at MIT and NYU.”
The team practices in Gallant Arena five days a week, practicing from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday with another hour of ice time from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Depending on whether students are a recreational skater or a competitive skater, each skater uses this time to practice their own skills or prepare for an upcoming performance or competition. Many skaters have been preparing to travel to New York University for the Violet Ice Classic, which took place from November 1-3.
Although many skaters have grown up competing, collegiate competitions are very different than competitions they have already been a part of, and provide a much more fun, laid back atmosphere.
“A lot of new skaters were able to experience a collegiate competition for the first time,” Carter adds. “They were able to experience how relaxed it is…and a lot of them are now excited to compete again at MIT in February.” Carter also mentioned how the team hopes to add another competition to their season next year, representing Merrimack at Cornell University.
The team also performs at many of the home Men’s Ice Hockey Games to help pump up the crowd. They also shovel in between whistles during each period of the game to clear excess snow created during the game and improve the quality of the ice around the benches and goalie crease for the hockey players.
Performances are considered a fun way for the team to come together, and an exciting addition to games for the crowd watching. The figure skating team also hosts two showcases each year, where friends and family can come to watch and support the team. This is a great way for skaters to prepare for competitions as well as another fun way to practice their skills.
If you are interested in joining the team, either as a recreational skater or a competitive skater, reach out to any E-board members, the club sports director, Matt Gordon, or email merrimackfigureskating@gmail.com. The team is always looking to grow and add skaters of any level to their team.
Check out the next episode of MCTV for a video feature on the team!
