Skaters Shine at ISI West Coast Championships!
ISI returned to the Pacific Northwest April 21-22 to offer up our 2nd annual West Coast Championships, which was hosted by Sprinker Recreation Center in beautiful Tacoma, Wash.
The majestic mountains were calling, and ISI skaters heeded the call! About 275 competitors from 15 rink teams from six states (Alaska, California, Maryland, Oregon, Texas and Washington) descended on “T-Town,” as Tacoma locals affectionately call their city, to demonstrate their skills. The arena was bursting with positive energy and a large turnout of team events added to the excitement.
“Not only did the skaters shine, but you could see how they formed a great community supporting each other and sharing in one another’s success,” said Roxanne Miles, director of Tacoma’s Pierce County Parks. “The rink was filled with great energy and families were extremely proud of the accomplishments and the character of the skaters.”
What was the greatest aspect of the competition?
“The best benefit of the competition is the amount of confidence that it gives the girls,” said Marissa Sherman, mom of participants Scarlett, 11 and Cheyenne, 10. “They love showing off their hard work.”
“I enjoyed how supportive everyone was and everything about it,” said Scarlett. “It helped me understand ways I can improve on things I’ve learned.”
“I was so happy to dress up and listen to all the people clapping,” added Cheyenne. “It encouraged me to keep practicing to do more competitions.”
Sprinker Crowned Champion
Sprinker Recreation Center received top honors, earning the title of Overall Team Champions. El Paso Figure Skating Club finished in 2nd place, followed by Juneau Skating Club in 3rd place.
FUN FACTS
Oldest Skaters: Judith Smith, 79, Sheila Geisler, 76, and Phyllis Lay, 76 (Sprinker Recreation Center)
Youngest Skaters: Melody Amador, Aurora Goodman and Olivia Salais (El Paso Figure Skating Club); Simon Ann, Riley Bronson, Lynndee Dizon and Rose Kortz (Sprinker Recreation Center); and Tilly Ross, Harry J McDonald Memorial Center. (All 4 years old.)
Most Events: Robert Trygstad, Vacaville Ice Sports, Vacaville, Calif., 22 events; Aliyah Overturf, Juneau Skating Club, Junea, Alaska, 11 events
Largest Skating Teams: Sprinker Recreation Center, 107 skaters; Children’s Health StarCenter, McKinney, Texas, 33 skaters
Teams from Farthest Distance: Color of Ice Academy, Capital Heights, Md., 2,326 miles; Children’s Health StarCenter McKinney, Texas, 1,660 miles
Submitted Photos
Professional Photos by ActionPhotos by Marianne
Established in 1959, the Ice Sports Industry (ISI) — creator of America’s first learn-to-skate curriculum — is an international trade association encompassing all aspects of the ice sports industry. Our goal is to promote ice skating as a participant sport and recreational activity for everyone — all ages and abilities.