Synchronized Skating Club prepares for new season

CMU’s Synchronized Skating Club is already nationally recognized despite becoming a registered student organization five years ago,
Coach Kim Nelson worked with the team since they began competing in 2006. Last season, she coached the team to first place, second place twice and fourth place in competitions.

“Considering we’ve only competed the past two seasons, I think we’ve done very well,” she said. “It’s fun to work through the challenges and be able to see the success in the end. Its all about the visual effects.”

The Open Collegiate Synchronized Skating Club of CMU took the ice for their first team practice Monday night at the I.C.E. Arena on East Remus Road. The team welcomed five new members for the upcoming season.

Aside from competing in four competitions across the country from September to February, the team also takes the opportunity to showcase its talents at various exhibitions throughout the season.

The first competition of the season is Dec. 5 in Ann Arbor.

“Think of it as synchronized swimming, but we’re ice skating. It’s a group of people performing to music with elements of synchronization,” Nelson said.

Nelson said the club was created with the intention to help keep people interested in what they have done for so long, but find hard to continue after high school.

“It’s the commitment of wanting to be part of a team. That’s what it’s really all about,” Nelson said.

An essential sport

Stephanie Lange, a Highland junior, has been skating for as long as she can remember.

After coming to college, she, like many others, found it difficult to continue.

“The team is a good supplement for those who are used to being involved in the sport,” she said.

Lange said being an instructor for the past couple years at the Mount Pleasant ICE Arena was the perfect opportunity that helped her stay involved in skating.

“I wasn’t aware that CMU’s team competed. In this sport, it’s essential that there is something like the Skating Club because its not something that gets a lot of attention in college,” she said.

A costly effort

Last year, the team had the opportunity to travel to Tennessee and Colorado, though the perks have some costs.

Depending on the size of the team, expenses can range from $700 to $1,000 a season. The money is used toward ice time, competition entry, travel expenses and team outfits.

The total expenses for the season are divided evenly among each member. Nelson said most people pay out of pocket or raise money fundraising.

“They do a variety of fundraisers throughout the season,” Nelson said.

The full cost is not due up front. Instead, payments are made monthly.

Although members must be a full-time student, it is not required members attend CMU. Members also can be from area colleges.

To date, the team has consisted only of female athletes.

“There just hasn’t been any interest shown by male skaters,” she said.

Team members must know basic skating skills. She said most have prior experience in competitive skating.